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Frailty is a common clinical syndrome in the elderly with decreased physiological reserve as the core, which can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes. The prevalence of frailty increases with the aging process. Smoking is one of the important risk factors for frailty development, which can increase the risk of death in elderly patients with frailty;and the current smoking may increase the risk of frailty in the future. The study on the relationship between smoking and frailty will help to control the risk factors of frailty, formulate the early prevention and intervention policies of frailty, so as to reduce the incidence of adverse frailty outcomes, reduce the hospitalization rate, mortality rate, and the socioeconomic burden.
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Objective:To investigate the relationship between tophi detected by ultrasound and smoking.Methods:A total of 863 male gout patients over 18 years old in Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People′s Hospital were selected. According to the results of ultrasound, patients were divided into two groups: non-tophi group ( n=527) and tophi group ( n=336). Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test were used for between-group comparison. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze independent influencing factors. Results:The proportion of smokers in non-tophi group and tophi group was 43.3% vs 65.5% respectively. There was significant difference between two groups ( P<0.01). With the increase of smoking index, the prevalence of tophi increases gradually ( P<0.05), so did the prevalence of multiple tophi as well as the number and size of gouty stone ( P<0.05). The proportion of tophi in other joints of foot in smokers was significantly higher than that in non-smokers ( P<0.05). The stratified analysis of smoking index showed that when 0<smoking index≤400 and smoking index>400, the risk of developing gout was increased by 1.195 and 1.779 times, respectively ( OR=2.195, 95% CI 1.507-3.197, P<0.01; OR=2.779, 95% CI 1.761-4.385, P<0.01). Conclusion:Smoking is a risk factor for the occurrence of gouty stone. Patients with gout who smoke should quit smoking as soon as possible to reduce the risk of tophi.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) and arbidol in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the real world.Methods:The clinical data of 178 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People′s Hospital from January 20 to February 10, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to patient′s antiviral treatment regimens, 178 patients were divided into 4 groups including LPV/r group (59 patients), arbidol group (36 patients), LPV/r plus arbidol combination group (25 patients) and the supportive care group without any antiviral treatment (58 patients). The primary end point was the negative conversion time of nucleic acid of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by pharyngeal swab.Results:The baseline parameters of 4 groups before treatment was comparable. The negative conversion time of viral nucleic acid was (10.20±3.49), (10.11±4.68), (10.86±4.74), (8.44±3.51) days in LPV/r group, arbidol group, combination group, and supportive care group respectively ( F=2.556, P=0.058). There was also no significant difference in negative conversion rate of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid, the improvement of clinical symptoms, and the improvement of pulmonary infections by CT scan ( P>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found in the changing rates from mild/moderate to severe/critical type at day 7 (χ 2=9.311, P=0.017), which were 24%(6/25) in combination group, 16.7%(6/36) in arbidol group, 5.4%(3/56) in LPV/r group and 5.2%(3/58) in supportive care group. Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions in three antiviral groups was significantly higher than that in supportive care group (χ 2=14.875, P=0.002). Conclusions:Antiviral treatment including LPV/r or arbidol or combination does not shorten the negative conversion time of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid nor improve clinical symptoms. Moreover, these antiviral drugs cause more adverse reactions which should be paid careful attention during the treatment.
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Objective To evaluate and compare the difference of xanthine oxidase ( XO) activity between patients with hyperuricemia and healthy people, and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods A total of 129 male patients with hyperuricemia were selected to hyperuricemia group, including 112 patients with gout and 17 patients with hyperuricemia alone. Simultaneously, 95 male healthy volunteers were randomly selected as the control group. Serum XO activity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Independent t-test was used for pairwise comparison, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyze independent influencing factors. Results Compared with the normal control group, the XO activity of patients with hyperuricemia showed a significant increase [(159.6 ± 4.0 vs 138.7 ± 7.5) U/L, P<0.05]. Correlation analysis showed that XO activity positively associated with body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, serum uric acid, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, and uric acid clearance rate level. In the stepwise multivariate regression analysis, XO activity was used as the dependent variable. The results showed that waist-to-hip ratio and uric acid clearance rate were the influencing factors of XO activity. Conclusion Hyperuricemia patients showed elevated XO activity, with obesity, especially abdominal obesity, an independent risk factor for XO activity; suggesting that controlling of abdominal obesity may play a positive role in the treatment of hyperuricemia.
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Objective To investigate the effect of calcitriol on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9). Methods The experiment was divided into four groups: control group, calcitriol group, BMP9 group and BMP9+calcitriol group. Quantitative PNPP method was used to detect alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. RT-PCR and Western blotting method analyzed expression of osteocalcin（OCN）and osteopontin (OPN). Alizarin red staining assessed the formation of mineralized nodules. In addition, the changes of cell morphology and elastic modulus during osteogenic differentiation were studied by atomic force microscope. ResultsCompared with control group, calcitriol alone had no significant effect on the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but calcitriol could enhanced expression of osteogenic markers and formation of mineralized nodules induced by BMP9. However, neither calcitriol nor BMP9 could affect elastic modulus of cells. The combined treatment of BMP9 and calcitol could enhance phosphorylation of AKT and β-catenin which were both important for osteogenesis. The pretreated PI3K inhibitor could inhibit phosphorylation of AKT and β-catenin as well as ALP activity in BMP9+calcitriol group. In addition, calcitriol did not affect the BMP/Smad signaling pathway induced by BMP9. Conclusions Calcitriol synergies with BMP9 could promote MSCs osteogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The study about effects and mechanisms of different regulatory factors on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs is of great significance for the treatment of osteoporosis and the development of bone tissue engineering.
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Objective@#To evaluate and compare the difference of xanthine oxidase (XO)activity between patients with hyperuricemia and healthy people, and to analyze the influencing factors.@*Methods@#A total of 129 male patients with hyperuricemia were selected to hyperuricemia group, including 112 patients with gout and 17 patients with hyperuricemia alone. Simultaneously, 95 male healthy volunteers were randomly selected as the control group. Serum XO activity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Independent t-test was used for pairwise comparison, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to analyze independent influencing factors.@*Results@#Compared with the normal control group, the XO activity of patients with hyperuricemia showed a significant increase [(159.6±4.0 vs 138.7±7.5)U/L, P<0.05]. Correlation analysis showed that XO activity positively associated with body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, serum uric acid, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, and uric acid clearance rate level. In the stepwise multivariate regression analysis, XO activity was used as the dependent variable. The results showed that waist-to-hip ratio and uric acid clearance rate were the influencing factors of XO activity.@*Conclusion@#Hyperuricemia patients showed elevated XO activity, with obesity, especially abdominal obesity, an independent risk factor for XO activity; suggesting that controlling of abdominal obesity may play a positive role in the treatment of hyperuricemia.
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OBJECTIVE To explor e the characteristics of spectral oscillatory power of resting-state electroencephalography(EEG) in subjective tinnitus patients and to lay the foundation for study of central mechanism of tinnitus.METHODS 31 subjects(15 subjects with subjective tinnitus and 16 age matching healthy subjects) underwent a 128-channel resting-state EEG analyses. After a series of preprocessing, data were segmented into 8 frequency bands, including δ(0.5～3.5 Hz), θ(4～7.5 Hz), α1(8～10 Hz), α2(10～12 Hz), β1(13～18 Hz), β2(18.5～21 Hz), β3(21.5～30 Hz) and γ(30.5～44 Hz). The group differences of spectral power were analyzed by independent t test. Correlation between spectral power of each frequency band and tinnitus subjective symptoms were also analyzed. RESULTS Significant higher spectral power of the α1, β and γ bandwere found in the left and right temporal areas of tinnitus group compared with that of normal group.Tinnitus subjects also had higher spectral powerof the δ and θ band in temporo-parietal areas than that of the normal group. There was no significant difference of spectral power in other frequency bands. Moreover, signif icant positive cor relation were found between tinnitus loudness and spectralpower of right anterior lateral(R=0.66, P =0.007) and right anterior medial(R=0.58, P =0.031) areas. CONCLUSION Tinnitus subjects have higher spectral oscillatory power on right and left temporal lobe and temporo-parietal area. A positive correlation exsit between tinnitus loudness andspectral power of right anterior lateral and medial areas in tinnitus subjects, whichindicate that central reorganizationexsit in tinnitus reorganization andγ band maybe considered as a possible biomarkerforthe tinnitus subjective symptom.
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Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is an important link of bone metabolism and bone repair, the mechanism of which is usually complicated. Recent studies have found that BMP, FGF, Wnt, Hedgehog, NELL1, IGF, Notch and othersignaling molecules are involved in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. These signaling molecules themselves have been shown to have a strong ability to promote osteogenic differentiation. They can activate the corresponding receptors by specific ligands, thus initiating the specific signal transduction pathways in the cell, and finally promote the transcription and translation of the genes related to bone formation. Furthermore, all the signaling pathways form a complex network which regulates and influences the osteogenic differentiation ofMSCs. Further researches on the mechanism of the interaction of these signaling pathways is of great significance in promoting the development of bone tissue engineering and the treatment of bone metabolic diseases.
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Objective To investigate the effects of hemolysis on glycated albumin (GA) determined by ketoamine oxidase method and its correction.Methods GA concentration and hemolytic parameter(optical density,A) in non-hemolytic serum and different degree hemolytic serum samples were measured.The impact of hemolysis on GA and the relationship between hemolysis and GA were analysed.A formula was developed to correct the interference of hemolysis on GA measurement using regressive Multiple analysis.Results Compared with non-hemolytic serum,hemolysis resulted in the significantly decreased concentrations of GA detected by ketoamine oxidase method(P ＜ 0.01),which were significantly associated with the degree of hemolysis (R2 =0.943 4).Y and Z represented GA concentration of non-hemolytic serum and different degree hemolytic serum,while X represented optical density of hemolytic parameter.Formulas for GA measurement were presented:Y =2.468X + Z-0.015 73,GA concentrations of hemolytic samples can be reverted to the values without statistical difference from the GA concentration in corresponding non-hemolytic samples.The bias of corrected GA was less than 10％.Conclusion Our results indicate that the level of GA measured through ketoamine oxidase method is negatively affected by hemolysis.The formula of mathematical correction of GA results in hemolytic samples should be suitable for the requirements of clinical laboratory.
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Objective To explore the relationship between Lp (a)level and age,gender in Nanjing area.Methods 8 442 ser-um specimens from examination individuals were collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in 2014.Lp (a)was measured by immune turbidimetry method.All the subjects were divided into six groups:15~29,30~44, 45~59,60~69,70~79 and ≥80 years old.SPSS21.0 software was used to carry out statistics.Results The Lp(a)level in female [134±197 mg/L (M±QR,the same below)]was higher than that in male significantly (U =8 355 137,P 0.05.Lp(a)of six groups in female were 128.0 ± 194.0,128.0 ± 187.0,139.0 ± 207.0,157.0 ± 228.0, 173.5±227.0 and 150.0±201.0 mg/L.The difference was statistically significant between 2 and 3 groups,theU value was 641 147,P =0.006,respectively.The difference was not statistically significant between 1 and 2 groups,3 and 4 groups,4 and 5 groups,5 and 6 groups,theU value were 783 676,92 442.5,16 069.5 and 3 038,respectively;P all>0.05.Conclusion Lp (a)level in healthy population in Nanjing area is related to gender and age groups,it is necessary to establish different reference ranges.
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Objective To investigate the effect of osthole on the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and its potential mechanisms.Methods Breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was treated by osthole 0,25,50,100,150 and 200 μmol/L respectively.MTT method was used to detect cell survival rate.HE staining was used to observe morphological changes,Annexin V-PI flow cytometry was used to analyze cell apoptosis,and RT-PCR and Western blot method were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR),respectively.Results MTT assay showed that strong cytotoxicity of cell line MCF-7 was induced after administration of osthole for 72 h in a dose-dependent manner.Especially,the maximum inhibitory rate,73.0 ％ appeared in the 200 μmol/L group.HE staining showed that the number of MCF-7 cells decreased,hyperchromatic nuclei and apoptotic bodies appeared after treatment with osthole for 72 h in a significant dose-effect manner.Flow cytometric analysis revealed that osthole could induce extensive apoptosis in MCF-7 cultures after treatment for 72 h compared with normal group (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).In particular,when the concentration of osthole reached 50 μmol/L,the proportion of early apoptotic cells was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner (P ＜ 0.01),especially.The maximum apoptosis rate (46.2±9.0) ％ appeared in the 200 μmol/L group,which was consistent with the results obtained from MTT assays.Moreover,osthole could significantly increased PPARγand FXR mRNA and protein expressions (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion These data suggest that osthole could inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 cells and promote its apoptosis,which might be associated with the regulation of PPARγ and FXR-mediated target genes involved in cell growth and metabolism.
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Object:To investigate the expression of cell cyclin G2 (CCNG2) in glioblastoma tissues and to explore the correla-tion of CCNG2 expression with clinicopathological parameters and clinical significance. Methods:Surgical specimens of glioblastoma were collected from a total of 129 cases. The expression of CCNG2 in 109 specimens with complete clinical data was examined via QRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results:The expression of CCNG2 was significantly decreased in higher stages of glioblastoma compared with those in lower stages. Therefore, CCNG2 is inversely correlated with the stage of the disease. The expression of CCNG2 was associated with tumor stage, sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as survival times (P0.05). Conclusion: CCNG2 expression may be associated with the development, treatment efficacy, and prognosis of glioblastoma. In addition, CCGN2 can be used to evaluate the malignant behavior of glioblastoma.
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Objective To seek a method to correct the bent cartilaginous vault.Methods This study included 18 patients (12 women,6 men,aged 18-45 years) suffering from the bent cartilaginous vault with the various degrees of nasal obstruction from January 2005 to December 2009.A open surgical approach was adopted to allow correction of the dorsal and caudal deviations of the nasal septum without weakening its structural support to the dorsum or nasal tip.The approach depended on full mobilization of deviated cartilage,removal of the deviated part of the quadrangular cartilage,followed by straightening of a caudal septal extension graft and its fixation in the corrected position.Rhinoplasty was performed to correct bent cartilaginous vault.Results A satisfactory result was gained in all clinical cases,except a septum still to remain light tilt (not affect the breathing function).Follwing-up for 3-24 months,all cases dorsum of nose was straighten and nasal septum situated mediately.All patients indicated cosmetic satisfaction of nasal dorsum and tip and improvement in nasal obstruction.No nasal deformity and septum tresis was found in all patients.Conclusions ()pen rhinoplasty is a helpful technique in the treatment of the bent cartilaginous vault.Septal surgery is necessary in the patients with cartilage framework,not only to improve breathing but also to achieve a straight,symmetrical and external nose as well.
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Oxalic acid (OA) is inhibitory to many fungal plant pathogens. To further characterize the molecular mechanism of OA involved in fungal pathogenesis, OA insensitive mutants were screened from a chemical inducible Arabidopsis mutant library (about 6000 lines) using MS medium (calcium free) containing 1.2 mmol/L OA and 10 micromol/L estradiol. Harvested putative mutants were collected separately. Individual lines of mutants were screened again on modified MS medium containing OA. Mutants D33, D74, D154, D282 and D630 with enhanced OA resistance were obtained. The T-DNA flanking sequences were amplified by TAIL-PCR. The sequences were blasted against TAIR database. The result indicated that the T-DNA of mutant D33 was inserted between At2g39720 (zinc finger) and At2g39730 (Rubisco activase), and the T-DNA junctions of the other four mutants were the same, all inserted in the same site of the first intron of At5g10450 (14-3-3 protein GF14 lambda).