Simulated weightlessness led to the transformation of glycolipid metabolism in the livers of mice / La antigravedad simulada provocó la transformación del metabolismo de los glicolípidos en el hígado de ratones / Antigravidade simulada levou à transformação do metabolismo de glicolipídios no fígado de camundongos

ABSTRACT Objectives: The effects of weightlessness on the liver were studied using a tail suspension (TS) male mouse model. Methods: The effects of 0-, 2- and 4-week TS (CON, TS2 and TS4 groups) on glycogen and lipid content, as well as on the molecular processes of the synthesis and degradation pathways, were examined. Results: (1) The number of glycogenosomes under ultrastructure and the glycogen content were considerably larger in the TS4 group than in the other two groups. (2) In the TS4 group, glycogen synthase activity remained constant while glycogen phosphorylase activity dropped, indicating that glycogen breakdown was reduced. (3) The livers of the TS2 group had the highest lipid and triglyceride content, indicating lipid buildup in the liver at this time. (4) In the TS2 group, the activities of the fatty acid synthesis-related factors acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase increased, while hepatic lipase decreased, indicating that lipid synthesis increased, while decomposition decreased. (5) In the TS2 group, the protein expression of glucose transporters 1 and 2 increased. Conclusions: From TS2 weeks to TS4 weeks, the main energy consumption mode in the livers of mice transitioned from glucose metabolism to lipid metabolism as glucose use decreased. Level of evidence II; Comparative prospective study.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Se estudiaron los efectos de la antigravedad en el hígado utilizando un modelo de ratón macho en prueba de suspensión de la cola (TS, tail suspension). Métodos: Se examinaron los efectos de la TS a las 0, 2 y 4 semanas (grupos CON, TS2 y TS4) sobre el contenido de glucógeno y lípidos, así como sobre los procesos moleculares de las vías de síntesis y degradación. Resultados: (1) El número de glucogenosomas ultraestructurales y el contenido de glucógeno fueron expresivamente más altos en el grupo TS4 que en los otros dos grupos. (2) En el grupo TS4, la actividad de la glucógeno sintasa se mantuvo constante, mientras que la actividad de la glucógeno fosforilasa disminuyó, lo que indica que la degradación del glucógeno se redujo. (3) Los hígados del grupo TS2 presentaron el mayor contenido de lípidos y triglicéridos, lo que indica la acumulación de lípidos en el hígado en ese momento. (4) En el grupo TS2, la actividad de los factores relacionados con la síntesis de ácidos grasos acetil-CoA carboxilasa y ácido graso sintasa aumentó, mientras que la lipasa hepática disminuyó, indicando que la síntesis de lípidos aumentó mientras que la descomposición disminuyó. (5) En el grupo TS2, la expresión proteica de los transportadores de glucosa 1 y 2 aumentó. Conclusiones: Desde la semana TS2 hasta la semana TS4, el principal modo de consumo de energía en el hígado de los ratones pasó del metabolismo de la glucosa al metabolismo de los lípidos a medida que disminuía el uso de la glucosa. Nivel de Evidencia II, Estudio retrospectivo comparativo.

RESUMO Objetivos: Os efeitos da antigravidade no fígado foram estudados usando um modelo de camundongo macho com a suspensão pela cauda (TS, tail suspension). Métodos: Foram examinados os efeitos da TS em 0, 2 e 4 semanas (grupos CON, TS2 e TS4) sobre o conteúdo de glicogênio e lipídios, bem como nos processos moleculares das vias de síntese e degradação. Resultados: (1) O número de glicogenossomos ultraestruturais e o teor de glicogênio foram expressivamente maiores no grupo TS4 do que nos outros dois grupos. (2) No grupo TS4, a atividade de glicogênio sintase permaneceu constante, enquanto a atividade de glicogênio fosforilase caiu, indicando que a degradação do glicogênio foi reduzida. (3) Os fígados do grupo TS2 tiveram o maior teor lipídico e de triglicérides, indicando acúmulo de lipídios no fígado no momento. (4) No grupo TS2, a atividade dos fatores relacionados com a síntese de ácidos graxos acetil-CoA carboxilase e ácido graxo sintase aumentaram, enquanto a lipase hepática diminuiu, indicando que a síntese de lipídios aumentou, enquanto a decomposição diminuiu. (5) No grupo TS2, a expressão proteica dos transportadores de glicose 1 e 2 aumentou. Conclusões: De TS2 semanas para TS4 semanas, o principal modo de consumo de energia no fígado de camundongos passou do metabolismo da glicose para o metabolismo lipídico, à medida que o uso de glicose diminuiu. Nível de evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

Role and mechanism of platelet-derived growth factor BB in thrombocytosis in Kawasaki disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the role and mechanism of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) on platelet production in Kawasaki disease (KD) mice and human megakaryocytic Dami cells through in vitro and invivo experiments.@*METHODS@#ELISA was used to measure the expression of PDGF in the serum of 40 children with KD and 40 healthy children. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of KD and were then randomly divided into a normal group, a KD group, and an imatinib group (30 mice in each group). Routine blood test was performed for each group, and the expression of PDGF-BB, megakaryocyte colony forming unit (CFU-MK), and the megakaryocyte marker CD41 were measured. CCK-8, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blot were used to analyze the role and mechanism of PDGF-BB in platelet production in Dami cells.@*RESULTS@#PDGF-BB was highly expressed in the serum of KD children (P<0.001). The KD group had a higher expression level of PDGF-BB in serum (P<0.05) and significant increases in the expression of CFU-MK and CD41 (P<0.001), and the imatinib group had significant reductions in the expression of CFU-MK and CD41 (P<0.001). In vitro experiments showed that PDGF-BB promoted Dami cell proliferation, platelet production, mRNA expression of PDGFR-β, and protein expression of p-Akt (P<0.05). Compared with the PDGF-BB group, the combination group (PDGF-BB 25 ng/mL + imatinib 20 μmol/L) had significantly lower levels of platelet production, mRNA expression of PDGFR-β, and protein expression of p-Akt (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#PDGF-BB may promote megakaryocyte proliferation, differentiation, and platelet production by binding to PDGFR-β and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the PDGFR-β inhibitor imatinib can reduce platelet production, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of thrombocytosis in KD.

Effects of small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator on adipocyte hypertrophy and glucose metabolism disorder in mice / 中华内科杂志

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator (SmgGDS) on the development of obesity. Methods: (1) 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to normal diet and high fat diet group, with 6 mice in each group. They were fed regular feed and a high fat diet containing 60% fat for 4 months, respectively. The expression of SmgGDS in epididymal adipose tissue (eWAT), liver, and skeletal muscle were measured using Western-blot. (2) 6-week-old wild-type (WT) and SmgGDS knockdown (KD) mice were divided into four groups, each receiving high fat diet for 4 months (7 in each group) and 7 months (9 in each group). Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were conducted; The weight, adipose tissue, and liver weight of mice were recorded; HE staining examined adipose tissue structural changes; Western-blot determined extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation levels in eWAT; Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect mRNA levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), C/EBPβ and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in eWAT. (3) Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) extracted from WT and KD mice were induced for differentiation. Oil red O staining and Western-blot were used to detect lipid droplet and expression of SmgGDS and phospho-ERK; C/EBPα, C/EBPβ and PPARγ mRNA levels were measured using RT-qPCR. (4) 10-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into two groups, with 7 mice in each group. Mice were infected with SmgGDS overexpressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-SmgGDS) or empty vector intraperitoneally, then fed with high fat diet. After 4 weeks, performed GTT and ITT; Recorded the weight and adipose tissue weight of mice; HE staining was used to analyze structural changes of eWAT; Western-blot was used to detect the phosphorylation level of ERK in eWAT. Results: (1) The expression of SmgGDS was significantly upregulated in eWAT of high fat diet fed mice (normal diet group: 0.218±0.037, high fat diet group:0.439±0.072, t=2.74, P=0.034). (2) At 4 months of high fat diet intervention, the glucose tolerance (60 minutes after glucose injection, WT group: 528 mg/dl±21 mg/dl, KD group: 435 mg/dl±17 mg/dl, t=3.47, P=0.030; 90 minutes, WT group: 463 mg/dl±24 mg/dl, KD group: 366 mg/dl±18 mg/dl, t=3.23, P=0.047;120 minutes, WT group: 416 mg/dl±21 mg/dl, KD group: 297 mg/dl±16 mg/dl, t=4.49, P=0.005) and insulin sensitivity (15 minutes after insulin injection, WT group: 77.79%±3.45%, KD group: 54.30%±2.92%, t=3.49, P=0.005; 30 minutes, WT group: 62.27%±5.31%, KD group: 42.25%±1.85%, t=2.978, P=0.024; 90 minutes, WT group: 85.69%±6.63%, KD group: 64.71%±5.41%, t=3.120, P=0.016) of KD mice were significantly improved compared to the WT group, with an increase in eWAT weight ratio (WT: 4.19%±0.18%, KD: 5.12%±0.37%, t=2.28, P=0.042), but a decrease in average adipocyte area (WT group: 5221 μm²±241 μm², KD group: 4410 μm²±196 μm², t=2.61, P=0.026). After 7 months of high fat diet, the eWAT weight ratio of KD mice decreased (WT: 5.02%±0.20%, KD: 3.88%±0.21%, t=3.92, P=0.001) and adipocyte size decreased (WT group: 6 783 μm²±390 μm², KD group: 4785 μm²±303 μm², t=4.05, P=0.002). The phospho-ERK1 in eWAT increased (WT group: 0.174±0.056, KD group: 0.588±0.147, t=2.64, P=0.025), and mRNA level of PPARγ significantly decreased (WT group: 1.018±0.128, KD group: 0.029±0.015, t=7.70, P=0.015). (3) The expression of SmgGDS was significantly increased in differentiated MEF (undifferentiated: 6.789±0.511, differentiated: 10.170±0.523, t=4.63, P=0.010); SmgGDS knock-down inhibited lipid droplet formation in MEF (WT group: 1.00±0.02, KD group: 0.88±0.02, t=5.05, P=0.007) and increased ERK1 (WT group: 0.600±0.179, KD group: 1.325±0.102, t=3.52, P=0.025) and ERK2 (WT group: 2.179±0.687, KD group: 5.200±0.814, t=2.84, P=0.047) activity, which can be reversed by ERK1/2 inhibitor. (4) SmgGDS over expression resulted in weight gain, increased eWAT weight (control group: 3.29%±0.36%, AAV-SmgGDS group: 4.27%±0.26%, t=2.20, P=0.048) and adipocyte size (control group: 3525 μm²±454 μm², AAV-SmgGDS group: 5326 μm²±655 μm², t=2.26, P=0.047), impaired insulin sensitivity(30 minutes after insulin injection, control group: 44.03%±4.29%, AAV-SmgGDS group: 62.70%±2.81%, t=3.06, P=0.019), and decreased ERK1 (control group: 0.829±0.077, AAV-SmgGDS group: 0.326±0.036, t=5.96, P=0.001)and ERK2 (control group: 5.748±0.287, AAV-SmgGDS group: 2.999±0.845, t=3.08, P=0.022) activity in eWAT. Conclusion: SmgGDS knockdown improves obesity related glucose metabolism disorder by inhibiting adipogenesis and adipose tissue hypertrophy, which is associated with ERK activation.

Applied research of ultrasound attenuation parameter in the diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, establish a diagnostic model, and value of ultrasound attenuation parameters (UAP) to diagnose hepatic steatosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its relevant disorders. Methods: 3770 cases were selected from the Health Examination Center of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between October to December 2020. MAFLD diagnosis was based on the Asia-Pacific region MAFLD clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines. The degree of hepatic steatosis was divided into mild, moderate and severe according to ultrasound imaging. UAP, clinical characteristic indexes, serum biochemical indexes, characteristics of hepatic steatosis and related factors were compared and analyzed in MAFLD patients and healthy controls. Logistic regression method was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the progression of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD to establish the diagnostic model. The clinical efficacy of UAP and the new model in diagnosing MAFLD was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). One-way ANOVA was used to compare means among multiple groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare non-normally distributed measurement data between the two groups, and rank-sum test was used to compare multiple groups. χ2 test was used to compare count data between groups. Results: Among the 3 770 cases, 650 were MAFLD, with a prevalence rate of 17.24%, and the highest prevalence was 37.23% in the age group of 60-69. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in male than female (30.34% vs. 9.17%). Age-sex analysis showed that the prevalence rate in males aged 30-69 years was 38.26%, and that in females aged over 60 years was 31.94%. UAP was significantly higher in patients with MAFLD than healthy controls (278.55 dB/m vs. 220.90 dB/m, Z=-12.592, P＜0.001), and an increasing trend with increased degree of hepatic steatosis (mild:257.20 dB/m, moderate:286.20 dB/m, and severe: 315.00 dB/m) were observed. The cut-off values of UAP for the diagnosis of mild, moderate and severe hepatic steatosis were 243≤UAP＜258 dB/m, 258≤UAP＜293 dB/m, ≥293 dB/m in MAFLD. The sensitivity and specificity were 67.20%, 93.60%, 95.90%, and 82.10%, 72.00%, and 84.80%, respectively. UAP, alanine aminotransferase and fasting blood glucose were independent risk factors for the progression of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. The combined MAFLD classification model (UAG model) was established. The AUC of mild, moderate and severe hepatic steatosis in MAFLD were 0.906, 0.907, and 0.946, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.50%, 82.10%, 98.00%, and 90.80%, 83.30% and 76.10%, respectively. Conclusion: MAFLD is a common disease in the general population, with a higher incidence in male and elderly female over 30 years of age. UAP can be used as a new noninvasive diagnostic technique to evaluate hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. The UAG model has a good diagnostic efficacy on MAFLD and its relevant disorders, and thus can be used as a guide for evaluating clinical diagnosis and prognosis.

Platelet antibody screening and crossmatch in Chengdu in 2019 / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the status of the platelet antibody screening and crossmatch in Chengdu in 2019, so as to further improve the corresponding detection strategy to improve the clinical transfusion efficacy. 【Methods】 The patients underwent platelet antibody crossmatch in Chengdu Blood Center in 2019 were selected as research objects Platelet antibody screening and crossmatch were performed by solid-phase agglutination technique, and the sample size, the incidence of platelet antibod, age, blood group, seasonal chracteristics, hospital levels, ratio of repeated crossmatch and the transfusion efficacy were analyzed. 【Results】 321 treatment doses of matched platelets after 259 occasions of crossmatch relative to 85 patients were provided. The positive rate of platelet antibody was 87.06%. 64.71% of the patients were over 40 years old, the proportion of ABO group in crossmatch samples was O>A>B>AB, and the crossmatch cases increased each quarter gradually. All samples were provided by tertiary hospitals. 52.94% of the patients needed crossmatch at least twice, and the efficacy rate of matched platelets transfusion was 63.64%. 【Conclusion】 The platelet transfusion efficacy could by improved by platelet antibody screening and crossmatch, so as to avoid the waste of platelets, which deserves active promotion in clinical.

Effect of Buyang Huanwutang on Protein Expression of MAP-2， NF-M and GAP-43 After Sciatic Nerve Transection Anastomosis in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of Buyang Huanwutang on the expression of microtubule-associated protein-2（MAP-2）， neurofilament-M（NF-M）， and growth associated protein-43（GAP-43）in rat sciatic nerve after sciatic nerve transection and anastomosis. To explore the mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. Method:SD rats were selected as the experimental subjects， and sciatic nerve transection model was selected as the experimental model. They were randomly divided into model group， sham operation group， Buyang Huanwutang group high， medium and low dose （29.6， 14.8， 7.4 g·kg^-1）group， and mecobalamin （0.156 mg·kg^-1）group， the model group and the sham operation group were given distilled water intragastric administration. After successful modeling， each group was treated with relevant drugs for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks， sciatic nerve function index（SFI）， degree of inclined plate test and hematoxylin-eosin（HE）of sciatic nerve in each group were tested. The expression levels of MAP-2， NF-M， and GAP-43 at the sciatic nerve anastomosis site were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Result:Compared with sham operation group， the expression levels of SFI， inclined plate test， MAP-2， NF-M and GAP-43 in model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， the expression levels of SFI， inclined plate test， MAP-2， NF-M and GAP-43 in Buyang Huanwutang high， medium and low-dose groups were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Buyang Huanwutang has a positive effect on nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve transection and anastomosis in rats.

Protein-losing enteropathy in children / 中国实用儿科杂志

Protein-losing enteropathy,or protein-losing gastroenteropathy,refers to a group of diseases in which serum proteins are excessively lost from the gastrointestinal tract due to various causes. The pathogenesis mainly includes mucosal erosion and exudation,increased permeability and intestinal lymphatic obstruction. Clinical manifestations vary greatly with underlying diseases,and the common manifestations are diarrhea,edema and malnutrition. The main characteristics of laboratory examination are the decrease of serum albumin and globulin. Increase in 24-hour alpha-1 antitryptase clearance rate or lymphonuclide intestinal protein tracing image can be used as an evidence of intestinal protein loss. Treatment includes dietary therapy and treatment for underlying diseases.

Quantitative Study of Yang-tonifying Herbs Distributing to Kidney Meridian by Using Maximum Similarity Algorithm / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To set a criterion for determining whether herbs distribute to kidney meridian from the perspective of tissue expression of protein receptors, so as to provide new ideas and a new method for the quantitative study of meridian tropism. Method: The 9 Yang-tonifying herbs were selected as the training set, and 2 Yang-tonifying herbs were used as the verification set. The TCMSP2.3,PubChem,Uniprot and other database were used to collect the active compounds and targets of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The core target proteins of Yang-tonifying herbs were obtained by using the Maximum Similarity Algorithm for TCM in the training set. The THPA database was used to collect expressions of tissues and target proteins. The empirical regression equation was constructed to explore the tissue distribution of the receptors in the training set, and the criterion for determining whether herbs distribute to kidney meridian was established. The criteria model was tested through validation set data. Result: The herb-active ingredient-protein receptor-tissue expression data library was constructed. A total of 39 core target proteins of Yang-tonifying herbs were acquired. The equations in the training set were highly consistent, with no statistical difference (P=0.999 7). The data of the combined training set was finally fitted to a judgment equation. The model was successfully tested with herbs in the validation set. The accuracy of the model was 100%. Conclusion: This study explored a new method for judging whether TCM distributes to kidney meridian, established an effective criterion model and verified the reliability of the new method. It provides a theoretical basis for the modernization of meridian tropism of traditional Chinese medicine, and is of great significance for the rapid development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis of 117 Families / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>Background</b>The first and most important step in characterizing familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (NMTC) is to distinguish the true familial patients, which is the prerequisite for all accurate analyses. This study aimed to investigate whether patients from families with ≥3 first-degree relatives affected with NMTC have different characteristics than patients from families with only two affected members, and to compare these patients with those with sporadic disease.</p><p><b>Methods:</b>We analyzed the clinicopathological features and prognosis of 209 familial and 1120 sporadic cases of NMTC. Familial patients were further divided into two subgroups: families with two affected members and families with ≥3 affected members.</p><p><b>Results:</b>The familial group had a significantly higher risk of bilateral growth, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and lateral lymph node metastasis than the sporadic group (P < 0.05). These main features were also different between the group with ≥3 affected members and the sporadic group. The only difference between the two affected members' group and the sporadic group was incidence of multifocality (P < 0.05). The probability of disease recurrence in patients from families with ≥3 affected members was significantly higher than that in sporadic cases (14.46% vs. 5.27%; P = 0.001), while the probability in patients from families with two affected members was similar to that in sporadic patients (6.35% vs. 5.27%; P = 0.610). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a statistically significant difference in disease-free survival between the two subgroups (85.54% vs. 93.65%; P = 0.045).</p><p><b>Conclusions:</b>Patients from families with ≥3 members affected by NMTC have more aggressive features and a worse prognosis than those from families with only two affected members. Patients from families with ≥3 affected first-degree relatives may be considered to have true familial NMTC.</p>

Cationic liposomes for the co-delivery of siRNA and honokiol / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To develop a polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified cationic liposomes for the co-delivery of siRNA and honokiol to improve tumor therapy. METHODS: The PEG-modified cationic liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method. Honokiol was loaded in the liposomes with hydrophobic interaction and siRNA was loaded with electrostatic interaction. The optimal formulation was screened according to size, Zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and serum stability. The liposomes were characterized with cellular uptake and intracellular localization of siRNA. The pharmacodynamic effect of honokiol-loaded liposomes (LH) and hono-kiol-siRNA-loaded liposomes (LH-siRNA) were verified by inhibition of cancer cell growth. RESULTS: All the honokiol-loaded liposomes had an average particel size of about 100 nm with high drug entrapment efficiency. The optimal liposome formulation (N/P ratio of 5) exhibited the best cellular uptake. The results of pH-dependent hemolysis and intracellular localization suggested that the LH-siRNA had good ability of endosomal escape. In vitro cell growth experiments showed that both LH and LH-siRNA had good inhibition action on tumor cell growth based on the effects of honokiol and siRNA. CONCLUSION: The PEG-modified cationic liposomes can be a potential carrier for co-delivery of siRNA and honokiol to tumors.

The Role of NF mRNA and Calpain in NF Reduction of Acrylamide Neuropathy / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The purpose of this study was to study the role of neurofilament (NF) mRNA and calpain in NF reduction of acrylamide (ACR) neuropathy. Male Wistar adult rats were injected i.p. every other day with ACR (20 mg/kg·bW or 40 mg/kg·bW) for 8 weeks. NF mRNA expression was detected using RT-PCR and the calpain concentration was determined using western blot analysis. The NF mRNA expression significantly decreased while the level of m-calpain and μ-calpain significantly increased in two ACR-treated rats groups regardless of the ACR dose. The light NF (NF-L) protein expression was significantly correlated with NF-L mRNA expression. Combined with previous data, the concentrations of three NF subunits were negatively correlated with the calpain levels. These findings suggest that NF-L mRNA and calpain mediated the reduction in NF of ACR neuropathy.

The Impact of Directly Observed Therapy on Preventive Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Students in Dalian, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Preventive treatment has an essential effect on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) [purified protein derivative (PPD) induration ⋝ 15 mm]. Between 2010 and 2013, there were 6 tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in the universities in Dalian, China. So far, in Dalian, the directly observed therapy (DOT) and full course management (FCM) were widely used in the preventive treatment of LTBI. However, it is yet to be determined which one of them has better efficacy. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the performance of these two strategies for LTBI preventive treatment. The chi-square test and exact test were used to perform statistical analysis. In total, 794 LTBI patients were enrolled in this study, of which 443 were included in the DOT group and 351 in the FCM group. In 287 students who said ditto to take prophylactic treatment (DOT 149 and FCM 79), the compliance rate for the DOT group was 90.3% (149/165), while that for the FCM group was 64.8% (79/122). This difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ²=28.03, P=1.19E-07). The DOT group showed an effective intervention rate of 81.5%, while that for the FCM group was 28.5%. Again, this difference was significant (χ²=56.17, P=6.63E-14). Further, in 228 students who truly started taking treatment, 26 cases exhibited various adverse reactions (11.4%, 26/228), the most frequent one being elevated liver enzyme levels (6.6%, 15/228). In addition, the major reason for the treatment interruption was adverse reactions in the DOT group, and 6 (28.6%) LTBI patients discontinued treatment due to the adverse reactions of the anti-TB drugs. We also performed a one-year follow-up after the completion of the 3-month treatment. Out of the 794 close contacts, a total of 9 cases (1.1%) developed active TB. These results show that DOT is an effective preventive treatment for LTBI and would play an irreplaceable role in improving preventive treatment adherence and treatment outcomes.

Relationship between anogenital distance and cryptorchidism in human newborns / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relation of the anogenital distance (AGD) with cryptorchidism in male newborns.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 350 male infants delivered in two community hospitals between September 2013 and September 2014. Within 24 hours after birth, a pediatric surgeon measured the AGD of the neonates and determined whether they had cryptorchidism. According to the testicular position, we divided the undescended testes into three types: upper scrotal, inguinal, and non-palpable.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 39 cases of cryptorchidism were found in the 350 newborns. The AGD of the cryptorchidism infants was significantly shorter than that of the normal neonates ([2.01 ± 0.22] vs [2.35 ± 0.19] cm, P < 0.01), and statistically significant differences remained even when preterm and low birth-weight infants were excluded ([2.32 ± 0.14] vs [2.06 ± 0.19] cm; (2.37 ± 0.17) cm vs (2.12 ± 0.12) cm, all P < 0.01). The newborns with higher-position cryptorchidism had a shorter AGD, though with no significant difference (F = 0.434, P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the AGD between unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism ([1.96 ± 0.13] vs [2.02 ± 0.17] cm, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shorter AGD is associated with a higher incidence of cryptorchidism in male newborns. AGD could serve as a potential biomarker for disruption of androgen action during the male programming window period.</p>

A cross-sectional study on job burnout and its influence factors among registered nurses / 预防医学

Objective This study aimed to investigate the status of job burnout among registered nurses in Zhejiang province and to analyze its main influential factors. Methods Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey( MBI-GS)was used to measure the job burnout situation of 1740 nurses selected from 28 hospitals. Three dimensions including emotional exhaustion,depersonalization and occupation efficacy were analyzed and compared among different stratifications of hospital,age and working years etc. Results The proportion of mild burnout,moderate burnout and severe burnout nurses was 48. 90%,46. 60% and 4. 50% respectively. The highest score(3. 25 ± 0. 96)of MBI -GS was found in Grade Three A general hospitals. Nurses of more than 5 years working experience,were surgical related,with a bachelor degree and aged 30 to 40 had higher scores than who were not(all P<0. 05). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that the main influence factors were hospital grade,working years and working passion(all P<0. 05). Conclusion The job burnout situation of nurses is mainly at mild to moderate level. The grade of hospital and the work experience are the main influential factors.

Protective effect of shenfu injection pretreatment on brain of patients receiving aortic valve replacement undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effect of Shenfu Injection (SFI) pretreatment on brain of patients receiving aortic valve replacement (AVR) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty AVR patients undergoing CPB were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the control group and the experimental group, 15 cases in each group. SFI at 1.5 mL/kg (dissolved in 250 mL 5% glucose solution) was intravenously dripped to those in the experimental group 5 days before operation, once daily for 5 successive days. SFI at 1.5 mL/kg (dissolved in 250 mL 5% glucose solution) was intravenously dripped to those 30 min before anesthesia induction. Equal dose of normal saline was intravenously dripped to those in the control group, and the other procedures were the same as those for patients in the experimental group. The venous blood sample (2 mL) was drawn from the right internal carotid vein immediately after induction of anesthesia (T1),10 min after CPB (T2), 30 min after GPB (T3), 2 h after CPB (T4), 24 h after CPB (T5), and 48 h after CPB (T6), thus detecting the plasma levels of S100beta and neuron specific enolase (NSE). And patients' cognitive function was assessed with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale on the day before operation, the 2nd and the 7th day after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistical difference in the levels of S1001 and NSE between the two groups at T1 (P > 0.05). There was statistical difference in the levels of S100beta and NSE between the two groups at T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, when compared with those at T1 (P <0.05). Besides, the levels of S100beta and NSE at T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 were lower in the experimental group than in the control group, showing statistical difference (P <0.05). The MMSE scores decreased on the 2nd day after operation in the two groups, showing statistical difference when compared with those on the day before operation (P <0.05). It was lowered more obviously in the control group. There was no statistical difference in the MMSE score between the 7th day post-operation and the day before operation (P >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SFI pretreatment had protective effect on brain in AVR patients undergoing CPB.</p>

Characterization of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates causing invasive diseases in Chinese children / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates that causing invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in Chinese children remain uncharacterized. This study aims to identify the resistance genes associated with erythromycin resistance and to determine the genetic relationships of IPD isolates in Chinese children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 171 S. pneumoniae strains were isolated from 11 medical centers in China from 2006 to 2008. All the isolates were characterized via serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility determination. The erythromycin-resistant isolates were further characterized via ermB and mefA gene detection, multi-locus sequence typing analysis, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 164 (95.9%) isolates showed resistance to erythromycin, of which 162 strains with high high-level resistance (MIC ≥ 256 µg/ml). A total of 104 (63.4%) isolates carry the ermB gene alone, whereas 59 (36.0%) harbor both ermB and mefA genes. Of the 59 strains, 54 were of serotypes 19A and 19F and were identified as highly clonal and related to the Taiwan(19F)-14 clone.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The erythromycin resistance rate in IPD isolates is significantly high and is predominantly mediated by the ermB gene. Isolates that carry both ermB and mefA genes are predominantly of serotypes 19A and 19F.</p>

Structural equation model analysis of risk factors for low back pain among greenhouse vegetable-planting farmers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the risk factors of low back pain (LBP) among greenhouse vegetable planting farmers and estimate the level of the effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A self-made questionnaire based on the Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Nordic Questionnaire was conducted to 639 greenhouse vegetable planting farmers and then structural equation model was used to analyze the risk factors of LBP in SmartPLS software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The coefficient of determination of the model was 0.827, and the structural coefficients of dynamic loads, static loads, force exertion, ergonomic environment and repetitive loads on LBP were 0.21, 0.43,0.27, 0.045 and 0.034 respectively, and the total effects of the above latent variables on LBP were 0.21, 0.43,0.27, 0.33 and 0.034 respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The main risk factors of LBP among greenhouse vegetable planting farmers were static loads, ergonomic environment, force exertion and dynamic loads.</p>

Risk factors of invasive fungal infections in patients admitted to non- hematological oncology department and pediatric intensive care unit / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine risk factors of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients admitted to non-hematological oncology department and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), in order to improve diagnostic level of invasive fungal infections.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>We retrospectively assessed 85 hospitalized pediatric patients with invasive fungal infections in Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from Jan.2007 to Nov.2012. All the cases were either from non-hematological oncology department or the PICU.We reviewed risk factors of invasive fungal infections.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Among 85 patients, 42 had invasive candida infection, 20 invasive aspergillus infection, 21 cryptococcus infection, 1 Histoplasma capsulatum infection and 1 Mucor mucedo infection.In the 42 patients with invasive candida infection, 5 were young infants, 3 had combined immunodeficiency, 1 cellular immunodeficiency, 25 secondary infection due to long term use of corticosteroids and/or combined use of more than 2 kinds of antibiotics with primary disease, 5 prior intestinal tract surgery or chronic diarrheal disease, 1 reflux gastritis.In the 20 patients with invasive aspergillosis infection, 10 patients had chronic granulomatous disease, 5 long term use of corticosteroids ≥ 1 month, 3 long term use of corticosteroids and combined use of more than 2 kinds of antibiotics, 2 had no apparent host factors.In the 21 patients with cryptococcus infection, 2 patients had used corticosteroids ≥ 1 month, 2 had immunodeficiency mainly for lack of antibodies, while others had no apparent host factors. The child with Mucor mucedo infection had diabetes mellitus. And the one with Histoplasma capsulatum infection had immunodeficiency.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High risk factors for IFI in patients admitted to non-hematological oncology department and PICU are primary immunodeficiency disease and long term use of corticosteroids and/or long term combined use of more than 2 kinds of antibiotics. Besides, young infant is also a high risk factor for invasive candida infection. Most of the cryptococcus infections and certain aspergillosis had no obvious host factors.</p>

Significance of selective neck dissection in patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the significance of selective neck dissection in patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma who have a high-risk of lateral neck lymph node metastasis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty three patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma who have a high-risk of lateral neck lymph node metastasis were prospectively studied at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between August 2006 and June 2011. The patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma easy to occur neck lymph node metastasis include: The maximum diameter of primary tumor is ≥ 2 cm; The primary tumor invaded the thyroid capsule; Lymph node metastasis in level VI is found; Lymph node enlargement in level III or/and IV were detected preoperatively by ultrasonography, but not considered as metastasis. The surgical procedure is that the selective neck dissection in level III and IV is performed depending on the collar incision of thyroid surgery. The lymph node chosen from the specimen has a frozen section. If lymph node metastasis is found in the frozen section, a functional neck dissection should be performed through prolonging the collar incision.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases were pathologically confirmed as thyroid papillary carcinoma. The occult metastasis rate of lateral neck lymph nodes was 39.7%. According to the univariate analysis, the patients with thyroid capsule invasion and lymph node metastasis in level VI were more likely to have lateral neck lymph node metastasis, and the occult metastasis rate was 46.9% and 54.3%, respectively (P = 0.028, P = 0.008), and there were statistically no significant difference in the primary tumor size and the preoperative neck lymph node status by ultrasonography with occult metastasis of lateral neck lymph nodes (P = 0.803 and P = 0.072). According to the multivariate analysis, there was a significant correlation only between the lymph node metastasis in level VI and occult metastasis of lateral neck lymph nodes (P = 0.017), but there was no significant correlation with the thyroid capsule invasion, primary tumor size and neck lymph node status by preoperative ultrasonography in prediction of occult metastasis of lateral neck lymph nodes (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Selective neck dissection is feasible for the patients with cN0 thyroid carcinoma who have a high-risk lateral neck lymph node metastasis and the lateral occult metastatic lymph node can be promptly found and removed. We suggest that the selective neck dissection for level III and IV should be routinely performed in cN0 thyroid carcinoma patients with thyroid capsule invasion and lymph node metastasis in level VI.</p>

Dual isoflurane-induced preconditioning improves neuroprotection in rat brain in vitro and the role of extracellular signal--regulated protein kinase / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test the ability of isoflurane-induced preconditioning against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) injury in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat hippocampal slices were exposed to 1 volume percentage (vol%), 2vol% or 3vol% isoflurane respectively for 20 minutes under normoxic conditions (95% O₂/5% CO₂) once or twice (12 slices in each group) before OGD, with 15-minute washout after each exposure. During OGD experiments, hippocampus slices were bathed with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) lacking glucose and perfused with 95% N₂ and 5% CO₂ for 14 minutes, followed by a 30-minute reperfusion in normal ACSF. The CA1 population spike (PS) was measured and used to quantify the degree of neuronal function recovery after OGD. To assess the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in isoflurane preconditioning, U0126, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), and SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, were used before two periods of 3vol% isoflurane exposure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The degree of neuronal function recovery of hippocampal slices exposed to 1vol%, 2vol%, or 3vol% isoflurane once was 41.88%±9.23%, 55.05% ± 11.02%, or 63.18% ± 10.82% respectively. Moreover, neuronal function recovery of hippocampal slices exposed to 1vol%, 2vol%, or 3vol% isoflurane twice was 53.75% ± 12.04%, 63.50% ± 11.06%, or 76.25% ± 12.25%, respectively. Isoflurane preconditioning increased the neuronal function recovery in a dose-dependent manner. U0126 blocked the preconditioning induced by dual exposure to 3vol% isoflurane (6.13% ± 1.56%, P < 0.01) and ERK1/2 activities.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Isoflurane is capable of inducing preconditioning in hippocampal slices in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and dual exposure to isoflurane with a lower concentration is more effective in triggering preconditioning than a single exposure. Isoflurane-induced neuroprotection might be involved with ERK1/2 activities.</p>