Establishment and validation of a preoperative nomogram model for predicting the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To establish and validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of microvascular invasion(MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 210 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy at Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2013 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 169 males and 41 females, aged(M(IQR)) 57(12)years(range:30 to 80 years). The patients were divided into model group(the first 170 cases) and validation group(the last 40 cases) according to visit time. Based on the clinical data of the model group,rank-sum test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to screen out the independent related factors of MVI. R software was used to establish a nomogram model to predict the preoperative MVI risk of hepatocellular carcinoma,and the validation group data were used for external validation. Results: Based on the modeling group data,the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine that cut-off value of DeRitis ratio,γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT) concentration,the inverse number of activated peripheral blood T cell ratio (-aPBTLR) and the maximum tumor diameter for predicting MVI, which was 0.95((area under curve, AUC)=0.634, 95%CI: 0.549 to 0.719), 38.2 U/L(AUC=0.604, 95%CI: 0.518 to 0.689),-6.05%(AUC=0.660, 95%CI: 0.578 to 0.742),4 cm(AUC=0.618, 95%CI: 0.533 to 0.703), respectively. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that DeRitis≥0.95,GGT concentration ≥38.2 U/L,-aPBTLR>-6.05% and the maximum tumor diameter ≥4 cm were independent related factors for MVI in hepatocellular carcinoma patients(all P<0.05). The nomogram prediction model based on the above four factors established by R software has good prediction efficiency. The C-index was 0.758 and 0.751 in the model group and the validation group,respectively. Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed that the nomogram model had good clinical benefits. Conclusions: DeRitis ratio,serum GGT concentration,-aPBTLR and the maximum tumor diameter are valuable factors for preoperative prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma with MVI. A relatively reliable nomogram prediction model could be established on them.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine-Containing Oral Gels against Aspiration Pneumonia-Inducing Bacteria: An In Vitro Study

Aim: Hospitalised patients have a high risk of developing aspiration pneumonia because of poor oral care and oral microbial flora changes. Chlorhexidine (CHX) solution has been used to reduce inflammation and prevent infections in oral cavity, but it is difficult to use in inpatients. Gel?type antimicrobial agents rather than the liquid form may be effective for the oral management of hospitalised patients. Therefore, we evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial effects of CHX?containing oral gels on aspiration pneumonia?inducing bacteria compared to the CHX solution. Materials and Methods: The experimental products of two oral gel types containing 1% and 0.1% CHX, respectively, were selected. Hexamedine, a 0.12% CHX solution, was used as a positive control. The antimicrobial activity of CHX agents against six pneumonia?causing bacteria and Streptococcus mutans, one of the most common oral bacteria, was comparatively analysed using the agar disk diffusion method. Results: In the disk diffusion assay, the 1% CHX gels showed the highest inhibitory effect on all bacteria. All CHX agents including gels and solution had the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus compared with other bacteria. Conclusions: We confirmed the significant antimicrobial effects of the 1% CHX oral gels on aspiration pneumonia?inducing bacteria. These results suggest that CHX gels may be an effective oral care method for preventing infection in inpatients who have difficulty using the solution.

Rule mining of acupoint and medication selection of acupoint application therapy for functional constipation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the rules of acupoint and medication selection of acupoint application therapy for functional constipation (FC) by data mining technology.@*METHODS@#The clinical research literature regarding acupoint application therapy for FC from published to February 26, 2020 was searched in CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and PubMed. The prescriptions were extracted, and by using SPSS24.0 and SPSS Modeler14.0 software, the use of high-frequency acupoints and medication was summarized. The association rule analysis, cluster analysis and core prescription analysis of acupoints and medication were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 122 prescriptions of acupoint application therapy were included, involving 32 acupoints. The core prescription of acupoints was Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4). The high-frequency meridians mainly included conception vessel, @*CONCLUSION@#The use of local acupoint and regulating-

A Novel Method to Differentiate Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro into Estrogen-Secreting Cells

BACKGROUND@#The advantages of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) over other mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) include higher proliferation rates, various differentiation potentials, efficient immune-modulating capacity, and ease of obtainment. Specifically, TMSCs have been shown to differentiate into the endodermal lineage. Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis and is associated with higher incidences of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular attacks during the postmenopausal period. Therefore, stem cell-derived, estrogen-secreting cells might be used for estrogen deficiency. @*METHODS@#Here, we developed a novel method that utilizes retinoic acid, insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and dexamethasone to evaluate the differentiating potential of TMSCs into estrogen-secreting cells. The efficacy of the novel differentiating method for generation of estrogen-secreting cells was also evaluated with bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs. @*RESULTS@#Incubating TMSCs in differentiating media induced the gene expression of cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), which plays a key role in estrogen biosynthesis, and increased 17b-estradiol secretion upon testosterone addition. Furthermore, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 gene expression levels were significantly increased in TMSCs. In bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived MSCs, this differentiation method also induced the gene expression of CYP19A1, but not CYP17A1, suggesting TMSCs are a superior source for estrogen secretion. @*CONCLUSION@#These results imply that TMSCs can differentiate into functional estrogen-secreting cells, thus providing a novel, alternative cell therapy for estrogen deficiency.

A Novel Method to Differentiate Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro into Estrogen-Secreting Cells

BACKGROUND@#The advantages of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) over other mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) include higher proliferation rates, various differentiation potentials, efficient immune-modulating capacity, and ease of obtainment. Specifically, TMSCs have been shown to differentiate into the endodermal lineage. Estrogen deficiency is a major cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis and is associated with higher incidences of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular attacks during the postmenopausal period. Therefore, stem cell-derived, estrogen-secreting cells might be used for estrogen deficiency. @*METHODS@#Here, we developed a novel method that utilizes retinoic acid, insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and dexamethasone to evaluate the differentiating potential of TMSCs into estrogen-secreting cells. The efficacy of the novel differentiating method for generation of estrogen-secreting cells was also evaluated with bone marrow- and adipose tissue-derived MSCs. @*RESULTS@#Incubating TMSCs in differentiating media induced the gene expression of cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), which plays a key role in estrogen biosynthesis, and increased 17b-estradiol secretion upon testosterone addition. Furthermore, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 gene expression levels were significantly increased in TMSCs. In bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived MSCs, this differentiation method also induced the gene expression of CYP19A1, but not CYP17A1, suggesting TMSCs are a superior source for estrogen secretion. @*CONCLUSION@#These results imply that TMSCs can differentiate into functional estrogen-secreting cells, thus providing a novel, alternative cell therapy for estrogen deficiency.

Risk Factors and Comorbidities Associated With the Allergic Rhinitis Phenotype in Children According to the ARIA Classification

PURPOSE: Data are lacking on the association between the allergic rhinitis (AR) phenotype and sensitization to specific allergens or bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in children. We here investigated risk factors and comorbidities, including sensitization to specific allergens and BHR, for the AR phenotype by AR and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification in a general population-based birth cohort study. METHODS: We enrolled 606 children aged 7 years from the Panel Study of Korean Children. The AR phenotype was assigned in accordance with the ARIA classification in children. Skin prick tests and Provocholine provocation test were performed. Risk factors and comorbidities for AR phenotypes were then analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild and moderate to severe AR in our study cohort was 37.2% and 8.8%, respectively. Recent use of analgesics or antipyretics and current cat ownership were associated with the risk of mild persistent AR. Sensitizations to Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus (Der p), Japanese hop and cat were associated with moderate to severe persistent AR. Children with moderate to severe AR had a higher risk of current asthma and BHR compared to mild AR cases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77–15.62). Moderate to severe AR with allergic sensitization was associated with the highest risk of BHR (aOR, 11.77; 95% CI, 3.40–40.74). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe-persistent AR is more closely related to respiratory comorbidities and sensitizations than mild AR. Stratifying the AR phenotype by ARIA classification may assist in disease management.

Pediatric granular cell tumor in the posterior wall of the larynx extending to the trachea

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a slow-growing benign neoplasm that can be found in any organ. Pediatric laryngotracheal GCT is rare. We experienced a 6-year-old boy suffering from a barking cough and symptoms of stridor and croup for one month. Head and neck computed tomography revealed a protruding mass that occluded 60% of the airway lumen. Under the impression of hemangioma or papilloma, excision revealed a submucosal non-encapsulated mass. Histologically, the mass was composed of sheets of large polyhedralshaped tumor cells containing plump eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and centrally placed, small, bland-appearing nuclei. The tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, and voluminous eosinophilic cytoplasm was stained by diastase-resistant periodic acid-Schiff. The present report describes a unique case of a huge pediatric laryngeal GCT extending to the subglottic trachea. We also review the clinical course of pediatric laryngotracheal GCT and emphasize the importance of diagnosing GCT in children.

Discussion on refractory factors of Bell's palsy and clinical experience in treatment / 中国针灸

The specific therapeutic regimen of Bell's palsy was proposed in association with the common refractory factors and the clinical experience of professor -. It is viewed that aging, absent intervention standard treatment at early stage, no prodromal symptoms and progressive onset are the refractory factors. Acupuncture at the local area is predominated in treatment. The different acupoint prescription regimens of acupuncture therapy are selected depending on muscle relaxation, muscle stiffness and specific accompanying symptoms, associated with electric stimulation, moxibustion and the tapping technique with plum-blossom needle so as to ensure the improvement of clinical therapeutic effect.

Correlation between Vitamin D Status and Gut Microbiota in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D[T-25(OH)D]level and fecal microbiota in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Methods Twenty-three patients with IBD completed the tests for serum T-25(OH)D,and the fecal microbiota was studied using V4 hypervariable region of 16S ribosomal RNA(rRNA)gene sequencing.According to serum T-25(OH)D level,the patients were divided into three groups including vitamin D normal group(

Protective Effect of Different Medicinal Parts of Nandina domestica on Arsenic Trioxide Hepatotoxicity and Hephrotoxicity / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To compare the effect of different medicinal parts of Nandina domestica in reducing toxicity of anti-tumor drug arsenic trioxide, so as to provide the scientific basis for its further development and application. Method::Chronic arsenic trioxide poisoning model was used in this paper. Totally 56 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group (arsenolite 40 mg·kg-1), sodium 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate group (sodium 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate 25 mg·kg-1+ arsenolite 40 mg·kg-1), Nandinae Radix group (Nandinae Radix 20 g·kg-1+ arsenolite 40 mg·kg-1), Nandinae Caulis group (Nandinae Caulis 20 mg·kg-1+ arsenolite 40 mg·kg-1), Nandinae Folium group (Nandinae Folium 20 g·kg-1+ arsenolite 40 mg·kg-1), and Nandinae Fructus group (Nandinae Fructus 20 g·kg-1+ arsenolite 40 mg·kg-1). The intragastric administration lasted for 10 days. After the last administration, urine was collected within 24 hours, serum, kidney and liver tissue samples were collected after operation, and serum creatinine (SCr) and urine creatinine (UCr) levels were measured, in order to calculate endogenous creatinine clearance rate (CCr). At the same time, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver and kidney of rats in each group were detected. Some kidneys and livers were fixed with formaldehyde, and the histopathological changes were observed under microscope after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Result::Compared with the model group, the rats in combination group of Nandinae Radix, Nandinae Caulis, Nandinae Fructus have a heavier body mass (P<0.01), the kidney coefficient was lower (P<0.01), the levels of UCr and CCr were significantly increased (P<0.01), the content of MDA in renal tissue was decreased significantly (P < 0.01), the level of MDA in liver tissue was decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the activities of SOD and CAT were significantly increased (P<0.01), the pathological damage of liver and kidney was alleviated. There was no significant difference in the activity of SOD in the liver between the Nandinae Folium combination group and the model group, but the changes of the other indexes were consistent with those of the above three groups. Conclusion::Nandinae Radix, Nandinae Caulis, Nandinae Fructus have significant protective effects on liver and kidney toxicity induced by arsenic trioxide oxidative stress, and Nandinae Folium was the least effective among them.

Histomorphological Identification of Nandina domestica / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::Histomorphological study of the Nandinae Radix, Nandinae Caulis, Nandinae Folium, Nandinae Fructus were conducted to provide the basis for the identification of its authenticity and falsehood. Method::The origin and macroscopic identification were used to describe the plant morphology and the appearance characteristics of all medicinal parts. The microscopic characteristics of the medicinal parts, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, were observed and photographed by paraffin section and powder preparation techniques. Result::It was found that the morphological characteristics of the original plant were consistent with the descriptions in herbaceous books. There was no pith on the cross-section of roots. In the transverse section of stems, there were intermittent circular fiber bundles in the cortex and a cap-shaped fibrous bundle in the inner part of the xylem. In the transverse section of the leaves, the palisade tissue was wider and the fiber bundles around the main vascular bundles formed a ring. In the transverse section of petiole, the fiber bundles were arranged intermittently into rings. In the transverse section of fruit, multi-layered sclereids formed a ring in the mesocarp. The powder characteristics of root and stem mainly contained crystalliferous sclereids. There were crystal sheath fibers and stomatal infinitive in the leaf powder, and pollen grains in the flower powder, with 3-hole grooves, obvious reticulate engraving pattern in the outer wall and more reticulate cells. There were a large number of branched sclereids and calcium oxalate square crystals in the fruit powder. Conclusion::The above-mentioned morphological and microscopic features have identification significance, and provide scientific basis for the authenticity identification, the quality standard and the utilization of resources of Nandina domestica.

Cosmetic adverse reaction: a clinical analysis of 820 cases / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To provide epidemiological data and clinical evidence for cosmetic adverse reactions.Methods:A retrospective clinical analysis was carried out on a total 820 outpatients (23 males and 797 females) suspected to be with cosmetic adverse reactions from January 2014 - October 2017, and average age of these patients was 7~75 (32.66±8.09) years. Suspicious cosmetics patch tests were performed in some patients. Suspicious cosmetics patch tests were performed in 687 patients.Results:Among 820 patients with cosmetic adverse reactions, women accounted for 97.20% and men accounted for 2.80%. Age distribution was most common among young people aged 21-40 years, accounting for 71.34%. The highest level of education was higher education, accounting for 59.69%. Occupational distribution was most commonly concentrated in employees and unemployed persons, accounting for 28.54% and 18.66%, respectively. A history of cosmetics allergies accounted for 17.28%. Cosmetic contact dermatitis was the most common clinical type of cosmetic adverse reactions, accounting for 92.70%. A total of 1682 suspected pathogenic cosmetics were involved. The positive rate of the cosmetic original patch test was 42.39%. Among the cosmetics with a positive patch test, moisturizing, anti-wrinkle and whitening freckle cosmetics accounted for the highest proportion, 31.59%, 15.09%, and 12.68%, respectively.Conclusions:Cosmetic contact dermatitis is the most common type of cosmetic adverse reaction. Patch testing is helpful in identifying the contact allergens in cosmetic adverse reaction.

Indoor pet ownership in infancy is a risk factor for the development of sensitization to pets and asthma in childhood

PURPOSE: It is controversial whether indoor pet exposure is either a risk or protective factor developing sensitization to pet allergens or asthma. Therefore, we investigated whether indoor pet ownership entails a risk for the development of asthma and sensitization in childhood. METHODS: The Panel Study of Korean Children (PSKC) is a general-population-based birth cohort study that recruited 2,078 mother-baby dyads in Korea between April and July of 2008. Among 1,577 children who were followed up in 2015, 559 underwent skin prick tests, spirometry and bronchial provocation tests using Provocholine. Having a cat or a dog and the prevalence of asthma were evaluated by using self-reported questionnaires and physicians’ medical records. RESULTS: During infancy, the rate of dog ownership was 4.5% (71 of 1,574) and that of cat ownership was 0.5% (8 of 1,574). Of the subjects, 7.9% (n=109) currently had at least 1 dog and 2.5% (n=34) had at least 1 cat. Pet ownership during infancy was associated with sensitization to cats or dogs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–13.98), wheezing within 12 months (aOR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.65–18.75) and current asthma (wheezing episode in the last 12 months+diagnosed asthma by physicians) (aOR, 6.36; 95% CI, 1.54–26.28). In contrast, pet ownership during the last 12 months was not associated with sensitization to cats or dogs or current asthma. CONCLUSION: Indoor pet exposure during infancy can be critical for developing sensitization to cats or dogs and asthma in childhood. Avoidance of pet exposure in early life may reduce sensitization to cats or dogs and development of asthma.

Association between the timing of brain metastases and the prognosis of small cell lung cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the association between the timing of brain metastases and the prognosis of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 131 patients with limited-stage SCLC firstly metastasized to the brain were admitted to our hospital from 2007 to 2015.According to the median bone metastasis-free survival (BMFS),all patients were divided into A group (BMFS ≤ 10 months,n =61) and B group (BMFS＞ 10 months,n=70).The survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Between-group comparison was performed by log-rank test.The Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis.Results In all 131 patients,the median overall survival (OS) and 1-,2-,and 3-year OS rates were 22.5 months,87.3％,44.7％,and 20.8％,respectively.The median OS after brain metastases and 1-and 2-year OS rates were 9.3 months,39.3％ and 14.8％,respectively.No statistical significance was observed in the median OS after brain metastases between the A and B groups (8.6 vs.9.3 months,P=0.695).Moreover,the OS after brain metastases did not significantly differ in patients without PCI or those receiving different therapies after brain metastases between two groups (P=0.240-0.731).Conclusions The timing of SCLC with brain metastases is significantly correlated with the OS rather than the OS after brain metastases.Therefore,prevention of brain metastases may be an effective approach to prolong the OS of patients with SCLC.

Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Children at a Single Center from 2002 to 2016

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in Korean children. METHODS: We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from the medical records of the patients with S. aureus bacteremia ≤18 years of age in Gil Medical Center from 2002 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 212 SAB cases were detected. The annual incidence of SAB from 2002 to 2016 ranged from 0.77 to 1.95 per 1,000 patients hospitalized. The neonate group (<28 days of age) and the pediatric group (28–18 years of age) were 51.4% (n=109) and 48.6% (n=103), respectively. According to the origin of infection, there were 93 cases (43.9%) of community-associated (CA)-SAB and 119 cases (56.1%) of healthcare-associated (HA)-SAB. The rates of HA-SAB among the neonate group and among the pediatric group were 64.2% and 47.6%, respectively (P=0.015). There was no difference in complications between CA-SAB and HA-SAB, but mortality was higher in HA-SAB. The proportion of methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) was the highest in neonates (88.1%), decreased with age, and was 36.4%–37.5% among children aged ≥5 years. The MRSA proportion was 72.2%, showing no consistent trend over the period. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence of SAB and the proportion of MRSA in SAB remained constant in the recent 15 years in children. Judicious decision of antimicrobial agents for treatment considering the patient's age and the origin of infection is necessary.

On-site Identification of Medicinal Bubali Cornu by Recombinase- mediated Amplification Technique / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To establish a rapid on-site method for identifying Chinese medical material recombinase-mediated amplification (RAA) technology for the use of identifying medicinal Bubali Cornu from yak horn. Method: Based on the differences of mitochondrial genome sequences between Bubali Cornu and adulterants,the specific RAA primer (SNJ-1.F,SNJ-1.R) and fluorescence probe SNJ-1.probe were designed by variation sites. Alkaline lysis method was used to extract DNA from milled samples,and optimize RAA reaction system. The incubation was made at 37℃ for 15-20 min, the reaction results were monitored through gel electrophoresis and a mobile fluorescence amplification instrument. The RAA identification result was compared with COI DNA sequencing. Result: After incubation at 37℃ for 20 min,about 140 bp of bright and simple bands was amplified from DNA templates of Bubalus bubalis,whereas Bos mutus were negative. By the Real-time fluorescent RAA identify method,all reactions in DNAs from Bubali Cornu samples were amplified from 6.21 to 8.37 min,whereas DNAs from yak samples were amplified after 10.08 min,COI sequencing results conformed to the Real-time fluorescent RAA identification. Conclusion: Specific RAA could rapidly identify Bubali Cornu in 20 minutes, and thus be applied in medical material and its products. This method is simple,rapid and sophisticated instrument-free,with promises in on-site identification of traditional Chinese medicine.

Advances in Research on Antipruritic Effect of Xiaofengsan in Orthodox Manual of External Diseases / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Itching is an unpleasant sensation that can cause physical and psychological discomfort. It often occurs in a variety of diseases. In addition to the common chemical medicines, the application of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) have attracted much attention for itch. As one of the classic antipruritic formula, Xiaofengsan is widely used by the later generations of doctors based on the edition of Orthodox Manual of External Diseases(Wài Kē Zhèng Zōng). It can be used to remove wind, dehumidify, clear heat and nourish blood by taking into account the complicated pathogenesis of skin diseases. In modern clinics, Xiaofengsan is commonly used for the treatment of rubella, eczema, acute and chronic urticaria, contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis and other types of dermatitis with remarkable antipruritic effect. Its mechanism is related to its anti-allergic reaction, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine,immune regulation etc. This article reviews the research literature of Xiaofengsan and its addition and subtraction in modern pharmacological experimental research and clinical treatment in the past 15 years, and analyzes the current research situation of Xiaofengsan in the topic of antipruritic effect. The focus is on the compatibility characteristics of formula and the component study of single herb after being decomposed of Xiaofengsan, and the main material basis of antipruritic effect is summarized. It was found that Schizonepetae Herba, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Arctii Fructus, Cicadae Periostracum and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were the main medicines for its antipruritic effect,which was helpful to expand the clinical value of Xiaofengsan and deepen its mechanisms of anti-itching.

Seasonality and etiology of croup in pediatric patients hospitalized with lower respiratory tract infections: A long-term study between 2009 and 2017

PURPOSE: Croup is a common respiratory disease in children. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology, etiology, and seasonal variations of respiratory virus infections in children with croup. METHODS: From October 2009 to September 2017, children admitted with croup to Gachon University Gil Medical Center under the age of 18 years were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively reviewed patients' medical records. RESULTS: A total of 1,053 of 27,330 patients (3.9%) infected with lower respiratory infections were diagnosed as having croup. In the age distribution, croup was most common (50.0%) in children aged 1 to <2 years. There were 2 peaks, the major in summer (July to August) and the minor in spring (March to May). Parainfluenza virus type 1 (15.8%) was most prevalent and coincided with the summer peaks of croup. Influenza virus type B and parainfluenza virus type 3 were the most frequent etiologic agents in a spring peak of croup. Although parainfluenza virus type 1 was predominant of all ages, human coronavirus was a significant cause of croup in children younger than 1 year, whereas influenza virus played an important role in children above the age of 3 years. CONCLUSION: Seasonality and epidemiology of croup varied with age and regions. Two peaks of seasonal fluctuation were in summer and spring, which were related to the seasonality of respiratory viruses in croup. These results may be helpful in planning clinical and research needs.

Determination of aluminum in blood of occupational workers by ICP-MS / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To establish a method for the determination of aluminum in blood, and to detect the aluminum content in the blood of occupational aluminum workers.@*Methods@#The morning blood of the aluminum workers was collected in an anticoagulation tube, and the supernatant was centrifuged. The supernatant was diluted with 4% nitric acid containing 1% Triton for 24 h at room temperature, and the supernatant was centrifuged. The supernatant was filtered and the blood aluminum concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and quantified by external standard method.@*Results@#The detection limit of ICP-MS method was 0.39 μg/L, the linear range was 0-160 μg/L, the recoveries were 98.24%-99.65%, and the precision was 0.19%-0.28%. The recoveries of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS) were 97.17%-111.18%, and the precision was 0.35%-0.44%. The average blood aluminum concentration of aluminum workers in the normal control group was (19.87±10.65) μg/L. The average blood aluminum concentration of aluminum workers in the expose group was (31.12±11.43) μg/L.@*Conclusion@#The method of ICP-MS for the determination of aluminum concentration in blood has a simple pretreatment process, high recovery rate, low detection limit and high precision, which is suitable for popularization.

Effect of CASC2a on proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells via NF-κB signaling pathway / 医学研究生学报

Objective There are few reports on the relationship between lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate gene 2 (CASC2) and NF-κB signaling pathway in thyroid papillary carcinoma cells at home and abroad. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lncRNA CASC2a on the proliferation and migration of TPC-1 via NF-κB signaling pathway. Methods TPC-1 was selected and constructed into lncRNA CASC2a overexpression plasmids which were divided into plasmid group [transfection with overexpressed plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-CASC2a], empty group [transfection with equal amount of pcDNA3.1 (+) empty plasmid], blank group (without any processing). The effect of overexpressed lncRNA CASC2a on the expression of CASC2a in each group of TPC-1 cells was examined. The cells of transfected plasmid group were randomly divided into transfection group [transfection with only overexpressed plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-CASC2a], transfection + PMA group [transfection with overexpressed plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)- CASC2a + propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PMA) stimulation], control group (without any processing), PMA group (only plus PMA stimulation). The effects of lncRNA CASC2a on cell proliferation and migration were verified by CCK-8 and cell scratch assays at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Western blot was used to detect the expression of p105/p50 and p65 in NF-κB signaling pathway. The expression of NF-κB signaling pathway-related antibody proteins p105/p50 and p65 was observed by NF-κB signaling pathway agonist PMA(propylene glycol methyl ether acetate). Results After transfection with overexpressed plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-CASC2a, the expression of CASC2a in plasmid group was significantly higher than that in empty group (P<0.05). The cell proliferation ability (0.191±0.005) was significantly lower in transfection+PMA group than that in transfection group (0.217±0.013), PMA group (0.247±0.009), and control group (0.260±0.004), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01), while the cell proliferation ability in transfection group was significantly lower than those in PMA group and control group (P<0.01). The cell migration ability of transfected + PMA group [(0.208±0.109)%] was lower than that of transfection group, PMA group, and control group [(1.775±0.061)%, (1.622±0.519)%, (2.927±0.136)%], while the cell migration ability of transfection group and PMA group was lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The relative expression of p105/p50 and p65 protein in plasmid group was significantly lower than that in blank group (P<0.05). The expression of p105/p50 and p65 protein in transfection+PMA group [(0.674±0.007), (0.713±0.014)] was significantly higher than that in transfection group [(0.581±0.003), (0.570±0.012)] (P<0.05). Conclusion lncRNA CASC2a may inhibit the proliferation and migration of thyroid papillary carcinoma cells through NF-κB signaling pathway.