A new biosynthesis route for production of 5-aminovalanoic acid, a biobased plastic monomer / 生物工程学报

5-aminovalanoic acid (5AVA) can be used as the precursor of new plastics nylon 5 and nylon 56, and is a promising platform compound for the synthesis of polyimides. At present, the biosynthesis of 5-aminovalanoic acid generally is of low yield, complex synthesis process and high cost, which hampers large-scale industrial production. In order to achieve efficient biosynthesis of 5AVA, we developed a new pathway mediated by 2-keto-6-aminohexanoate. By combinatory expression of L-lysine α-oxidase from Scomber japonicus, α-ketoacid decarcarboxylase from Lactococcus lactis and aldehyde dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli, the synthesis of 5AVA from L-lysine in Escherichia coli was achieved. Under the initial conditions of glucose concentration of 55 g/L and lysine hydrochloride of 40 g/L, the final consumption of 158 g/L glucose and 144 g/L lysine hydrochloride, feeding batch fermentation to produce 57.52 g/L of 5AVA, and the molar yield is 0.62 mol/mol. The new 5AVA biosynthetic pathway does not require ethanol and H2O2, and achieved a higher production efficiency as compared to the previously reported Bio-Chem hybrid pathway mediated by 2-keto-6-aminohexanoate.

Impact of the depth of remission by induction chemotherapy on the prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effect of depth of remission of induction chemotherapy on the overall prognosis of limited stage small cell lung cancer (L-SCLC). Methods: The study was a retrospective, L-SCLC patients who contained complete imaging data and underwent consecutive standardized treatments at the Department of Thoracic Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 2013 and June 2021 were included. To delineate the volume of tumor before and after induction chemotherapy and to calculate the depth of remission caused by the induced chemotherapy. The time receiver operating characteristic (timeROC) method was used to determine the optimal predictors for prognosis, multi-factor analysis using Cox risk proportional model. Results: A total of 104 patients were included in this study. The median PFS and OS of this cohort were 13.7 months and 20.9 months, respectively. It was observed by timeROC analysis that residual tumor volume after induction chemotherapy had the optimal predictive value of PFS at 1 year (AUC=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78~0.94) and OS at 2 years (AUC=0.76, 95% CI: 0.65~0.87). Multivariate analysis showed residual tumor volume after induction chemotherapy was the independent prognostic factor to PFS (HR=1.006, 95% CI: 1.003~1.009, P<0.01) and OS (HR=1.009, 95% CI: 1.005~1.012, P<0.001). For those whose residual tumor volume remitted to less than 10 cm(3) after induction chemotherapy, the favorable long-term outcomes could be achieved, regardless of their initial tumor load. Conclusion: The depth of remission of induction chemotherapy could be a promising prognostic predictor to the L-SCLC and provide the individualized treatment guidance.

Jiedu Huoxue Prescription Regulates NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 to Promote Vascular Reendothelialization in Rat Model of Injured Thoracic Aorta / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Jiedu Huoxue prescription in promoting the reendothelialization of injured vessels by regulating the nuclear factor （NF）-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteine-aspartic acid protease （Caspase）-1-mediated pyroptosis. MethodA rat model of injured thoracic aorta was established by balloon injury， and 36 rats were assigned into shame surgery， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose Jiedu Huoxue prescription， and atorvastatin calcium tablet groups. The injured aortic segment was collected 28 days after surgery. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Evans blue staining were conducted to reveal the changes of vascular structural morphology and the reendothelialization of blood vessels， respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and nitric oxide （NO） in the serum. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）， NF-κB p65， phospho-NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in the vascular tissue. ResultThe model group showed thickened endovascular membrane， proliferation and disarrangement of smooth muscle cells of the artery wall， obvious inflammatory cell infiltration， and narrowed luminal area. Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets mitigated the pathological changes of the thoracic aorta in different degrees. After balloon injury， the endothelial coverage rate of the model group decreased significantly， while Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets increased the reendothelialization rate （P<0.05）. Compared with the shame surgery group， the model group showed elevated levels of TNF-α， ICAM-1， and IL-1β （P<0.01） and lowered NO level （P<0.01） in the serum. In addition， the model group presented down-regulated protein level of eNOS （P<0.01） and up-regulated phosphorylation of pyroptosis-associated proteins NLPR3， Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65 in the vascular tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Jiedu Huoxue prescription and atorvastatin calcium tablets lowered TNF-α， ICAM-1， and IL-1β levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） and elevated the NO level in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the drugs up-regulated the expression of eNOS （P<0.01） and down-regulated the expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the vascular tissue. ConclusionJiedu Huoxue prescription can promote the reendothelialization and inhibit the intimal hyperplasia of vessels after balloon injury by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway to inhibit pyroptosis and reduce endothelial inflammatory injury.

Predictive value of preoperative abdominal adipose tissue measurement for early recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of preoperative abdominal adipose tissue measurement for early recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 238 patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection from January 2018 to January 2020 in 2 medical centers in China were collected, including 46 cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and 192 cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. There were 207 males and 31 females, aged 51(48,65)years. All patients underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery. Observation indicators: (1) measure-ment of abdominal adipose tissue; (2) follow-up; (3) analysis of influencing factors for early recurrence after resection of HCC; (4) prediction of early recurrence after resection of HCC. Follow-up was conducted by outpatient examinations and telephone interview to detect the postoperative survival of patients up to February 2022. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was performed by the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution was represented by M(range) or M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percen-tages, and the chi-square test was used for comparison between groups. Univariate analysis was conducted using the corresponding statistical methods based on data type. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Logistic regression model advance method. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the area under curve was used to evaluate the efficacy. Results:(1) Measure-ment of abdominal adipose tissue. Of the 238 patients, the total abdominal adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, total adipose tissue index, visceral adipose tissue index, subcutaneous adipose tissue index were 292(198,355)cm 2, 153(99,194)cm 2, 128(95,154)cm 2, 106(76,130)cm 2/m 2, (57±27)cm 2/m 2, 46(34,58)cm 2/m 2 for 139 patients with early postoperative recur-rence, versus 174(114,251)cm 2, 78(50,110)cm 2, 88(55,127)cm 2, 64(42,91)cm 2/m 2, (30±16)cm 2/m 2, 31(19,46) cm 2/m 2 for 99 patients without early recurrence, respectively, showing significant diffe-rences between them ( Z=?7.39, ?7.87, ?5.03, ?7.25, t=?9.46, Z=?5.00, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up. All the 238 patients were followed up according to the plan. The survival time of 238 patients was 26(8,44)months. The survival time was 11(5,18)months for patients with postoperative early recur-rence, versus 36(32,43)months for patients without early recurrence, respectively. (3) Analysis of influencing factors for early recurrence after resection of HCC. Results of univariate analysis showed that body mass index, total adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, total adipose tissue index, visceral adipose tissue index and subcutaneous adipose tissue index were related factors for early recurrence after resection of HCC ( t=?5.88, Z=?7.39, ?7.87, ?5.03, ?7.25, t=?9.46, Z=?5.00, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that visceral adipose tissue index was an independent influencing factor for early recurrence after resection of HCC ( odds ratio=1.06, 95% confidence interval as 1.04?1.08, P<0.05). (4) Prediction of early recurrence after resection of HCC. According to the results of multivariate analysis, the receiver operating characteris-tic curve showed that the area under curve of visceral adipose tissue index was 0.80 (95% confidence interval as 0.75?0.86, P<0.05), with the sensitivity and specificity as 75.5% and 71.7%. Conclusions:Visceral adipose tissue index is an independent influencing factor for early recurrence after resection of HCC. The risk of early recurrence increases with the increase of visceral adipose tissue index.

Electroacupuncture can alter bladder c-Kit expression in rats with urination disorders after a spinal cord injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on urodynamics and bladder c-Kit expression in rats with urination disorders after spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:Complete spinal cord injury models were created in female Sprague-Dawley rats by transecting the spine at the thoracic or sacral level. On day 22 after the injury, the rats with successful modeling were randomized into a thoracic spinal cord injury (TSCI) group, a TSCI+ EA group, a sacral spinal cord injury (SSCI) group and an SSCI+ EA group, each of 10. Both EA groups were given 15 minutes of EA at the Guanyuan (CV4) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points daily for 14 days. After the intervention, urination function was evaluated using bladder volume, compliance and residual urine volume. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe any morphological changes in bladder tissues. The gene and protein expression of c-Kit in bladder tissues were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions and western blotting.Results:Compared with the sham group, the bladder volume and compliance of the TSCI group decreased significantly, while the average residual urine volume increased significantly. In the SSCI group the average residual urine volume, bladder volume and compliance all increased significantly. The modeling altered the morphology of the bladder in all of the SCI rats. The average expression of c-Kit mRNA and protein increased significantly in TSCI group, but both decreased significantly in the SSCI group. EA improved the histological structure of the SCI rats′ bladders.Conclusions:EA can bi-directionally regulate bladder c-Kit expression, and that is a possible mechanism for improving urinary incontinence and urine retention after an SCI.

β -Glucan Improves Protective Qi Status in Adults with Protective Qi Deficiency-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blinded Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To test the hypothesis that β -glucan enhances protective qi (PQi), an important Chinese medicine (CM) concept which stipulates that a protective force circulates throughout the body surface and works as the first line of defense against "external pernicious influences".@*METHODS@#A total of 138 participants with PQi deficiency (PQD) were randomized to receive β -glucan (200 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants' PQi status was assessed every 2 weeks via conventional diagnosis and a standardized protocol from which a PQD severity and risk score was derived. Indices of participants' immune and general health status were also monitored, including upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), saliva secretory IgA (sIgA), and self-reported measures of physical and mental health (PROMIS).@*RESULTS@#PQi status was not significantly different between the β -glucan and placebo treatment groups at baseline but improved significantly in the β -glucan (vs. placebo) group in a time-dependent manner. The intergroup differences [95% confidence interval (CI)] in severity score (scale: 1-5), risk score (scale: 0-1), and proportion of PQD participants (%) at finish line was 0.49 (0.35-0.62), 0.48 (0.35-0.61), and 0.36 (0.25-0.47), respectively. Additionally, β -glucan improved URTI symptom (scale: 1-9) and PROMIS physical (scale: 16.2-67.7) and mental (scale: 21.2-67.6) scores by a magnitude (95% CI) of 1.0 (0.21-1.86), 5.7 (2.33-9.07), and 3.0 (20.37-6.37), respectively, over placebo.@*CONCLUSIONS@#β -glucan ameliorates PQi in PQD individuals. By using stringent evidence-based methodologies, our study demonstrated that Western medicine-derived remedies, such as β -glucan, can be employed to advance CM therapeutics. (ClinicalTrial.Gov registry: NCT03782974).

Evaluation of astigmatism-correcting efficiency and clinical effects after phacoemulsification with bifocal Toric intraocular lens implantation / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To assess the astigmatism-correcting efficiency and clinical effects of cataract phacoemulsification combined with bifocal Toric intraocular lens(IOL)implantation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis. The clinical data of 46 patients(46 eyes)with cataract complicated with regular corneal astigmatism by the treatment of cataract phacoemulsification and bifocal Toric IOL implantation in our hospital from August 2020 to September 2021 were included. The patients were followed up for 3mo after operation, and the changes of uncorrected distant visual acuity(UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity(UNVA), best corrected distant visual acuity(BCDVA), best corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA)and astigmatism before and 1, 3mo after operation were evaluated. The IOL axial rotation was measured and calculated, and a questionnaire was conducted to investigate the necessity of using glasses at different distances and overall satisfaction.RESULTS:After operation at 1 and 3mo, there were significant differences in UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA compared with those before operation(all P&#x003C;0.001), and there was no significant difference in UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA at 1mo after operation and 3mo after operation(all P&#x003E;0.0167). At 3mo after operation, 46 eyes(100%)of UDVA reached 0.20(LogMAR), 40 eyes(87.0%)of UNVA reached 0.20(LogMAR). Astigmatism vector analysis showed that the mean preoperative corneal astigmatism in this group was 1.88±0.70D, and the centroid value was 0.61D@177°±1.93D, the mean residual astigmatism at 3mo postoperatively was 0.33±0.30D, and the centroid value was 0.03D@34°±0.45D. After operation at 3mo, the axial rotation of IOL was 3°(0°, 5°). Only 5 eyes(11%)required some degree of refractive correction for near or intermediate distances. 83%(38 eyes)were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgical results CONCLUSION: The implantation of bifocal Toric IOL during cataract surgery could effectively correct corneal regular astigmatism, improve uncorrected distance and near vision, and had high patient satisfaction.

Moxibustion alleviates decreased ovarian reserve in rats by restoring the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Moxibustion, a common therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, has potential benefits for treating decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). The present study investigates the protective effect of moxibustion in a rat model of DOR and explores the possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Sixty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, DOR, moxibustion (MOX), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The DOR rat model was established by intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg Tripterygium glycoside suspension (TGS), once daily for 14 days. MOX and HRT treatments were given from the day TGS administration was initiated. The ovarian reserve function was evaluated by monitoring the estrus cycle, morphological changes in ovaries, levels of serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), pregnancy rate and embryo numbers. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end-labeling staining was used to identify ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis, while the protein and mRNA expressions of Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in ovarian tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the DOR group, MOX improved the disordered estrous cycle, promoted follicular growth, reduced the number of atresia follicles, increased the concentrations of serum E2 and AMH, and decreased serum FSH and LH concentrations. More importantly, the pregnancy rate and embryo numbers in DOR rats were both upregulated in the MOX treatment group, compared to the untreated DOR model. Further, we found that the MOX group had reduced apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced expression of Bax. Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was triggered by the moxibustion treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion improved ovarian function and suppressed apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in a rat model of DOR induced by TGS, and the mechanism may involve the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Study on the relationship between acute stress disorder and symptom group in stroke patients with motor impairment / 中国综合临床

Objective:To explore the influence of symptom group of stroke patients with exercise disorder on acute stress disorder.Methods:Patients with stroke and motor impairment hospitalized in the Department of Neurology and surgery of North China University of technology from October 2018 to August 2019 were selected as the research objects.The general information of patients, brain injury subscale (BIS) and Stanford acute stress reaction questionnaire (SARSQ) were investigated by questionnaire.Results:A total of 324 patients with stroke and motor disorders were investigated.The demographic characteristics of education, age, degree of motor function, number of combined dysfunction and Activity Of Daily Living Scale(ADL) grade had effects on acute stress disorder, and the differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). The score of acute stress disorder in stroke patients with motor disorders was (99.60±13.69 ) points.From the highest to the lowest symptom group, the scores were obsessive symptom (11.35±2.71), depression (7.44±1.86), hostility (7.23±2.26), somatization (3.69±1.42) and psychosis (2.81±1.09). The results of correlation analysis showed that somatization, depression, obsessiveness, hostility and psychosis were positively correlated with the total score of acute stress disorder and the scores of each dimension ( r=0.164, 0.355, 0.329, 0.298, 0.279, all P<0.05), the symptoms were also positively correlated with all the dimensions of acute stress disorder(all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age(Regression coefficient=7.682, 95% CI: 4.930-10.435, P<0.001), the number of combined dysfunction(Regression coefficient=3.937, 95% CI: 0.268-7.605, P=0.036), depression(Regression coefficient=1.662, 95% CI: 0.727-2.597, P=0.001) had influence on ASD of stroke patients. Conclusion:The level of acute stress disorder in stroke patients with motor impairment is on the high side, and the characteristics of symptom group are obvious, which has a positive correlation with acute stress disorder.Medical staff should pay attention to the characteristics of symptom group and acute stress reaction level of stroke patients with motor impairment, so as to provide targeted intervention strategies to avoid disease recurrence and improve the quality of life.

Investigation and analysis of work stress of medical staff in Shanghai during the period of normalized epidemic prevention and control / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To analyze the work stress of medical staff at different medical institutions in Shanghai under the background of normalized prevention and control of 2019 novel coronavirus diseases(COVID-19), for evidence of relieving the work stress of medical staff.Methods:From September to November 2020, two community health service centers, one secondary hospital and one tertiary hospital were selected from each district of Jing′an District, Jiading District and Pudong New Area of Shanghai, totaling 12 medical institutions. The medical staff were selected by stratified random sampling. A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct an online questionnaire survey on the work stress of medical staff. The survey data were analysied by descriptive analysis, and different groups were compared with chi square test.Results:1 422 valid questionnaires were obtained. There was a significant difference in self-rated routine work stress of medical staff between community health service centers and secondary/tertiary hospitals( P<0.001). The proportions of medical staff whose self-rated routine work stress was " quite stressed" or " very stressed" at community health service centers and secondary/tertiary hospitals were 39.77%(317)and 55.36%(346)respectively. There was a significant difference in self-rated COVID-19 prevention stress of medical staff between community health service centers and secondary/tertiary hospitals( P<0.001), the proportions of medical staff who considered the COVID-19 prevention was " quite stressed" or " very stressed" were 86.45%(689)and 76.48%(478)respectively. Conclusions:The overall work stress of medical staff at medical institutions in Shanghai was high.The prevention and control of COVID-19 increased the pressure of medical staff at all levels of medical institutions.

Analysis on the appeals for rights and interests of medical staff in medical institutions at all levels in Shanghai / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To understand the current situation of appeals for rights and interests of medical staff in community health institutions and secondary/tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, for the suggestions on improving the job satisfaction and enthusiasm of medical staff.Methods:From September to November 2020, two community health service centers(stations), one secondary hospital and one tertiary hospital were selected from Jiading District, Pudong New Area and Jing′an District of Shanghai respectively. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among medical staff in medical institutions selected by stratified random sampling. The survey covered the main demographic information as well as 12 rights and interests demands, namely " salary promotion" among other. Descriptive analysis was performed on the data, and chi square test was used for comparison between groups.Results:1 759 valid questionnaires were recovered in this survey, and 1 654 medical employees(94.03%)reported a high degree of appeal for " salary promotion" . Compared with the medical staff in community health service centers(stations), the medical staff in secondary/tertiary hospitals reported higher demands for " training and study" " title appointment" and " academic promotion" , presenting a difference statistically significant( P<0.05). There were significant differences between doctors and nurses in " routine expense reimbursement" " staff recruitment" " professional title appointment" " children′s education" " cultural and recreational activities" and " opinion feedback channels" ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Salary promotion was the common demand of medical staff at all levels of medical institutions. Medical staff at secondary/tertiary hospitals had higher demands for career development. There were some differences in appeals for rights and interests between doctors and nurses. Medical institutions at all levels should continue to promote the reform of salary system, pay attention to the respective rights and interests of doctors and nurses, and improve their job satisfaction and enthusiasm.

Meta-analysis of effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of lower limbs on patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To evaluate the effect of lower limb neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on mechanical ventilation patients in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:Databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang database were searched from inception to May 2021. Randomized controlled trails (RCT) about the influence of NMES of lower limbs in patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU were collected. Routine rehabilitation measures were implemented in the control group, while the combination of routine rehabilitation and NMES on the lower limbs was implemented in the observation group. The literature screening, data extracting, and bias risk assessment of included studies were conducted independently by two reviewers. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform Meta-analysis. Funnel plot was used to test publication bias.Results:A total of 8 RCT were eventually enrolled. The literature quality evaluation results showed that 1 study was grade A and 7 studies were grade B, suggesting that the quality of the included literature was relatively high. The Meta-analysis results showed that NMES in the lower extremities could effectively shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation in ICU patients [standardized mean difference ( SMD) = -0.51, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was -0.72 to -0.31, P < 0.000 01], increase the maximum inspiratory pressure [MIP; mean difference ( MD) = 14.19, 95% CI was 9.30 to 19.09, P < 0.000 01], and improve the functional status of critically ill patients [functional status score for ICU (FSS-ICU); MD = 10.44, 95% CI was 3.12 to 17.77, P = 0.005] with statistically significances. However, there were no significant advantages in increasing the Medical Research Council (MRC) score ( MD = 2.13, 95% CI was -1.38 to 5.63, P = 0.23), reducing ICU mortality [relative risk ( RR) = 0.80, 95% CI was 0.51 to 1.24, P = 0.31], shortening length of ICU stay ( MD = -0.54, 95% CI was -3.67 to 2.59, P = 0.74), and the combined effect was not statistically significant. Funnel plot based on the duration of mechanical ventilation showed that the distribution of included articles was basically symmetrical, and no publication bias was detected. Conclusions:NMES of the lower limbs can not only shorten the ventilation duration effectively, but also improve the MIP and functional status of mechanically ventilated patients in ICU. However, it has no significant effect on the MRC score, ICU mortality and length of ICU stay of patients with mechanical ventilation. In the future, high-quality, large sample size and multi-center RCT are needed to verify the effects of NMES.

Proof-of-Concept and Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Effect of β-Glucan on Protective Qi Deficiency in Adults / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To preliminarily explore the potential effect of β-glucan on Chinese medicine (CM) concept protective qi deficiency (PQD), and the methodology for future definitive studies.@*METHODS@#To have a standardized assessment of PQD, a list of 13 potentially PQD-relevant parameters were firstly created, each with defined quantitative or categorial scales. Using the data from 37 participants with (21 cases) or without (16 cases) PQD, multivariate logistic modeling was conducted to create a preliminary diagnostic PQD risk score. Subsequently, 21 participants diagnosed with PQD were treated with β-glucan in a dose of 200 mg/day for 8 weeks. Data were collected for trial acceptability measures (rate of recruitment, withdrawal, and compliance), and the participants were assessed for PQD status at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter.@*RESULTS@#The preliminary logistic model consisted of 3 parameters (low voice and apathy, aversion to wind and cold, and Cun pulse). The resulting risk score demonstrated a degree of PQD-predicting accuracy that, as evaluated by statistical (discrimination and classification) methods, was higher than those obtained from any of the individual candidate parameters. The 21 PQD participants treated with β-glucan demonstrated good receptibility and a time-dependent improvement in PQD status as evidenced by the decrease of PQD participant to 9.5% at the end of study.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study demonstrated the effect of proof-of-concept of β-glucan on improving PQD and the proof-of-concept of a multivariate-model-derived diagnostic PQD risk score. It also indicated feasibility for future definitive studies. Studies like this embody an innovative approach that uses therapies derived from the mainstream biomedicine to enrich therapeutics guided by CM principle. (Trial registration No. NCT03829228).

Efficacy and safety of different antiplatelet drugs on coronary heart disease with hyperhomocysteinemia / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD) and hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy).Methods:A total of 101 patients with CHD complicated with HHcy who had successfully undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled. They were divided into ticagrelor group ( n=49) and clopidogrel group ( n=52) according to the different antiplatelet drugs used. The clinical data of the two groups were collected, and the incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events (MACCE) and bleeding events in one year were compared between the two groups. Results:There was no statistical difference in baseline datas and PCI datas between the clopidogrel and ticagrelor groups ( P>0.05). Compared with clopidogrel group, ticagrelor can reduce the total MACCE (8.16% vs 32.69%, P<0.05) and the incidence of unstable angina pectoris events (0 vs 13.46%, P<0.05) in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia PCI 1 year after operation. The incidences of ischemic stroke, unstable angina pectoris, recurrent myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic death were compared separately between the two groups, and the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The incidence of major bleeding events, minor bleeding events, and minimal bleeding events were similar between the two groups, and the difference was not statistically significant (4.08% vs 0; 4.08% vs 1.92%; 20.41% vs 9.62%; P>0.05). Conclusions:In patients with CHD and Hhcy, ticagrelor can play a better antithrombotic effect, reduce the incidence of ischemic events, and has good security, which is more worthy of clinical recommendation.

Road traffic injury mortality and morbidity by country development status, 2011-2017 / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#This research examined road traffic injury mortality and morbidity disparities across of country development status, and discussed the possibility of reducing country disparities by various actions to accelerate the pace of achieving Sustainable Development Goals target 3.6 - to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020.@*METHODS@#Data for road traffic mortality, morbidity, and socio-demographic index (SDI) were extracted by country from the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease study, and the implementation of the three types of national actions (legislation, prioritized vehicle safety standards, and trauma-related post-crash care service) were extracted from the Global Status Report on Road Safety by World Health Organization. We fitted joinpoint regression analysis to identify and quantify the significant rate changes from 2011 to 2017.@*RESULTS@#Age-adjusted road traffic mortality decreased substantially for all the five SDI categories from 2011 to 2017 (by 7.52%-16.08%). Age-adjusted road traffic mortality decreased significantly as SDI increased in the study time period, while age-adjusted morbidity generally increased as SDI increased. Subgroup analysis by road user yielded similar results, but with two major differences during the study period of 2011 to 2017: (1) pedestrians in the high SDI countries experienced the lowest mortality (1.68-1.90 per 100,000 population) and morbidity (110.45-112.72 per 100,000 population for incidence and 487.48-491.24 per 100,000 population for prevalence), and (2) motor vehicle occupants in the high SDI countries had the lowest mortality (4.07-4.50 per 100,000 population) but the highest morbidity (428.74-467.78 per 100,000 population for incidence and 1025.70-1116.60 per 100,000 population for prevalence). Implementation of the three types of national actions remained nearly unchanged in all five SDI categories from 2011 to 2017 and was consistently stronger in the higher SDI countries than in the lower SDI countries. Lower income nations comprise the heaviest burden of global road traffic injuries and deaths.@*CONCLUSION@#Global road traffic deaths would decrease substantially if the large mortality disparities across country development status were reduced through full implementation of proven national actions including legislation and law enforcement, prioritized vehicle safety standards and trauma-related post-crash care services.

Effects of different hemodialysis methods on insulin resistance, inflammatory factors and coronary artery calcification in patients with non-diabetic end-stage renal disease / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the effects of low flux and high flux hemodialysis on insulin resistance (IR), inflammatory factors and coronary artery calcification(CAC) in patients with non-diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and analyze the related factors affecting the prognosis survival of patients. 【Methods】 A total of 217 patients with non-diabetic ESRD treated in our hospital from February 2015 to April 2017 were selected and randomly divided into control group (n=108) and observation group (n=109) according to the random number table. Low flux and high flux hemodialysis were adopted respectively. Baseline data, renal function, lipid metabolism, inflammatory factors, IR, CAC, complications, outcomes and health and economic benefits of the two groups were compared. The patients were followed up for 3 years and divided into survival group (n=130) and death group (n=75). The clinical data of the two groups were compared and related factors affecting the prognosis and survival were analyzed. 【Results】 Scr, BUN, UAER, TC, TG and LDL-C in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment [control group: Scr (μmol/L)349.62±37.16 vs 201.73±24.58, BUN (mmol/L) 28.43±5.39 vs20.81±3.47, UAER(μg /min)60.14±11.52 vs 55.73±9.86, TC (mmol/L)5.46±0.93 vs 4.75±0.69, TG (mmol/L)2.58±0.64 vs 2.13±0.57, LDL-C(mmol/L)3.69±0.73 vs 2.45±0.60; observation group: Scr (μmol/L) 352.14±38.29 vs 136.85±16.47, BUN (mmol/L) 27.96±5.25 vs17.56±3.68, UAER(μg /min) 60.32±12.07 vs 49.85±7.42, TC (mmol/L)5.48±0.97 vs 4.27±0.56, TG (mmol/L) 2.55±0.62 vs 1.49±0.35, LDL-C(mmol/L) 3.72±0.74 vs1.91±0.48), and eGFR and HDL-C were significantly higher than those before treatment [control group: eGFR(mL/min/1.73m)29.32±3.25 vs 72.54±7.86, HDL-C(mmol/L)1.13±0.24 vs1.28±0.31, observation group: eGFR(mL/min/1.73m)30.05±3.29 vs 121.63±13.34, HDL-C(mmol/L)1.09±0.22 vs 1.57±0.46), differences between groups were statistically significant (P<0.05); FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and hs-CRP in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment [control group: FBG(mmol/L)4.99±0.95 vs 4.52±0.63, FINS(mU/L)12.93±2.54 vs10.15±2.21, HOMA-IR 2.87±0.54 vs 2.04±0.43, IL-6(pg/mL)120.16±13.54 vs 75.94±9.28, IL-8(mg/L)56.83±6.15 vs 41.52±5.38, TNF-α(ng/L)50.03±5.42 vs 45.62±4.81, hs-CRP(mg/L)26.75±2.79 vs 14.37±2.19; observation group: FBG(mmol/L)5.01±0.97 vs 4.11±0.56, FINS(mU/L)13.07±2.62 vs 8.86±1.79, HOMA-IR 2.91±0.55 vs 1.62±0.31, IL-6(pg/mL)119.85±12.91 vs 31.07±4.46, IL-8(mg/L)57.04±6.09 vs 32.65±4.27, TNF-α(ng/L)49.78±5.36 vs 40.15±4.27, hs-CRP(mg/L)23.04±2.82 vs 7.56±1.03], and the CACS score was significantly higher than that before treatment(control group: 26.75±2.79 vs 53.68±26.93, observation group: 27.04±2.82 vs 75.49±7.66), differences between groups are statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the total incidence of complications during dialysis was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05), and has more economic advantages.Venerable age(OR=1.893, P<0.05), low HDL-C level(OR=0.575, P<0.05), high CACS score(OR=2.384, P<0.05), and high hs-CRP level(OR=3.526, P<0.05) were independent risk factors affecting the survival rate of non-diabetic ESRD patients after dialysis treatment (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Compared with low-flux hemodialysis, high-flux hemodialysis has significant effects in improving renal function, lipid metabolism, IR, micro-inflammatory state, and reducing CAC progression and complications, with more prominent cost-effectiveness advantages. HDL-C and Hs-CRP levels and CACS scores of patients should be closely monitored during clinical application, and active preventive measures should be taken to improve the survival rate of patients.

Detection of carotid intima and media thicknesses based on ultrasound B-mode images clustered with Gaussian mixture model / 生物医学工程学杂志

In clinic, intima and media thickness are the main indicators for evaluating the development of atherosclerosis. At present, these indicators are measured by professional doctors manually marking the boundaries of the inner and media on B-mode images, which is complicated, time-consuming and affected by many artificial factors. A grayscale threshold method based on Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) clustering is therefore proposed to detect the intima and media thickness in carotid arteries from B-mode images in this paper. Firstly, the B-mode images are clustered based on the GMM, and the boundary between the intima and media of the vessel wall is then detected by the gray threshold method, and finally the thickness of the two is measured. Compared with the measurement technique using the gray threshold method directly, the clustering of B-mode images of carotid artery solves the problem of gray boundary blurring of inner and middle membrane, thereby improving the stability and detection accuracy of the gray threshold method. In the clinical trials of 120 healthy carotid arteries, means of 4 manual measurements obtained by two experts are used as reference values. Experimental results show that the normalized root mean square errors (NRMSEs) of the estimated intima and media thickness after GMM clustering were 0.104 7 ± 0.076 2 and 0.097 4 ± 0.068 3, respectively. Compared with the results of the direct gray threshold estimation, means of NRMSEs are reduced by 19.6% and 22.4%, respectively, which indicates that the proposed method has higher measurement accuracy. The standard deviations are reduced by 17.0% and 21.7%, respectively, which indicates that the proposed method has better stability. In summary, this method is helpful for early diagnosis and monitoring of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.

Interpretation of clinical guidelines for comprehensive interventional diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot (fifth edition) / 医学研究生学报

According to the latest research progress at home and abroad, and the domestic situation, China Diabetic Cellular and Interventional Therapy Technology Alliance forDiabetic Foot developed and issued the fifth edition of clinical guidelines for comprehensive interventional diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot, which covers domestic evidence,references foreign evidence, and reflects the progress in China. The interpretation focuses on the updated key points.