Oxidative Damage to BV2 Cells by Trichloroacetic Acid: Protective Role of Boron via the p53 Pathway / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

This study aimed to investigate the neurotoxicity induced by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and the possible protective mechanisms of boron (B). Mouse BV2 cells were treated with TCA (0, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, or 12.5 mmol/L) and B (0, 7.8, 15.6, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 500, or 1,000 mmol/L) for 3 h and 24 h, respectively. Then, reactive oxygen species, and supernatant proinflammatory cytokine and protein levels were analyzed after 24 h of combined exposure. Beyond the dose-dependent decrease in the cellular viability, it clearly increased after B supplementation ( P < 0.05). Moreover, B decreased oxidative damage, and significantly down-regulated IL-6 levels and up-regulated TNF-β production ( P < 0.05). B also decreased apoptosis via the p53 pathway. The present findings indicated that TCA may induce oxidative damage, whereas B mitigates these adverse effects by decreasing cell apoptosis.

Predictors of long-term efficacy and recurrence of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for idiopathic choroidal neovascularization / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects and influence factors of intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs in the treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (ICNV).Methods:This retrospective study involved 27 patients (27 eyes) with ICNV from July 2012 to July 2015. Patients received intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg), ranibizumab (0.05 mg), additional injection was provided if it was needed. The average follow-up time was 168 weeks. The recovery of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal retinal thickness (CRT) of the affected eye was observed. Follow up once a month after the initial treatment until the lesion was completely absorbed or scarred (the first follow-up period). Follow up every 12 weeks was performed to observe the recurrence of the lesions (the second stage of long-term follow-up). One month after the last injection of the first follow-up period, according to the regression of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), the affected eyes were divided into a significant improvement group (significant improvement group) and an insignificant improvement group (non-significant improvement group)), to analyze the effects of age, course of disease, type of drugs, number of injections, baseline BCVA and CRT on the regression of CNV lesions. According to the results of long-term follow-up, the eyes were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group, and the factors affecting the recurrence of CNV lesions were analyzed. Measurement data between groups was compared by using independent sample t test or non-parametric test; count data was compared by using χ2 test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting the regression and recurrence of the lesion. Results:At baseline and 1 month after the last injection in the first stage, the average BCVA of the eyes were 55.70±15.21 and 73.59±12.08 letters; CRT was 338.3±89.32 and 264.5±47.47 μm, respectively. The BCVA and CRT of the affected eyes were compared at the two time points, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z= -3.886, -4.061; P<0.001). The BCVA of the eyes in the significant improvement group and the insignificant improvement group were 65.38±17.27 and 51.63±12.61 letters, respectively; the difference between the two groups of BCVA was statistically significant ( t=-2.316, P=0.029). The results of long-term follow-up showed that of the 27 eyes, 6 eyes had recurrence; the average recurrence time was 90.83±49.02 weeks. After another intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs, the CNV lesions was resolved. The average injection times of the relapsed group and the non-relapsed group were 3.67±0.816 and 2.24±0.768, respectively. The average injection times of the relapsed group was significantly higher than that of the non-relapsed group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-3.253, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of eyes at baseline and CRT at the last follow-up ( Z=-1.342,-1.313; P=0.195, 0.195). Conclusion:Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs can effectively increase the regression rate of BCVA and CNV lesions in ICNV eyes; high baseline visual acuity indicates better CNV lesion regression after treatment. Relapsed patients can be effectively improved after re-treatment with anti-VEGF drugs, and CNV recurrence has no significant effect on the final prognosis.

Comparative Toxicity of Nanomaterials to Air-blood Barrier Permeability Using an In Vitro Model / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To comparatively study the toxicity of four metal-containing nanoparticles (MNPs) and their chemical counterparts to the air-blood barrier (ABB) permeability using an in vitro model.@*METHODS@#ABB model, which was developed via the co-culturing of A549 and pulmonary capillary endothelium, was exposed to spherical CuO-NPs (divided into CuO-40, CuO-80, and CuO-100 based on particle size), nano-Al2O3 (sheet and short-rod-shaped), nano-ZnO, nano-PbS, CuSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Zn(CH3COO)2, and Pb(NO3)2 for 60 min. Every 10 min following exposure, the cumulative cleared volume (ΔTCL) of Lucifer yellow by the model was calculated. A clearance curve was established using linear regression analysis of ΔTCL versus time. Permeability coefficient (P) was calculated based on the slope of the curve to represent the degree of change in the ABB permeability.@*RESULTS@#The results found the increased P values of CuO-40, CuO-80, sheet, and short-rod-shaped nano-Al2O3, Al2(SO4)3, and Pb(NO3)2. Among them, small CuO-40 and CuO-80 were stronger than CuO-100 and CuSO4; no difference was observed between Al2(SO4)3 and sheet and short-rod-shaped nano-Al2O3; and nano-PbS was slightly weaker than Pb(NO3)2. So clearly the MNPs possess diverse toxicity.@*CONCLUSION@#ABB permeability abnormality means pulmonary toxicity potential. More studies are warranted to understand MNPs toxicity and ultimately control the health hazards.

Can Ashi points stimulation have specific effects on shoulder pain? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide an evidence-based overview regarding the efficacy of Ashi points stimulation for the treatment of shoulder pain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A comprehensive search [PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing Weipu Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP) and Wanfang Database] was conducted to identify randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of Ashi points stimulation for shoulder pain compared with conventional treatment. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.0 was used for data synthesis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine trials were included. Seven studies assessed the effectiveness of Ashi points stimulation on response rate compared with conventional acupuncture. Their results suggested significant effect in favour of Ashi points stimulation [odds ratio (OR): 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.97 to 11.67, P<0.01, heterogeneity: χ(2) =3.81, P=0.70, I (2) =0% ]. One trial compared Ashi points stimulation with drug therapy. The result showed there was a significantly greater recovery rate in group of Ashi points stimulation (OR: 9.58, 95% CI: 2.69 to 34.12). One trial compared comprehensive treatment on the myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) with no treatment and the result was in favor of MTrPs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ashi points stimulation might be superior to conventional acupuncture, drug therapy and no treatment for shoulder pain. However, due to the low methodological quality of included studies, a firm conclusion could not be reached until further studies of high quality are available.</p>

Clinical study of 40 cases with chronic hydrocephalus after traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical features and treatment methods of chronic hydrocephalus after traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.Methods A total of 40 cases of chronic hydrocephalus after traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage were analyzed retrospectively.Results Eight cases improved after treatment of non-operation,the lateral ventricle external drainage was done in 32 cases of chronic hydrocephalus.Shunt tube obstruction occurred in 3 patients,with abdominal,subcutaneous and intracranial infection.The shunting operation device was pulled out and the 3 patients received operation for the second time.Two cases appeared intracranial hemorrhage,and the hemorrhage was absorbed after conservative treatment.Total Glasgow prognosis score was good in 32 cases,with mild disability in 5 cases,moderate disability in 2 cases and severe disability in 1 case.Conclusions Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage after chronic hydrocephalus should be early diagnosed and early treated,CT and MRI scan is the effective means to the diagnosis and differentiaion.The lateral ventricle external drainage is good method in treatment.

Acute Dermal Irritation Analysis of Different Type of Cosmetics / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To analyze the dermal irritation characteristics of 8 types of cosmetics.Methods The selected 917 cosmetics samples of 8 types,which were underwent the health safety test in China during 2005-2007,were assessed in the acute dermal irritation according to the related standards and the data were statistically analyzed using CMH method.Results The dermal-irritant samples were detected in different levels in 8 types of cosmetics.In terms of the irritation of cosmetics and the dermal damage caused by cosmetics,the cosmetics for hair,for face clean and for bath showed a significant higher proportion compared with the other types of cosmetics and the dermal damage could last for more than 14 days.Conclusion The acute dermal-irritability is different in 8 types of cosmetics,the cosmetics for hair,for face clean and for bath can cause the irritation and damage in the skin in degrees.

A Cross-sectional Study on the Relationship between Plasma Fibrinogen Level and the Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease / 中国慢性病预防与控制

Objective To examine the relationship between the levels of plasma fibrinogen and the Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease(PAOD)in an elderly population.Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban Beijing sample of 2 680 subjects aged 60 years or older.Plasma fibrinogen was measured by the means of dispersion and comparing turbidity.PAOD was assessed by symptoms of intermittent claudication(IC)as measured by the WHO/ROSE questionnaire and an ankle-arm systolic blood pressure index(AAI)(

Preliminary study on RT-PCR-ELISA method for virus titer testing of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the RT-PCR-ELISA method applied for testing live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine titer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A solid phase hybridization-enzyme colorimetric detection method was used for detecting specific nucleic acid. Primer labeled with biotin was used to amplify viral gene fragment, then the product was quickly hybridized with the specific probe covalently coupled on DNA-binding microplate wells. Finally, peroxidase-labeled streptavidin was used in colorimetric detection. The results were judged by reading A value. Eleven batches of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine titer were tested by this method. The results were compared with that of routine cell culture method (CCID50).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sensitivity was similar to routine cell culture method (P>0.05). This method was convenient, fast and specific.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CCID50 method may be replaced by the RT-PCR-ELISA method in evaluating the titer of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine.</p>

A case-control study on the risk factors of Alzheimer's disease in military elderly men / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with life style, early exposure to magnetic fields, family history of dementia and other risk factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a case-control study among the inpatients of Chinese PLA General Hospital in 2000 - 2003. Sixty-two AD cases and 124 controls were selected and matched for age. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All subjects were males aged 66 to 102. In univariate analysis, lack of social activities, more physical exercises, early exposure to magnetic fields, suffering from negative life events and family history of dementia were statistically different between two groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that after adjusting for potential confounders, suffering from negative life events, family histories of dementia increased the risk of AD with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.27 (1.53 - 6.97) and 5.78 (1.39 - 24.10). Early exposure to magnetic fields seemed a possible risk factor for AD, with OR (95% CI) 2.49 (0.96 - 6.45). The amount of social activities, cigarette smoking and history of cancers were negatively correlated with AD and their ORs (95% CI) were 0.81 (0.72 - 0.92), 0.46 (0.21 - 1.00) and 0.31 (0.12 - 0.82) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The study demonstrated that suffering from negative life events and family history of dementia were risk factors for AD, and the early exposure to magnetic fields might also play a role.</p>