Characteristics of amino acid metabolism in preterm infants in Guangxi, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the characteristics of amino acid metabolism in preterm infants in Guangxi, China.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 30 757 neonates who underwent the screening for inherited metabolic diseases and had negative results in Guangxi Neonatal Disease Screening Center from 2018 to 2020. Among these neonates, there were 28 611 normal full-term infants (control group) and 2 146 preterm infants (preterm birth group). According to gestational age, the preterm infants were further divided into four groups: very preterm (n=209), moderately preterm (n=307), and late preterm group (n=1 630). According to birth weight, they were divided into three groups: very low birth weight group (n=161), low birth weight group (n=1 085), and normal birth weight group (n=900). According to blood collection time, they were divided into three groups: 3-7 days group (n=1 664), 8-14 days group (n=314) and 15-28 days group (n=168). Tandem mass spectrometry was performed to measure the levels of 11 amino acids in dried blood spots, which were then compared between groups.@*RESULTS@#After adjustment for confounding factors, there were significant differences in the levels of 11 amino acids among different gestational age groups (P<0.05), and significant differences were observed in the levels of the 11 amino acids between the control group and the various preterm groups (except for citrulline and methionine in the late preterm group). There were significant differences in the levels of 11 amino acids among different birth weight groups (P<0.05). Except for ornithine, there were significant differences in the levels of other amino acids among the different blood collection time groups (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Gestational age, birth weight and blood collection time all affect amino acid metabolism in preterm infants in Guangxi, China. This provides a basis for the laboratory to establish the reference standard and clinical interpretation of blood amino acid levels in preterm infants, and to improve the nutritional metabolism of preterm infants.

Progress on Q-marker research of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces / 中草药

Traditional Chinese medgkuicine (TCM) decoction pieces are the intermediate link of the three major Chinese medicine industrial chains of "medicinal materials-decoction pieces-preparations". In recent years, people have gradually realized the importance of the quality control of decoction pieces. Q-marker of TCM have been widely studied after it was proposed, and there have been relatively complete research ideas of Q-marker in medicinal materials and preparations, while few research on decoction pieces Q-marker was reported. This paper reviews and analyzes the research on Q-marker of TCM, aims to explore some research ideas for decoction pieces Q-marker, according to their processing characteristics and research status.

Effect of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 on the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α-1 in the colon tissue of children with Hirschsprung's disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the expression levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α-1 (GFRα1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in the intestinal tissue of children with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), as well as the role of EZH2 in the regulation of GFRα1 gene expression and the pathogenesis of HSCR.@*METHODS@#The samples of colon tissue with spasm from 24 children with HSCR after radical treatment of HSCR were selected as the experimental group, and the samples of necrotized colon tissue from 18 children with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis after surgical resection were selected as the control group. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression levels of GFRα1 and EZH2 in colon tissue in both groups. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were divided into an EZH2 over-expression group and a negative control group. The cells in the EZH2 over-expression group were transfected with pCMV6-EZH2 plasmid, and those in the negative control group were transfected with pCMV6 plasmid. The expression levels of EZH2 and GFRα1 were measured after transfection.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of GFRα1 and EZH2 in colon tissue (P<0.05), and the protein expression of EZH2 was positively correlated with that of GFRα1 (r=0.606, P=0.002). Compared with the negative control group, the EZH2 over-expression group had significant increases in the expression levels of EZH2 and GFRα1 after SH-SY5Y cells were transfected with EZH2 over-expression plasmid (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Low expression of EZH2 in the colon tissue of children with HSCR may be one of the causes of inadequate expression of GFRα1 and onset of HSCR.

Economic burden and related factors on inpatients with HBV-related diseases in Shandong province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the economic burden of patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cluster sampling was used on cases consecutively collected during the study period. Questionnaire survey was conducted and information on the expenses during hospitalization was collected from the hospital records and through interviewing those patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Yearly costs related to patients with acute hepatitis B, severe hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma were 66.7, 138.1, 127.4, 151.7 and 377.2 thousand Yuan, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>from multiple linear regression model showed that the type of medical insurance scheme, annual days of hospitalization, classifications of HBV-related diseases and personal income were major influencing factors on the cost.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBV infection caused considerable burden to families and the society, indicating that HBV infection control programs would bring huge potential benefits. The reform of insurance scheme should be administrated to promote social fairness.</p>

Molecular cloning, expression pattern, and putative cis-acting elements of a 4-coumarate: CoA ligase gene in bamboo (Neosinocalamus affinis)

Background: 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) plays an important role at the divergence point from general phenylpropanoid metabolism to several branch pathways. Although 4CL sin higher plants have been extensively studied, little has known about the 4CL gene of bamboo. Results: In current study, a Na4CL gene putative encoding 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) and its 5’-flanking region were isolated from bamboo (Neosinocalamus affinis) by RACE-PCR and genomic DNA walker, respectively. Na4CL encodes a predicted protein of 557 amino acids, with conserved motifs of adenylate-forming enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Na4CL shared 62~85 percent identity with other known plant 4CLs, and cluster closely with some known 4CLs in monocots. Sequence analysis revealed conserved cis-acting elements (Box A and AC-II element) present in the Na4CL promoter. Additionally, a Na4CL RNAi construct was transformed into tobacco. Transgenic tobaccos displayed significant down-expression of endogenesis 4CL and reduced lignin contents. Conclusion: These results contribute to the knowledge of the presence of Na4CL gene and its possible role in phenylpropanoid metabolism.

Mechanism of radiosensitization of 3-methyladenine in human hypopharynx cancer cells / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the radiosensitizing effect and its mechanism of 3-MA in human hypopharynx cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>5 mmol/L of 3-MA combined with 2 Gy or 4 Gy of X-ray was utilized to deal with Fadu cells, and the cell livability (cloning efficiency) and DNA lesion severity (tail moment) of each groups was examined by clonogenic survival assay and comet assay, then differences were compared between groups by independent-sample T test. Fadu cells were then treated with different dose of 3-MA (1, 2, 5, 10 mmol/L), the alteration of cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometer, and differences among groups were analyzed through one-way analysis of variance. The expression of p62 and cyclinB1 in each group was examined by western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The livability and DNA lesion severity of cells treated with 3-MA alone showed no notable variation. Compared with non-3-MA groups, the cloning efficiency of cells treated with 3-MA decreased much more after irradiated with 2 Gy or 4 Gy of X-ray (t = 13.41 or 13.98, P < 0.001), and the cells showed a more serious DNA lesion (t = 7.07 or 6.91, P < 0.001). The G2/M percentages of cells in the control group and groups treated with 1, 2, 5, 10 mmol/L of 3-MA were 17.10 ± 1.20, 23.30 ± 2.3, 39.90 ± 3.12, 58.47 ± 1.65, 76.13 ± 3.51 and differences among groups were statistically significant (F = 278.4, P < 0.05). The expression of p62 in cells treated with 3-MA showed a dose-dependent increase, while cyclinB1 showed a dose-dependent decrease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA could enhance radiosensitivity of human hypopharynx cancer cells by inducing G2/M arrest and enhancing irradiation-induced DNA damage.</p>

Application of narrow band imaging endoscopy in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal lesions / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between December 2009 and April 2010, a total of 124 patients with nasopharyngeal lesions were examined with electronic nasopharyngolaryngoscope equipped with the white light mode and NBI mode. The biopsies of nasopharyngeal lesions were done in all patients. The characteristics of morphologies of mucosa and mucosal superficial vessels of each lesion under NBI mode were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of all cases, there were 1 of papilloma, 87 of lymphoid follicular hyperplasia and chronic inflammation, 11 of nasopharyngeal cysts, and 25 of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. According to the pathological results, the morphologies of nasopharyngeal lesions under NBI mode were quite different. The color depth of the mucosa could be divided into four types: light red (+), dark red (++), prunosus (+++), and blue or blue black (++++). Under NBI, the color depths were (+) in papilloma, (++) in nasopharyngeal cysts, and (+++) in lymphoid follicular hyperplasia and chronic inflammation, without abnormal vessels. The color depths were (+++)-(++++) in nasopharyngeal cancer, with abnormal vessels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NBI has a potential ability to predict pathological results of nasopharyngeal lesions.</p>

Estimation on disease burden related to hepatitis B virus infection in Shandong province of China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To comprehensively measure the burden of hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in Shandong province, using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to estimate the disease burden attribute to hepatitis B virus (HBV)infection. Methods Based on the mortality data of hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer derived from the third National Sampling Retrospective Survey for Causes of Death during 2004 and 2005, the incidence data of hepatitis B and the prevalence and the disability weights of liver cancer gained from the Shandong Cancer Prevalence Sampling Survey in 2007, we calculated the years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs) and DALYs of three diseases following the procedures developed for the global burden of disease (GBD) study to ensure the comparability. Results The total burden for hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer were 211 616 (39 377 YLLs and 172 239 YLDs), 16 783 (13 497 YLLs and 3286 YLDs) and 247 795 (240 236 YLLs and 7559 YLDs) DALYs in 2005 respectively, and men were 2.19, 2.36 and 3.16 times as that for women, respectively in Shandong province. The burden for hepatitis B was mainly because of disability (81.39%). However, most burden on liver cirrhosis and liver cancer were due to premature death (80.42% and 96.95%). The burden of each patient related to hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer were 4.8, 13.73 and 11.11 respectively. Conclusion Hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer caused considerable burden to the people living in Shandong province, indicating that the control of hepatitis B virus infection would bring huge potential benefits.

Analysis of surgical treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the individual surgical treatment of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between Feb. 1989 and Oct. 2004, different kinds of surgical approaches in 51 patients with angiofibromas were retrospectively analysed. Using Fisch stage: thirty three cases were in stage I and II, 22 cases via palatal approach, 11 cases via endoscopic surgery;18 cases were in stage IIN and IV, 9 cases via lateral rhinotomy approach, 4 cases via midfacial degloving approach + Lefort I approach or modified maxillotomy, 5 cases via craniofacial approach. Twenty three cases accepted the embolization of the artery which feed the tumor, 7 cases in stage IV, 8 cases in stage IlI, 5 cases in stage II, 3 cases in stage I.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average of blood loss was 1010 ml in operation but it became 200 - 870 ml (the average of blood loss was 485 ml) when had a selective preoperative embolization. The blood loss of none selective preoperative embolization was 500 - 3500 ml (the average of blood loss was 1600 ml), t = 7. 48, P < 0.05, the average of blood loss of selective preoperative embolization is less than the average of blood loss of none selective preoperative embolization. After 9 to 48 months of operation (the average time was 26.4 months), 8 cases recurred one time and 2 cases recurred two times.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The preoperative embolization could reduce the amount of bleeding during operation. In patients who are in stage I and II, searching endoscopic surgery could avoid the effect on craniofacial development which traditional surgical procedure did. For patient who are in stage III and IV, midfacial degloving approach and Lefort I approach or modified maxillotomy are not only good for exclusive resection of the tumor but also have less effect on articulation and beautiful cosmetic outlook.</p>

Repair of pharynx with acellular dermal matrix / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the repair of pharynx.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>From June 2003 to December 2004, 18 cases of laryngopharyngeal carcinoma or oropharyngeal carcinoma accepted treatment of surgery. Four of them had the tumor in the place of posterior wall of laryngopharynx or oropharynx. In the operation, the tumor was resected and the function of larynx was reserved, reconstruction of the posterior wall of laryngopharynx or oropharynx was made with ADM. Three of them had normal function of vocal cords and the tumor was in the place of posterior wall of pharynx and lateral wall of piriform fossa. These patients accepted resection of the tumor and the larynx was reserved. ADM was sutured to the prevertebral fascia to repair the pharynx, reinforcement was made with sternocleidomastoid muscle then. The other 11 patients had the tumor in the pharynx and cervico-esophagus and the vocal cords were fixed. These cases accepted total resection of the larynx and laryngopharynx. ADM was sutured to the prevertebral fascia to repair the posterior wall of laryngopharynx, musculo-cutaneous flap of pectoralis major muscle was made to repair the anterior and lateral walls. All these 18 patients accepted radiotherapy after the operation, the dosage was 60-70 Gy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among all these 18 cases, no rejection of ADM or formation of pharynx fistula happened after the operation. The allograft became normal mucosa finally. Two patients had subcutaneous infection. After the treatment of dressing change and antibiotics, the wound healing was satisfying. All the 18 patients had resumption of oral diet finally but 3 of them had light mis-swallowing. Seven patients whose larynx were reserved had the trachea cannula pulled out The follow-up periods after the operation lasted 12 months to 30 months. The middle follow-up period was 19. 38 months. Neither rejection nor scar formation of the allograft happened. The follow-up of 11 patients lasted more than 18 months, 3 of them had relapse of tumor. After the second operation 1 patient was still alive and 2 patients died of distant metastasis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ADM can be easily obtained. Its histocompatibility were perfect The operative procedure were easy to perform. The complications of donor part can be totally avoided. The combined use of ADM and musculo-cutaneous flap of pectoralis major muscle or other neck tissue was safe and effective in the reconstruction of pharynx.</p>

Clinical treatment of venous malformations with retained copper needles / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>UNLABELLED</b>OBJECTIVE; To evaluate a technique with retained copper needles for the treatment of venous malformations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With 78 venous malformation cases, there were three methods were applied for the treatment respectively, including copper needles in the lesion only, vascular ligation with the copper needles in the lesion, and electrical puncture with the copper needles in the lesion.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were totally 96% effective rate achieved in this clinical data.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The retained copper needles technique may be a simple and effective method for the treatment of venous, malformations resulting in vessel denaturation, fibrosis and disappearance of structure.</p>

Epidemiological analysis of cases with rash and fever illness after measles vaccine inoculation during 1999 to 2002 in Shandong province, China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the incidence of cases with rash and fever illness (RFIs) after measles vaccine (MV) inoculation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>During 1999 to 2002, 150 RFIs cases reported by the special measles surveillance system in Shandong province, China, were investigated and analyzed epidemiologically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>7 674 690 ml MV were distributed during 1999 to 2002 and the annual average incidence of RFIs cases after MV inoculation was 0.20/10 000 ml (0.2 ml per dose). There was significant difference of incidences each year (chi(2) = 10.13, P < 0.05). All RFIs cases were sporadically distributed without epidemiological links. Clinical symptoms showed that 88.67% of the 150 RFIs cases having > 38.5 degrees C fever and 75.33% of all cases appeared typical rash after 4 to 11 days (the medium was 8 days) after MV inoculation. The order of rash onset among RFIs cases was consistent with that of regular measles cases caused by wild virus. 68.67% of the RFIs cases had first MV inoculation and 94.71% were 8 to 12 month-olds. IgM sera antibody test from RFIs cases were rubella negative and 45.65% positive for measles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>RFIs due to allergic reaction or measles vaccine virus infection might occur after MV inoculation. There seemed to be a correlation between RFIs incidence and the doses of MV. Measles virus genotype analysis needs to be carried out to confirm if the onset of some RFIs cases is aetiologically associated to MV vaccine virus infection.</p>