Clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment. microRNA-146a is known to regulate inflammatory responses, and excessive inflammation is a primary characteristic of MPP. Methods Children with MPP received conventional symptomatic therapy along with intravenous administration of azithromycin for one week. Serum levels of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA kits, respectively. The correlation between microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was analyzed by the Pearson method. Pulmonary function indexes were assessed using a pulmonary function analyzer, and their correlation with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors after treatment was evaluated. Children with MPP were divided into effective and ineffective treatment groups, and the clinical significance of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results Serum microRNA-146a was downregulated in children with MPP but upregulated after azithromycin treatment, contrasting with the trend observed for pro-inflammatory factors. MicroRNA-146a showed a negative correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pulmonary function parameters were initially reduced in children with MPP, but increased after treatment, showing positive/inverse associations with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors. Higher microRNA-146a and lower pro-inflammatory factors predicted better efficacy of azithromycin treatment. MicroRNA-146a, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) were identified as independent factors influencing treatment efficacy. Conclusion Azithromycin treatment in children with MPP upregulates microRNA-146a, downregulates pro-inflammatory factors, and effectively improves pulmonary function.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in spinal dorsal cord in a rat model with chronic neuropathic pain / O efeito da dexmedetomidina na expressão do óxido nítrico sintase neuronal na medula espinhal dorsal em um modelo rato com dor neuropática crônica

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain typically refers to the pain caused by somatosensory system injury or diseases, which is usually characterized by ambulatory pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. Nitric oxide produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the spinal dorsal cord might serve a predominant role in regulating the algesia of neuropathic pain. The high efficacy and safety, as well as the plausible ability in providing comfort, entitle dexmedetomidine (DEX) to an effective anesthetic adjuvant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DEX on the expression of nNOS in spinal dorsal cord in a rat model with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into three groups: sham operation group (sham), (of the sciatic nerve) operation (CCI) group, and dexmedetomidine (DEX) group. Chronic neuropathic pain models in the CCI and DEX groups were established by sciatic nerve ligation. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) was measured on day 1 before operation and on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 after operation. Six animals were sacrificed after TWL measurement on day 7, and 14 days after operation, in each group, the L4-6 segment of the spinal cords was extracted for determination of nNOS expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham group, the TWL threshold was significantly decreased and the expression of nNOS was up-regulated after operation in the CCI and DEX groups. Compared with the CCI grou[, the TWL threshold was significantly increased and the expression of nNOS was significantly down-regulated on day 7 and 14 days after operation in the DEX group. Conclusion Down-regulated nNOS in the spinal dorsal cord is involved in the attenuation of neuropathic pain by DEX.

Resumo Antecedentes A dor neuropática refere-se tipicamente à dor causada por lesões ou doenças do sistema somatossensorial. De modo geral, é caracterizada por dor à ambulação, alodinia e hiperalgesia. O óxido nítrico produzido pela enzima óxido nítrico sintase neuronal (nNOS) na medula espinhal dorsal pode ter um papel predominante na regulação da dor neuropática. A alta eficácia e segurança, bem como a plausível capacidade de proporcionar conforto, faz com que a dexmedetomidina (DEX) seja um adjuvante anestésico eficaz. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da DEX na expressão de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal em um modelo de ratos com dor neuropática crônica. Métodos Ratos Sprague Dawley (SD) machos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo de cirurgia simulada (sham), grupo de cirurgia (do nervo ciático; CCI) e grupo dexmedetomidina (DEX). Os modelos de dor neuropática crônica nos grupos CCI e DEX foram estabelecidos por ligadura do nervo ciático. A latência de retirada térmica (TWL) foi medida no dia 1 antes da cirurgia e nos dias 1, 3, 7 e 14 após o procedimento. Seis animais de cada grupo foram eutanasiados após a medida de TWL nos dias 7 e 14 após a cirurgia e o segmento L4-6 da medula espinhal foi extraído para determinação da expressão de nNOS por imuno-histoquímica. Resultados Em comparação ao grupo sham, o limiar de TWL diminuiu significativamente e a expressão de nNOS foi regulada de maneira positiva após a cirurgia nos grupos CCI e DEX. Comparado ao grupo CCI, o limiar de TWL aumentou de forma significativa e a expressão de nNOS caiu significativamente diminuída nos dia 7 e 14 após a cirurgia no grupo DEX. Conclusão A regulação negativa de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal está envolvida na atenuação da dor neuropática pela DEX.

Mortality and excess life-years lost in patients with schizophrenia under community care: a 5-year follow-up cohort study

Objective: Mortality rate is a general indicator which can be used to measure care and management of schizophrenia. This cohort study evaluated the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of all-cause mortality and life-years lost (LYLs) in patients with schizophrenia under a community care program in China. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Community Care Program System for Severe Mental Disorders. A total of 99,214 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled before December 2014 and followed between 2015 and 2019. A total of 9,483 patients died. Crude mortality rates (CMRs) and SMRs were then stratified by natural vs. unnatural causes, and major groups of death were standardized according to the 2010 National Population SMRs. The corresponding LYLs at birth were also calculated by gender and age. Results: The SMRs of patients with schizophrenia were significantly elevated during the study period, with an overall SMR of 4.98 (95%CI 2.67-7.32). Neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, external injuries, and poisonings were the most significant causes of death among patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population. The mean LYLs of patients with schizophrenia were 15.28 (95%CI 13.26-17.30). Males with schizophrenia lost 15.82 life-years (95%CI 13.48-18.16), and females lost 14.59 life-years (95%CI 13.12-16.06). Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia under community care had a high mortality rate in our study, even though mental health services have been integrated into the general healthcare system in China to narrow treatment gaps in mental health for > 10 years. In terms of mortality outcome indicators, effective and quality mental health services still have a long way to go. The current study demonstrates the potential for improved prevention and treatment of individuals with schizophrenia under community care.

Twelve-week treadmill endurance training in mice is associated with upregulation of interleukin-15 and natural killer cell activation and increases apoptosis rate in Hepa1-6 cell-derived mouse hepatomas

Regular exercise reduces the risk of malignancy and decreases the recurrence of cancer. However, the mechanisms behind this protection remain to be elucidated. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system, which play essential roles in immune defense and effectively prevent cancer metastasis. Physical exercise can increase the activity of NK cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is the best-studied cytokine activator of NK cells, and it was shown to have many positive functional effects on NK cells to improve antitumor responses. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible important mechanisms behind endurance exercise-induced changes in NK cell function, which may be highly correlated with IL-15. An animal model was used to study IL-15 expression level, tumor volume, cancer cell apoptosis, and NK cell infiltration after treadmill exercise. Although IL-15 was highly expressed in skeletal muscle, treadmill exercise further elevated IL-15 levels in plasma and muscle (P<0.05). In addition, tumor weight and volume of tumor-bearing mice were decreased (P<0.05), and liver tumor cell apoptosis was increased after 12 weeks of treadmill exercise (P<0.05). NK cell infiltration was upregulated in tumors from treadmill exercise mice, and the level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-15 were higher than in sedentary mice (P<0.05). The study indicated that regular endurance training can reduce cancer risk, which was related to increased IL-15 expression, activation of the immune killing effect of NK cells, and promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, which can ultimately control tumor growth.

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

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

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

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

Effects of the psychological aggression and corporal punishment college students experienced before the age of 10 on anxiety and health related risky behaviors / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To provide a basis for college students mental health education and guidance, the impact of psychological aggression and corporal punishment college students experienced before the age of 10 on anxiety and health risk behaviors was explored.@*Methods@#In April and May 2019, the convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among all the freshman and sophomore students of some majors in two universities in Harbin, including a total of 2 150 students. The contents of the questionnaire included general information survey, Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC)，Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Adolescent Health related Risky Behavior Inventory (AHRBI).@*Results@#The percentage of college students who suffered psychological aggression and corporal punishment before the age of 10 was 80.05% and 58.37%. The detection rate of corporal punishment in boys and non-only child was significantly higher than that in girls and only child (P<0.05). The students who experienced psychological aggression and corporal punishment before the age of 10 had higher detection rates of anxiety state and six subscales of health risk behaviors than those who didn t experienced those (P<0.05). The Logistic regression analysis showed that, psychological aggression, place of residence, corporal punishment, and only child were positively associated with college students anxiety state (OR=1.85,1.53,1.49,1.34). The Logistic regression analysis showed that, psychological aggression, place of residence were positively associated with college students health-compromising behaviors (OR=1.60,1.26). Psychological aggression, gender factors, corporal punishment, and only child all influenced college students aggression and violence behavior (OR=1.75,1.66,1.63,1.28). Corporal punishment influenced college students suicide and self-injury behavior (OR=3.44). Gender factors and corporal punishment all influenced college students smoking and drinking behavior (OR=2.67,2.25).Corporal punishment and psychological aggression were positively associated with college students rule breaking behavior (OR=1.88,1.55). Corporal punishment, gender factors, and family income all influenced college students unprotected sexual behavior (OR=4.51,1.91,0.62).@*Conclusion@#Parental psychological aggression and corporal punishment college students experienced during childhood have a negative impact on their anxiety and health risk behaviors.

Experimental study on radiation damage of125I seeds implanted in canine gastric wall tissue

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the radiation damage to125 I seeds implanted in canine gastric wall tissue. Materials and Methods: Eight beagles were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group, with four beagles per group. For each beagle in the treatment group, six125 I seeds were implanted in the gastric wall in two rows, spaced at 1.0 cm, with a seed activity of 0.5 mCi and a half-life of 60.2 d. For each beagle in the control group, six 125 I seeds were similarly implanted as a cold source. After implantation, the beagles were scanned by computed tomography (CT) (slice thickness: 2 mm), the region of interest was labeled along the seed boundaries, and postoperative doses were verified. One beagle per group was sacrificed at the 1, 2, 3, and 4 half-lives to be used as gross specimens for observing histological and ultrastructural changes using light microscopy and electron microscopy, respectively. Results: Beagles from the treatment group who had125 I radioactive seeds implanted in their stomach walls had the most radiation damage after two half-lives, damage repair began after three half-lives, and the damage was stabilized and further repaired after four half-lives. In the control group, only mild inflammatory reactions were observed around the seeds. Conclusion: Appropriate and well-planned implantation of125 I radioactive seeds in beagle stomach walls is safe and reliable

125I implantation under computed tomography guidance to treat patients with recurrent pelvic tumors: Retrospective analysis of clinical results

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate computed tomography (CT)-guided 125I implantation for the treatment of recurrent and malignant pelvic tumors. Materials and Methods: Fifteen cases of pelvic malignant tumors were studied. Tumor length/diameter was 4–10 cm (average: 6.8 ± 2.3 cm). In patients with pelvic recurrence or metastasis of malignant tumors, comprehensive treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, was performed alongside CT-guided 125I implantation. The follow-up clinical benefit rate, rate of pain relief, quality of life score, and status of any complications were analyzed. Results: The patients were followed up for 6 months after the operation, and evaluation of lesions revealed complete response (CR) in 3/15 cases, partial response (PR) in 8/15 cases, stable disease in 3/15 cases, and progressive disease in 1/15 cases. The total effective rate (CR + PR) was 73.3% (11/15), and the pain relief rate was 86.6% (13/15). No bleeding, pelvic abscesses, intestinal fistulas, intestinal perforations, or other complications were reported. Conclusions: When using CT-guided 125I implantation, patients with malignant abdominal tumors undergo a convenient operation, sustain little trauma, and have an improved quality of life

Is it possible to reverse frailty in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

In recent years, frailty has attracted increasing attention from clinicians and health care workers. The influence of frailty on the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases of the respiratory system, is highly significant. Frailty is particularly more common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Frailty and COPD share many risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. As a comprehensive interventional method for chronic respiratory diseases, pulmonary rehabilitation is an important basic measure for the management of patients with COPD. Frailty in these patients can be reversed using pulmonary rehabilitation by targeting five components of the frailty phenotype at the entry point. The present review discusses the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD complicated by frailty and provides a theoretical basis for pulmonary rehabilitation treatment in this population. In addition, the timing of pulmonary rehabilitation is also addressed, with the prefrail stage being the "golden" period. The implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation must vary among individuals, and individualized treatment strategies will help maximize benefits.

Comparative study on the life satisfaction and social desirability of only and non-only children in urban and rural areas of Harbin / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To compare life satisfaction and social desirability between only and non-only children in urban and rural areas, and to provide a basis for future mental health education guidance.@*Methods@#Stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 3 765 students of grade 4 and 5 from 9 primary schools in urban and rural area of Harbin. The contents of the questionnaires included general information survey, the Multidimensional Student’s Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS) and the Children’s Social Desirability Scale (CSD).@*Results@#In the overall life satisfaction, county children had the highest satisfaction (5.10±0.50), while rural children had the lowest satisfaction (4.96±0.57);The life satisfaction of girls was higher than that of boys; The life satisfaction of only children was higher than that of non-only children(F/t=17.04,-5.91,2.21,P<0.05). In terms of social desirability, the social desirability of urban children(32.33±7.04) and county children (31.78±6.30) was higher than that of rural children(30.82±6.34).The social desirability of girls was higher than that of boys, the only children was higher than that of the non-only children (P<0.05). In the overall life satisfaction and all domains of life satisfaction apart from friend life satisfaction, the life satisfaction of urban girls was higher than that of boys(P<0.05). Except for county non-only children, the social desirability of girls was higher than that of boys (P<0.05). In the overall life satisfaction and all domains of life satisfaction apart from family life satisfaction, the life satisfaction of county boys was highest among three areas (P<0.05). In all domains of life satisfaction, the life satisfaction of county girls was highest and the life satisfaction of rural girls was lowest(P<0.05). In the family life satisfaction, the life satisfaction of only boys in urban areas was higher than that of non-only boys(P=0.03). In the overall, friend, living environment and self-dimension life satisfaction, the only and non-only children in the urban, county and rural area had significant differences (P<0.05). In addition, the life satisfaction of county children was highest and the life satisfaction of rural children was lowest. The social desirability of only children in urban and county areas was higher than that of only children in rural areas.@*Conclusion@#There are differences in life satisfaction and social expectations among urban, county and rural children in Harbin. Corresponding intervention strategies should be developed when administers psychological counselling to children.

Different Branches from the Same Root’: Similarity and Specificity of Five Saponins from Panax Notoginseng in Cardiovascular-Related Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms

Saponins are the major extracts of Panax notoginseng, which is one of the most commonly used herbal medicine in East Asia. Increasing evidences suggest that Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) have various therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases. The therapeutic effects of PNS is through the complex combination of saponins. Notoginsenoside R1, ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rd and Re are the major components of PNS, which have been studiedthoroughly in recent years. In this review the authors summarize and compare the cardiovascular-related effects and mechanisms of these five saponins respectively. Anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis are the most shared functions. But some of the functions are contradictory, such as GRb1 inhibit the endothelial tube formation and angiogenesis, while GRg1 promote the VEGF synthesis and angiogenic tube formation. Even GRg1 itself functions contradictory in angiogenesis. The comprehensive summary of the effects and mechanisms of saponins shed lights on the understanding of the diverse functions PNS exert, and lay groundwork for the development and utilization of saponins in cardiovascular diseases

Impact of school bullying victimization and social supports on anxiety symptoms among medical college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand impacts of past experiences of school bullying victimization and social supports on anxiety symptoms of college students, and to provide basic data for appropriate mental health education.@*Methods@#By using cluster random sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted among freshman, sophomore and junior college students majoring in clinical medicine from one medical university in Heilongjiang Province. The questionnaire included general demographic information, school bullying and self-rating anxiety scale.@*Results@#In this survey, 647 students (28.4%) were reported of anxiety symptoms, including 462 (20.3%) with mild anxiety, 162 (7.1%) with moderate anxiety, and 23(1.0%) with severe anxiety. Reported rate of mild, moderate and severe anxiety among college students with bullying victimization experiences during primary school students was 22.8%,33.9% and 59.6%, respectively (χ2=93.05, P<0.05). The figure among students with bullying victimization during junior school was 21.5%, 45.2% and 57.3%, respectively (χ2=186.79, P<0.05). Among those with bullying victimization experiences, anxiety symptoms showed no differences between students with or without social supports from peers, parents and teachers (χ2=7.95, P=0.54; χ2=11.57, P=0.24). Ordinal logistic regression showed bullying victimization during primary school and affection to primary school positively associated with anxiety symptoms among college students, while bullying victimization experiences during junior school showed no association with anxiety symptoms in college.@*Conclusion@#Bullying victimization experiences during primary school shows significant association with anxiety symptoms among college students.

Behavioral and emotional health and associated factors among first-born children in Harbin / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To compare behavioral and emotional health among first-born children and the only-child in Harbin, as well as associated factors including parents, family background, parenting and family environment.@*Methods@#A questionnaire survey was conducted for 156 parents of first-born children and the only-children, matched in age (<3 months), class and gender. Achenbach Child behavior scale (CBCL), the Self-evaluation of Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS), the Parents Rearing Behavior Questionnaire (CRPR) and the Family Assessment Device Scale (FAD) were used.@*Results@#There was no statistically significant difference in the scores of each dimension of children's emotional and behavioral health between the two groups(17.88±5.93)(19.13±6.01),total score(t=-0.74，P>0.05). There was no statistical difference in anxiety and depression between the two groups of parents(χ2=0.51，0.40，P>0.05); In terms of parenting style, the acceptance and encouragement achievement score for first-born children was significantly higher than that of the only child (t=2.10,2.12, P<0.05). In terms of family functions, there was no statistical difference in total function (t=-0.43, P>0.05). Behavioral problems associated with parents' anxiety, depression, parental rearing style and family function. Regression analysis showed that behavioral problems were mainly affected by sibling relationship for first-born children(B=8.74) and family role function for the only child (B=1.27).@*Conclusion@#No significant differences in behavioral and emotional health between first-born child and the only child are observed. However, harmonious sibling relationship, emotionally supportive parents and home environment could help improving behavioral and emotional health.

Retrospective analysis of efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors in a cohort of Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization

The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Patients (n=102) diagnosed as primary HCC were consecutively enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Treatment responses were assessed following the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, and adverse events (AEs) as well as liver function-related laboratory indexes of all DEB-TACE records (N=131) were assessed. Complete response (CR) rate, objective response rate, and disease control rate were 51.0, 87.3, and 95.1%, respectively, at 1-3 months post DEB-TACE. The mean PFS and OS were 227 (95%CI: 200-255) days and 343 (95%CI: 309-377) days, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that portal vein invasion and abnormal total protein (TP) were independent predictive factors for worse CR, and multivariate Cox's regression analysis showed that multifocal disease independently correlated with shorter PFS. Most of the liver function-related laboratory indexes worsened at 1 week but recovered at 1-3 months post-treatment, only the percentage of patients with abnormal ALP increased at 1-3 months. In addition, 112 (85.5%), 84 (64.1%), 53 (40.5%), 40 (30.5%), and 16 (12.2%) patients had pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and other AEs, respectively. DEB-TACE is efficient and safe in Chinese HCC patients, and portal vein invasion, abnormal TP level as well as multifocal disease could be used as unfavorable prognostic factors to DEB-TACE treatment.

Physicochemical and Biological Evaluation of Endodontic Filling Materials for Primary Teeth

Abstract This study assessed the pH, radiopacity, antimicrobial effect, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of endodontic filling materials for primary teeth. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), Vitapex and Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide (ZO) were evaluated in comparison to an experimental MTA-based material. Radiopacity was tested using a graduated aluminum stepwedge with a digital sensor (n=5). The materials pH was recorded at 1, 4, 12 h; 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days (n=5). Direct contact test was used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis after 1, 4, 12, 24 h (n=5). Cytotoxicity assay used MTT test for cell viability after incubation for 1, 3 and 7 days (n=5). For biocompatibility test, Wistar rats had received implants containing each material (n=5). The biopsied tissues were histologically analyzed after 15, 30 and 60 days. The results of radiopacity, pH, antimicrobial capacity and cytotoxicity were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. The histological data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test. The experimental material presented the lowest radiopacity (3.28 mm Al) and had a pH>12.0 throughout the test period. The experimental material showed the highest antibacterial effect, killing over 99.97% bacteria in 4 h. Vitapex presented the highest cell viability. Initially, biocompatibility test showed moderate to severe inflammation in all groups. After 60 days, Calen+ZO group showed moderate inflammation, while the others showed predominantly mild inflammatory reaction. The present results demonstrated that the experimental MTA-based material exhibited satisfactory behavior regarding the studied properties. Additional in vivo studies are necessary for a better evaluation of the material.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o pH, radiopacidade, efeito antimicrobiano, citotoxicidade e biocompatibilidae de materiais obturadores de dentes decíduos. Foram avaliados o cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol (OZE), Vitapex e pasta Calen espessada com óxido de zinco (OZ), comparativamente a um material experimental à base de MTA. A radiopacidade foi testada usando uma escala milimetrada de alumínio, com um sensor digital. O pH dos materiais também foi avaliado nos períodos de 1, 4, 12 h; 1, 3, 7, 15, e 30 dias (n=5). O teste de contato direto foi utilizado para avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana dos materiais conta uma cepa de Enterococcus faecalis após incubação por 1, 4, 12, e 24 h (n=5). Para avaliação da citotoxicidade foi utilizado o teste de MTT para avaliação da viabilidade celular. No teste de biocompatibilidade, ratos Wistar receberam implantes subcutâneos contendo cada material obturador (n=5). Após biópsia, os tecidos foram submetidos à avaliação histológica em períodos de 15, 30 e 60 dias. Os resultados de radiopacidade, pH, ação antimicrobiana e citotoxicidade foram analisados usando os testes ANOVA e Tukey. Os dados histológicos foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis. O material experimental apresentou a menor radiopacidade (3.28 mm Al) e apresentou um pH superior a 12,0 durante todo o período experimental. O material experimental apresentou o maior efeito antimicrobiano, eliminando mais de 99,97% das bactérias em um período de 4 h. O Vitapex permitiu uma maior viabilidade celular em comparação aos demais materiais avaliados. Inicialmente, os testes de biocompatibilidade demonstraram inflamação de moderada a severa em todos os grupos. Após 60 dias, apenas o grupo Calen+ OZ apresentou inflamação moderada, enquanto os outros materiais demonstraram predominantemente a indução de inflamação leve. Os resultados demonstraram que o material experimental à base de MTA exibiu comportamento satisfatório com relação às propriedades avaliadas. Estudos adicionais, in vivo, são necessários para uma melhor avaliação do material.

Clinical use of video-assisted mediastinoscopy in 40 thoracic surgery patients / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the clinical role of video-assisted mediastinoscopy and its safety and effectiveness in the diagnosis of thoracic disease. Methods    We reviewed the clinical data of consecutive 40 patients (25 males and 15 females with an average age of 54.6 years) who received video-assisted mediastinoscopic surgery in our department of thoracic surgery from December 2011 to November 2016, including mediastinal lymph node biopsy in 27 patients, mediastinal primary lesions biopsy in 8, bronchial cystectomy in 3 and esophageal dissection in 2. Results    The histological results were positive in 20 patients (73.1%) in mediastinal lymph node biopsy, including granulomatous mediastinitis in 14 and metastasis in 6 (non-small cell lung cancer in 4, Ewing sacoma in 1 and small cell lung cancer in 1) and reactive proliferation in 7 (26.9%). In mediastinal primary lesions biopsy, the accuracy rate of diagnosis was 100.0%. The pathologic results were malignant in all patients, including small cell lung cancer in 5, adenoid cystic carcinoma in 1, squamous carcinoma in 1 and adenocarcinoma in 1. In patients who received the bronchial cystectomy, no recurrence was found during at least 2 years follow-up. There was one patient with severe complication (innominate artery injury). Two patients suffered transient laryngeal recurrent nerve palsy with hoarseness and two patients incision secretion. Conclusion    Video-assisted mediastinoscopic surgery is effective and safe and dissection should be careful in granulomatous mediastinitis to avoid the great vessel injures.

Effects of poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor on cisplatin resistance & proliferation of the ovarian cancer C13* cells.

Background & objectives: Drug resistance is the primary cause of failure in the treatment of cancers. It has been suggested that the enhancement of DNA repair capability may be responsible for the drug resistance of the tumour cells, and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation plays an important role in DNA repair. This study investigated the effect of PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) on the cisplatin resistance and proliferation of the cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer C13* cells in vitro. Methods: C13* cells were treated with various concentrations of 3-AB in vitro. MTT assay was used to determine the effect of 3-AB on the cisplatin sensitivity and proliferation of cells. The expression levels of PARP-1 mRNA and protein in the C13* cells were examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, and changes caused by 3-AB treatment were investigated. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to detect the localization and expression of the PARP-1 proteins before and after treatment with 5 mmol/l 3-AB. Results: The inhibitory ratio and the cisplatin sensitivity of C13* cells significantly increased with the increase of the concentration of 3-AB (P<0.05). The RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of PARP-1 mRNA was decreased when platinum (Pt) and 3-AB were combined. The expression levels of PARP-1 protein were decreased by 23.15 ± 2.53, 59.11 ± 2.23 and 73.24 ± 3.88 per cent, respectively, in C13* cells with the increase of the concentration of 3-AB (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence microscopy results indicated that the expression level of PARP-1 protein was significantly decreased after treatment with 3-AB (P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusions: 3-AB inhibited the proliferation activity of C13* cells, and increased the cellular sensitivity to cisplatin. Our findings show that the PARP inhibitor 3-AB can downregulate the expression of PARP-1 at transcriptional and translational levels in C13* cells.

Correlation Analysis on Total Lymphocyte Count and CD4 Count in HIV-infected Patients: A Retrospective Evaluation / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

CD4 count is the standard method for determining eligibility for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and monitoring HIV/AIDS disease progression,but it is not widely available in resource-limited settings.This study examined the correlation between total lymphocyte count (TLC) and CD4 count of HIV-infected patients before and after HAART,and assessed the thresholds of TLC for making decisions about the initiation and for monitoring HAART.A retrospective study was performed,and 665 HIV-infected patients with TLC and CD4 count from four counties (Shangcai,Queshan,Shenqiu and Weishi) were included in the study.Pearson correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used.TLC and CD4 count after HAART was significantly increased as compared with pre-HAART (P＜0.01).An overall positive correlation was noted between TLC and CD4 count (pre-HAART,r=0.73,P=0.0001; follow-up HAART,r=0.56,P=0.0001).The ROC curve between TLC and CD4 count showed that TLC ≤ 1200 cells/mm3 could predict CD4 ＜ 200 cells/mm3 with a sensitivity of 71.12％,specificity of 66.35％at pre-HAART.After 12-month HAART,the optimum prediction for CD4 count ＜ 200 cells/mm3 was a TLC ≤ 1300 cells/mm3,with a sensitivity of 63.27％,and a specificity of 74.84％.Further finding indicated that TLC change was positively correlated to CD4 change (r=0.77,P=0.0001) at the time point of 12- month treatment,and the best prediction point of TLC change for CD4 increasing was 135 cells/mm3.TLC and its change can be used as a surrogate marker for CD4 count and its change of HIV-infected individuals for making decisions about the initiation and for monitoring HAART in resource-limited settings.