Investigation of the relationship between red blood cell distribution width and mortality in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is related to sepsis-related mortality. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome caused by severe infection, tumors, or autoimmunity without a specific diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between RDW and mortality in patients with HLH. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study conducted in a hospital in China. METHODS: A total of 101 inpatients with HLH from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 were divided into non-survivor (n = 52) and survivor (n = 49) groups. A non-parametric test was used to analyze demographic, clinical, and laboratory data between groups. Independent variables with P < 0.05 were analyzed using binary logistic regression to screen out mortality-related variables. Selected variables were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis, and those with strong correlations were screened. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of strongly correlated variables and area under curve (AUC) values were obtained. RESULTS: The APACHE II score, RDW, and platelet (PLT) and fibrinogen (FIB) levels (P < 0.05) different significantly. RDW, PLT, FIB were correlated with mortality. The AUC values of RDW, PLT, and FIB were 0.857, 0.797, and 0.726, respectively. RDW was associated with mortality in patients with HLH (P < 0.01, cut-off value: 16.9). The sensitivity and specificity of predicting mortality were 97.96% and 96.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Logistic regression analysis showed a correlation between RDW and patients' mortality. Therefore, RDW can be used to predict mortality in patients with HLH.

Preparation of liposome coated hollow copper sulfide nano-enzyme and their combined laser irradiation to against melanoma B16-F10 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：构建中空硫化铜纳米酶脂质复合载体CuS@LIP并探讨其联合激光照射杀伤黑色素瘤B6-F10细胞的效果与机制。方法：构建（2,3-二油酰基-丙基）-三甲胺-丙烷（氯盐）（DOTAP）阳离子脂质体包被硫化铜纳米载体CuS@LIP，研究不同质量浓度的CuS与CuS@LIP在1 064 nm激光照射下的光热性能和热稳定性，通过H2O2与3,3',5,5'-四甲基联苯胺（TMB）催化活性检测体系检测CuS@LIP的类过氧化物活性；用系列质量浓度梯度的CuS、CuS@LIP在有/无激光条件下分别处理B16-F10细胞，CCK-8法检测细胞的存活率，Calcein-AM/PI染色法、Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI染色法结合流式细胞仪分别检测20 μg/mL CuS或CuS@LIP在激光照射或非激光照射条件下对B16-F10细胞活力和凋亡的影响。结果：成功制备的CuS@LIP的平均粒径为（178.23±6.46）nm，平均Zeta电位为（20.47±0.93）mV；在激光照射下，80 μg/mL CuS@LIP最高温度可达65.4 ℃，比单纯CuS的63.4 ℃更高；经3个激光开关周期测试，CuS@LIP终点温度基本保持不变；此外，CuS@LIP与CuS具有相同的类过氧化物酶催化活性。低于20 μg/mL的CuS@LIP在体外对B16-F10细胞的增殖活性没有明显影响（P>0.05），但联合激光照射后细胞存活率明显降低（29.76±3.60）% vs （87.95±8.18）%，P<0.000 1，细胞凋亡率显著升高[（19.34±4.41）% vs （13.36±0.86）%，P<0.01]。结论：制备的CuS@LIP具有符合设计要求的理化性质、良好的光热性能和优异的类过氧化物酶催化活性，其与激光照射联合后显示出更优异的杀伤B16-F10细胞的效果。

Identification and characterization of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients in eastern china from 2009 to 2019 using an identification array system

Abstract Objective Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species are increasingly being isolated and have become a key factor affecting public health by causing pulmonary diseases. Most NTM species do not respond to conventional tuberculosis (TB) drugs. This study aimed to identify NTM isolated from suspected pulmonary TB patients from the Zhejiang province and analyze their distribution in the region. Methods A total of 1,113 NTM isolates from patients suspected to be suffering from acid-fast bacilli-positive tuberculosis were identified at the species level, using the CapitalBio Mycobacterium identification array and polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of 16S-23S gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 16S rRNA, and hsp65. Results Of the 23,138 isolates, we identified 1,102 NTM (4.8%), mainly including Mycobacterium intracellulare (54.81%, 604/1,102), M. chelonae-M. abscessus (16.52%, 182/1,102), M. avium (13.16%, 145/1,102), M. kansasii (8.17%, 90/1,102), and M. gordonae (3.27%, 36/1,102). Conclusion The distribution of NTM species observed in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis provides guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of NTM pulmonary diseases.

The characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases from abroad toZhejiang Province / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the characteristics of imported coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) cases from abroad to Zhejiang Province,so as to provide basis for improving the prevention and control of COVID-19 imported epidemic.@*Methods@#The imported COVID-19 cases reported by Zhejiang Province from September 1, 2020 to January 28, 2021 were extracted from the National Diseases Prevention and Control Information System.The case information were checked with the field epidemiological investigation reports. A descriptive analysis was adopted for the epidemiological characteristics of the imported COVID-19 cases,including time,spatial and population distribution,import source, etc.@*Results@#Zhejiang Province reported 136 cases of COVID-19 from abroad from September 1, 2020 to January 28, 2021, with 38 confirmed cases ( 27.94% ) and 98 asymptomatic cases ( 72.06% ). No deaths and related local cases were reported. A total of 10 confirmed cases and 58 asymptomatic cases were positive for nucleic acid tests at the port of entry, 7 cases were positive after the medical observation period, and the other cases were positive during the medical observation period. Cases were reported in each month. The age of the cases was mainly 20 to 39 years old, accounting for 61.03% (83 cases). The occupations were mainly business services, accounting for 33.09% ( 45 cases ). The 136 imported cases came from 32 countries, among which 26 cases came from Philippines. Most of the imported cases enter China through Hangzhou, Ningbo and Shanghai. @*Conclusions@#The imported epidemic situation in Zhejiang Province is sporadic, with large proportion of asymptomatic infections. The imported cases are mainly business service providers and come from Philippines. Therefore, measures such as nucleic acid tests and isolation of entry personnel at ports should be strengthened to prevent the spread of the local epidemic caused by imported cases.

Insights into immunoregulatory properties of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells in oral diseases / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells have strong immunoregulatory capabilities. The immunoregulatory characteristics of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells are closely related to the occurrence and development of oral diseases. However, the specific mechanism of this immunomodulatory effect on the disease is unknown. Therefore, the application of the immunomodulatory properties of dental derived mesenchymal stem cells may play an important role in the treatment and prevention of oral diseases in the future. OBJECTIVE: To review the role of the Immunomodulatory properties of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells in oral diseases from the three following aspects: the mutual regulation mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different oral tissues and activated immune cells, and the effects of various cytokines and oral pathogens on the immunoregulatory capacity of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS: CNKI and PubMed databases were retrieved for relevant literature published from January 2000 to June 2019. The search terms were “tooth-derived mesenchymal stem cells, immunomodulatory properties, immune cells, oral diseases, Porphyromonas gingivalis, periodontitis, dental plaque, dental caries, toll-like receptors” in Chinese and English, respectively. A total of 221 articles were obtained, 64 of which met the standards for result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the past 20 years since the dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated, researchers have conducted a large number of in vitro experiments on the interaction between several oral tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and activated immune cells. The mechanism of action between them has been preliminarily discussed. Different inflammatory mediators and cytokines can differentially activate various immunomodulatory proteins in mesenchymal stem cells, and thus activate their immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, exploration on specific stimuli that activate mesenchymal stem cells and oral pathogenic bacteria to activate dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells may improve the application efficiency of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells at different stages of the tissue healing process. It will make a breakthrough in the way that the disease is treated.

Epidemiological characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases from abroad to Zhejiang Province / 预防医学

Objective@#To learn the epidemiological characteristics of imported coronavirus disease 2019（COVID-19）cases from abroad to Zhejiang Province reported from March 1 to April 7,2020,so as to provide basis for improving the prevention and control of COVID-19 imported epidemic. @*Methods@# The imported COVID-19 cases and related local cases reported in Zhejiang Province from March 1 to April 7 were extracted from the National Diseases Prevention and Control Information System and were checked with the epidemiological investigation reports. A descriptive analysis was adopted for the epidemiological characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases,including time,spatial and population distribution,clinical classification,country of origin and contact history of related local cases. @*Results@#The first imported COVID-19 case was reported on March 1. By April 7,totally 91 imported cases were reported,including 48（52.75%）confirmed cases and 43（47.25%）asymptomatic cases. In terms of clinical classification,there were 32（66.67%）ordinary cases and 16（33.33%）mild cases;no severe,critical or dead cases were reported. The symptoms of 41 confirmed cases came out after entry. The median time between entry and onset was 3 days,and the intervals of 4 cases were 14 days or over. All the 11 cities in Zhejiang Province had imported cases,among which Lishui and Wenzhou reported 24（26.37%）and 21（23.08%）cases. Of all the imported cases,81（89.01%）aged from 10 to 49 years;31（34.07%）were overseas students,21（23.08%）were business people and 19（20.88%）were catering staff;69（75.82%） came from European countries such as Italy,UK and Spain. In addition,a local case on the same flight with a imported case was reported on March 26. @*Conclusions @#The imported COVID-19 cases of Zhejiang Province were relatively young,most were asymptomatic or ordinary cases. They were mainly overseas students,business people and catering staff,from European countries such as Italy,UK and Spain,to Lishui and Wenzhou. Strict control measures should be done in entry quarantine,transfer and isolation to prevent local transmission caused by imported cases.

Serum uric acid levels and hyperuricemia in patients with psoriasis: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Abstract: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed, including 117 psoriatic patients and 117 controls matched for age, gender, and body mass index. Psoriatic patients had higher levels of serum uric acid (6.25 ± 1.62 vs 5.71 ± 1.35 mg/dl; P=0.019) and significantly greater prevalence of hyperuricemia (31.6% vs 16.2%; P=0.009) than individuals without psoriasis. Psoriatic patients had significantly higher serum uric acid than controls in subjects without metabolic syndrome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that psoriasis can be a strong predictor of hyperuricemia (odds ratio 2.61; 95% confidence interval 1.34-5.00; P=0.004).

The improvement of bioactive secondary metabolites accumulation in Rumex gmelini Turcz through co-culture with endophytic fungi

Abstract Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., and Ramularia sp. were endophytic fungi isolated from Rumex gmelini Turcz (RGT), all of these three strains could produce some similar bioactive secondary metabolites of their host. However the ability to produce active components degraded significantly after cultured these fungi alone for a long time, and were difficult to recover. In order to obtain more bioactive secondary metabolites, the co-culture of tissue culture seedlings of RGT and its endophytic fungi were established respectively, and RGT seedling was selected as producer. Among these fungi, Aspergillus sp. showed the most significant enhancement on bioactive components accumulation in RGT seedlings. When inoculated Aspergillus sp. spores into media of RGT seedlings that had taken root for 20 d, and made spore concentration in co-culture medium was 1 × 104 mL-1, after co-cultured for 12 d, the yield of chrysophaein, resveratrol, chrysophanol, emodin and physcion were 3.52-, 3.70-, 3.60-, 4.25-, 3.85-fold of the control group. The extreme value of musizin yield was 0.289 mg, which was not detected in the control groups. The results indicated that co-culture with endophytic fungi could significantly enhance bioactive secondary metabolites production of RGT seedlings.

The clinical efficacy and safety of paclitaxel combined with avastin for NSCLC patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion

Summary Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of paclitaxel combined with avastin for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Method: Total of 33 patients diagnosed with NSCLC as well as malignant pleural effusion were included. All of them received paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and avastin (5 mg/kg). Clinical efficacy was evaluated using the total response rate, overall survival, progression-free survival and changes in MPE volume. Adverse events and rates of toxicities were examined as well. Results: The total response rate reached 77% while the overall survival and the median progression-free survival were respectively 22.2 months and 8.4 months. Toxicities of grade 3-4 consisted of neutropenia in 57% of patients, anemia in 17% of them, febrile neutropenia in 11%, as well as anorexia in 7%. No treatment-correlated deaths were found. Conclusion: Paclitaxel combined with avastin decreased MPE volume and increased survival rate of NSCLC patients via inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Impact of the integration of proton magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy to PI-RADS 2 for prediction of high grade and high stage prostate cancer / Impacto da incorporação da espectroscopia por ressonância magnética ao PI-RADS 2 para a predição de câncer de próstata de alto grau e de estágio avançado

Abstract Objective: To compare the predictions of dominant Gleason pattern ≥ 4 or non-organ confined disease with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v2) with or without proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H-MRSI). Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine men underwent 3-tesla endorectal multiparametric MRI including 1H-MRSI and prostatectomy. Two radiologists assigned PI-RADS v2 and 1H-MRSI scores to index lesions. Statistical analyses used logistic regressions, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and 2x2 tables for diagnostic accuracies. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of 1H-MRSI and PI-RADS v2 for high-grade prostate cancer (PCa) were 85.7% (57.1%) and 92.9% (100%), and 56% (68.0%) and 24.0% (24.0%). The sensitivity and specificity of 1H-MRSI and PI-RADS v2 for extra-prostatic extension (EPE) were 64.0% (40%) and 20.0% (48%), and 50.0% (57.1%) and 71.4% (64.3%). The area under the ROC curves (AUC) for prediction of high-grade prostate cancer were 0.65 and 0.61 for PI-RADS v2 and 0.72 and 0.70 when combined with 1H-MRSI (readers 1 and 2, p = 0.04 and 0.21). For prediction of EPE the AUC were 0.54 and 0.60 for PI-RADS v2 and 0.55 and 0.61 when combined with 1H-MRSI (p > 0.05). Conclusion: 1H-MRSI might improve the discrimination of high-grade prostate cancer when combined to PI-RADS v2, particularly for PI-RADS v2 score 4 lesions, but it does not affect the prediction of EPE.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar as predições de tumor com padrão 4 de Gleason dominante ou de tumor com extensão extraprostática utilizando o sistema Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v2), combinado ou não a espectroscopia por ressonância magnética (1H-ERM). Materiais e Métodos: Trinta e nove pacientes submeteram-se a RM de 3 tesla com bobina endorretal, incluindo 1H-ERM, e prostatectomia. Dois radiologistas classificaram as principais lesões identificadas em cada caso utilizando PI-RADS v2 e escores de 1H-ERM. As análises estatísticas incluíram regressões logísticas, curvas receiver operating characteristic (ROC) e tabelas 2x2 para acurácia diagnóstica. Resultados: A sensibilidade e a especificidade da 1H-ERM e do PI-RADS v2 para a detecção de câncer de próstata de alto grau foram 85,7% (57,1%) e 92,9% (100%), e 56% (68%) e 24% (24%). A sensibilidade e a especificidade da 1H-ERM e do PI-RADS v2 para a detecção de extensão extraprostática (EEP) foram 64,0% (40%) e 20% (48%), e 50% (57,1%) e 71,4% (64,3%). As áreas das curvas ROC para a predição de câncer de alto grau foram 0,65 e 0,61 para PI-RADS v2 e 0,72 e 0,70 quando combinado com 1H-ERM (radiologistas 1 e 2, p = 0.04 e 0.21). Para a predição de EEP, as áreas das curvas ROC foram 0,54 e 0,60 para PI-RADS v2 e 0,55 e 0,61 quando combinado com 1H-ERM (p > 0.05). Conclusão: É possível que a 1H-ERM melhore a predição de câncer de alto grau quando combinada ao PI-RADS v2, em particular para lesões que recebem um escore PI-RADS v2 4; entretanto, ela não afeta a predição de EEP.

Effect of Guizhi Fuling capsule and its extracts on human breast cancer cells proliferation / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of Guizhi Fuling Capsule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its fractions on human breast cancer cells proliferation by high-throughput screening assay. METHODS The crude fractions were obtained from the extraction and elution of the API of Guizhi Fuling Capsule, and 929 standard fractions were obtained by the optimal separation conditions. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) method was used to evaluate the effects of the Guizhi Fuling capsule API and 929 kinds of fractions on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells MCF- 7 and MDA- MB- 231. RESULTS The Guizhi Fuling capsule API had a strong ability to inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells at high concentration and the ability to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cells' proliferate at low concentration follow?ing 72 h treatment;some samples of 929 fractions (5 μg·mL-1) was found to have a breast cancer cell growth inhibition rate above 50%, without toxicity on HUVECs proliferation. CONCLUSION The API of Guizhi Fuling capsule had significant cytotoxicity effects on these two human breast cancer cells, with significant concentration- and time-dependent manner.

Clinical application of new mandibular molar intruding appliance / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# To evaluate the effects and clinical application of molar intrusion with a new mandibular molar intrusion appliance.@*Methods @#7 patients who needed mandibular molars intrusion to correct open-bite were selected. To evaluate effects of molar intrusion, clinical examination, dental model analysis and aphalometric analysis by Winceph 7.0 software were used before and after intrusion treatment, SPSS 17.0 software was used for data analysis. @*Results @#All the mandibular molars were intruded successfully in an average time of 4.0 months. Cephalometric analysis before and after treatment showed that the average amount of mandibular first molars intrusion were (1.92 ± 0.44) mm．The vertical distance to the reference plane (MP plane) per and post treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average amount of maxillary first molar intrusion was (0.36 ± 0.25) mm, with no significant difference in vertical distances to reference plane (PP plane) (P > 0.05). No signs of root resorption was obsersed in radiograph of the intruded mandibular molars.@*Conclusion @#The new mandibular molar intrusion appliance has a remarkable clinical effect in correcting anterior open bite without obvious periodontal tissue damage and root resorption. teeth intrusion with the new appliance has a significant effect without apparent destruction of the periodontal tissue and root resorption.

The effect of unilateral Forsus appliance in the treatment of ClassⅡmalocclusion subdivision / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @# To assess the result of treatment in ClassⅡmalocclusion subdivision with unilateral Forsus appliance. @*Methods @#23 patients with ClassⅡmalocclusion subdivision were selected, who were treated with Straight wire fixed appliance in combination with unilateral Forsus appliances while another 27 patients were untreated as control group. Lateral cephalographs were taken before and after the comprehensive treatment, and the indicators of dental, skeletal, and soft tissue profile were measured.@*Results @#The Forsus appliance can correct ClassⅡmalocclusion subdivision through distalizing the upper teeth and moving the lower teeth mesially. Midline can be corrected at the same time. There was a statistically significant difference in the amount of tooth movement (P < 0.05). @*Conclusion @#Forsus appliance is an effective device for treating ClassⅡmalocclusion subdivision, which can induce significant dental and soft tissue changes.

Relationship between depth of the curve of Spee and dentalfacial morphology in Angle Class Ⅱ maloclusion patients / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To compare the depth of the curve of Spee in Angle classⅡ malocclusion patients with different vertical skeletal patterns and to investigate the relationship between the depth of the curve of Spee and dentofacial morphology. @*Methods @#101 Angle classⅡ malocclusion patients were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups based on their GoGn-SN angles-high angle, average angle and low angle. Lateral cephalograms and dental models of all patients were evaluated to analyze Spee curve depth difference among different groups, Correlation analysis and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship between the depth of the curve of Spee and all selected cephalometric variables.@*Results@# There was statistical difference in depth of the curve of Spee among different groups P < 0.05. The depth of the curve of Spee was least in the high angle group and greatest in the low angle group. GoGn-SN angle had statistically significant negative correlation with the depth of the curve of Spee, r = 0.428, P = 0.000, ODI, S-Go/N-Me、L7-GoGn angle had statistically significant positive correlation with the depth of the curve of Spee, r = 0.381, 0.357, 0.333, P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.001. The multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise method showed GoGn-SN angle had significant contribution to the depth of the curve of Spee. In Angle classⅡ malocclusion patients, there was statistical difference in depth of the curve of Spee among different vertical skeletal patterns@*Conclusion @#The depth of the curve of Spee is correlated with dentofacial morphology, GoGn-SN angle had significant contribution to the depth of the curve of Spee, which should be taken into consideration during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Self-rated efficacy in bilateral aural atresia patients using bone-anchored hearing aid / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Using questionnaires to evaluate the audiological benefit and satisfaction of bilateral aural atresia patients with bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Implanted Baha user questionnaire was applied to 19 patients suffering bilateral aural atresia, and 15 of the patients were evaluated with abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (APHAB). Glasgow children's benefit inventory (GCBI) was used to measure subjective benefit of patients under the age of 18.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Baha user questionnaire demonstrated great satisfaction. The mean Baha scores for the subdomains of ease of communication (EC), backgroud noise (BN) and revereration (RV) were decreased by 54.6 ± 10.2 (t = 20.6, P < 0.05), 46.9 ± 11.1 (t = 16.4, P < 0.05) and 58.8 ±15.4 (t = 21.4, P < 0.05) compared to the unaided scores. For the subdomain of aversiveness (AV), the Baha score was 56.7 ± 9.9 (t = 10.8, P < 0.05) higher than the unaided score. The general benefit score GCBI was 41.1 ± 13.0.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Baha can significantly improve hearing ability and quality of life of patients with bilateral aural atresia.</p>

Preparation of hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets of total lactones from Andrographis paniculata and study on its in vitro release mechanism / 中国中药杂志

In this study, hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets of total lactones from Andrographis paniculata were prepared and the in vitro release behavior were also evaluated. The optimal prescription was achieved by studying the main factor of the type and amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using single factor test and evaluating through cumulative release of three lactones. No burst drug release from the obtained matrix tablets was observed. Drug release sustained to 14 h. The release mechanism of three lactones from A. paniculata was accessed by zero-order, first-order, Higuchi and Peppas equation. The release behavior of total lactones from A. paniculata was better agreed with Higuchi model and the drug release from the tablets was controlled by degradation of the matrix. The preparation of hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablets of total lactones from A. paniculata with good performance of drug release was simple.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase mediated immortalization of human bone marrow stromal cells

Primary human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) were transfected with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene with lipofection method. The hTERT transfected hMSCs of passage 100 underwent chondrogenesis induction with dexamethasone, transforming the growth factor β and vitamin C, osteogenesis induction with dexamethasone, β glycerophosphoric acid and vitamin C, and cardiomyocyte induction with 5-azacytidine. After 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of induction, immunocytochemistry was performed to detect the expressions of type I and II collagen and osteocalcin, and alizarin red staining was performed to detect the bone nodule formation in osteogenesis induction. Immunocytochemistry was carried out to detect the striated muscle actin expression in cardiomyocytes. The hMSCs undergoing successful transfection were positive for the hTERT. The hTERT transfected cells were grown in vitro successfully and passaged for 136 generations. Results showed that these cells could be induced to differentiate into chondrocytes, bone and myocardial cells. Introduction of exogenous hTERT into hMSCs could achieve immortalized hMSCs with the potential of multi-directional differentiation. Thus, these cells could be applied as seed cells in tissue engineering.

Effects of smoking on the concentrations of urinary 10 metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coke oven workers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of smoking on urinary 10 metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the coke oven workers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Occupational health examination was performed on 1401 coke oven workers in one coking plant, their urine were collected respectively. The concentrations of the ten monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The 1401 workers were divided into four groups, namely control, adjunct workplaces, bottom and side, top group according to their workplaces and the different concentrations of PAHs in the environment. The concentrations of the ten monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons between smokers and nonsmokers in each workplace group were compared using analysis of covariance, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of concentrations of the sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons we detected at control were significantly higher than those at other areas (P < 0.05). Comparing the ten monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons levels between smokers and nonsmokers, the levels of 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 2-hydroxynaphthalene among smokers were higher than nonsmokers with statistically significance in control, adjunct workplaces, bottom and side and top groups (P < 0.05). However, the levels of 1-hydroxypyrene had no statistically significant differences between the four areas.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 2-hydroxynaphthalene may be used as biomarkers for the impact of smoking on monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coke oven workers.</p>

Characteristics of particulate matter pollution in coke oven plant / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the characteristics of particulate matter pollution in coke oven plant, so as to provide scientific data for establishing occupational exposure limits for coke oven emissions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Concentrations of CO, SO₂, BSM, BTEX (concentrations of benzene, toluene and xylene were determined in this study), PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, 16 selected PAHs in PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ were determined in the work environment of a coke oven plant in Wuhan. The work environment was divided into the adjunct area, the bottom of, the side of and the top of coke oven.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentrations of CO, SO₂, BSM, BETX, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, PAHs in PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ were significantly related to working environmental categories, respectively, and were increasing as the adjunct area < bottom < side < top (P (trend) < 0.05). PM₁₀ was statistically significantly correlated with CO, SO₂, benzene, BTEX and BSM (0.705, 0.823, 0.664, 0.624 and 0.734, respectively). PM₂.₅ was statistically significantly correlated with CO, SO₂, benzene, BTEX and BSM (0.635, 0.916, 0. 680, 0.553 and 0.726, respectively). BSM was statistically significantly correlated with benzene (0.689). The ratios of PM₂.₅ to PM₁₀ between different work environments were not significantly different in one-way ANOVA (P > 0.05). The distribution of aromatic rings and the concentrations of total benzo[a] pyrene equivalents in PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ were not statistically different between work environments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concentrations of particulate matter was related with other contents of coke oven emissions in coke work environment, and the contents and types of PAHs in PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ were similar.</p>

Duraplasty with Neuropatch versus autologous fascia lata for Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia: A comparative study / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To evaluate the outcome and postoperative reaction of dural substitute (Neuropatch) applying in the treatment of Chiari I malformation(CMI) associated with syringomyelia(SM). Methods:Forty patients of CMI associated with SM were operated in our department from Jul. 2002 to Jul. 2004. All patients underwent posterior cranial fossa decompression and duraplasty. They were divided into two groups, 20 patients being repaired with Neuropatch (Neuropatch group), and the others with autologous fascia lata (fascia group). There were 6 males and 14 females in Neuropatch group and 10 males and 10 females in fascia group. The operations were performed under general anesthesia via suboccipital approach and the extent of posterior cranial fossa decompression ranged from 20 cm2 (5 cm×4 cm) to 35 cm2 (5 cm×7 cm). The removal of posterior arch of atlas depended on the extent of tonsillar herniation, and the dura was opened in Y shape. The Neuropatch was cut into triangular shape, and the same sized autologous fascia lata was used in fascia group. The patches were sutured tightly to the dura matter in each group. The incision was closed layer by layer and drainage was used, if necessary. Antibiotics and hormone were routinely used. The duration of operation, postoperative fever were evaluated, the outcome of the operation was evaluated by Tator scale, and the data were analyzed with statistic software SPSS 10.0. Results: There were12 patients (60%) who suffered from postoperative fever in the Neuropatch group, and 9 patients (45%) in the fascia group(χ2=0.902,P=0.342). Seventeen patients in each group were improved postoperatively. The duration of operation, postoperative fever and antibiotics used were compared between the two groups. No significant difference was found, but the duration of postoperative fever and the time of hormone used were different. There were no postoperative infections that occurred after the follow up for 1 to 2 years, except for one patient in fascia group who developed infective granuloma and recovered later by treatment. Conclusion: Neuropatch is a useful dural substitute for the repair of dural defects in the treatment of CMI associated with syringomyelia.