Research progress on regulation of N6-adenylate methylation modification in lipid metabolism disorders / 生理学报

Lipid metabolism is a complex physiological process, which is closely related to nutrient regulation, hormone balance and endocrine function. It involves the interactions of multiple factors and signal transduction pathways. Lipid metabolism disorder is one of the main mechanisms to induce a variety of diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma and their complications. At present, more and more studies have found that the "dynamic modification" of N6-adenylate methylation (m6A) on RNA represents a new "post-transcriptional" regulation mode. m6A methylation modification can occur in mRNA, tRNA, ncRNA, etc. Its abnormal modification can regulate gene expression changes and alternative splicing events. Many latest references have reported that m6A RNA modification is involved in the epigenetic regulation of lipid metabolism disorder. Based on the major diseases induced by lipid metabolism disorders, we reviewed the regulatory roles of m6A modification in the occurrence and development of those diseases. These overall findings inform further in-depth investigations of the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding the pathogenesis of lipid metabolism disorders from the perspective of epigenetics, and provide reference for health prevention, molecular diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.

A cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of three-dimensional changes of circummaxillary sutures following maxillary protraction with alternate rapid palatal expansions and constrictions / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To assess three-dimensional (3D) changes of circummaxillary sutures following maxillary protraction with alternate rapid palatal expansions and constrictions (RPE/C) facemask protocol in maxillary retrusive children, and to investigate the relationship between the changes of circum-maxillary sutures and zygomaticomaxillary suture (ZMS) maturation, and to explore the factors of maxilla forward movement with RPE/C and facemask.@*METHODS@#In the study (clinical trial registration No: ChiCTR2000034909), 36 maxillary retrusive patients were recruited and block randomized to either the rapid palatal expansion (RPE) group or the RPE/C group. Patients aged 7 to 13 years, Class Ⅲ malocclusion, anterior crossbite, ANB less than 0°, Wits appraisal less than -2 mm, and A-Np less than 0 mm were included in the study. The RPE group received rapid palatal expansion, whereas the RPE/C group received alternate rapid palatal expansions and constrictions, and both with facemask protraction. Head orientations of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were implemented by Dolphin 11.7. 3D measurements of circummaxillary sutures on CBCT images were evaluated using Mimics 10.01 before (T0) and after treatment (T1). The changes were analyzed with independent t test, two-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#Two subjects in the RPE/C group were lost to follow-up. A total of 34 patients reached the completion criteria and were analyzed. Compared with the RPE group, sagittal changes of circummaxillary sutures were significantly increased in the RPE/C group with 1.21 mm advancement of zygomaticotemporal suture, 2.20 mm of ZMS, 1.43 mm of zygoma-ticofrontal suture (P < 0.05, respectively). Except for the zygomaticotemporal suture, the rest forward sagittal changes of other circummaxillary sutures showed no major difference in terms of the ZMS maturation. The Spearman's correlation in RPE/C indicated a strong positive correlation of sagittal changes between ZMS and point A (P < 0.01) with a regression analysis R2=42.5%.@*CONCLUSION@#RPE/C might be more effective on the treatment of maxillary retrusive children. As one of the major mechanical loading sutures during orthopedic therapy, ZMS showed a strong positive correlation with point A on sagittal changes.

Effect of dexamethasone combined with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel on prevention of postoperative sore throat after nasal endoscopy / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness and feasibility of dexamethasone combined with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel on the prevention of postoperative sore throat after nasal endoscopy.@*METHODS@#In the study, 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical statuses Ⅰ to Ⅱ, aged 18 to 72 years, scheduled for elective nasal endoscope surgery under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation were randomly divided into dexamethasone combined with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel group (G group, n=30) and control group (C group, n=30). The patients in the G group received dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg before induction and the oxybuprocaine gel was applied to the endotracheal catheter cuff and the front end within 15 cm. The patients in the C group received the same dose of saline and the saline was applied to the endotracheal catheter cuff and the front end within 15 cm. Then, all the patients in the two groups received the same induction and anesthesia maintainance. The operation time, anesthesia time, emergence time, extubation time and departure time were recorded. The intraoperative infusion volume, blood loss volume, propofol, remifentanil, rocuronium dosage were also recorded. The adverse reactions such as intraoperative hypotension, bradycardia and postoperative agitation were recorded. The postoperative sore throat score was recorded at the end of operation and 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h after operation.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the C group, the emergence time [(8.4±3.9) min vs. (10.8±4.7) min], extubation time [(8.8±3.7) min vs. (11.9±4.8) min], and departure time [(20.0±5.3) min vs. (23.0±5.8) min] were significantly shorter, and the propofol dosage [(11.8±1.8) mg/kg vs. (15.9±4.6) mg/kg], remifentanil dosage [(10.9±4.7) μg/kg vs. (14.1±3.6) μg/kg] were significantly less in the G group, and there was no difference of rocuronium dosage in the two groups. Compared with the C group the incidence of intraoperative hypotension [10%(3/30) vs. 30%(9/30)], bradycardia [16.7%(5/30) vs. 20%(6/30)] and postoperative agitation [6.7%(2/30) vs. 23.3%(7/30)] were significantly lower in the C group. The postoperative sore throat score at the end of operation, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after operation in the G group were significantly lower than in the C group respectively [0 (0, 1) vs. 1 (1, 2), 0 (0, 0) vs. 1 (1, 2), 0 (0, 0) vs. 1 (1, 2), 0 (0, 0) vs. 1 (0.75, 1), 0 (0, 0) vs. 1 (0, 1)].@*CONCLUSION@#Dexamethasone combined with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride gel was effective and feasible on the prevention of postoperative sore throat after nasal endoscopy.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of community health education for the prevention and control of retransmission of imported malaria in Zhangjiagang City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To increase the awareness of malaria prevention and control among people going abroad and returners, so as to prevent the local retransmission of oversea imported malaria. Methods Health education interventions for malaria control were given to people going abroad and returners in communities, and the changes of malaria prevention and control knowledge and medical-seeking behaviors were observed among the target populations. Results There were 367 people going abroad and oversea returners from malaria-endemic areas in Zhangjiagang City from July 2018 to December 2019, and 18 imported malaria cases were found. Following the implementation of community health education, the awareness of malaria prevention and control knowledge increased significantly from 35.09% to 93.08% among the target populations (χ2 = 78.130, P < 0.01), and the proportions of carrying anti-malarial drugs and administration of anti-malarial drugs for emergency treatment increased from 12.14% and 11.46% to 26.79% and 26.79% (χ2 = 8.793 and 9.834, P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the mean duration from malaria onset to the definitive diagnosis reduced from (5.86 ± 4.45) days to (3.11 ± 1.28) days (U = 64.000, P < 0.05). Conclusion Community health education based on the precision community administration is an effective approach for malaria control in current era.

Chronic inflammation deteriorates structure and function of collagen fibril in rat temporomandibular joint disc / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Collagen is the building component of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs and is often affected by inflammation in temporomandibular disorders. The macromechanical properties of collagen are deteriorated by chronic inflammation. However, the mechanism by which inflammation influences disc function remains unknown. The relationship between the ultrastructure and nanomechanical properties of collagen in inflamed discs should be clarified. Seven-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. Chronic TMJ inflammation was induced by intra-articular injection of complete Freund's adjuvant, and samples were harvested after 5 weeks. Picrosirius staining revealed multiple colours under polarized light, which represented alternative collagen bundles in inflamed discs. Using atomic force microscopy scanning, the magnitude of Young's modulus was reduced significantly accompanied with disordered collagen fibril arrangement with porous architecture of inflamed discs. Transmission electron microscopy scanning revealed a non-uniform distribution of collagen fibres, and oversized collagen fibrils were observed in inflamed discs. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy revealed a decrease in 1 338 cm/amide II area ratio of collagen in different regions. The peak positions of amide I and amide II bands were altered in inflamed discs, indicating collagen unfolding. Our results suggest that sustained inflammation deteriorates collagen structures, resulting in the deterioration of the ultrastructure and nanomechanical properties of rat TMJ discs.

Role of WeChat publicity in control of imported malaria from abroad in timber industry / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of WeChat publicity in imported malaria control in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City, so as to provide new ideas for the control of malaria imported from abroad. Methods The data of malaria epidemic in Zhangjiagang City was collected, and the contact way of the overseas personnel in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City were obtained. The knowledge of the prevention and control of malaria was propagandized by WeChat among these personnel, and the awareness situation of malaria control knowledge of this population was investigated by questionnaires before and after the WeChat publicity. In addition, the number of new malaria cases among returnees from abroad in timber industry before and after WeChat publicity was calculated. Results All the links in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City adopted WeChat as the contact way. Before and after the WeChat publicity, 128 and 150 questionnaires were collected, respectively, the awareness rates of malaria control knowledge of the investigated objects were in the range of 7.81%-62.50% and 33.33%-90.00%, respectively, and the differences between the awareness rates on all the questions before and after the WeChat publicity were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Before the WeChat publicity, there were 6 new malaria cases in the population going aboard in timber industry, whereas no new cases were found after the publicity in this population. Conclusion WeChat publicity plays a good role in the prevention and control of malaria imported from overseas in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City, and this publicity method can be promoted in other industries.

Role of WeChat publicity in control of imported malaria from abroad in timber industry / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of WeChat publicity in imported malaria control in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City, so as to provide new ideas for the control of malaria imported from abroad. Methods The data of malaria epidemic in Zhangjiagang City was collected, and the contact way of the overseas personnel in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City were obtained. The knowledge of the prevention and control of malaria was propagandized by WeChat among these personnel, and the awareness situation of malaria control knowledge of this population was investigated by questionnaires before and after the WeChat publicity. In addition, the number of new malaria cases among returnees from abroad in timber industry before and after WeChat publicity was calculated. Results All the links in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City adopted WeChat as the contact way. Before and after the WeChat publicity, 128 and 150 questionnaires were collected, respectively, the awareness rates of malaria control knowledge of the investigated objects were in the range of 7.81%-62.50% and 33.33%-90.00%, respectively, and the differences between the awareness rates on all the questions before and after the WeChat publicity were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Before the WeChat publicity, there were 6 new malaria cases in the population going aboard in timber industry, whereas no new cases were found after the publicity in this population. Conclusion WeChat publicity plays a good role in the prevention and control of malaria imported from overseas in timber industry in Zhangjiagang City, and this publicity method can be promoted in other industries.

Evaluation of maxillary three-dimensional changes in maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction based on the cone-beam computed tomography / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To use the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) changes of maxillary landmarks in the maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction and with rapid palatal expansion, and to provide some clinical suggestions for the early treatment of Class III malocclusion.@*METHODS@#A total of 36 maxillary retrusive patients were included and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction group, RPE/C) or the control group (rapid palatal expansion group, RPE). Randomization was accomplished with permuted block randomization based on participation sequence. The patients in the RPE/C were treated for 10 weeks (0.5 mm/d) with the repetition of two-week palatal expansion and two-week palatal constriction. The patients in the RPE were taught to complete rapid palatal expansion for 2 weeks (0.5 mm/d ). The patients were instructed to come to the office for the follow-up to ensure the correct procedures. Damaged expanders were repaired (or replaced) and rebanded quickly. Sequential CBCT images including pretreatment (T1), post-expansion (T2) and post-protraction (T3) were required for 3D reconstruction, establishment of landmarks, measurement and analysis by Mimics 10.01.@*RESULTS@#There was significant forward movement of subspinale (A) in the RPE/C after the treatment with (3.06±1.29) mm, compared with RPE (2.16±1.27) mm, P<0.05. There were more symmetrical changes of the landmarks in the RPE/C and there was no statistic significance of the entire treatment time between the two groups. Moreover, the maxillary skeletal landmarks had the following 3D changes of a forward and downward movement during the expansion stages T2-T1, a forward and upward movement during the protraction stages T3-T2 and a forward and downward movement during the total treatments T3-T1 compared with the control group. And the width between the bilateral landmarks increased during the expansion stages T2-T1, narrowed down during the protraction stages T3-T2 and increased during the total treatments T3-T1.@*CONCLUSION@#The maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction provided clinical benefits on maxillary advancement and symmetrical changes in the orthopedic treatment of the patients with maxillary retrognathism and it required further study on the orthodontic analysis and measurements of CBCT.

Dynamic changes of blood flow in frontal cortex of diabetic rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the changes of cerebral blood flow in rats with diabetic cognitive impairment by two-channel laser Doppler flowmeter,and to explore the changes of cerebral blood flow in diabetic rats with cognitive impairment and to investigate the changes of cerebral blood flow lesions and the central nervous system function changes in the study to provide pre-foundation.Methods Thirty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups:blank control group and diabetic model group.The rats in the model group were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) 60 mg · kg-1,and the glucose oxidase method was used to determine fasting blood glucose ≥ 16.7 mmol · L-1 as the standard of the model.The Water maze was used to observe the behavioral changes of diabetic rats.Dual-channel laser doppler flowmeter was used to measure cerebral blood flow in diabetic rats with cognitive impairment.Another 34 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups:control group and diabetic model group.Dual-channel laser doppler flowmeter was used to dynamically monitor cerebral blood flow on 0 d,7 d,14 d,21 d,28 d,35 d,42 d,56 d and 75 d.ELISA was applied to detect the concentration of iNOS,eNOS and ET-1 in cerebrospinal fluid.Results Morris water maze test showed that the time of the platform (latency) was significantly longer than that of the blank control group(P ＜0.05).The cerebral blood flow/100 g of diabetic rats with cognitive impairment was significantly lower than that of the control group (P ＜ O.05),and the blood flow in the model group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with control group,iNOS and eNOS concentrations were markedly elevated,while ET-1 concentration obviously decreased.Conclusions The decrease of blood flow in the frontal cortex of diabetic rats with cognitive impairment suggests that it may be one of the factors leading to cognitive impairment in diabetes mellitus.Cerebral blood flow reduction occurs in the early stages of diabetes,followed by no significant deterioration.Cerebral blood flow may not be related to the changes of NO and ET-1,but the trend of cerebral blood flow may be related to the change of the two.

Nonsurgical correction of a severe anterior deep overbite accompanied by a gummy smile and posterior scissor bite using a miniscrew-assisted straight-wire technique in an adult high-angle case / 대한치과교정학회지

In the present report, we describe the successful use of miniscrews to achieve vertical control in combination with the conventional sliding MBT™ straight-wire technique for the treatment of a 26-year-old Chinese woman with a very high mandibular plane angle, deep overbite, retrognathic mandible with backward rotation, prognathic maxilla, and gummy smile. The patient exhibited skeletal Class II malocclusion. Orthodontic miniscrews were placed in the maxillary anterior and posterior segments to provide rigid anchorage and vertical control through intrusion of the incisors and molars. Intrusion and torque control of the maxillary incisors relieved the deep overbite and corrected the gummy smile, while intrusion of the maxillary molars aided in counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane, which consequently resulted in an improved facial profile. After 3.5 years of retention, we observed a stable, well-aligned dentition with ideal intercuspation and more harmonious facial contours. Thus, we were able to achieve a satisfactory occlusion, a significantly improved facial profile, and an attractive smile for this patient. The findings from this case suggest that nonsurgical correction using miniscrew anchorage is an effective approach for camouflage treatment of high-angle cases with skeletal Class II malocclusion.

Use of ultrasound to facilitate femoral nerve block with stimulating catheter / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The adjunction of ultrasound to nerve stimulation has been proven to improve single-injection peripheral nerve block quality. However, few reports have been published determining whether ultrasound can facilitate continuous nerve blocks. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the addition of ultrasound to nerve stimulation facilitates femoral nerve blocks with a stimulating catheter.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this prospective randomized study, patients receiving continuous femoral nerve blocks for total knee replacement were randomly assigned to either the ultrasound guidance combined with stimulating catheter group (USNS group; n = 60) or the stimulating catheter alone group (NS group; n = 60). The primary end point was the procedure time (defined as the time from first needle contact with the skin until correct catheter placement). The numbers of needle passes and catheter insertions, onset and quality of femoral nerve blocks, postoperative pain score, and early knee function were also recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The procedure time was significantly less in the USNS group than in the NS group (9.0 (6.0 - 22.8) minutes vs. 13.5 (6.0 - 35.9) minutes, P = 0.024). The numbers of needle passes and catheter insertions were also significantly less in the USNS group. A greater complete block rate was achieved at 30 minutes in the USNS group (63.3% vs. 38.3%; P = 0.010). The postoperative pain score, the number of patients who required bolus local anesthetic and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, and knee flexion on the second postoperative day were not significantly different between the two groups of patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ultrasound-assisted placement of a stimulating catheter for femoral nerve blocks decreases the time necessary to perform the block compared with just the nerve-stimulating technique. In addition, a more complete blockade is achieved using the ultrasound-assisted technique.</p>