Influence of antimicrobial peptide biofunctionalized TiO2 nanotubes on the biological behavior of human keratinocytes and its antibacterial effect / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To fabricate TiO2 nanotube material functionalized by antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and to explore its effects on biological behaviors such as adhesion and migration of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and its antibacterial properties. Methods: The TiO2 nanotube array (NT) was constructed on the surface of polished titanium (PT) by anodization, and the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was loaded on the surface of TiO2 nanotube (LL-37/NT) by physical adsorption. Three samples were selected by simple random sampling in each group. Surface morphology, roughness, hydrophilicity and release characteristics of LL-37 of the samples were analyzed with a field emission scanning electron microscope, an atomic force microscope, a contact angle measuring device and a microplate absorbance reader. HaCaT cells were respectively cultured on the surface of three groups of titanium samples. Each group had 3 replicates. The morphology of cell was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope. The number of cell adhesion was observed by cellular immunofluorescence staining. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Wound scratch assay was used to observe the migration of HaCaT. The above experiments were used to evaluate the effect of each group on the biological behavior of HaCaT cells. To evaluate their antibacterial effects, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) was respectively inoculated on the surface of three groups of titanium samples. Each group had 3 replicates. The morphology of bacteria was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope. Bacterial viability was determined by live/dead bacterial staining. Results: A uniform array of nanotubes could be seen on the surface of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group, and the top of the tube was covered with granular LL-37. Compared with PT group [the roughness was (2.30±0.18) nm, the contact angle was 71.8°±1.7°], the roughness [(20.40±3.10) and (19.10±4.11) nm] and hydrophilicity (the contact angles were 22.4°±3.1° and 25.3°±2.2°, respectively) of titanium samples increased in NT and LL-37/NT group (P<0.001). The results of in vitro release test showed that the release of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was characterized by early sudden release (1-4 h) and long-term (1-7 d) slow release. With the immunofluorescence, more cell attachment was found on NT and LL-37/NT than that on PT at the first 0.5 and 2.0 h of culture (P<0.05). The results of CCK-8 showed that there was no significant difference in the proliferation of cells among groups at 1, 3 and 5 days after culture. Wound scratch assay showed that compared with PT and NT group, the cell moved fastest on the surface of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group at 24 h of culture [(96.4±4.9)%] (F=35.55, P<0.001). A monolayer cells could be formed and filled with the scratch in 24 h at LL-37/NT group. The results of bacterial test in vitro showed that compared with the PT group, the bacterial morphology in the NT and LL-37/NT groups was significantly wrinkled, and obvious bacterial rupture could be seen on the surface of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group. The results of bacteria staining showed that the green fluorescence intensity of titanium samples in LL-37/NT group was the lowest in all groups (F=66.54,P<0.001). Conclusions: LL-37/NT is beneficial to the adhesion and migration of HaCaT cells and has excellent antibacterial properties, this provides a new strategy for the optimal design of implant neck materials.

A follow-up study on the introduction of vegetables and fruits during infants aged 4-8 months in Beijing and Chenzhou City of Hunan Province / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the introduction of vegetables and fruits in 4-8 months old infants, and to describe the maternal and infants' characteristics associated with the introduction of vegetables and fruits.@*METHODS@#Mother-infant dyads (n=228) were recruited from 12 to 16 weeks postpartum and formally entered the study at 4 months of age. Data collected via face to face interview at 4-8 months postpartum, including the timing and types of added vegetables and fruits, as well as a variety of maternal and infant characteristics (n=204). Rank sum test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the maternal and infant characteristics related to the introduction of vegetables and fruits.@*RESULTS@#The time of introducing vegetables was concentrated at the age of 7 months, and the time of adding fruits was mainly at 6 months. Fruits were added earlier than vegetables (P < 0.001), and the variety of the added fruits was higher than that of vegetables (P=0.045). 48% (n=98) of infants had no more than three types of fruits and vegetables at 8 months. Only 9.8% (n=20) had added more than 10 kinds of fruits and vegetables at 8 months. Green leafy vegetables were the most commonly added vegetable, and apple was the most popular fruit. Compared with women who were 35 years of age or younger, women beyond 35 years old introduced vegetables to their babies 0.6 months later. 4-month-old exclusively breastfed infants had vegetables 0.4 months later than mixed-fed infants. Women with a bachelor's degree or above added 2-3 more types of fruits and vegetables to their babies than those with junior high school education and below.@*CONCLUSION@#The adding time of fruits was earlier than that of vegetable. Apples and green leafy vegetables are commonly added. Women with lower educational backgrounds add fewer types of fruits and vegetables to their babies. Mothers who choose exclusive breastfeeding and those over 35 years of age at childbirth add vegetables to their babies later than others. They should be targeted for health promotion programs that aim to improve the intake of fruits and vegetables among infants.

Relationship between nutrients intake during pregnancy and the glycemic control effect in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the relationship between nutrients intake during pregnancy and the glycemic control effect in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).@*METHODS@#Pregnant women for 25-35 gestational weeks who underwent prenatal examination and completed GDM diagnostic test in two third-class hospitals in Beijing from October 2015 to October 2017 were recruited to participate in the cohort study, and were investigated at enrollment, 2 weeks after enrollment, and delivery. The cross-sectional survey data 2 weeks after enrollment was used for this study. Among them, dietary survey used the 24 h dietary records to collect the food intake of the subjects for the past day, and the intake of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients, was calculated according to the Chinese Food Composition Table. Using the data of fasting blood glucose (FBG) collected by clinical information system and referring to the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pregnancy Diabetes (2014), the GDM patients with FBG ≤5.3 mmol/L were divided into the well-control group, those with FBG >5.3 mmol/L were divided into poorly-control group, and pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance were consi-dered as the normal group. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the nutrients intake and glycemic control effect in pregnant women with GDM.@*RESULTS@#A total of 227 pregnant women were enrolled, including 104 GDM patients and 123 normal pregnancy women. Among them, 76 subjects in the well-control group (73.1%, 76/104) and 28 subjects in the poorly-control group (26.9%, 28/104). Compared with the well-control group and the normal group, the protein intake and its energy ratio of the poorly-control group were significantly higher, while carbohydrate energy ratio was significantly lower. In terms of micronutrients, there was no significant difference between the well-control group and the poorly-control group. After adjusting for age, gestational age and physical activity level, with the well-control group as the control group, binary Logistic regression model showed that higher protein energy ratio was positively correlated with poorly glycemic control effect in pregnant women with GDM (OR=6.12, 95%CI: 1.44-25.98), while higher carbohydrate energy ratio was negatively correlated with poorly glycemic control (OR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.32-0.91).@*CONCLUSION@#Reduced protein intake and increased carbohydrate intake were associated with better glycemic control in pregnant women with GDM. It is suggested that GDM patients should adjust their dietary pattern further to achieve good glycemic control effect.

Research Progress in the Role of Tim3/galectin-9 in Hematological Malignancy--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

The incidence of hematological malignant tumor is increasing year by year, and seriously affecting the human health. In addition to the traditional radiation and chemotherapy, immunotherapy has achieved a certain effect in the treatment of blood tumor, but it is limited by exhaustion of CD8

Relationship between Small-world Network and Cognitive Impairment for Patients with White Matter Lesions Based On Diffusion Tensor Imaging / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the relationship between small-worldness of brain network and cognitive impairment in patients with white matter lesions (WMLs) based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods:From January, 2016 to December, 2017, 46 WMLs patients and 36 controls matched genders, ages and education levels from Beijing Tiantan Hospital were screened with DTI. The patients were divided into vascular cognitive impairment non-dementia (VCIND) and vascular dementia (VaD) groups according to the results of cognitive assessments. The brain structure network was created based on DTI data, and the topological properties of the whole-brain small-world network were calculated, and the correlation between the small-worldness and the severity of cognitive impairment was analyzed. Results:The global efficiency, local efficiency, shortest path length and clustering coefficient were different between the patients and the controls (F > 3.252, P < 0.05), as well as the properties of the small-world network, λ, γ and σ (F > 7.378, P < 0.01). The λ, γ and σ were correlated with the total score of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (|r| > 0.402, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The brain structure network is small-world network for patients with WMLs, and the decrease of small-world properties may relate to the cognitive impairment.

Comparative study for morphological identification, chemical component analysis, and DNA barcode determination of three plants and their varieties in Genus Mentha / 药学学报

The morphological identification, chemical component analysis, and DNA barcode determination were investigated on Genus Mentha (including Mentha haplocalyx Briq., Mentha piperita Linn., Mentha spicata Linn. and Mentha cultivated) in order to reveal the origin of Herba Mentha as a drug, and ensure the accuracy in clinic application. The morphological characters, chemical composition analysis by GC-MS/MS and DNA content measure by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were reported in this study for inter- or intra- species divergence. Based on the morphology, axillary verticillasters was recognized as the typical character for Mentha haplocalyx Briq. Carvone was used as an index component for chemical composition analysis of Mentha spicata Linn. Gene clustering analysis divided 22 batches of samples into two molecular groups. Mentha haplocalyx Briq. is distinguishably different from Mentha spicata Linn. Mentha piperita Linn. and other cultivated plants were distributed between these two species. The results obtained by morphological identification, chemical composition analysis, and DNA barcode determination show good correlations, but each identification method has its limit. In view of the fact that hybridization of the plants in Genus Mentha is common, identification relying on only one method is not recommended.

Resting-state Neural Networks and Granger Causal Connectivity for Patients with Cognitive Impairment Associated with Leukoaraiosis / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To compare the difference in resting state networks among leukoaraiosis (LA) patients with or without mild cognitive impairment, and healthy controls, as well as the functional connectivity under Granger causality analysis (GCA). Methods:Subjects aged 40 to 80 years, including 34 LA-MCI patients, 15 LA patients with normal cognition and 33 healthy controls, accepted resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Independent component analysis was used to separate functional brain networks, and difference of activation was determined with two sample t-test. GCA was used to analyze effective connectivity of these functional networks. Results:Eight resting state networks were obtained, including default mode network, motor network, medial visual network, lateral visual network, right-memory network, left-memory network, auditory network and executive network. Activation was different among three groups. Effective connectivity of RSNs was also different among three groups. Conclusion:Components of the resting state networks keep changing as LA progressing. Activation decreases as patients' cognition impaired. The direction and strength of connections remodel.

Study on Stability of Mixture Reference Solution of Strychni Alkaloids / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective Brucine and strychnine monomer reference substance as extremely toxic substance had potential threat during transportation and utilization. In this study we investigated the homogeneity, stability and assignment accuracy of the mixture reference solution of strychnine and brucine, so as to provide reference for the quality control of extremely toxic chemical reference substances for Chinese medicine. Methods Following the assay in Chinese Pharmacopoeia volume I (2015), we prepared the mixture reference solution of brucine and strychnine, and investigated the solvents and the concentration of mixutre reference solution. The stability test lasted for 12 months. F-test was used for heterogeneity assay. Three researchers were involved for collaboration. Results Methanol and chloroform solution were selected as the solvents for the stability test. Results showed the difference was not statistically significant among various mixture solutions. The results of value assignment were 0.14 mg/mL for strychnine (sR = 0.5％)and 0.10 mg/mL for brucine (sR = 1.0％). The stability of mixture solution were better under the conditions of methanol solution at 4 ℃ or -20 ℃. Conclusion The results provide a possible way to develop the mixture solution in place of the monomer reference, and the mixture reference solution is expected for the quality control in the slices of Semen Strychni and its compound preparations.

Application of radical method to evaluation of antioxidant activity of Vleriana jatamansi Jones / 药学学报

The antioxidant activities of Vleriana jatamansi Jones were investigated and the relationship between the antioxidant effect and the chemical structure was explored. The free radical scavenging test, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), was used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the extracts of Vleriana jatamansi Jones with 0−100% menthol as extraction solvents. The polar and nonpolar HPLC conditions were conducted to isolate the main chemical compositions. The DPPH• tests were used in analysis of the free radical scavenging activities. Under polar HPLC separation conditions, 5 kinds of compounds were detected:chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, hesperidin, and coffeic acid; under nonpolar HPLC separation conditions, acevaltrate, 1β-acevaltrate and valtrate were founded. Chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid presented high DPPH• free radical scavenging activities. The results of antioxidant activity suggested that the coffee acyl from chlorogenic acid-like compounds had a high DPPH• free radical scavenging ability. Our investigation indicated that structure of the ortho hydroxyl phenol of chlorogenic acid-like compounds play a significant role in antioxidant activities. In addition, this work can also provide method and theory reference for improving the antioxidant activities of Vleriana jatamansi Jones.

Associations of Socioeconomic Factors,Nutrients Intake,and Gut Microbiota of Healthy Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester with Gestational Weight Gain / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the associations of socioeconomic factors,nutrients intake,and gut microbiota of healthy pregnant women in the third trimester with gestational weight gain (GWG).Methods We recruited 98 pregnant women in the third trimester who had received antenatal care in the Department of Obstetrics Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October,2015 to May,2016. We collected socioeconomic information through a structured questionnaire covering age,ethnicity,height,pre-pregnancy weight,and education. Nutritional status of these pregnant women was assessed by a 24-hour dietary intake recall. The participants were provided with collective tubes for faecal sample collection at home;their weight before the delivery was recorded. The pre-pregnancy weight and GWG were classified according to World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) standard for adults and the Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines (2009),respectively. The gut microbiota of the participants were analyzed using a whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing method.Results Insufficient and excessive GWG accounted for 15.3% and 50.0% of the cohort,respectively. Appropriate GWG level was associated with intakes of fat (F=3.113,P=0.049),carbohydrates (F=3.750,P=0.027),and dietary fiber (F=4.499,P=0.014) but not with age (F=2.495,P=0.088),ethnicity (Χ =0.065,P=0.968),education (Χ =0.827,P=0.661),or pre-pregnancy BMI (F=0.121,P=0.887). Compared with the participants with appropriate GWG,those with excessive GWG had significantly higher abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila,Atopobium parvulum,and Alistipes indistinctus as well as lower abundance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Weissella unclassified,Eubacterium ventriosum,Ruminococcus torques,and Bacteroides uniformis. Compared with the participants with appropriate GWG,those with insufficient GWG had significantly higher abundance of Dialister invisus,Alistipes unclassified,Peptoniphilus harei,Escherichia unclassified,Parvimonas unclassified,Campylobacter ureolyticus,Lactobacillus crispatus,and Fusobacterium nucleatum and lower abundance of Eubacterium ventriosum.Conclusions Abnormal GWG is common in pregnant women. GWG is significantly associated with gut microbiota as well as with nutritional factors including fat,carbohydrate,and dietary fiber intake.

Impact of Cholinergic Pathway Damage on Cognitive Impairment Caused by Cerebral White Matter Lesions / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To investigate the relationship between cholinergic pathway damage and the executive dysfunction of patients with different degrees of cognitive impairment caused by cerebral white matter lesions(WML). Methods From March,2016 to December,2017,115 patients were recruited,whose characteristics,such as age,gender, education,and history of hypertension,diabetes and stroke were recorded.According to the T2-weighted MRI,80 patients were defined as WML.WML patients were divided into cognitively normal(CN)group(n=41),vascular cognitive impairment of none dementia(VCIND)group(n=21)and vascular dementia(VaD)group(n=18)ac-cording to the result of Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)and Clinical Dementia Rating(CDR).Other 35 cases without WML and cognitive impairment were as control group.WML under MRI were evaluated with Cho-linergic Pathways Hyperintensities Scale(CHIPS).All the WML patients were assessed with Stroop Color-Word Test,Trail Making Test, Symbol Digital Modalities Test, and Verbal Fluence Test.The correlation between the scores of CHIPS and the executive tests were analysed. Results There was no significant difference in age, gender, level of education, and cardiovascular disease risk factors among four groups(P>0.05),but there were significant differences in scores of MoCA and CHIPS(F>25.781,P<0.001),while the score of MoCA was the least(P<0.01)and the scores of CHIPS were the most in VaD group (P<0.001).The CHIPS scores of left and bilateral hemisphere negatively correlated with all the scores of execu-tive tests(P<0.05),while that of the right hemisphere just correlated with the scores of some executive tests(P<0.05). Conclusion For cognitive impairment after WML,cholinergic pathway damage may relate with the executive function impairment,especially the damage in left cerebral hemisphere.

Advance in Default Mode Network,Salience Network and Central Executive Network about Cognitive Function in Old Persons(review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#A lot of researches indicate the relationship between cognitive impairment and functional connectivity of default mode network,salience network and central executive network.The changes of networks are various in different cognitive dys-function.It is important to apply resting state functional magnetic resonance in the old adults with cognitive dysfunction.

Comparison study of determination methods of free amino acid in Shuxuetong injection by HPTLC, pre-column derivation-UPLC, and ion chromatography / 药学学报

Free amino acids play a great role in traditional Chinese medicine in injections of animal products, as they may take part in peptide synthesis and exhibit a bioactivity in vivo. However, most of the national standards for drugs and peer-reviewed papers only focus on the total amount of amino acids after peptide hydrolysis. We compare the advantage and disadvantage among high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), pre-column derivatization ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and ion chromatography. As a result, the HPTLC and pre-column derivatization UPLC are suitable for quality analysis, while there is high matrix influence for ion chromatography analysis. The verified pre-column derivatization UPLC method is utilized in quantitative analysis. 24 kinds of amino acid were detected by this method, and 8 of them were reported for the first time from the injection. The system has high repeatability and accuracy with LOD on the level of pmol·mL-1.

Determination of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in Yimucao preparations by HPLC-MS / 中国中药杂志

To establish the quantitative method of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in the preparations of Leonuri Herba. The contents of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in the preparations of Leonuri Herba were determined by HPLC-MS. The chromatographic column was Waters XBridge Amide(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in gradient mode,at the flow rate of 1.0 mL• min⁻¹,with the split ratio of 1∶4. MS conditions for the ESI ion source,positive ion mode,selective ion scan(SIM) of stachydrine hydrochloride(m/z 144.0) and leonurine hydrochloride(m/z 312.0) was measured. The linear ranges of stachydrine hydrochloride was 0.562 8-281.4 μg•L-1（r=0.999 8）. The linear ranges of leonurine hydrochloride was 0.521 2-260.6 μg•L-1（r=0.999 8）. The method is accurate,simple,and reliable,and can be used to determine the contents of stachydrine hydrochloride and leonurine hydrochloride in the preparations of Leonuri Herba.

Study on crocins reference extract and application on assay of Croci Stigma / 中国中药杂志

High price and poor stability of both crocin-1 and crocin-2 reference substance have become obstacles to HPLC assay of Croci Stigma. A new method based on reference extract was proposed. In this study, the reference extract was prepared from gardenia yellow which is cheap and easy to get The content of crocin-1 and crocin-2 in reference extract was determined and factors affecting stability of reference extract were investigated. Twelve batches of Croci Stigma were analyzed with reference extract and reference substance respectively. The results showed no difference. The presented method is feasible for quality control of Croci Stigma and reference extract is suitable to replace reference substances in assay.

Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women and their Associated Factors in Eight Cities of China: A Cross-sectional Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>During the last 3 decades, China has dramatic changes of the dietary pattern among its citizens, particularly in urban cities. This study aimed to determine the nutrient intake status and factors associated with nutrient intakes of urban Chinese pregnant women now-a-day.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The multistage stratified random sampling method was applied in the cross-sectional study. 479 women in three trimesters of pregnancy from eight cities of China were recruited. Nutrient intakes were evaluated with one 24 h dietary recall, and compared with the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) 2013 for available nutrients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Most pregnant women had imbalanced macronutrient distribution with excessive energy derived from fat. Intakes of Vitamin A, B 6, calcium, magnesium, and selenium were below Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) and Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) in all trimesters. Most pregnant women took more folic acid in the first trimester with a significant decrease in the second and third trimester (P < 0.05). Shortfall in iron intake was found in the third trimester whereas some women may be at the risk of excessive iron intake. Intakes of thiamin met RNI in the first trimester but were below EAR in all trimesters. Trimester phasing was positively associated with most nutrients (P < 0.05). Prepregnancy body mass index was inversely associated with energy, fat, Vitamin C, and calcium intake (P < 0.05). Educational level and household income were positively associated with folic acid intake (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Current prenatal dietary choices of urban pregnant women in China are imbalanced in the nutrient intake when compared with national DRIs 2013, particularly in intakes of energy derived from fat and micronutrients. Appropriate dietary advice to pregnant women should promote a balanced diet with emphasis on avoidance of foods of high fat content and incorporation of foods that are good sources of the key micronutrients that are usually lacking in a regular pregnancy diet. Further research is needed to understand the eating habits and food patterns that contribute to this imbalanced diet in order to be able to effectively improve prenatal women's nutrient intake status.</p>

Resting-state Network of Brain in Leukoaraiosis Patients: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the diversity of resting-state network of brain between the patients with leukoaraiosis and the healthy people. Methods 31 patients with leukoaraiosis (patients) and 27 healthy persons (controls) were checked with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and analyzed with the independent component analysis (ICA) to explore the resting-state functional brain network. Results The resting-state brain network was found in both the patients and the controls, which was coincident with the previous studies. The active areas were the same in both groups, and the activation was weaken in the patients than in the controls, especially in quadrate gyri, posterior cingulate cortex, superior temporal gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, anterior central gyrus, post central gyrus, insula and prefrontal cortex. Conclusion There is a significant diversity of resting-state network of brain between the patients with leukoaraiosis and healthy people in the activation of active areas.

Influence of dental restorative material properties on bond interface reliability: a finite element analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Varieties of restorative materials are widely used in dentistry. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of different dental restorative materials on bond interface reliability.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A two-dimensional finite element analysis method was adopted to simulate the shear-bond efficacy test. The influence of elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio were investigated separately. Several dental restorative materials including resins, metals, and ceramics were analyzed in this study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The deformation and peak equivalent stress level of the dentin-adhesive interface rose sharply following a decrease in the elasticity of restorative materials, especially those with a low elastic modulus range. The influence of the Poisson's coefficient was not significant. Ceramics and gold alloy were preferred to resin composite in restorations bearing extensive shear load during service.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Restorative materials with an elastic modulus similar to that of teeth are not always the best clinical choice. This research provides a helpful guide for the application of different restorative materials in clinical practice.</p>

Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging classification for Alzheimer's disease based on kernel density estimation of local features / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The classification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been challenged by lack of effective and reliable biomarkers due to inter-subject variability. This article presents a classification method for AD based on kernel density estimation (KDE) of local features.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>First, a large number of local features were extracted from stable image blobs to represent various anatomical patterns for potential effective biomarkers. Based on distinctive descriptors and locations, the local features were robustly clustered to identify correspondences of the same underlying patterns. Then, the KDE was used to estimate distribution parameters of the correspondences by weighting contributions according to their distances. Thus, biomarkers could be reliably quantified by reducing the effects of further away correspondences which were more likely noises from inter-subject variability. Finally, the Bayes classifier was applied on the distribution parameters for the classification of AD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Experiments were performed on different divisions of a publicly available database to investigate the accuracy and the effects of age and AD severity. Our method achieved an equal error classification rate of 0.85 for subject aged 60 - 80 years exhibiting mild AD and outperformed a recent local feature-based work regardless of both effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We proposed a volumetric brain MRI classification method for neurodegenerative disease based on statistics of local features using KDE. The method may be potentially useful for the computer-aided diagnosis in clinical settings.</p>

Prevalence of self-reported allergy, food hypersensitivity and food intolerance and their influencing factors in 0-36 months old infants in 8 cities in China / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To measure the prevalence, the possible causes and the influencing factors of allergy, food hypersensitivity and food intolerance in 0-36 month old infants in 8 cities in China.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Totally 2632 infants from the outpatient departments of prevention and health care of two representative hospitals in 8 Chinese cities were randomly selected by applying multistage cluster sampling method from October 2011 to March 2012, and a one-on-one survey to infants' parents was conducted to investigate infants' sensitization status.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Self-reported infant allergy rate was 17.97% (473/2632) ; self-reported food hypersensitivity and food intolerance rates were 6.53% (172/2632) and 4.26% (112/2632) , respectively. The proportion of self-reported food hypersensitivity of 0-12 months old infants was 4.47% (74/1656) and their top five allergens in a descending order were eggs (28.38%) , shrimp (25.68%) , fish (21.62%) , milk (18.92%) and wheat (4.05%) . The proportion of self-reported 13-36 months old infant's food hypersensitivity was 10.05% (98/976) . The top five allergens were shrimp (33.93%) , fish (26.79%) , eggs (23.21%) , milk (12.50%) and soy (3.57%) in 13-24 months group, while fish (38.24%) , shrimp (35.29%) , eggs (20.59%) , milk (20.59%) and peanuts (2.94%) in 25-36 months group. Both 7-12 and 13-24 month old were the highest incidence (both of them were 11.98%, 58/484) of age for developing food hypersensitivity and 7-12-month old was also the highest incidence (8.47%, 41/484) of age for food intolerance. The self-reported food intolerance rate was 3.68% (61/1656) and 5.23% (51/976) in the two age groups, respectively. Age, parental history of allergy and father's educational level (OR was 2.452, 1.482 and 2.598, respectively, P < 0.01) were the risk factors of food hypersensitivity; within two weeks of sickness (OR = 1.267, P < 0.05) was the risk factor of food intolerance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Infancy was the most vulnerable period of life of getting allergy, therefore, it is necessary for all infants to prevent allergy through a variety of effective strategies.</p>