Decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder

Abstract Background: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-Cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PC-SMTLD) has been considered as a controversial dermatological disease that has been included in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma group, presenting most commonly as a solitary nodule and/or plaque with a specific and characteristic head and neck predilection. Due to the considerable overlap between PC-SMTLD and pseudolymphoma (PL), the differential diagnosis is often challenging. Methylation of DNA at position 5 of cytosine, and the subsequent reduction in intracellular 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels, is a key epigenetic event in several cancers, including systemic lymphomas. However, it has rarely been studied in cutaneous lymphomas. Objectives: The authors aimed to explore the role of differential 5-hmC immunostaining as a useful marker to distinguish PC-SMTLD from PL. Methods: Retrospective case series study with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of 5-hmC was performed in PL and PC-SMTLD. Results: Significant decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining was observed in PC-SMTLD when compared with PL (p<0.0001). By semi-quantitative grade integration, there were statistical differences in the final 5-hmC scores in the two study groups. The IF co-staining of 5-hmC with CD4 revealed a decrease of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes of PC-SMTLD. Study limitations: The small clinical sample size of the study. Conclusions: The immunorreactivity of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes was highly suggestive of a benign process as PL. Furthermore, the decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining in PC-SMTLD indicated its lymphoproliferative status and helped to make the differential diagnosis with PL. © 2023 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Research progress on the relation and related mechanism of night shift work and cardiovascular disease / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Cardiovascular disease is a class of diseases involving the heart or blood vessels, which accounts for about one-third of all deaths worldwide each year. Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. With the increasing number of night shift workers, the number of patients with cardiovascular disease has increased, and night shift work has gradually become a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. At present, the mechanism of cardiovascular disease caused by night shift work is still unclear. This review summarizes the relationship between night shift work and cardiovascular disease and its related biochemical indicators, and discusses the research on related mechanisms.

Research progress on the role of lncRNA in the occurrence and development of malignant mesothelioma / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a long latency, poor prognosis and asbestos exposure related malignant disease. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a kind of RNA with a length of more than 200 nucleotides that does not encode protein. It plays an important role in epigenetic regulation, cell cycle regulation and cell differentiation regulation. Recent studies have shown that the abnormal expression or function of lncRNA is closely related to the diagnosis and prognosis of MM. In this paper, the lncRNA research on MM is reviewed to better understand the role of lncRNA in MM.

Effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To study the effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-two 3.5-month-old New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into low-intensity group, medium-intensity group, high-intensity group and control group, with 8 rabbits in each group. The rabbits in the experimental group were subjected to hind limb vibration load test for 45 days. The vibration intensity of the high intensity group was 12.26 m/s(2), the medium intensity group was 6.13 m/s(2), and the low intensity group was 3.02 m/s(2) according to the effective value of weighted acceleration[a(hw (4))] for 4 hours of equal energy frequency. The control group was exposed to noise only in the same experimental environment as the medium-intensity group. The noise levels of each group were measured during the vibration load experiment. After the test, the mRNA expression of mitochondrial fusion gene (Mfn1/Mfn2) and fission gene (Fis1, Drp1) by RT-PCR in the skeletal muscles were measured and the ultrastructure of the skeletal muscles were observed in high intensity group. Results: The mRNA expression of mitochondrial in the skeletal muscle tissues of control group, low intensity group, medium intensity group and high intensity group were Mfn1: 3.25±1.36, 3.85±1.90, 4.53±2.31 and 11.63±7.68; Mfn2: 0.68±0.25, 1.02±0.40, 0.94±0.33 and 1.40±0.45; Fis1: 1.05±0.62, 1.15±0.59, 1.53±1.06 and 2.46±1.51 and Drp1: 3.72±1.76, 2.91±1.63, 3.27±2.01 and 4.21±2.46, respectively. Compared with the control group, the expressions of Mfn1 mRNA, Mfn2 mRNA and Fis1 mRNA in the high-intensity group increased significantly (P<0.05) , and the expressions of Mfn2 mRNA in the medium-intensity group and the low-intensity group increased significantly (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle of high intensity group showed mitochondrial focal accumulation, cristae membrane damage, vacuole-like changes; Z-line irregularity of muscle fibers, and deficiency of sarcomere. Conclusion: Vibration must be lead to the abnormal mitochondrial morphology and structure and the disorder of energy metabolism due to the expression imbalance of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes in skeletal muscles of rabbits, which may be an important target of vibration-induced skeletal muscle injury.

Analysis of Health Service Utilization and its Influencing Factors among Patients with Pneumoconiosis in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Pneumoconiosis, an interstitial lung disease that occurs from breathing in certain kinds of damaging dust particles, is a major occupational disease in China. Patients diagnosed with occupational pneumoconiosis can avail of free medical treatment, whereas patients without a diagnosis of occupational diseases cannot not claim free medical treatment in most provinces from the government before 2019. This study aimed to analyze the priority of medical facility selection and its influencing factors among patients with pneumoconiosis. A total of 1,037 patients with pneumoconiosis from nine provinces in China were investigated. The health service institutions most frequently selected by the patients were county-level hospitals (37.5%). The main reason for the choice was these hospitals' close distance to the patients' homes (47.3%). The factors for the choice of health care institutions were living in the eastern region (

Poricoic acid A induces apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cancer via modulating the mTOR/p70s6k signaling axis

Due to the high mortality and rapid disease progression, ovarian cancer remains one of the most common malignancies threatening the health of women. The present study was conducted to explore the anticancer effects and the underlying mechanisms of poricoic acid A (PAA), the main components of Poria cocos, on ovarian cancer. We investigated the anticancer effects of different concentrations of PAA in the SKOV3 cell line. Cell viability and proliferation were examined by CCK-8 assay. Cellular migration and invasion were assessed by the scratch and Transwell migration assays, respectively. The effect of PPA on cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and caspase-3/8/9 colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to detect protein level changes related to apoptosis and mTOR signaling pathways. The in vivo anticancer effect of PAA was evaluated using xenograft tumorigenesis model in nude mice. Our results showed that PAA suppressed SKOV3 cellular viability, migration, and invasion in a dosage-dependent manner. Flow cytometry results demonstrated PAA treatment could induce SKOV3 cell apoptosis. In addition, increased ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I (a marker for autophagosome formation) was observed after PAA treatment, as well as inhibition of m-TOR and p70s6k phosphorylation. In nude mice, PAA treatment reduced the xenograft tumor weight by 70% (P<0.05). In conclusion, our data suggested that PAA induced apoptosis and autophagy in ovarian cancer via modulating the mTOR/p70s6k signaling axis.

Research advance of surgical transcatheter mitral valve repair / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Mitral regurgitation (MR) with multi-pathogenesis is a common disease in cardiac surgery department. MR can be classified into two categories-primary mitral regurgitation and secondary mitral regurgitation. With the development of cardiac intervention, numerous patients who cannot tolerate open heart surgery for the reason of high risk of surgery receive the treatment of intervention and achieve the favorable endpoint. The technique of transcatheter therapy which could be used to treat MR is comprised of leaflet repair, annuloplasty and implantation of artificial chordae. Comparing to primary mitral regurgitation, surgical effect of secondary mitral regurgitation is not desirable for the reasons of complex pathophysiologic mechanism. Hence, based on the perspective of surgeon, we will introduce the research progress of transcatheter interventional mitral valve repair which is focused on the treatment of primary mitral valve regurgitation and reviewed from three aspects of surgical risks, surgical types and outlook.

Advanced glycated albumin induces macrophage pyroptosis via upregulating nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 / 生理学报

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of advanced glycated albumin (AGE-alb) on pyroptosis of macrophages and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with AGE-alb (1, 2, 4 and 6 g/L) and control albumin (C-alb, 4 g/L) for 24 h, or preincubated with MCC950 (1 μmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with AGE-alb (4 g/L) for 24 h. Cell viability and caspase-1 activity were measured by MTT and assay kits, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in media were detected. Cell death degree was evaluated by TUNEL and Hoechst 33342/PI staining. The protein levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), procaspase-1 and cleaved caspase-1 were assessed by Western blot. The results showed that AGE-alb treatment caused obvious decrease in cell viability and increases in LDH leakage and the percentages of TUNEL- or PI-positive cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, AGE-alb promoted IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, upregulated NLRP3 expression, and increased caspase-1 activity especially at the dose of 4 and 6 g/L. However, MCC950 (an NLRP3 inhibitor) pretreatment inhibited significantly the decrease in cell viability and the increases in LDH leakage and percentages of TUNEL- or PI-positive cells induced by AGE-alb. Furthermore, MCC950 attenuated obviously AGE-alb-induced IL-1β and IL-18 secretion and caspase-1 activation. These results indicate that AGE-alb may induce macrophage pyroptosis, and the mechanism is at least partially by activating NLRP3-caspase-1 pathway.

Complicated intermolecular interactions formed between organofluorine and drug target / 药学学报

Fluorinated compounds, which now make up 20%-25% of all marketed chemical drugs, are playing significant role and showing great potential in medicinal chemistry. Fluorine substitution is always utilized to change the physicochemical properties of the compounds to improve the ADME/T properties. In addition, fluorine substitution leads to improvement of the ligand binding affinity. With respect to molecular level, organofluorine can form various intermolecular interactions with the target proteins, e.g., hydrogen bond, halogen bond, C-F…π interaction, polar interaction and so on. These interactions display unique properties or nature due to the specificity of fluorine atom, which are at the center of attention. This paper reviews the related research background, followed by the research progress of hydrogen bond, halogen bond, C-F…π interaction, polar interaction and some other interactions involved organofluorine.

Research progress in VEGFR-2 inhibitors / 药学学报

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2), a member of the super family of protein tyrosine kinase receptors, plays a vital role in the regulation of tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Several VEGFR-2 inhibitors have been marketed as antitumor drugs and a range of inhibitors are undergoing clinical or preclinical studies. According to the principle of multi-targeted pharmacolgy, in the field of tumor treatment, nonselective drugs targeting on more than one kinase to inhibit different cell pathways can be more effective than drugs specific for one kinase. Multi-target treatment does not mean abandonment of selectivity, but a precise selectivity for several kinases related to tumor, which is also a big challenge in the development of small molecular antitumor drugs. This paper reviews briefly the advances in research of the VEGFR-2 inhibitors and selectivity strategy in recent years.

A study on the mRNA expression of cell cycle related genes in population occupationally exposed to hexavalent chromium / 预防医学

Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of hexavalent chromium exposure on mRNA expression of cell cycle related genes in electroplating workers, and to provide population data for investigating the toxic mechanisms of hexavalent chromium. Methods A total of 155 cases of workers occupationally exposed to hexavalent chromium were selected, including 89 males and 66 females, and the average age of workers was 39.65±8.856 years old. Questionnaire was used to collect essential information of workers. Peripheral blood was collected from electroplating workers. The inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MAS) was used to measure total blood chromium content. The workers were divided into four groups according to the blood chromium content. After extracting total RNA from whole blood and reverse transcription, the mRNA expression levels of p16 and CDK6 genes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Meanwhile, the levels of blood chromium (BCr) and the mRNA expression of p16 and CDK6 genes were compared among four groups. The impact of BCr, smoking habits, drinking habits, gender on the mRNA expression of CDK6 gene was analyzed. Results The levels of BCr in group 1 to 4 were 0.04ppb, 0.47±0.29 ppb, 2.76±1.16 ppb, 9.36 ±4.38 ppb, respectively, and the difference between every two groups was significant (P<0.05) . The median of p16 gene expression in four groups was 4.22, 7.19, 7.47, and 14.60, respectively, and the difference between every two groups was not significant (P>0.05) . The mRNA expression levels of CDK6 gene in groups 2 to 4 were 15.05, 8.03 and 24.81, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in group 1 (P<0.05) . The results of logistic regression showed that the level of Bcr was the main influence factor, while smoking habits, drinking habits and gender had no obvious impact on the mRNA expression of CDK6 gene. Conclusions Long-term exposure of hexavalent chromium led to higher mRNA expression of CDK6 gene, and it may serve as a biomarker for workers occupationally exposed to hexavalent chromium.

An investigation on satisfaction of occupational health examination and diagnosis of occupational diseases in Zhejiang Province / 预防医学

Objective To investigate the employers' and employees' satisfaction of Zhejiang Province on occupation health examination and diagnosis of occupational diseases, and to guide and to standardize the occupation health examination and occupational disease diagnosis. Methods A random sample of 953 employers, 1791 workers with health examination and 135 workers with diagnosis of occupational diseases were selected in the survey, and the questionnaire about the Satisfuction on occupation health examination and occupation disease diagnosis were used in this survey. Results A total of 2879 questionnaires were sent out, in which 2841 valid questionnaires were returned, and the effective recovery rate was 98.68%. The recognition rates on comfortable environment, clear instructions process, workflow notification, and attention notification were all above 98%. The satisfaction rates for all items were above 86%, and the total satisfaction rate was 89.27% . The total satisfaction rates of workers with health examination, workers with diagnosis of occupational diseases and employers were 89.28%, 82.03%, and 90.22%, respectively. The recognition rates on clear instructions process and attention notification, and the satisfaction rates on service attitude, result information and overall satisfaction were significantly different between different types of respondents (P<0.05) . The results of pair wise comparison showed that the satisfaction rates of workers with diseases diagnosis on service attitude, results information and overall satisfaction were significantly lower than those of employers (P<0.05) . The overall satisfaction rate of workers with diagnosis of occupational diseases was lower than that of workers with health examination (P=0.011) . The recognition rates of workers with health examination on clear instructions process and attentions notification were lower than those of employers (P<0.016) . There was a significant difference in the overall satisfaction between respondents in different regions (P<0.01) . Conclusion The service of occupational health examination and occupational disease diagnosis services should be further improved. We should better learn the demands of employees and employers, improve service attitude, optimize service processes, shorten service time, and improve service quality and satisfaction.

Downregulation of GDF15 promotes proliferation of human glioblastoma cell line U87MG / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of growth differentiation factor 15 ( GDF15 ) downregulation on cell proliferation of human glioblastoma U 87MG cells.Methods Human glioblastoma U87MG cells with stable GDF15 downregulation was used as shGDF 15 group.U87MG cells with scramble knockdown was used as scramble group . Protein expression levels of GDF 15 were determined by Western blot analysis .Growth curve and BrdU incorporation assays were used to observe cell proliferation .Protein expression levels of ERK 1/2 and p-ERK1/2 were determined by western blot analysis .CCK-8 assays were used to observe cell proliferation .Results Compared with scramble cells, GDF15 downregulation significantly promoted cell proliferation ( P<0.05 ) , increased DNA synthesis in S phage ( P<0.01 ) , enhanced activity of ERK pathway and cell tolerance to VM-26 ( P<0.05 ) .Moreover , ERK pathway inhibitor rescued the increased cell proliferation with GDF15 downregulation.Conclusions GDF15decrease DNA synthesis in S phage and cell proliferation of human glioblastoma U 87MG cells through inhibiting ERK pathway .GDF15 is a potential target of chemotherapy sensitivity in glioblastoma clinical treatment .

An analysis on plasma microRNA profiling and function among population exposed to asbestos / 预防医学

Objective To investigate the effects of asbestos exposure on plasma miRNA expression.Methods Plasma samples were collected from control group and asbestos -exposed group (time of exposure >10 years)and three samples from each group were selected to detect differentially expressed miRNA using LC Sciences miRNA Microarray -Single.The target genes of differential miRNA were predicted by three kinds of online software,Target Scan,miRanda and PicTar.GO term enrichment and KEGG pathways were analyzed.Results The results of microarray indicated that there were 40 differential miRNA expression between exposed and control groups(P <0.05),and the signal value of 9 differential miRNA exceeded 500.After analyzing signal pathways of target genes of 5 miRNA,of which the signal values were over 500,these target genes were found mainly involved in pathways associated with cancer and metabolism,including potential function targets of FAS,TP53 and FGFR3.Conclusion Asbestos exposure can result in differentially expressed miRNA in the plasma from workers occupationally exposed to asbestos and the target genes of these miRNA may play important roles in the pathways of cancer.However,the mechanism of these miRNA in asbestos -related diseases needs to be further studied in the future.

Effect of opioid receptors on acute stress-induced changes in recognition memory / 生理学报

Although ample evidence has shown that acute stress impairs memory, the influences of acute stress on different phases of memory, such as acquisition, consolidation and retrieval, are different. Experimental data from both human and animals support that endogenous opioid system plays a role in stress, as endogenous opioid release is increased and opioid receptors are activated during stress experience. On the other hand, endogenous opioid system mediates learning and memory. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute forced swimming stress on recognition memory of C57 mice and the role of opioid receptors in this process by using a three-day pattern of new object recognition task. The results showed that 15-min acute forced swimming damaged the retrieval of recognition memory, but had no effect on acquisition and consolidation of recognition memory. No significant change of object recognition memory was found in mice that were given naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, by intraperitoneal injection. But intraperitoneal injection of naloxone before forced swimming stress could inhibit the impairment of recognition memory retrieval caused by forced swimming stress. The results of real-time PCR showed that acute forced swimming decreased the μ opioid receptor mRNA levels in whole brain and hippocampus, while the injection of naloxone before stress could reverse this change. These results suggest that acute stress may impair recognition memory retrieval via opioid receptors.

Isolation and identification of Streptococcus mutans strains with different genotype from clinical samples / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) strains from clinical samples.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Plaque samples from caries-active and caries-free sites on enamel surfaces were obtained and cultivated for S. mutans isolation. Morphology, biochemistry, automatic microorganism analysis system and polymerase chain reaction using primers homologous to surface protein antigen I/II (spaP), glucosyltransferase B (gtfB) and dextranase (dexA) were used to identify S. mutans. Genotype of isolated S. mutans was determined by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Forty-six strains of S. mutans were obtained from the 32 subjects and were identified as S. mutans by biochemistry, automatic microorganism analysis system and polymerase chain reaction. Five identical genotypes were found by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Forty-one strains of S. mutans with different genotype were obtained from clinical samples.</p>

The role of caveolin-1 for carbon black nanoparticles uptake in vitro / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protein expression of caveolin-1 in type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549) exposed to carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs) and the role of caveolin in the endocytosis of CB NPs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A549 cells were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/ml CB NPs for 24 h; then, trypan blue assay was applied to determine the cell viability. A549 cells were also exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml CB NPs for 24 h, then, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry were applied to observe the morphological change of cells and cellular side scatter (SSC), and Western blot was used to analyze the effect of CB NPs on the protein expression of caveolin-1. A549 cells were co-exposed to1 µg/ml filipin and 100 µg/ml CB NPs for 24 h, then, the cellular SSC was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with controls, the A549 cells exposed to 200 and 400 µg/ml CB NPs had the cell viability decreased by 38.2% and 46.6%, respectively (P < 0.05), while those exposed to 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml CB NPs showed no significant decrease in cell vitality (P > 0.05). The protein expression of caveolin-1 was significantly higher in the cells exposed to 50 and 100 µg/ml CB NPs than in controls (P < 0.05). The TEM showed that plasmalemmal vesicles containing black particles were found in the cytoplasm of the cells exposed to 50 and 100 µg/ml CB NPs. The flow cytometry showed that the cellular SSC ratio increased from 1.007 to 1.331 as the dose of CB NPs rose within 0 ∼ 100 µg/ml and fell to 1.25 after the cells were co-exposed to1 µg/ml filipin and 100 µg/ml CB NPs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Carbon black nanoparticles can be transferred into A549 cells by endocytosis, but caveolin-mediated endocytic pathway plays a minor role in this process.</p>

Regulação autonômica das propriedades mecânicas em bioprótese valvar porcina / Autonomic regulation of mechanical properties in porcine mitral valve cusps / Regulación autonómica de las propiedades mecánicas en bioprótesis valvular porcina

FUNDAMENTO: A presença de nervos nas válvulas cardíacas foi demonstrada pela primeira vez há décadas e identificadas em subpopulações: simpáticas e parassimpáticas, e, portanto, é esperado que as válvulas sejam grandemente afetadas pelos nervos autônomos. Entretanto, poucos estudos têm se concentrado na regulação de válvulas cardíacas pelo sistema nervoso autônomo. OBJETIVO: Buscamos identificar o papel do sistema nervoso autônomo na regulação das propriedades mecânicas dos tecidos de válvulas mitrais porcinas. MÉTODOS: As propriedades mecânicas dos folhetos de válvulas mitrais porcinas foram avaliados em resposta à norepinefrina (NE) e acetilcolina (ACH), os principais neurotransmissores. Ao mesmo tempo, fentolamina (FENT), metoprolol (Metop), atropina (Atrop) e desnudamento endotelial foram adicionados ao sistema reativo. RESULTADOS: Sob condições fisiológicas, a rigidez não foi afetada pelo desnudamento endotelial (p > 0,05). A NE significantemente aumentou a rigidez valvar por aumento de 10 vezes na concentração (10-6 vs 10-7, p < 0,05; 10-5 vs 10-6, p < 0,05). Essa resposta foi amenizada por FENT, Metop ou desnudamento endotelial (p < 0,05); entretanto, manteve-se aumentada de maneira significante quando comparada aos Controles (p < 0,05). A ACH causou uma diminuição na rigidez acompanhada por um aumento em sua concentração (alteração significante na rigidez por aumento de 10 vezes na concentração de ACH, 10-6 vs Controle, p < 0,05; 10-5 vs 10-6, p < 0,05), que foi revertida pelo desnudamento endotelial e Atrop (p > 0,05 vs Controle). CONCLUSÃO: Esses achados ressaltam o papel do sistema nervoso autônomo na regulação das propriedades mecânicas das cúspides de válvula mitral porcina, o que reforça a importância do estado nervoso autônomo no funcionamento ideal da válvula.

BACKGROUND: The presence of nerves in heart valves was first depicted decades ago and identified into subpopulations: sympathetic, parasympathetic. So valves are expected to be greatly affected by the autonomic nerves. However, few studies have focused on the regulation of heart valves by the autonomic nervous system. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify the role of the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of the mechanical properties of porcine mitral valve tissues. METHODS: Mechanical properties of porcine mitral valve leaflets were evaluated in response to norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACH), the main neurotransmitters. At the same time, phentolamine (Phent), metoprolol (Metop), atropine (Atrop) and endothelial denudation were added to the reactive system. RESULTS: Under physiological conditions, the stiffness was not affected by endothelial denudation (p > 0.05). NE elevated the valve stiffness significantly per 10-fold increase in concentration (10-6 vs 10-7, p < 0.05; 10-5 vs 10-6, p < 0.05). This response was mitigated by Phent, Metop or endothelial denudation (p < 0.05), however, it was still increased significantly when compared to Controls (p < 0.05). ACH caused a decrease in stiffness accompanied by an increase in its concentration (significant change in stiffness per 10-fold increase in ACH concentration, 10-6 vs Control, p < 0.05; 10-5 vs 10-6, p < 0.05), which were reversed by endothelial denudation and Atrop (p > 0.05 vs Control). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the role of the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of the mechanical properties of porcine mitral valve cusps, which underline the importance of autonomic nervous status for optimal valve function.

FUNDAMENTO: La presencia de nervios en las válvulas cardíacas quedó demostrada por primera vez hace algunas décadas e identificadas en sub-poblaciones: simpáticas y parasimpáticas y por lo tanto, lo que se espera es que las válvulas reciban una gran afectación de los nervios autónomos. Sin embargo, pocos estudios se han concentrado en la regulación de válvulas cardíacas a través del sistema nervioso autónomo. OBJETIVO: Buscamos identificar el papel del sistema nervioso autónomo en la regulación de las propiedades mecánicas de los tejidos de las válvulas mitrales porcinas. MÉTODOS: Las propiedades mecánicas de las capas de válvulas mitrales porcinas fueron evaluadas en respuesta a la norepinefrina (NE) y a la acetilcolina (ACH), los principales neurotransmisores. Igualmente, la fentolamina (FENT), el metoprolol (Metop), la atropina (Atrop) y la denudación endotelial también se añadieron al sistema reactivo. RESULTADOS: Bajo condiciones fisiológicas, la rigidez no se afectó por el denudación endotelial (p > 0,05). La NE aumentó significativamente la rigidez valvular con un aumento de 10 veces en la concentración (10-6 vs 10-7, p < 0,05; 10-5 vs 10-6, p < 0,05). Esa respuesta fue amenizada por FENT, Metop o denudación endotelial (p < 0,05); pero se mantuvo aumentada de manera significativa cuando se le comparó con los Controles (p < 0,05). La ACH causó una disminución en la rigidez acompañada por un aumento en su concentración (alteración significativa en la rigidez por el aumento en 10 veces de la concentración de ACH, 10-6 vs Control, p < 0,05; 10-5 vs 10-6, p < 0,05), que fue revertida por la denudación endotelial y Atrop (p > 0,05 vs Control). CONCLUSIÓN: Esos hallazgos destacan el rol del sistema nervioso autónomo en la regulación de las propiedades mecánicas de las cúspides de la válvula mitral porcina, lo que refuerza la importancia del estado nervioso autónomo en el funcionamiento ideal de la válvula.

Effects of image post-processing parameters on digital radiography chest radiograph for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of image post-processing parameters on DR chest radiograph for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty three coal miners were examined with high-kV and DR chest radiographs at the same time. Image post-processing parameters (density, contrast and so on) were designed in a Philips Essenta DR machine were designed, then differences of image quality between high-kV and DR chest radiographs were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After regulating image and proceeding the parameters, the OD (optical density) values of high density areas in the upper-middle lung fields, subphrenic and direct exposure areas were 1.58 +/- 0.10, 0.23 +/- 0.02 and 2.80 +/- 0.21, respectively. The quality of chest films met the requirements of diagnostic criteria of pneumoconiosis. The rate of excellent chest films for DR chest radiograph was 95.18%, which was significantly higher than that (80.72%) for high-kV chest radiograph (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Appropriate parameters of image post-processing can make DR chest radiograph to meet the requirements of chest radiograph quality for the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.</p>