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Objective To assess the clinical characteristics of acute-on-chronic liver failure in patients with recompensatory hepatitis B cirrhosis. Methods A total of 180 patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure hospitalized in Tianjin Third Central Hospital from September 2013 to September 2021 were retrospectively collected, with 110 patients had compensatory hepatitis B cirrhosis and 70 patients had compensatory hepatitis B cirrhosis and used as the control. Their causes, clinical biochemical indicators, complication rate, and prognosis were compared. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical variables between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was performed for analysis of the continuous variables. Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-rank test were used for survival of patients. Results The incidence of hepatorenal syndrome ( χ 2 =4.618, P =0.032), infection ( χ 2 =6.712, P =0.010), Cr ( Z =-4.508, P < 0.001), and PCT ( Z =-2.052, P =0.040) were all higher, whereas GGT ( Z =-2.042, P =0.041), Na ( Z =-2.001, P =0.045), FBS ( Z =-3.065, P =0.002), and TC ( Z =-4.268, P < 0.001) were all lower in the recompensation group than in the control group of patients. However, 90-day mortality rate ( χ 2 =3.366, P =0.067) and 1-year mortality rate ( χ 2 =1.893, P =0.169), 90-day survival ( χ 2 =2.68, P =0.100), and 1-year survival ( χ 2 =2.074, P =0.150) were not statistically significant difference. Conclusion Compared with compensatory hepatitis B cirrhosis, patients with recompensatory cirrhosis had an increased risk in developing hepatorenal syndrome, infection, and increased creatinine level after acute-on-chronic liver failure, although there was no statistically significant difference in 90-days and 1-year survival of patients.
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Chest compressions are a key component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The determination of the optimal compression point (OCP) in adult CPR is an indispensable critical factor for high quality chest compressions (CCs). At present, the OCP for adult CPR is still controversial, which still needs further research and discussion. To provide theoretical reference for determining the OCP, this paper reviews the research progress of the OCP of adult CPR from the development process of compression point and hemodynamic mechanism, so as to improve the quality of CCs and the outcome of cardiac arrest (CA) patients.
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Objective@#To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of occupational musculoskeletal disorders among workers in heavy-duty automobile parts factories in Beijing Municipality, so as to provide insights into development of effective interventions for occupational musculoskeletal disorders.@*Methods@#The workers in three heavy-duty automobile truck parts factories in Beijing Municipality were recruited using the convenient sampling method during the period from May 2019 to October 2020. Subjects' demographic characteristics, type of job and prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders at various sites were collected using self-designed electronic questionnaires, and the factors affecting the development of occupational musculoskeletal disorders were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.@*Results@#A total of 264 workers were enrolled, including 260 males (98.48%) and 4 females (1.52%). The participants had a mean age of (31.71±6.13) years, and mean duration of (7.51±5.25) years at current position, and mechanical technician was the major type of work (129 workers, 48.86%). The prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders was 70.08% among the participants, and high prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders was found in the lower back/waist (41.28%), shoulder (40.15%), neck (39.02%) and upper back (33.33%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified females (OR=1.280, 95%CI: 1.021-1.602) and head-down posture at work (OR=2.644, 95%CI: 1.034-6.763) as risk factors for occupational musculoskeletal disorders at neck; females (OR=1.633, 95%CI: 1.624-2.117), sheet metal workers, mechanical technicians and painters (OR: 5.811-10.452, 95%CI: 1.205-54.027), working in an uncomfortable posture (OR：1.376-7.749, 95%CI: 1.034-27.270) and frequent working overtime (OR=2.081, 95%CI: 1.192-4.137) as risk factors for occupational musculoskeletal disorders at shoulder; and sheet metal workers, mechanical technicians and painters (OR: 8.760-11.948, 95%CI: 1.630-66.927), working in an uncomfortable posture (OR：4.067-12.185, 95%CI: 1.332-47.523) and frequent working overtime (OR=2.201, 95%CI: 1.142-4.244) as risk factors for occupational musculoskeletal disorders at waist/back.@*Conclusions@#The prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders is high among workers in heavy-duty automobile parts factories, which mainly occur at shoulder, neck, waist and back. Type of work, working posture and working duration are main factors affecting the development of occupational musculoskeletal disorders.
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Objective: To observe the changes of serum uric acid levels and clinical characteristic in patients with chronic hepatitis C combined with hyperuricemia after direct antiviral agents (DAA) therapy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was used to investigate the risk of hyperuricemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C who received DAA treatment to obtain sustained virological response. The changes and factors influencing serum uric acid levels after 12 weeks of DAA treatment were observed. Comparisons between groups were performed using χ (2) test or Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, Student's t test, or the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Serum uric acid (SUA) changes, liver and kidney function indexes before and after treatment were compared by repeated measurement and paired t-test. Uric acid reduction was defined as a decrease in SUA from baseline at 12 weeks after treatment. Rates of change in eGFR, aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio, alanine aminotransferase and controlled attenuation parameter were defined from baseline (baseline to 12 weeks after treatment). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to compare the risk factors and factors influencing high and low uric acid level. Results: 161 cases with chronic hepatitis C who received DAA treatment were included, of which 19.3% patients were hyperuricemic. eGFR < 60 ml/(min·1.73 m(2)) and body mass index were independent risk factors for hyperuricemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C (eGFR: OR = 0.123, P = 0.002; body mass index: OR = 1.220, P = 0.002). SUA levels was changed significantly before treatment, at the end of treatment and at 12 weeks after treatment (327.96 vs. 320.76 vs. 314.92, F = 3.272, P = 0.042). At 12 weeks after treatment, SUA, liver stiffness, alanine aminotransferase and control attenuation parameters were all significantly lower than baseline (P < 0.05). The rate of increase in eGFR from baseline and the rate of decrease in controlled attenuation parameter during treatment were the factors influencing SUA reduction (eGFR: OR = 5124, P = 0.000; controlled attenuation index: OR = 0.010, P = 0.039). Conclusion: In chronic hepatitis C, reduced eGFR and body mass index are the risk factors for the development of hyperuricemia and a significant reduction in serum uric acid levels after DAA treatment can eradicate the virus.
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Humans , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy , Hyperuricemia/drug therapy , Prospective Studies , Uric AcidABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the feasibility of reducing the radiation dose on coronary artery calcium score (CS) of virtual non-contrast (VNC) scanning in dual-layer spectral coronary CT angiography(CCTA).Methods:One hundred and twenty-two patients were examined on a dual-layer spectral detector CT scanner from March 2019 to August 2020. Volume CT dose index (CTDI vol), dose length product (DLP), effective dose ( E) were all evaluated for each patient. CS was calculated from both true non-contrast (TNC) and VNC images for left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx), right coronary artery (RCA), and the total coronary artery (Total) by two radiologists independently. Pearson′s correlation coefficient was calculated for measuring the association between variables. The correction coefficients of each branch (λ LAD, λ LCx, and λ RCA) and the average correction coefficient (λ AVG) of the total coronary artery were obtained. The calibrated calcium score (CCS_VNC) was equal to λ multiplied by CS_VNC. The CS_TNC and CCS_VNC were compared using repeated oneway analysis of variance test. Correlation analyses for CS_TNC and CCS_VNC and agreement evaluation with Bland-Altman-Plots were performed. Results:The average effective doses in TNC, CCTA and total group were 0.69, 6.47 and 7.16 mSv, respectively. The effective dose was reduced by 10.6% and the scan time was reduced by 39% while using VNC images. There were significant differences among the CS_TNC and CS_VNC of LAD, LCx, RCA and Total ( t=6.75, 5.33, 4.99, 6.60, P< 0.05). Excellent correlations were observed between CS_VNC and CS_TNC ( R2 values were 0.929, 0.896, 0.958, and 0.918; λ values were 2.18, 1.18, 2.15, and 2.07, respectively). There were no significant statistically difference among the CS_TNC, CCS_VNC AVG, and CCS_VNC LAD/RCA of the LAD and RCA (all P> 0.05). The difference was statistically significant among the CS_TNC, CCS_VNC AVG, and CCS_VNC LCx of the LCx ( F=10.94, P<0.05). The paired comparison were performed in groups and the differences were statistically significant between the CS_TNC versus CCS_VNC AVGand CCS_VNC AVG versus CCS_VNC LCx ( t=3.31, 3.43, all P<0.05). There was no significant statistically difference between the CCS_VNC LCx and CCS_VNC AVG( P>0.05). Conclusions:It was feasible to accurately evaluate the CS_VNC from spectral data in comparison to TNC imaging, and to reduce the patient radiation dose and acquisition time.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought great threats and challenges to global public health and has changed the priorities of medical resource allocation. A considerable proportion of patients with liver injury is observed during the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, especially in those with a severe or critical illness. This article summarizes the epidemiology, mechanism, clinical features, and treatment of liver injury caused by COVID-19, in order to help clinicians with decision making and treatment optimization.
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Intestinal flora imbalance plays a certain role in the development and progression of liver cancer, while probiotics have a certain impact on liver cancer, both of which are the focus of clinical research. This article introduces the mechanism of action of intestinal flora imbalance in the pathogenesis of liver cancer and the preventive effect of probiotics against liver cancer. Intestinal flora imbalance can participate in the pathological process of liver cancer by activating Toll-like receptor 4, regulating the level of metabolites, producing endotoxin, and inducing bacterial translocation and intestinal bacterial overgrowth, while probiotics can effectively prevent liver cancer by maintaining enterohepatic circulation, enhancing immune function, promoting the reproduction of intestinal probiotics, and reducing the toxicity of carcinogens, which can be further studied as the focus of subsequent liver cancer prevention in clinical practice.
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Objective To investigate the differences in platelet and platelet parameters between patients with different types and etiologies of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and the influence of platelet and its dynamic change on the prognosis of ACLF patients. Methods Clinical data, liver function parameters, platelet, and platelet parameters were collected from 364 patients with ACLF who attended Tianjin Third Central Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018. Platelet level and platelet parameters (platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume) were compared between the patients with different types and etiologies of ACLF, and their influence on the 90-day mortality rate of ACLF patients was analyzed, as well as the association of the dynamic change of platelet at baseline and on days 7 and 14 after admission with the prognosis of patients. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test or Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups; the Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis; the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the parameters associated with prognosis; the repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the dynamic change of platelet; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted based on platelet level and overall survival. Results The patients with type C ACLF had a significantly lower platelet level than those with type A/B ACLF (all P < 0.001). Compared with the ACLF patients with hepatitis B, the ACLF patients with autoimmune liver diseases had a significant reduction in mean platelet volume ( P =0.035). Based on the cut-off value obtained by the ROC curve analysis, the patients with a platelet level of < 60.5×10 9 /L had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with a platelet level of ≥60.5×10 9 /L ( P =0.006). Platelet level was an independent protective factor against 90-day death in ACLF patients (hazard ratio=0.995, 95% confidence interval: 0.990-0.999, P =0.026), and the mortality rate increased with the reduction in platelet level. The patients with type C ACLF had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with type A ACLF ( P < 0.05), and the death group tended to have a significantly greater reduction in platelet level ( P < 0.05). Compared with the survival group, the 90-day death group had a significantly greater reduction in platelet ( P =0.032). Conclusion There is a difference in platelet level between ACLF patients with different types. Platelet level is an important indicator for the 90-day prognosis of ACLF patients, and patients with a greater dynamic reduction in platelet tend to have a higher 90-day mortality rate.
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Objective To investigate the level of glycosylated albumin (GA) in liver cirrhosis patients with different Child-Pugh classes and its application value in predicting liver function. Methods A total of 486 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Tianjin Third Central Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2019, were enrolled, among whom 227 patients had liver cirrhosis without diabetes and 259 patients had liver cirrhosis with diabetes. The patients were divided into groups according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, and fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and percentage of GA (GA%) were measured. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between three groups, and the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner test was used for further comparison between two groups. Scatter plots and fitting curves were plotted for CTP score and GA% to evaluate the association between them and calculate the cut-off value. Results For the cirrhosis patients without diabetes, there were significant differences between the patients with different Child-Pugh classes in GA% ( χ 2 =24.809, P < 0.001), fasting blood glucose ( χ 2 =11.899, P =0.003), and glycosylated hemoglobin ( χ 2 =13.607, P =0.001); further pairwise comparison showed that there was a significant difference in GA% between Child-Pugh class A/B liver cirrhosis patients without diabetes and Child-Pugh class C liver cirrhosis patients ( P < 0.05), Child-Pugh class A patients had a significantly higher level of fasting blood glucose than Child-Pugh class B patients ( P < 0.05), and Child-Pugh class A patients had a significantly higher level of glycosylated hemoglobin than Child-Pugh class B/C patients ( P < 0.05). For the patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes, there were significant differences between the patients with different Child-Pugh classes in GA% ( χ 2 =10.734, P =0.005) and fasting blood glucose ( χ 2 =16.295, P < 0.001); further pairwise comparison showed that Child-Pugh class C liver cirrhosis patients with diabetes had a significantly lower GA% than Child-Pugh class A/B patients ( P < 0.05) and Child-Pugh class A patients had a significantly lower fasting blood glucose level than Child-Pugh class B patients ( P < 0.05). The fitting curve showed that GA% increased with the increase in CTP score in the liver cirrhosis patients without diabetes, reached the highest value at the CTP score of 6.5, and then started to decrease, with the lower value at the CTP score of 11.5, which showed a curvilinear relationship; in the liver cirrhosis patients with diabetes, GA% first increased and then decreased with the increase in CTP score, with a cut-off value of 8. Conclusion GA% first increases and then decreases along with the progression of liver cirrhosis. There is a significant difference in GA between liver cirrhosis patients with different Child-Pugh classes, suggesting that the reduction in GA is closely associated with liver function decompensation in end-stage liver cirrhosis.
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Ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem linear ion trap orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-orbitrap-MS) was applied to analyze and identify flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides in the Tibetan herb Lagotis brevituba Maxim. A method of data-dependent scan coupling with dynamic exclusion was developed for analyzing flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides under positive and negative ion mode of electrospray ionization (ESI). The compounds of Lagotis brevituba Maxim. were systematically identified through exact molecular mass, fragmentation patterns, retention time and reported references. A total of 167 compounds were detected, of which 84 were flavonoids and 83 were phenylethanoid glycosides, which greatly enriched the number and types of flavonoids and phenylethanol glycosides in Lagotis genus medicinal plants. Baohuoside Ⅰ, 4 disaccharide O-glycoside flavonoids (composed of deoxyhexose and glucuronic acid), 9 C-glycoside flavonoids, 15 tetrasaccharide phenylethanoid glycosides and 5 phenylethanoid glycosides with substituents on the β-position of the phenylethyl group were identified in Lagotis genus medicinal plants for the first time. This study provides scientific support for elucidating the material basis and improving the quality control of Lagotis brevituba Maxim.
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ObjectiveTo determine the chemical constituents of burdock （Arctium lappa） leaves， and elucidate dynamic accumulation rule of four main components， in order to provide the basis for determining the suitable harvest time of burdock leaves. MethodSilica gel， macroporous resin， Sephadex LH-20， octadecylsilane chemically bonded silica （ODS）， microporous resin （MCI） column chromatography and reversed-phase preparative high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） were used to isolate the main chemical constituents in burdock leaves. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. HPLC-diode array detector （DAD） was used to analyze the dynamic accumulation of four components in burdock leaf. HPLC-DAD was performed on a Shim-pack GIST C18 column （4.6 mm×250 mm， 5 μm） with mobile phase of acetonitrile （A）-0.3% phosphoric acid aqueous solution （B） （0-9 min， 13%A； 9-10 min， 13%-24%A； 10-30 min， 24%A）， flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1， column temperature of 40 ℃， and detection wavelength at 328 nm. ResultSeventeen compounds were isolated from burdock leaves， and identified as caffeic acid （1）， rutin （2）， kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside （3）， quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside （4）， kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside （5）， chlorogenic acid （6）， isochlorogenic acid A （7）， daucosterol （8）， ursolic acid （9）， anemarrhenoside B （10）， （-）-secoisolariciresinol （11）， vladinol D （12）， melitensin （13）， esculetin （14）， 1-（-2-ethylphenyl）-1，2-ethanediol （15）， 1-（-4-ethylphenyl）-1，2-ethanediol （16）， 3-hydroxy-1-（4-hydroxy-3，5-dimethoxyphenyl）-1-propanone （17）. The contents of chlorogenic acid， rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside in burdock leaves showed an upward trend from April to August， and reached the highest in August. And the content of isochlorogenic acid A firstly increased and then decreased from April to August， and reached the highest in July. ConclusionCompounds 10， 12-17 were isolated from Arctium for the first time. Taking the contents of chlorogenic acid， rutin， kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside， and isochlorogenic acid A as indicators， considering the comprehensive development and utilization of burdock roots and leaves， it is recommended to harvest burdock leaves in mid-August.
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Up to 70% of patients with late-stage breast cancer have bone metastasis. Current treatment regimens for breast cancer bone metastasis are palliative with no therapeutic cure. Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) colonize inside the osteogenic niches in the early stage of bone metastasis. Drug delivery into osteogenic niches to inhibit DTC colonization can prevent bone metastasis from entering its late stage and therefore cure bone metastasis. Here, we constructed a 50% DSS6 peptide conjugated nanoparticle to target the osteogenic niche. The osteogenic niche was always located at the endosteum with immature hydroxyapatite. Arsenic-manganese nanocrystals (around 14 nm) were loaded in osteogenic niche-targeted PEG-PLGA nanoparticles with an acidic environment-triggered arsenic release. Arsenic formulations greatly reduced 4T1 cell adhesion to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)/preosteoblasts (pre-OBs) and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblastic cells. Arsenic formulations also prevented tumor cell colonization and dormancy via altering the direct interaction between 4T1 cells and MSCs/pre-OBs. The chemotactic migration of 4T1 cells toward osteogenic cells was blocked by arsenic in mimic 3D osteogenic niche. Systemic administration of osteogenic niche-targeted arsenic nanoparticles significantly extended the survival of mice with 4T1 syngeneic bone metastasis. Our findings provide an effective approach for osteogenic niche-specific drug delivery and suggest that bone metastasis can be effectively inhibited by blockage of tumor cell colonization in the bone microenvironment.
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Objective:To analyze the risk factors of death within two years of the patients with liver cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS), and to explore the predictive value of 6 common clinical evaluation systems on the risk of death after TIPS.Methods:TIPS clinical data from 132 patients with liver cirrhosis were analyzed retrospectively. According to the 2-year clinical outcome after TIPS, the patients were divided into the death group and the survival group. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of death within 2 years after TIPS. According to the scores of CTP, MELD, MELD Na, BioCliM, FIB-4, and ALBI evaluation systems, the prediction efficiency of death risk of the six evaluation systems was evaluated by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC).Results:During the 2-year follow-up period after TIPS, the age, urea nitrogen level, platelet count, and proportion of hepatic encephalopathy in the death group were higher than those in the survival group one month after TIPS, and the serum sodium level was lower than those in the survival group (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the elderly and hepatic encephalopathy one month after operation were independent risk factors for death (all P<0.05). At 1 week after the surgery, there were significant differences in CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na scores between the survival group and the death group (all P<0.05). One week after operation, the AUC of ROC of CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, and ALBI scores were 0.685, 0.721, 0.805, and 0.658 respectively, and the optimal critical values were 8.5, 12.99, 14.51 and -1.52 respectively. Conclusions:The elderly and the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy one month after TIPS are independent risk factors for the death of liver cirrhosis patients after TIPS. The evaluation of CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, and ALBI one week after TIPS can predict the death risk of decompensated liver cirrhosis patients within 2 years after TIPS, and MELD-Na has the best predictive effect.
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Objective:To investigate the correlation between circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection, RAS/RAF gene mutation and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods:The Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect the gene mutation in the tumor tissues of 138 CRC patients in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2017 to May 2020. At the same time, the venous blood of 138 patients was collected and enriched for CTC genotyping by mRNA in situ hybridization. The correlation between CTC, RAS/RAF gene mutation and clinicopathological features of CRC patients was analyzed.Results:The mutation rates of KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes were 48.6%(67/138), 5.1%(7/138) and 1.4%(2/138), respectively; The overall positive rate of CTC was 84.1%(116/138). The positive rates of different CTC types were: 23.1%(32/138) in epithelial type, 71.7%(99/138) in mixed type and 12.3%(17/138) in interstitial type respectively. The positive rate of CTC in CRC patients with clinical stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, lymph node metastasis (N1-N3) and distant metastasis (M1) was significantly higher than that in CRC patients with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, no lymph node metastasis (N0) and no distant metastasis (M0) (all P<0.05). The total number of CTC, mixed CTC and interstitial CTC were positively correlated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis (all P<0.05). RAS/RAF gene mutation, gender, age, tumor location and tumor differentiation did not affect the positive rate of CTC (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The results of CTC typing are of great research significance for comprehensive treatment, prognosis assessment and stratified management of CRC, among which the interstitial type of CTC may be a high risk factor for the recurrence and metastasis of CRC.
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Objective To investigate the clinical effect of direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with thrombocytopenia and its effect on platelet count (PLT). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 83 CHC patients with thrombocytopenia (PLT 100×10 9 /L at baseline had a greater increase in PLT( P < 0.05). Conclusion CHC patients with thrombocytopenia have significant improvements in liver function and LSM after receiving DAA treatment and obtaining SVR12, and baseline LSM is an independent predictive factor for PLT elevation. There is a significant increase in PLT from baseline to EOT and SVR12.
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Objective:To evaluate the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD2) in dorsal root ganglion in the development of neuropathic pain (NP) in rats.Methods:Thirty-two adult male SPF Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 240-260 g, aged 2-3 months, were divided into 4 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), NP group (group S), negative control siRAN group (group N), and NOD2-siRNA group (group R). In N and R groups, 1×10 8 IFU/ml negative control siRNA and NOD2-siRNA 10 μl were intrathecally injected, respectively, once a day for 3 consecutive days.Normal saline 10 μl was intrathecally injected once a day for 3 consecutive days in C and S groups.The model of NP was established using spared nerve injury (SNI) at 2 weeks after intrathecal injection.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured at 1 day before surgery and 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 28 days after SNI.Animals were sacrificed after measuring pain threshold on day 28, and the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) of the lumbar segment (L 4-6) were removed for determination of the expression of NOD2 (by Western blot) and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6 and NOD2 mRNA (using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Results:Compared with group C, MWT was significantly decreased at each time point after SNI, and the expression of NOD2 protein and mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in DRGs was up-regulated in group NP ( P<0.01). Compared with group NP, MWT was significantly increased at each time point after SNI, and the expression of NOD2 protein and mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in DRGs was down-regulated in group R ( P<0.01), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group N ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism underlying the development of NP may be related to the up-regulation of NOD2 expression in DRGs, thus further promoting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in rats.
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Objective:To investigate the consistency and diagnostic efficiency of Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Date System (C-TIRADS) in thyroid nodule evaluation by different seniority sonographers.Methods:The preoperative ultrasonographic datum of 134 thyroid nodules in 112 patients from January to November 2020 were independently analyzed by sonographers with different seniority. According to the C-TIRADS guidelines, the C-TIRADS ultrasonographic indicators of each nodule were recorded and C-TIRADS classification was performed. Cohen′s Kappa (K) statistical method was used to analyze the consistency of ultrasonic indicators evaluated by different seniority sonographers. Using postoperative pathological results as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacy of C-TIRADS classification for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules by junior and senior sonographers was calculated respectively, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn respectively.Results:The solid structure and vertical orientation of thyroid nodule judged by different seniority sonographers were very consistent ( K=0.84, 0.81). The consistencies of very hypoechoic and microcalcifications were substantial agreement ( K=0.80, 0.61), and moderate ( K=0.531) for the margin of the nodules. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules by junior and senior sonographers were 91.8%, 65.8%, 77.6%, 69.1%, 90.6% and 96.7%, 67.1%, 80.6%, 71.1%, 96.1%, respectively. The corresponding area under the ROC curves were 0.788 and 0.819, respectively ( Z=1.369, P=0.171). Conclusion:Ultrasonologists with different experience have good consistency in evaluating the C-TIRADS ultrasonic indicators of thyroid nodule, and the diagnostic efficacy of C-TIRADS classification in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodule was similar.
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Objective:To explore the existing issues in radiation protection during the treatment of 131I by means of measuring the ambient dose equivalent rate to patients with thyroid cancer and the dose equivalent to the surface of chest of patients during hospitalization. Methods:The ambient dose equivalent rate (peer) was measured by using gamma ray detector for selected 78 patients who received 131I treatment in a hospital 10 min, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d and 5 d after administration with 131I. The measurements were made at distances of 5 cm, 0.5 m and 1 m from the body surface in front, rear, left and right directions. The photoluminescence dosimeter on the chest of the patients was used to measure the effective dose during hospitalization period (6 d). Results:The ambient dose equivalent rate on the surface of chest of patients was up to 4.81 mSv/h 10 min after administration of medicine. The dose equivalent on the surface of chest of patients before discharge ranged 2.6-64.1 μSv/h. The cumulative dose on chest surface during hospitalization was 15.9-58.8 mGy. There was a significant difference in the dose rate at 5 cm from the body surface between 3.7 GBq group and 5.55 GBq group 10 min after medication ( t=-6.11, P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the dose rate at 5 cm from the body surface between male and female groups 10 min after medication ( t=4.52, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:During the 131I treatment, patients had high level of radiation around them, so it is necessary to strengthen the protection and management of patients and reduce unnecessary exposure to the public.
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Objective To evaluate the effect of the water-saving irrigation project on Oncomelania hupensis snail control in hilly regions of Yixing City, Jiangsu Province. Methods A retrospective survey combined with cross-sectional investigation was employed. The implementation of the water-saving irrigation development project in Yixing City from 2005 to 2007 was retrospectively collected, and the snail status was collected in regions where the water-saving irrigation project was located and the project-affected regions from 2003 to 2018, to examine the effect of the project on snail control. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was performed to investigate the destruction of the water-saving irrigation project in 2018. Results A total of 22 water-saving irrigation projects were implemented in 5 townships in hilly regions of Yixing City from 2005 to 2007, where snail habitats were treated covering 266.97 hm2. Before the implementation of the project from 2003 to 2006, cumulative 47.87 hm2 snail habitats were detected in regions where the project was located, and no snails were found in regions where the project was located from the implementation of the project in 2006 to 2018. However, a few snails were found in the project-affected regions in 2017 and 2018. In addition, there were problems found in the later-stage maintenance and management of the project. Conclusions The water-saving irrigation projects shows a high efficiency on snail control in hilly regions of Yixing City. The later-stage maintenance of the project and monitoring of snails remain to be intensified to enhance the snail control efficiency of the water-saving irrigation project.
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Objective:To observe the effects of Etifoxine on proliferation and migration of RSC96 (Schwann cells of rat) and its potential molecular mechanisms.Methods:From March, 2020 to October, 2020, cultured RSC96 were treated with 20 μmol/L Etifoxine and saline respectively for 48 h. Cell proliferation was tested by EdU assay using Cell-Light EdU DNA Cell Proliferation Kit and the capability of migration was determined by wound healing assay and a transwell system. To investigate the effects of Etifoxine on CELSR2 protein expression, after treated with different concentrations of Etifoxine at 0-20 μmol/L for 48 hours, cells were subject to Western blot analysis to verify the expression of CELSR2 protein. To explore whether CELSR2 would be a potential target of Etifoxine, siRNA targeting CELSR2 and control siRNA groups were transfected into 20 μmol/L Etifoxine-treated RSC96 using Lipo3000. Again, the cell proliferation and migration of were investigated after 48 hours with the same procedures. The two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test was employed in statistical assessment.Results:EdU results showed a significant higher percentage of Edu-positive (proliferating) cells in the 20 μmol/L Etifoxine-treated group than the control group[(36.30±3.09)% vs (19.40±2.50)%, P<0.05]. Transwell migration assay demonstrated that the number of 20 μmol/L Etifoxine-treated RSC96 which migrated through the transwell membrane was higher than saline group, with significant statistical difference [(132.30±6.77) vs(65.33±7.37), P<0.05]. The percentage of reduction of wound area measured at 24 hours and 36 hours after the scratch also showed the similar results [(30.67±2.16)% vs (23.00±2.61)%; (86.00±2.19)% vs (49.67±2.81)%, respectively, P<0.05]. Besides, with increase of the concentration of etifoxine, the expression of CELSR2 showed an trend of increase in RSC96 ( P<0.05), but no significant statistical difference was found between 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L groups ( P>0.05). Interestingly, the rate of cell proliferation, the number of migrating cells and the percentage of wound area reduction of RSC96 in which were treated by Etifoxine and transfected with CELSR2 siRNA were significantly decreased compared with the control siRNA treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Etifoxine could promote proliferation and migration of RSC96. Upregulation of CELSR2 protein expression in RSC96 is associated with the Etifoxine-induced enhancement of cell proliferation and migration.