LncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 serves as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-218 to upregulate GLUT1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objective: MCM3AP-AS1 has been characterized as an oncogenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in several cancers including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but its role in PTC has not been fully elucidated. Considering the critical role of lncRNAs in cancer biology, further functional analysis of MCM3AP-AS1 in PTC may provide novel insights into PTC management. Subjects and methods: Paired tumor and non-tumor tissues were collected from 63 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. Expression levels of MCM3AP-AS1 , miR-218 and GLUT1 in tissue samples were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Cell transfection was performed to explore the interactions among MCM3AP-AS1 , miR-218 and GLUT1 . Cell proliferation assay was performed to evaluate the effects of MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-218 on cell proliferation. Results: MCM3AP-AS1 accumulated to high levels in PTC tissues and was affected by clinical stage. MCM3AP-AS1 showed a positive correlation with GLUT1 across PTC tissues. RNA interaction prediction showed that MCM3AP-AS1 could bind to miR-218 , which can directly target GLUT1 . MCM3AP-AS1 and miR-218 showed no regulatory role regulating the expression of each other, but overexpression of MCM3AP-AS1 upregulated GLUT1 and enhanced cell proliferation. In contrast, overexpression of miR-218 downregulated GLUT1 and attenuated cell proliferation. In addition, miR-218 suppressed the role of MCM3AP-AS1 in regulating the expression of GLUT1 and cell proliferation. Conclusions: MCM3AP-AS1 may serve as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-218 to upregulate GLUT1 in PTC, thereby promoting cell proliferation. The MCM3AP-AS1/miR-218/GLUT1 pathway characterized in the present study might serve as a potential target to treat PTC.

Geriatric benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a single-center study

Abstract Objective To compare the clinical features, risk factors, distribution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning between geriatric and non-geriatric patients with BPPV. Methods A total of 400 patients with BPPV were enrolled. Canalith repositioning was performed according to the semicircular canals involved. Patients were divided by age into a geriatric group (≥60 years) and a non-geriatric group (20-59 years). Clinical characteristics, potential age-related risk factors, distribution of subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning were compared between the groups. Results Female sex was significantly more common in all age groups, with a peak female-to-male ratio of 5.1:1 in the group aged 50-59 years. There was a higher proportion of men in the geriatric group. A history of disease associated with atherosclerosis was significantly more common in the geriatric group (p< 0.05). Migraine was significantly more common in the non-geriatric group (p= 0.018), as was posterior canal BPPV. The horizontal canal BPPV (especially horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis), and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common in the geriatric group, whereas anterior canal BPPV was more common in the non-geriatric group. Two canalith repositioning sessions were effective in 58.0% of the geriatric cases and in 72.6% of the non-geriatric cases (p= 0.002). There was a tendency for the effectiveness of canalith repositioning to decrease with increasing age. Conclusion BPPV was more common in women. However, the proportion of men with BPPV increased with age. Elderly patients often had a history of diseases associated with atherosclerosis (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). The horizontal canal BPPV (particularly horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis) and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common and the anterior canal BPPV subtype was less common in elderly patients. The effectiveness of canalith repositioning may decrease with age. Therefore, older patients should receive more comprehensive medical treatment. Level of evidence: 4.

A retrospective analysis to estimate trough concentrations of teicoplanin in patients with suspected or documented Gram-positive infections

Abstract Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic commonly used to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections in the clinic. The aim of this study was to provide a therapeutic reference for the clinical application and dosage regimen adjustment of teicoplanin by identifying factors associated with its plasma trough concentration (Ctrough). A retrospective study was performed on patients with suspected or documented Gram-positive infections who were hospitalized from November 2017 to January 2020 and treated with teicoplanin while undergoing routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). A total of 112 Ctrough trough measurements were obtained from 72 patients were included in this study. SPSS software was used for correlation analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The Ctrough for teicoplanin showed statistically significant relationships (P<0.05) with PLT, Scr, CLcr, eGFR, BUN and Cys-C. ROC curve analysis revealed that CLcr and eGFR were more sensitive and specific for Ctrough compared to the other factors. These findings should be considered in the clinical application of teicoplanin and for its dosage adjustment.

Effects of crossfit practice on the performance of basketball athletes / Efeitos da prática de crossfit sobre o desempenho de atletas de basquetebol / Efectos de la práctica de crossfit en el rendimiento de deportistas de baloncesto

ABSTRACT Introduction: The strength training and conditioning program known as CrossFit has demonstrated a great capacity for optimization in cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and precision. It is believed that basketball athletes may derive benefits from their practice. Objective: Explore the effects of CrossFit practice on the sport performance of basketball athletes. Methods: Sixteen athletes were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed adapted CrossFit-based training, while the control group remained with traditional training. The indices relevant to the study were captured before and after the intervention, statistically analyzed, and discussed considering the current literature. Results: The average body fat rate of the experimental group was reduced from 22.33% to 17.68%, the average vital capacity increased from 6210.08 ml to 6270.44 ml; the average time of the 3000 m run was accelerated from 14.00 min to 12.50 min, and the average horizontal pull force value was increased from 63.02 kg to 79.84 kg; and the average ball hit rate in one minute increased from 31.06% to 40.17%. Conclusion: The application of CrossFit-based training was shown to effectively improve the physical level, fitness, and sports performance of basketball players, and can be applied to everyday training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O programa de treinamento de força e condicionamento conhecido como CrossFit tem demonstrado grande capacidade de otimização na resistência cardiorrespiratória e muscular, força, flexibilidade, potência, velocidade, coordenação, agilidade, equilíbrio e precisão. Acredita-se que os atletas de basquetebol possam obter benefícios com a sua prática. Objetivo: Explorar os efeitos da prática de CrossFit sobre o desempenho esportivo de atletas de basquetebol. Métodos: Dezesseis atletas foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupo experimental e grupo de controle. O grupo experimental executou um treinamento adaptado baseado em CrossFit, enquanto o grupo controle permaneceu com o treinamento tradicional. Os índices relevantes ao estudo foram captados antes e após a intervenção, analisados estatisticamente e discutidos considerando a literatura atual. Resultados: A taxa média de gordura corporal do grupo experimental foi reduzida de 22,33% para 17,68%, a capacidade média vital aumentou de 6210,08 ml para 6270,44 ml; o tempo médio da corrida de 3000 m foi acelerado de 14,00 min para 12,50 min, e o valor médio da força de tração horizontal foi aumentado de 63,02 kg para 79,84 kg; e a taxa média de acertos de bola em um minuto aumentou de 31,06% para 40,17%. Conclusão: A aplicação do treinamento baseado em CrossFit demonstrou melhorar efetivamente o nível físico, a aptidão física e o desempenho esportivo nos jogadores de basquetebol, podendo ser aplicado ao treinamento cotidiano. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El programa de entrenamiento de fuerza y acondicionamiento conocido como CrossFit ha demostrado gran capacidad de optimización en resistencia cardiorrespiratoria y muscular, fuerza, flexibilidad, potencia, velocidad, coordinación, agilidad, equilibrio y precisión. Se cree que los atletas de baloncesto pueden obtener beneficios de su práctica. Objetivo: Explorar los efectos de la práctica de CrossFit en el rendimiento deportivo de atletas de baloncesto. Métodos: Dieciséis atletas fueron divididos aleatoriamente en grupo experimental y grupo control. El grupo experimental realizó un entrenamiento adaptado basado en CrossFit, mientras que el grupo control se mantuvo con el entrenamiento tradicional. Los índices relevantes para el estudio fueron capturados antes y después de la intervención, analizados estadísticamente y discutidos teniendo en cuenta la literatura actual. Resultados: El índice medio de grasa corporal del grupo experimental se redujo del 22,33% al 17,68%, la capacidad vital media aumentó de 6210,08 ml a 6270,44 ml; el tiempo medio de la carrera de 3000 m se aceleró de 14,00 min a 12,50 min, y el valor medio de la fuerza de tracción horizontal aumentó de 63,02 kg a 79,84 kg; y el índice medio de golpeos de balón en un minuto aumentó del 31,06% al 40,17%. Conclusión: La aplicación del entrenamiento basado en CrossFit demostró mejorar eficazmente el nivel físico, la forma física y el rendimiento deportivo en jugadores de baloncesto, y puede aplicarse al entrenamiento diario. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Evidence-based guidelines for food allergy of children in China / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The diagnosis of food allergy in children is one hotspot attracting people′s attention in recent years.The incidence of it shows an increasing trend which exposes problems in the understanding of children′s food allergy in China, especially in the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.To further standardize the diagnosis and treatment of food allergy in children, based on the current domestic, foreign guidelines and relevant research evidence, the guideline recommends 16 clinical hot-button issues in the 4 aspects of diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.Finally, a diagnosis flowchart has been formulated.The guideline aims to improve the standard diagnosis and treatment of food allergies in children in China.

Research on the doctors′ willingness of working at primary institutions and the economic incentive effect from the perspective of mental account / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To understand the incentive effect and influencing factors of the current economic incentive policy for medical alliances in Longhua District of Shenzhen(the alliance for short) on doctors′ willingness to work at primary medical institutions(the primary for short) from the perspective of mental account, and to explore the economic incentive effect of different economic incentive distribution methods on doctors′ willingness to work at the primary.Methods:The questionnaire was designed based on mental account theory. Random sampling was made in November 2019 for a questionnaire survey among doctors in two district-level medical institutions of the alliance in Longhua District of Shenzhen. The purpose was to analyze their inclination to work at the primary and their selection preferences for economic incentive distribution methods under the current economic incentive policy. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, and the influencing factors of doctors′ willingness to work at the primary were analyzed by χ2 test and binary logistic regression. Results:A total of 254 valid questionnaires were collected with an effective recovery rate of 90.7%. Among the respondents, 189(74.4%) were willing to work at the primary, 168(66.1%) chose to receive the economic incentives specifically for working at the primary, and 148 people(58.3%) hoped to receive such economic incentives immediately. Education background, self-rated economic income level of doctors and different payment methods of economic incentive for working at the primary had significant effects on their willingness to work at the primary( P<0.05). Conclusions:The current economic incentive policy of the alliance can meet the demands for economic incentives in terms of doctors′ material accounts, and doctors′ overall inclination to work at the primary was strong. If the amount of economic incentives is constant, doctors preferred to receive the economic incentives specifically, mainly affected by income accounts and additional income accounts. In addition, education and self-assessment of economic income level were important factors affecting the willingness of doctors to work at the primary, which may be affected by mental accounts other than material accounts.

Factors related to the control and stability of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the factors related to the control and stability of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children.Methods:Children with airway allergic diseases who visited Department of Allergy and Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Beijing Children′s Hospital from April to December 2015 were enrolled in the prospective study. Patients underwent baseline assessment and regular management every three months. The stability of disease control was evaluated after one year of treatment; according to the control level, children were divided into stable control group and unstable group. The gender, age, history of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema, family history, allergen sensitization, pulmonary function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide were compared between the two group.Results:A total of 147 children with airway allergic diseases were included and 106 children were followed up for 12 months. According to the control level at 12 months, there were 60 cases(56.6%)in stable group and 46 cases(43.4%)in unstable group. The proportion of children with eczema history in the unstable group was significantly higher than that in the stable group [88.9%(32/46) vs. 71.7%(43/60), χ 2=3.91, P=0.048]. The allergic rhinitis VAS in the unstable group was significantly higher than that in the stable group at the baseline [(4.7±1.9) vs.(3.7±2.3), t=2.12, P=0.037]. The serum T-IgE level in unstable group was significantly higher than that in the stable group at the baseline [269.0(163.0, 578.5)kU/L vs. 195.5(69.7, 420.8)kU/L, Z=2.01, P=0.044]. The sensitivity rate to dust mite in the unstable group was significantly higher than that in the stable group [76.1%(35/46) vs.55.0%(33/60), χ 2=5.19, P=0.025]. The improvement rate of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) in the unstable group was significantly higher than that in the stable group[(14.2±11.5) vs.(7.3±5.9), t=2.42, P=0.018]. Conclusion:Eczema history, the severity of allergic rhinitis, serum T-IgE level, atopy and pulmonary physiology are associated with unstable status of airway allergic diseases in children.

Investigation on the growth factor regulatory network of dermal fibroblasts in mouse full-thickness skin defect wounds based on single-cell RNA sequencing / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective: To explore the heterogeneity and growth factor regulatory network of dermal fibroblasts (dFbs) in mouse full-thickness skin defect wounds based on single-cell RNA sequencing. Methods: The experimental research methods were adopted. The normal skin tissue from 5 healthy 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (the same mouse age, sex, and strain below) was harvested, and the wound tissue of another 5 mice with full-thickness skin defect on the back was harvested on post injury day (PID) 7. The cell suspension was obtained by digesting the tissue with collagenase D and DNase Ⅰ, sequencing library was constructed using 10x Genomics platform, and single-cell RNA sequencing was performed by Illumina Novaseq6000 sequencer. The gene expression matrices of cells in the two kinds of tissue were obtained by analysis of Seurat 3.0 program of software R4.1.1, and two-dimensional tSNE plots classified by cell group, cell source, and gene labeling of major cells in skin were used for visual display. According to the existing literature and the CellMarker database searching, the expression of marker genes in the gene expression matrices of cells in the two kinds of tissue was analyzed, and each cell group was numbered and defined. The gene expression matrices and cell clustering information were introduced into CellChat 1.1.3 program of software R4.1.1 to analyze the intercellular communication in the two kinds of tissue and the intercellular communication involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal pathways in the wound tissue, the relative contribution of each pair of FGF subtypes and FGF receptor (FGFR) subtypes (hereinafter referred to as FGF ligand receptor pairs) to FGF signal network in the two kinds of tissue, and the intercellular communication in the signal pathway of FGF ligand receptor pairs with the top 2 relative contributions in the two kinds of tissue. The normal skin tissue from one healthy mouse was harvested, and the wound tissue of one mouse with full-thickness skin defect on the back was harvested on PID 7. The multiple immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression and distribution of FGF7 protein and its co-localized expression with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), stem cell antigen 1 (SCA1), smooth muscle actin (SMA), and PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα) protein. Results: Both the normal skin tissue of healthy mice and the wound tissue of full-thickness skin defected mice on PID 7 contained 25 cell groups, but the numbers of cells in each cell group between the two kinds of tissue were different. Genes PDGFRα, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, lymphatic endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor 1, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase C, keratin 10, and keratin 79 all had distinct distributions on two-dimensional tSNE plots, indicating specific cell groups respectively. The 25 cell groups were numbered by C0-C24 and divided into 9 dFb subgroups and 16 non-dFb groups. dFb subgroups included C0 as interstitial progenitor cells, C5 as adipose precursor cells, and C13 as contractile muscle cells related fibroblasts, etc. Non-dFb group included C3 as neutrophils, C8 as T cells, and C18 as erythrocytes, etc. Compared with that of the normal skin tissue of healthy mice, the intercellular communication in the wound tissue of full-thickness skin defected mice on PID 7 was more and denser, and the top 3 cell groups in intercellular communication intensity were dFb subgroups C0, C1, and C2, of which all communicated with other cell groups in the wound tissue. In the wound tissue of full-thickness skin defected mice on PID 7, VEGF signals were mainly sent by the dFb subgroup C0 and received by vascular related cell groups C19 and C21, PDGF signals were mainly sent by peripheral cells C14 and received by multiple dFb subgroups, EGF signals were mainly sent by keratinocyte subgroups C9 and C11 and received by the dFb subgroup C0, and the main sender and receiver of FGF signals were the dFb subgroup C6. In the relative contribution rank of FGF ligand receptor pairs to FGF signal network in the normal skin tissue of healthy mice and the wound tissue of full-thickness skin defected mice on PID 7, FGF7-FGFR1 was the top 1, and FGF7-FGFR2 or FGF10-FGFR1 was in the second place, respectively; compared with those in the normal skin tissue, there was more intercellular communication in FGF7-FGFR1 signal pathway, while the intercellular communication in FGF7-FGFR2 and FGF10-FGFR1 signal pathways decreased slightly or did not change significantly in the wound tissue; the intercellular communication in FGF7-FGFR1 signal pathway in the wound tissue was stronger than that in FGF7-FGFR2 or FGF10-FGFR1 signal pathway; in the two kinds of tissue, FGF7 signal was mainly sent by dFb subgroups C0, C1, and C2, and received by dFb subgroups C6 and C7. Compared with that in the normal skin tissue of healthy mouse, the expression of FGF7 protein was higher in the wound tissue of full-thickness skin defected mouse on PID 7; in the normal skin tissue, FGF7 protein was mainly expressed in the skin interstitium and also expressed in the white adipose tissue near the dermis layer; in the two kinds of tissue, FGF7 protein was co-localized with DPP4 and SCA1 proteins and expressed in the skin interstitium, co-localized with PDGFRα protein and expressed in dFbs, but was not co-localized with SMA protein, with more co-localized expression of FGF7 in the wound tissue than that in the normal skin tissue. Conclusions: In the process of wound healing of mouse full-thickness skin defect wound, dFbs are highly heterogeneous, act as potential major secretory or receiving cell populations of a variety of growth factors, and have a close and complex relationship with the growth factor signal pathways. FGF7-FGFR1 signal pathway is the main FGF signal pathway in the process of wound healing, which targets and regulates multiple dFb subgroups.

Inhibitory Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on Triple-negative Breast Cancer Through MAPKKK1 and KLF4 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the underlying mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan in inhibiting triple-negative breast cancer through mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 （MAPKKK1） and Krüppel-like factor 4 （KLF4）. MethodFour hundreds SPF female Kunming mice aged 11.5 months were palpated once every 3 days. The model mice of spontaneous tumors were randomly divided into a model group （normal saline）， a paclitaxel group （0.025 g·kg-1·d-1， ip， 21 days）， and high-， medium- and low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （7.2， 3.6， 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1， ig）. Tumor tissues were separated until the moribund stage. The tumor volume and weight were measured， and the tumor inhibition rate and the survival time of the tumor mice were calculated （after 6 months， tumor-free mice were assigned into the normal group）. SPF SD rats were selected to prepare serum samples containing Liuwei Dihuangwan of different concentrations for cell culture， and MAPKKK1 in MDA-MB-231 cells was silenced. The protein expression of MAPKKK1 and KLF4 was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultThe in vivo experimental results showed that compared with the conditions of the normal group， the protein expression of MAPKKK1 and KLF4 in tumor tissues of the model group dropped （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all medication groups showed reduced tumor volume and weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased tumor inhibition rate， prolonged survival time of tumor mice （P<0.05）， and increased protein expression of MAPKKK1 （P<0.01）. Additionally， the paclitaxel group and the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group exhibited increased protein expression of KLF4 （P<0.01）. The in vitro experiments showed that compared with the conditions of the normal group， the fluorescence intensities of MAPKKK1 and KLF4 in MDA-MB-231 cells in all medication groups were potentiated， and the protein expression of MAPKKK1 in the paclitaxel group and the high- and medium-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups， and the protein expression of KLF4 in the paclitaxel group and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group increased （P<0.01）. After silencing of MAPKKK1， compared with the conditions of the negative plasmid group （unsilenced MAPKKK1）， the fluorescence intensities of MAPKKK1 and KLF4 and the protein expression decreased in the RNAi-27 positive plasmid group （silenced MAPKKK1） （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the RNAi-27 positive plasmid group， all medication groups had enhanced fluorescence intensities of MAPKKK1 and KLF4 and protein expression to different degrees （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan can inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer， and the underlying molecular mechanism is related to the up-regulation of MAPKKK1 and activation of KLF4 expression.

Distribution characteristics and clinical significance of aeroallergen sensitization in children with airway allergic diseases / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution characteristics and clinical significance of aeroallergen sensitization in children with airway allergic diseases.Methods:The information of children who were diagnosed with airway allergic diseases and performed with skin prick test(SPT)of aeroallergens was collected and retrospectively analyzed from Beijing Children′s Hospital from January to December, 2019.A total of 2557 patients were divided into ≤5 years of age group, 6-11 years of age group and ≥12 years of age group according to age, and allergic rhinitis group, asthma group, allergic rhinitis combined with asthma group according to diseases.The differences in the distribution of positive rates of 18 kinds of aeroallergens in age group and disease group were compared.Results:The positive rates of SPT in 2557 children from high to low were weeds pollens in summer and autumn, molds, trees pollens in spring, dust mites, etc..The top five strong positive rates from high to low were Artemisia pollen, Humulus pollen, Dermatophagoides farina, Betula pollen and Fraxinus pennsylvanica pollen.The positive rate was 71.5%(539/754)in the ≤5 years of age group, 78.5%(1241/1581)in 6-11 years of age group, and 81.1%(180/222)in ≥12 years of age group.The difference in positive rates of SPT among different age groups was statistically significant( χ2=16.825, P<0.05). In the group of ≤5 years of age group, the main aeroallergens were Chenopodium pollen(310/754, 41.1%), Alternaria alternate(307/754, 40.7%), Humulus pollen(295/754, 39.1%), Artemisia pollen(293/754, 38.9%)and Fraxinus pennsylvanica pollen(258/754, 34.2%). The main aeroallergens in the 6-11 years of age group were Chenopodium pollen(853/1581, 54.0%), Humulus pollen(769/1581, 48.6%), Artemisia pollen(768/1581, 48.6%), Alternaria alternate(751/1581, 47.5%)and Fraxinus pennsylvanica pollen(724/1581, 45.8%). The main aeroallergens in the ≥12 years of age group were Chenopodium pollen(131/222, 59.0%), Humulus pollen(119/222, 53.6%), Artemisia pollen(113/222, 50.9%), Alternaria alternate(112/222, 50.5%)and Dermatophagoides farina(103/222, 46.4%). The positive rate of allergic rhinitis group was 73.6%(1164/1582), asthma group was 72.4%(234/323), allergic rhinitis combined with asthma group was 86.0%(561/652). The positive rate of SPT was significantly different among different disease groups( χ2=43.408, P<0.05). The main aeroallergen of allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis combined with asthma was Chenopodium pollen.The positive rates of 18 kinds of aeroallergens were significantly different among the three disease groups(all P<0.05). The positive rate of each aeroallergen in allergic rhinitis combined with asthma was higher than that in single airway allergic disease. Conclusion:In children with airway allergic disease, the sensitization spectrum of aeroallergen varies among different age groups and disease groups.Clinicians should monitor allergens regularly and give preventive treatment to children with airway allergic disease.

Effect of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α on Chemosensitivity of B-ALL Cells to Vincristine and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of hypoxia on the chemosensitivity of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia （B-ALL） cells to Vincristine (VCR) and the mechanisms.@*METHODS@#B-ALL cells SUP-B15, Nalm-6 and RS4;11 were selected as the research objects. The cells were divided into the control group and the hypoxia mimic group (CoCl2 pretreatment). The two groups were treated with VCR at different concentrations for 24 hours, CCK-8 was used to detect cell viability, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, and Western bolt method was used to detect hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α), BAX, Bcl-2 and β-actin protein expression. Quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect BAX and β-actin mRNA levels.@*RESULTS@#CoCl2 could simulate hypoxic environment to induce the expression of HIF-1α. The cells SUP-B15 and RS4;11 of the hypoxia mimic group were lower sensitivity to VCR as compared with the control group; the apoptosis rate of the hypoxia mimic group was lower than that of the control group after 80 nmol/L VCR treatment. The expression levels of BAX protein and mRNA in the hypoxia mimic group were lower than those of the control group, and there was no significant difference in the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein between two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-1α may mediate VCR resistance in B-ALL cells by downregulating the pro-apoptotic protein BAX.

Clinical analysis of external micro-locking plate in the treatment of fifth metatarsal comminuted fractures / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy of external micro-locking plate combined with closed reduction in the treatment of fifth metatarsal comminuted fracture with severe soft tissue injury.@*METHODS@#From January 2018 to December 2019, 13 patients received micro-locking plate combined with closed reduction treatment due to the fifth metatarsal comminuted fracture with severe soft tissue injury. There were 11 males and 2 females patients, ranging in age from 21 to 69 years. According to the fracture AO fracture classification, 9 cases belonged to type 87(S)-C2.2 and 4 cases belonged to type 87(S)-C2.1. The fifth metatarsal cuneiform articular surface was not involved, and all of them were comminuted fractures of the fifth metatarsal shaft. All soft tissues were damaged to varying degrees. Three patients got small defect of skin and soft tissue, and they were treated with debridement and suture after one-stage emergency surgery. The fracture healing and complications were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the midfoot function score of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) at the latest follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 3 to 12 months. One patient had delayed union. One patient had local skin necrosis and was treated with second-stage skin grafting to repair the wound surface. No external screw breakage or infection was reported, the skin soft tissue healed satisfactorily and reached bony union, with the union time ranging from 8 to 19 weeks. The postoperative functional recovery was rated according to the midfoot score of AOFAS, the score ranged from 49 to 98, and 7 patients got an excellent result, 4 good, 1 fair and 1 poor.@*CONCLUSION@#The external micro-locking plate combined with closed reduction in the treatment of fifth metatarsal comminuted fracture with severe soft tissue injury has the advantages of simple operation, good stability and low infection rate, which is helpful to the repair of soft issue injury, and the fixation can be removed early in outpatient clinic. To sum up, this surgical procedure is suitable for patients with severe soft tissue injury and comminuted fracture to avoid periosteum stripping. The space occupying is smaller than the micro-external fixator, which is convenient for patients with early functional exercise.

Screening of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Artemisia argyi / 中国中药杂志

Artemisia Argyi Folium, a traditional Chinese medicine of important medicinal and economic value, sees increasing demand in medicinal and moxibustion product market. Screening stable and reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) is a prerequisite for the analysis of gene expression in Artemisia argyi. In this study, eight commonly used reference genes, Actin, 18s, EF-1α, GAPDH, SAND, PAL, TUA, and TUB, from the transcriptome of A. argyi, were selected as candidate genes. The expression of each gene in different tissues(roots, stems, and leaves) of A. argyi and in leaves of A. argyi after treatment with methyl jasmonate(MeJA) for different time(0, 4, 8, 12 h) was detected by qRT-PCR. Then, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCT, and RefFinder were employed to evaluate their expression stability. The results demonstrated that Actin was the most stable reference gene in different tissues and in leaves treated with MeJA, and coming in the second was SAND. Furthermore, the expression of DXS and MCT which are involved in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was detected in different tissues and after MeJA treatment. The results showed that the expression patterns of DXS and MCT in different tissues and under MeJA treatment calculated with Actin and SAND as internal reference genes were consistent, which validated the screening results. In conclusion, Actin is the most suitable reference gene for the analysis of gene expression in different tissues of A. argyi and after MeJA treatment. This study provides valuable information for gene expression analysis in A. argyi and lays a foundation for further research on molecular mechanism of quality formation of Artemisia Argyi Folium.

CLEC14A was up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and may function as a potential diagnostic biomarker

Abstract Objective The current work aimed to investigate the expression and potential clinical significance of C-type Lectin domain family 14 (CLEC14A) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods The relative expressions of CLEC14A in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) tissue and adjacent normal tissue of 105 HCC patients were examined using RT-qPCR methods. Furthermore, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn for exploring the diagnostic value of CLEC14A. Next, the expressions of CLEC14A in HCC cell lines and normal liver epithelial cells were compared, and the effects of knockdown of CLEC14A on the growth and apoptosis of HCC cells were examined. Results The authors found that the expression of CLEC14A was markedly increased in hepatocellular carcinoma tumors in comparison with the adjacent tissue, and the expression level of CLEC14A was positively correlated with the size and differentiation of the tumor. Moreover, results of ROC analysis showed CLEC14A might function as a sensitive diagnostic biomarker for HCC. Furthermore, CLEC14A was up-regulated in HCC cell lines, and transient over-expression of CLEC14A decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro. Conclusions Our results suggested that CLEC14A was up-regulated in HCC and might function as a potential diagnostic marker.

Circ_0001666 promotes the proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by targeting the miR-330-5p/HMGA2 axis / 生理学报

Many studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a key regulatory role in the whole biological process of tumors. The purpose of this study was to explore the biological function and molecular mechanism of circ_0001666 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), so as to provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC. Gene expression profiles were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, GSE101586) and the differential genes were obtained by using GEO2R analysis. The quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of circ_0001666 in NSCLC cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit were respectively used to assess the cell proliferation and apoptosis, where circ_0001666 was knockdown in NSCLC cells. The targeted relationship among mircoRNA 330-5p (miR-330-5p), circ_0001666, and high mobility group A2 protein (HMGA2) was verified by bioinformatics prediction, dual-luciferase reporter gene, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull down assay. The results showed that the expression of circ_0001666 in NSCLC cells was significantly up-regulated than that in normal lung epithelial cells. Circ_0001666 knockdown reduced the cell viability and promoted the apoptosis of NSCLC cells, which could be reversed by miR-330-5p inhibitors. MiR-330-5p is the downstream target of circ_0001666 and can be adsorbed by circ_0001666. HMGA2 is a target gene of miR-330-5p, which can be indirectly regulated by circ_0001666. The results suggest that circ_0001666 promotes the proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of NSCLC cells via miR-330-5p/HMGA2 axis.

Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of single-channel intracavitary applicator for uterine cervical cancer: 3-year long-term results of a prospective randomized phase Ⅱ clinical trial / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the 3-year survival outcomes and late injury between the self-designed patent single-channel applicator, which was modified from the traditional tandem applicator and wrapped with a oval-shield alloy around the source channel and standard Fletcher-type applicator in the high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer.Methods:Patients initially diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from December 2011 to April 2017 were enrolled and randomly assigned into the external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)+ single-channel intracavitary applicator group (the patent single-channel group) and EBRT+ the Fletcher applicator group. The whole pelvis irradiation was delivered with 6-MV photons via a four-field box variant or anterior and posterior parallel fields. Five to six fractions of intracavitary brachytherapy were performed at a dose of 7 Gy at point A once a week after 30 Gy (Equivalent Dose in 2 Gy at point A: 80-90 Gy). Chemotherapy was given with intravenous injection of cisplatin at a dose of 40 mg/m 2 once weekly during EBRT. Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated after corresponding treatment. Results:In total, 150 eligible cases were assigned into the Fletcher applicator group and 149 cases into the patent single-channel group. Up to December 2020, all patients had been followed up for 3 years, and the median duration of follow-up was 61 months. In the Fletcher group, the 3-year overall survival, progression-free survival and locoregional failure-free survival was 76.3%, 78.1% and 75.4%, and 83.8%, 80.3% and 85.5% in the single-channel group, respectively. In the Fletcher group, the cumulative rate of grade 3-4 late rectal complications was 3.3% and 6.7% in the single-channel group ( P=0.122). The cumulative rate of grade 3-4 bladder complications was 1.3% in the Fletcher group and 0.7% in the single-channel group ( P=1.000). Conclusion:The self-designed patent single-channel intracavitary applicator yields equivalent long-term clinical efficacy and safety to the standard Fletcher-type three-channel applicator in the HDR brachytherapy for uterine cervical cancer.

Exercise status and influencing factors in school-age asthmatics / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To know the exercise status of asthmatic in school-age, and to identify possible influen-cing factors.Methods:School-age children with a firm diagnosis of asthma were continuously included in Asthma Clinic of Allergy Department, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to January 2017.Patients who complain any symptoms during or after exercise with or without exercise limitation were assigned to the abnormal exercise group (ANE), and children who stated no symptoms and exercise limitation were defined as normal exercise group (NE), correspondingly.These data include age, gender, length of recurrent wheezing history, duration of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), asthma control status, body mass index (BMI), pulmonary function parameters by spirometry and plethysmography that were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 194 cases were included: 135 cases (69.6%) were well controlled, 39 cases (20.1%) were partially controlled, and 20 cases (10.3%) were uncontrolled.Totally, 95 cases (49.0%) were distributed in ANE group, while 99 cases (51.0%) were in NE group.Meanwhile, 111 patients (57.2%) had normal BMI, 32 patients (16.5%) were overweight, and 51 patients (26.3%) were obese.In the Logistic regression model of all cases, the worse asthma control level (partially controlled OR=4.77, 95% CI: 2.07-11.00, P<0.001, uncontrolled OR=10.02, 95% CI: 2.70-37.22, P=0.001) and higher BMI ( OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25, P=0.001) were closely associated with the significantly increased risk of exercise abnormality.Among the patients with normal BMI, ANE group had more cases with hyperinflation than normal exercise group (43.8% vs.19.0%, P=0.005). Conclusions:The results suggested that poor asthma control status and overweight/obesity are risk factors for exercise limitation, and excessive lung inflation may also affect exercise in children with asthma.

Analysis on Content Differences of Artemisinin and Arteannuin B in Different Provenances of Artemisia annua Under Indoor Hydroponic Conditions / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish a method for the determination of artemisinin and arteannuin B in different <italic>Artemisia annua</italic> germplasms， compare the differences of the two compounds among different <italic>A. annua</italic> germplasm under the condition of hydroponic homogenization and explore the key factors affecting contents of principal compounds in different<italic> A. annua</italic> germplasms. Method:Seedlings from different <italic>A. annua</italic> germplasms were arranged randomly and fed in a hydroponic cultivation system. Contents of artemisinin and arteannuin B were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） with multi-reaction monitoring mode and ACQUITY UPLC^® BEH C₁₈ column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm）， mobile phase was water-acetonitrile （95∶5， containing 0.1% formic acid， A） and acetonitrile-water （95∶5， containing 0.1% formic acid， B） for gradient elution （0-3.5 min， 25%-1%A； 3.5-3.6 min， 1%-25%A； 3.6-5.0 min， 25%A）， the flow rate was set at 0.4 mL·min^-1. The content differences of artemisinin and arteannuin B in different provenances of <italic>A. annua</italic> were detected and analyzed statistically. Result:The established method had high sensitivity and good separation. A significant difference of artemisinin and arteannuin B contents was observed in different germplasms under the same culture conditions， that is， under the constant temperature of 25 ℃ in hydroponics. The provenance with higher artemisinin content was Yunnan， and the content was 3 810.597 μg·g^-1. The highest strain of arteannuin B was Shanxi provenance germplasm with the content of 1 691.747 μg·g^-1. According to the content of artemisinin， the provenances were arranged as follows：Yunnan， Hainan， Hubei， Guangxi， Zhejiang， Shanxi， Beijing， Shandong， Heilongjiang， and Gansu province germplasms. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between artemisinin content and latitude of <italic>A. annua</italic>， but there was no significant correlation between contents of artemisinin and arteannuin B and longitude. Conclusion:The contents of artemisinin and arteannuin B among different <italic>A. annua</italic> germplasms were significantly different under the same culture environment， and the dominant factors affecting biosynthesis and accumulation of artemisinin and arteannuin B in <italic>A. annua</italic> may be the genetic background， suggesting that germplasm improvement is the key factor to improve the medicinal quality of <italic>A. annua</italic> in subsequent cultivation.

Interpretation of position paper from the World Allergy Organization for IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy(part two: in vitro tests) / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

In 2020, the World Allergy Organization released a position paper on the immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergy diagnostics and tests, which provided a thorough and updated appraisal of the most frequently used diagnostic tests, both in vivo and in vitro.This article focused on the interpretation of in vitro tests, mainly introduced three test methods of serum total IgE, allergen specific IgE detection and basophil activation test, aiming to help medical workers better understand the position paper, and further understand the diagnosis methods, so as to make accurate diagnosis and formulate the optimal treatment.

Interpretation of position paper from the World Allergy Organization for IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy(part one: in vivo tests) / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Currently, testing for immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization is the cornerstone for the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases, including environmental control measures, medications, and/or allergen immunotherapy.In 2020, the World Allergy Organization (WAO) published a position paper on IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy, both in vivo and in vitro.This paper aim to interpret both the skin prick test (SPT) and the intradermal test (IDT) in vivo diagnosis.The indications, technical methods, measurement and interpretation of result, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these two diagnostic skin tests.In addition, and supplementary explanations are made on individual issues for a better understanding.