ABSTRACT
ObjectiveBioinformatics methods were used to systematically identify the Salvia miltiorrhiza terpenoid synthase (SmTPS) gene family members and predict their functions from the perspective of the genome. MethodThe genome and transcriptome data of S. miltiorrhiza, Arabidopsis thaliana, and tomato were obtained from the national genomics data center (NGDC), national center for biotechnology information (NCBI), the Arabidopsis information resource (TAIR), and tomato functional genomics database (TFGD), and the whole genome identification and bioinformatics analysis of the SmTPS gene family member were carried out with the help of Perl language programming, Tbtools, and other bioinformatics tools. ResultA total of 52 TPS gene family members were identified, and they were distributed on eight chromosomes of S. miltiorrhiza. Their coding amino acid number was 207-822 aa. The isoelectric points were 4.76-9.16. The molecular mass was 24.11-94.81 kDa, and all members are hydrophilic proteins. Gene structure analysis showed that there were significant differences in the number of introns among different subfamilies. The number of introns in 72.6% of TPS-a, b, and g subfamilies was 6, and that in 88.9% of TPS-c and e/f subfamilies was more than 10. Protein motifs were conserved among TPS subfamilies. The analysis of promoter cis-acting elements showed that all promoters of the SmTPSs contained a large number of light-responsive elements, and most of them had hormone-responsive elements. Gene expression analysis showed that SmTPS gene family members exhibited tissue-specific expression, and 24 of them responded to exogenous methyl jasmonate. ConclusionBased on the published S. miltiorrhiza genome, 52 SmTPS gene family members were identified, and their functions were predicted based on the phylogenetic analysis and expression patterns. This paper provides reference information for the further biosynthesis pathway and regulatory mechanism analysis of terpenoids in S. miltiorrhiza.
ABSTRACT
By exploring the core ideas of the "Xingnao Kaiqiao" theory, analyzing the relationship between the "Xingnao Kaiqiao" theory and the TCM encephalopathy, and exploring the necessity of acupuncture for the treatment of TCM encephalopathy, in order to clarify how to diagnose and treat brain diseases in acupuncture and moxibustion. The "Xingnao Kaiqiao" is the core of the theory of the "Tiaoshen", the acupuncture of "Xingnao Kaiqiao" was based on the principle of "Xingnao","Xingshen" and "Tiaoshen", the idea of the "Tiaoshen" was inseparable from the diagnosis and treatment of the TCM encephalopathy. Based on the special features of acupuncture therapy and complexity and particularity of TCM encephalopathy, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of encephalopathy was supposed to have their own unique system of syndrome differentiation and treatment. During the practice of acupuncture, the diagnosis and treatment of TCM encephalopathy should be based on "brain", "Xingnao Tiaoshen" as a general rule, adding and subtracting from the main points of the "Xingnao Kaiqiao", and the different brain diseases are matched with appropriate treatments.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of abdominal penetrating moxibustion combined with acupuncture at the"four chong points"on balance,walking function and trunk control in patients recovering from stroke.Methods Seventy-eight patients recovering from stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 39 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional rehabilitation exercises,while the observation group was given abdominal penetrating moxibustion combined with acupuncture at the"four chong points"on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for 2 consecutive months.After 2 months of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in the Berg Scale score and the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)were observed before and after treatment.The changes in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.The Sheikh Trunk Control Scale scores were also evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate of the observation group was 94.87%(37/39),and the total effective rate of the control group was 80.00%(31/39),and the efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the Berg scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the Berg scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the TUGT time and NIHSS score of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the TUGT time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group,and the NIHSS score was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the Sheikh trunk control scores of the two groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the Sheikh trunk control score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Abdominal penetrating moxibustion method combined with acupuncture at the four chong points for the treatment of stroke recovery can effectively restore the patients'balance and walking function,improve the patients'trunk control ability,and the therapeutic effect is precise.
ABSTRACT
The two injuries of fluid and qi are the pathological basis of atrophy syndrome,and also the result of the imbalance of"yang transforming into qi,yin forming shape".Deficiency of yang transforming into qi,imbalance of yin forming shape would result in dysfunction of visceral functions,internal generation of water,phlegm,and blood stasis,and loss of nourishment in limbs and nine orifices,and then later result in atrophy syndrome.Based on the theory of"yang transforming into qi,yin forming shape",this article discussed Professor Gao Ying's treatment of myasthenia gravis with insufficient yang transforming into qi by using the method of promoting yang transforming into qi;the method of tonifying the kidney and regulating the shape could be used to treat multiple sclerosis with imbalance in yin forming shape;yin-yang tonifying method could be used to treat motor neuron disease with both yin and yang damaged.In the treatment of atrophy syndrome,it is necessary to examine the syndrome and seek the cause,distinguish between yin and yang,adjust biases,and provide TCM treatment in the early stages of the disease to delay the progression of the disease and improve prognosis.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate clinical efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for central neurocytoma (CN) after surgical resection.Methods:Clinical data of 136 CN patients admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Xuanwu Hospital from January 2001 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Preliminary interventions consisted of craniotomy (gross total resection, subtotal resection and partial resection, the latter two belonging to incomplete resection) and postoperative radiotherapy. Three-dimensional conformal or intensity-modulated radiotherapy was adopted, with a median radiotherapy dose of 54 Gy. Post-recurrence treatment included salvage surgery and radiotherapy. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed by log-rank test to evaluate the effect of each prognostic factor on OS and PFS. The effects of multiple prognostic factors on PFS and OS were assessed by Cox regression model.Results:The median age was 28 years (range: 6-66 years). The median follow-up was 94.5 months (12-237 months). Among all patients, 79 cases underwent total resection, and 68 of them received adjuvant radiotherapy. Thirty-eight patients underwent subtotal resection, and 37 of them were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy. Sixteen patients received partial resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Three cases received biopsy and postoperative radiotherapy. Among all patients, 3 cases died, including 2 from tumor recurrence and 1 from postoperative complication. Eight patients had recurrences during follow-up. Among them, 7 patients had recurrences at the primary site,1 had tumor dissemination to the spinal cord. The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 98.5% and 96.8%, and the 5- and 10-year PFS rates were 95.3% and 91.6% for the in the entire cohort. In the gross total resection without radiotherapy group, the 5- and 10-year PFS rates were 90.9% and 90.9%, and 96.6% and 96.6% in the gross total resection + radiotherapy group ( P=0.338). The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 100% and 100% in the gross total resection without radiotherapy group, and 98.5% and 98.5% in the gross total resection + radiotherapy group ( P=0.693). The 10-year PFS rates between the gross total resection±radiotherapy group and the incomplete resection+radiotherapy group was 95.8% vs. 90.3% ( P=0.368), and the 10-year OS rate was 98.6% vs. 94.7% ( P=0.436). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor site, degree of surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy and age exerted no significant effects on PFS and OS. A total of 81 patients had late neurotoxicities, including 69 cases at grade 1, 9 cases at grade 2, and 3 cases at grade 3. And 64.2% (52/81 cases) of patients suffered from short-term memory impairment. Conclusions:Gross total resection alone yields high efficacy for CN. Postoperative radiotherapy is not required. Incomplete resection combined with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy can achieve equivalent clinical efficacy to gross total resection.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate and analyze the current status of health management (physical examination) service capabilities of medical institutions in Tianjin in 2021.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. Using the census method, a questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain the health management (physical examination) service capabilities of 86 medical institutions in Tianjin in 2021. The questionnaire covered the basic information of the institution, human resources and equipment, physical examination items carried out, the annual number of people receiving physical examination, the degree of informatization, and the completion of quality control indicators. In this survey, a total of 86 questionnaires were distributed and 86 valid questionnaires were collected (100%). Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to compare the differences of health management (physical examination) indicators between public and private medical institutions, and to analyze the current health management (physical examination) service capabilities of medical institutions in Tianjin. Results:Among the 86 medical institutions included in the analysis, 53 (61.6%) were public institutions and 33 (38.4%) were private medical institutions. In terms of basic information, the proportion of comprehensive hospitals and level-3 medical institutions belonging to public institutions, as well as the time of health management (physical examination) business development, were significantly higher than those of private medical institutions [62.3% vs 30.3%, 62.3% vs 0, 11 (7, 5) years vs 7 (5, 10) years], and the proportion of independent setup of the physical examination center and the business area of health management (physical examination) were significantly lower than those of private institutions[33.3% vs 98.1%, 1 011 (600, 1 000) m 2 vs 2 000 (1 395, 2 782) m 2] (all P<0.05). In terms of practitioners, there were 2 964 health management (physical examination) practitioners in Tianjin in 2021, aged 43 (35, 56) years. The proportion of male practitioners, part-time practitioners, nurses, practitioners with intermediate professional title, chief inspection physician, health management specialist in public institutions and the time engaged in health management work of employees were all significantly higher than those in private medical institutions [20.6% vs 17.5%, 20.7% vs 8.1%, 33.8% vs 23.4%, 40.7% vs 27.3%, 7.1% vs 3.9%, 13.8% vs 4.7%, 6 (3, 11) years vs 5 (3, 8) years] (all P<0.05). In terms of business development, the implementation rates of preventive medical management, mental health management, hypertension risk management, health management contract service, pulmonary nodule management, health management intervention plan, health risk assessment, and health education programs in public institutions were significantly higher than those in private medical institutions (24.5% vs 0, 28.3% vs 0, 35.8% vs 15.2%, 39.6% vs 15.2%, 41.5% vs 12.1%, 50.9% vs 18.2%, 66.0% vs 36.4%, 83.0% vs 42.4%), and the annual health physical examination person-times, group and individual physical examination person-times in public institutions were significantly lower than those in private institutions [18 625 (11 844, 27 998) to 38 384 (10 832, 46 927), 14 818 (8 803, 23 915) to 28 663 (4 982, 41 927), 2 179 (1 221, 3 588) to 5 784 (1 461, 12 156)] (all P<0.05). Among the six quality control indicators of health examination, the completion rates of waist-hip circumference measurement in both types of institutions were low (<40%). Conclusion:Compared with public institutions, the talent echelon construction and service capability of health management (physical examination) in private medical institutions in Tianjin still needs to be improved.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To study the inhibitory effect and mechanism of total flavonoids from Melicope pteleifolia (TF-MPL) on transplanted tumor of colorectal cancer in nude mice. METHODS The transplanted tumor model of colorectal cancer was induced by injecting 0.2 mL colorectal cancer cell LoVo subcutaneously via the right armpit of nude mice. After successful modeling, nude mice were randomly divided into model group, 5-fluorouracil group (positive control, 10 mg/kg), TF-MPL high- dose and low-dose groups (25, 12.5 mg/kg); a normal group (normal saline containing 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium) without modeling was additionally set up, with 6 mice in each group. Each group was intraperitoneally injected with the corresponding drug solution/solvent for 21 consecutive days. The inhibitory rate of the transplanted tumor, liver and spleen index, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum were detected after the last medication; the morphological changes of tumor tissue were observed; immunohistochemical staining was used to detect protein expressions of Toll- like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) in tumor tissue of nude mice. Western blot assay was used to detect protein expressions of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1), NF-κB p65 and caspase-3 in tumor tissue of nude mice. RESULTS Compared with the model group, TF-MPL high-dose group showed a significant decrease in tumor weight (inhibitory rate of 36.91%), liver and spleen index, serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6,IRAK-1 and NF- κB p65 (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the expression of caspase-3 protein was increased significantly (P<0.05), and more tumor cell shrinkage and deformation, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation were observed. CONCLUSIONS TF-MPL can significantly inhibit the growth of transplanted tumor of colorectal cancer in nude mice, the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, and promoting apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells.
ABSTRACT
AIM:To observe how total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)affects the migra-tion and invasion of human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte line MH7A.METHODS:The MH7A cells were divided into control group(without any treatment),low-,medium-and high-dose(6.25,12.5 and 25 mg/L,respectively)PHSTF groups,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor 740Y-P(10 μmol/L)group,and 740Y-P(10 μmol/L)+high-dose(25 mg/L)PHSTF group.The viability of the MH7A cells was determined by CCK-8 assay,while the migration and inva-sion were assessed by scratch and Transwell assays.The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT and p-AKT were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cell via-bility in PHSTF treatment groups was reduced(P<0.05),the cell wound healing area was significantly decreased(P<0.01),migratory and invasive cells in the lower chamber were significantly reduced(P<0.01),and the protein expres-sion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and pAKT/AKT were decreased(P<0.01).Compared with high-dose PHSTF group,the addition of PI3K/AKT pathway agonist 740Y-P significantly increased the migration and invasion ability of MH7A cells(P<0.01)and elevated the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and pAKT/AKT(P<0.01)under the treatment with PHSTF.CONCLUSION:Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan could inhibit the migration and invasion of MH7A cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
AIM:To investigate the impact of total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)on the migration,invasion,and ferroptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells.METHODS:The A549 cells were divided into control group,low-,medium-and high-dose(100,150 and 200 μg/mL)PHSTF groups,ferroptosis inhibitor liprox-statin-1(Lip-1)group,and high-dose PHSTF combined with Lip-1 group,each cultured in corresponding media.Cell via-bility was assessed using the CCK-8 assay,while cell migration and invasion abilities were determined through scratch and Transwell assays.Cell lipid peroxidation levels were measured using the glutathione(GSH)assay kit.RT-qPCR was em-ployed to assess the mRNA expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),while Western blot was utilized to examine the protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,Kelch-like epichlorohy-drin-associated protein-1(Keap-1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).RE-SULTS:Compared with control group,PHSTF significantly diminished the viability of A549 cells in a time-and dose-de-pendent manner(P<0.01),and the cell migration and invasion were also reduced(P<0.01),along with a significant de-crease in GSH level(P<0.01).Treatment with PHSTF inhibited the mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-re-lated proteins,including SLC7A11 and GPX4(P<0.01),suppressed the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1(P<0.01),and enhanced the expression of Keap-1(P<0.01).The Lip-1 partially restored the decrease in cell viability in-duced by PHSTF(P<0.01),significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,Nrf2 and HO-1,and suppressed the protein expression of Keap-1(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehen-sis Skan can inhibit the migration and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells,and induce the cell ferroptosis by regulating the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
ABSTRACT
Objective:Operational efficiency and influencing factors of China's basic medical insurance system from 2020 to 2021 is conducted to provide reference for improving the operational efficiency and optimizing the input-output relationship.Methods:The super-efficiency SBM model based on unexpected output and the Malmquist index are used to measure the static and dynamic efficiency of resident medical insurance in 31 provinces in China,and Tobit regression analysis is employed to analyze the influencing factors.Results:The overall operational efficiency of resident medical insurance still needs improvement.The operational efficiency of resident medical insurance in the central and western regions is lower than that in the eastern region,and the gap is significant.Different levels and regions have differentiated main constraints on the operational efficiency of resident medical insurance.In terms of dynamic efficiency,the total factor productivity of resident medical insurance operation shows an increasing trend,mainly due to technological progress.In terms of influencing factors,the degree of aging,the level of medical expenses and the level of medical insurance supervision have a significant impact on the operational efficiency.Suggestions:Efforts should be made to bridge regional disparities,promote the equitable development of medical insurance,reasonably control the level of medical expenses,strengthen the supervision of medical insurance funds,and implement active aging policies.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)-mediated N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification in regulating biological activity of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cultured in vitro were divided into the following groups: control group(normal culture), low density lipoprotein(LDL)group, fluorescence-labelled LDL(Dil-LDL)group, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL oxidized LDL(ox-LDL)groups, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL fluorescence-labelled ox-LDL(Dil-ox-LDL)groups, DMSO group, STM2457(METTL3 inhibitor)group, DAPT group; and monkey retina-choroidal endothelial cells(RF/6A)cultured in vitro were divided into control group, DMSO group, 12.5 μg/mL ox-LDL group, and DAPT group. Endocytosed lipoprotein level was examined through fluorescence microscopy. RNA m6A methylation level was detected through a dot blot assay. Protein and RNA levels of METTL3 or angiogenesis-related markers were measured through Western blot assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively. METTL3 expression and localization were investigated through immunofluorescence. Cell migratory and tube formation capacities were assessed through transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively.RESULTS: Endocytosed lipoprotein levels in HUVECs exposed to Dil-LDL, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL Dil-ox-LDL groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL ox-LDL groups significantly increased m6A methylation(all P<0.05), METTL3 protein expression(all P<0.01), and cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P<0.01). METTL3 mRNA level was significantly unregulated in the 12.5μg/mL ox-LDL group(P<0.05). In comparison to the DMSO group, the addition of STM2457 caused significant decrease in m6A methylation level(P<0.05), expression of VEGF and other angiogenesis-related markers(all P<0.05), cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P<0.01)and the expression of NICD(P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in METTL3 protein and mRNA levels(all P>0.05). The expression of VEGF and NICD(all P<0.05), as well as the ability of cell migration and angiogenesis of RF/6A, was all significantly decreased in the DAPT group compared to the DMSO group(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: METTL3-mediated m6A methylation modification promotes angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells via the Notch signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.
ABSTRACT
Background The complex and diverse occupational disease hazards in automobile manufacturing industry pose high occupational health risks to workers. Objective To explore the methods that can accurately reflect the workplace health risk grade of automobile manufacturing enterprises, and to guide enterprises to practice risk classification management. Methods Comprehensive index method, International Commission on Mining and Metals occupational health risk assessment method (ICMM method), and risk index method were used toassess health risks of occupational disease hazards in major workstations such as welding, polishing, and painting in three automobile manufacturing enterprises in Hunan Province. Kappa consistency test was used to test the grading results of the three assessment methods. The re-examine results and detection rate of contraindications of occupational health examinations in the past three years were used to verify the assessment results. Results The results of comprehensive index method showed that the hazards of each selected workstation in enterprises A and B were evaluated as grade 2-3, among which NO2 in enterprise A was grade 3, and welding fume, NO2, and formaldehyde in enterprise B were all grade 3. The hazards of each selected workstation in enterprise C were grade 3-4, among which NO2 and benzene in were grade 4, and welding fume, manganese and its compounds, grinding wheel dust, and xylene were grade 3. The hazards evaluated by ICMM quantitative method were grade 2 and grade 5, among which manganese and its compounds in enterprise A and welding fume, grinding wheel dust, and benzene series in enterprise C were graded as grade 5. The hazards evaluated by risk index method were grade 1-4, among which manganese and its compounds in enterprises A and B were grade 3, and manganese and its compounds and benzene in enterprise C were grade 4. The Kappa value between comprehensive index method and ICMM method was 0.084 (P>0.05), that between comprehensive index method and risk index method was −0.046 (P>0.05), and that between ICMM method and risk index method was 0.014 (P>0.05), indicating poor consistency. By comparing the results of occupational health surveillance with the results of occupational health risk assessment, one worker was found to have occupational contraindication of manganese exposure and 1 worker was found to have excessive manganese in hair in enterprise A. However, the comprehensive index method graded low risk for manganese and its compounds in enterprise A and the result is conservative. The key workstations identified by ICMM method were consistent with the occupational health examination results, but the assessment grades were all extremely high risk, and the results were too strict. One worker was found to be contraindicated to welding fumes, and 2 polishers were found to have severe mixed pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in enterprise C. Mild and moderate pulmonary ventilation dysfunction was found to be common in welding and polishing workstations in each enterprise. The assessment results of welding fumes and grinding wheel dust by the risk index method were negligible risks, which were inconsistent with the occupational health examination results. Conclusion The comprehensive index method, ICMM method, and risk index method can basically identify workstations with serious occupational hazards, but they have certain limitations and applicability. In general, the evaluation results of the comprehensive index method were generates more consistent with the results with occupational health surveillance than the other two methods, is more comprehensive and objective in consideration, and is more suitable for health risk assessment of automobile manufacturing enterprises.
ABSTRACT
Background The mining of non-coal underground mines may come into contact with various types of dust, such as lead, zinc, copper, and non-metallic minerals. Dust of various kinds commonly exists in all aspects of mining and selection, and is one of the main occupational hazard groups in non-coal underground mines. Objective To compare the application of two risk assessment methods in the occupational health risk assessment of productive dust in non-coal underground mines, and to provide a reference for the selection of dust hazard health risk assessment methods and the management of dust hazards in non-coal mines. Methods A field investigation of the dust hazards of three typical non-coal underground mining enterprises (lead-zinc mines, copper mines, and fluorite mines) was carried out, and the comprehensive index method and the occupational health risk assessment method from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) were used to perform risk assessments. The comprehensiveindex method considers the following factors: dust monitoring data, the aerodynamic diameter of dust, hazard control measures, occupational health management, daily usage, and daily exposure time to determine exposure levels. The ICMM method determines the risk level based on the consequences caused by dust, exposure probability, exposure time, and uncertainty coefficient. Kendall consistency test was used to compare agreement between the results generated by the two methods. Results The results generated by the comprehensive index method were as follows: level 3 (medium risk) or level 4 (high risk) for silica dust or lead dust; level 1 (negligible risk) or level 2 (low risk) for other dust (dust with free SiO2 content<10% and containing lead, zinc, and copper, using other dust limit values for comparison), fluorspar mixed dust, fluorine and its compounds, zinc oxide, and copper dust. The risk levels graded by the ICMM method were as follows: level 4 (very high risk) and level 3 (high risk) for exposure to silica dust and lead dust, respectively, and level 1 (tolerable risk) or level 2 (potential risk) for exposure to other dust (dust with free SiO2 content <10% and containing lead, zinc, and copper, using other dust limit values for comparison), fluorspar mixed dust, fluorine and its compounds, zinc oxide, and copper dust. The consistency level between the results graded by the two methods was very high (Kendall W coefficient=0.974, P < 0.05). Conclusion For the occupational health risk assessment of productive dust in non-coal underground mines, the consistency level of risk assessment results between the ICMM method and the comprehensive index method is very high. The ICMM method is more convenient to operate and should be preferred in assessing health risks of dust hazard in non-coal underground mines.
ABSTRACT
Based on data mining technology, the rules of acupoint selection of acupuncture-moxibustion for scrofula in ancient times were analyzed. The relevant articles of acupuncture and moxibustion for scrofula were searched in the Chinese Medical Code, and the original article, acupoint name, acupoint characteristic, and acupoint meridian tropism, etc. were screened and extracted. The Microsoft Excel 2019 was used to establish a acupoint prescription database, and the frequency of acupoints as well as their meridian tropism and characteristics were analyzed. The SPSS21.0 was applied to perform cluster analysis of acupuncture prescriptions; the SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used to perform the association rules analysis of the neck and the chest-armpit acupoints, respectively. As a result, 314 acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, including 236 single-acupoint prescriptions and 78 multiple-acupoints prescriptions (53 for neck and 25 for chest-armpit). A total of 54 acupoints were involved, with a total frequency of 530. The top 3 commonly-used acupoints were Tianjing (TE 10), Zulinqi (GB 41) and Taichong (LR 3); the most commonly-used meridians were hand shaoyang meridian, foot shaoyang meridian, hand yangming meridian and foot yangming meridian; the most commonly-used special acupoints were he-sea points and shu-stream points. The cluster analysis obtained 6 clusters, and the association rule analysis obtained that the core prescriptions of the neck were Quchi (LI 11), Jianyu (LI 15), Tianjing (TE 10) and Jianjing (GB 21), while the core prescriptions of the chest-armpit were Daling (PC 7), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Danzhong (CV 17), Jianjing (GB 21), Waiguan (TE 5), Zhigou (TE 6), Yuanye (GB 22) and Zhangmen (LR 13). The core prescriptions obtained from association rule analysis by difference areas were basically consistent with those by cluster analysis of total prescriptions.
Subject(s)
Humans , Acupuncture Points , Moxibustion , Acupuncture Therapy , Meridians , Tuberculosis, Lymph NodeABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate extrathyroidal extension (ETE) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with three-dimensional tomographic ultrasound imaging (3D-TUI). Methods A total of 97 thyroid nodules of 79 patients with PTMC treated in PUMC Hospital from February 2016 to January 2018 were included in this study.Two ultrasound experts performed independent blinded assessment of the relationship between thyroid nodules and thyroid capsule by two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and 3D-TUI.The results of 2D-US and 3D-TUI in evaluating ETE were compared with intraoperative findings and postoperative histological and pathological results. Results Among the 97 nodules,54 (55.7%) nodules had ETE.The diagnostic sensitivity (68.5% vs.37.0%;χ2=10.737,P=0.002),accuracy (74.5% vs.56.7%;χ2=6.686,P=0.015),and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[0.761 (95%CI=0.677-0.845) vs.0.592 (95%CI=0.504-0.680);Z=3.500,P<0.001] of 3D-TUI were higher than those of 2D-US.However,3D-TUI and 2D-US showed no significant difference in the specificity (84.1% vs.81.4%;χ2=0.081,P=0.776),negative predictive value (67.9% vs.50.7%;χ2=3.645,P=0.066),or positive predictive value (84.1% vs.71.4%;χ2=1.663,P=0.240). Conclusion Compared with 2D-US,3D-TUI demonstrates increased diagnostic efficiency for ETE of PTMC.
Subject(s)
Humans , Thyroid Nodule , Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology , Ultrasonography/methods , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
In this study, an overview of systematic reviews/Meta-analysis(SR/MA) of Chinese herbal injections for sepsis was performed to provide references for clinical practice and promote the quality improvement of clinical evidence. Eight Chinese and English databases such as CNKI, Medline, and EMbase were electronically searched for SR/MA of Chinese herbal injections for sepsis from database inception to June 2022. AMSTAR 2, PRISMA 2020, and GRADE system, combined with Recommendations for Clinical Evidence Grading on Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Evidence Body, were applied to evaluate the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included articles. Twenty-seven articles of SR/MA were included, containing four Chinese herbal injections(Xuebijing Injection, Shenfu Injection, Shenmai Injection, and Shengmai Injection). AMSTAR 2 checklist showed that the methodological quality of the SR/MA ranged from moderate to very low. Item 2(prior study design) was the critical item with poor scores, and the non-critical items with poor scores were items 3(explain the selection of the study designs), items 10(report on the sources of funding), and items 16(conflicts of interest stated). In terms of PRISMA 2020, items in eight topics with complete reporting of missing>50%, including search strategy, certainty assessment, results of syntheses, certainty of evidence, registration and protocol, support, competing interests, availability of data, code and other materials. The included SR/MA involved 30 outcome indicators. Evidence quality of mortality, APACHE Ⅱ, and safety, the top three outcome indicators, was evaluated, and all of them were graded as the medium level. The lack of random allocation sequence, allocation concealment mechanism, blinding, and trial sample size was the main reason for the reduction of the evidence level. The available evidence shows that Chinese herbal injections can serve as an effective and safe adjunctive treatment for sepsis, which can reduce mortality, inhibit inflammation, improve coagulation function, and regulate immune function, tissue perfusion, and oxygenation in patients with sepsis. However, the quality of SR/MA was suboptimal, and more high-quality SR/MA is needed to provide evidence to support the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal injections in the treatment of sepsis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Injections , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Research Design , Sepsis/drug therapyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the cytokine/chemokine profile in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and assess the prognostic value of survival.@*METHODS@#Serum levels of thirty-eight cytokines/chemokines were measured by multiple cytokine assay kit in EBV-related HLH patients, EBV-infected patients, and controls. The expression profile of cytokines/chemokines was compared among groups. The changes of cytokine/chemokine expression in active and remission stage of EBV-related HLH patients were also compared, and the prognostic values for survival were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Serum levels of interferon-α2 (IFN-α2), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-7 in EBV-related HLH patients were 33.67(23.23-68.78) pg/ml, (74.95±25.53) pg/ml, and 35.35(19.50-63.55) pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in EBV-infected patients[IFN-α2: 16.07(9.87-29.63); IL-6: 55.91±20.29; IL-7: 20.40(13.35-31.40)] and controls [IFN-α2: 11.02(4.67-21.25); IL-6:42.64±13.41; IL-7: 16.95(14.95-33.78)](all P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-8, IL-9, and marcophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in EBV-related HLH patients were 11.00(7.50-15.27) pg/ml, 81.30(40.79-111.0) pg/ml, and (512.6±128.7) pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in controls [IL-8: 6.80(5.56-8.38); IL-9: 41.30(29.82-67.91); MDC: 384.1±156.6](all P<0.05), but there was no remarkable differences compared with EBV-infected patients (P>0.05). Serum IFN-α2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, and MDC in survival and death groups of EBV-related HLH patients were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve with area under curve of 0.781, 0.778, 0.633, 0.805, 0.562, and 0.657, respectively (P=0.019, 0.021, 0.269, 0.015, 0.607, and 0.190). IFN-α2, IL-6, and IL-8 had good predictive effect on survival. Serum level of IFN-α2, IL-6, and MDC of EBV-related HLH patients in remission stage were significantly lower than those in active stage (P<0.05), while IL-7, IL-8, and IL-9 were not different (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#IFN-α2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, and MDC may take part in the pathogenesis of EBV-related HLH.
Subject(s)
Humans , Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/complications , Herpesvirus 4, Human , Cytokines/metabolism , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications , Interleukin-6 , Clinical Relevance , Interleukin-7 , Interleukin-8 , Interleukin-9 , Chemokines , InterferonsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the coagulation function indicators and identify influence factors of hypercoagulability in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) independent Cushing syndrome (CS).@*METHODS@#In our retrospective study, the electronic medical records system of Peking University First Hospital was searched for the patients diagnosed with ACTH independent CS on discharge from January 2014 to June 2019. Nonfunctional adrenal adenoma patients were chosen as control group and matched 1 ∶1 by body mass index (BMI), gender, and discharge date. Clinical features and coagulation function indicators were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the study, 171 patients were included in each group. Compared with control group, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT) in ACTH independent CS group were significantly lower [(29.22±3.39) s vs. (31.86±3.63) s, P < 0.001; (29.22±3.39) s vs. (31.86±3.63) s, P < 0.001], and both D-dimer and fibrin degradation products (FDP) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Percentage of APTT levels under the lower limit of reference range in the CS patients was significantly higher than that in nonfunctional group (21.6% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001). Percentage of D-dimer levels over the upper limit of reference range in the CS patients was significantly higher than that in nonfunctional group (13.5% vs. 6.6%, P=0.041). There were three patients with deep venous thrombosis and one patient with pulmonary embolism in CS group, however none was in control group. The area under curve (AUC) of serum cortisol rhythm (8:00, 16:00 and 24:00) levels was negatively associated with the levels of PT (r=-0.315, P < 0.001) and APTT (r=-0.410, P < 0.001), and positively associated with FDP (r=0.303, P < 0.001) and D-dimer levels (r=0.258, P < 0.001). There were no differences in coagulation function indicators among different histopathologic subgroups (adrenocortical adenoma, adrenocortical hyperplasia, oncocytic adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma). With Logistic regression analysis, the AUC of cortisol and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were independent risk factors for hypercoagulability in the ACTH independent CS patients (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#ACTH independent CS patients were more likely in hypercoagulable state compared with nonfunctional adrenal adenoma, especially in ACTH independent CS patients with higher levels of cortisol AUC and HbA1c. These patients should be paid attention to for the hypercoagulability and thrombosis risk.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cushing Syndrome/complications , Adrenocortical Adenoma/complications , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone , Hydrocortisone , Retrospective Studies , Glycated Hemoglobin , Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adenoma/diagnosis , Thrombophilia/complicationsABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression and significance of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B lymphocytes and secreted cytokine interleukin-10(IL-10)in hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy.Methods A total of 15 patients with gestational hypertension(the gestational hypertension group)and 11 pa-tients with preeclampsia(the preeclampsia group)admitted to this hospital from September 2020 to May 2021 were selected,and 12 normal pregnant women(the control group)were selected during the same period.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD19+B lymphocytes,CD19+CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B lym-phocytes,and IL-10 in peripheral blood of three groups of pregnant women before termination of pregnancy.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of serum CD19+B lymphocytes a-mong the three groups(P>0.05).The results of pairwise comparison showed that the percentage of serum CD19+CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B lymphocytes in the control group was higher than that in the gestational hy-pertension group,and it was higher than that in the preeclampsia group.And the differences between the con-trol group and the gestational hypertension group and the preeclampsia group were statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of pairwise comparison showed that the serum level of IL-10 in the control group was higher than that in the gestational hypertension group,and it was higher than that in the preeclampsia group.And the difference between any two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion CD19+CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B lymphocytes and secreted IL-10 are abnormally expressed in women with hypertensive disorder complica-ting pregnancy,which may be related to the occurrence and development of gestational hypertension.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the relationship between thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities and thyroid function evolution in health examination population.Methods:It was a cohort study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants were selected from individuals who underwent thyroid color ultrasound and thyroid function tests at the Health Management Center of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January to December 2017. Data including age, gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, personal medical history, and thyroid function re-examination information were collected. Follow-up was conducted until the occurrence of thyroid function abnormalities or until the end of the follow-up period. The cumulative incidence rate and incidence density of thyroid function abnormalities were evaluated. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities and thyroid function evolution.Results:A total of 6 754 participants were included in this study, with an average age of (45.80±12.12) years, and females accounted for 42.7%. The mean follow-up time was 1.82 years, with a cumulative follow-up duration of 12 263 person-years. During the follow-up period, 154 new cases of thyroid function abnormalities occurred, with a cumulative incidence rate of 2.28% (95% CI: 1.94%-2.66%) and an incidence density of 12.56/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 10.66/1 000-14.69/1 000 person-years). The multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that individuals with thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities had a significantly increased risk of developing isolated thyroid stimulating hormone abnormalities and thyroid function abnormalities, with HR(95% CI) of 3.09 (2.02-4.73) and 2.92(1.96-4.33), respectively, both P<0.001. Stratified analysis showed that, except for body mass index <18.5 kg/m 2, current smoking, and current alcohol consumption, all other stratified factors showed a significant increase in the risk of thyroid function abnormalities in individuals with thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities. Conclusion:Thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities are important risk factors for the evolution of thyroid function abnormalities. Continuous monitoring of thyroid function should be given due attention.