Research progress in noncoding RNAs and cardiac fibrosis / 中国药理学通报

Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathological feature in various advanced cardiovascular diseases, and progressive fibrosis is the pathological basis for the development and progression of many cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. There are no effective reversal drugs for myocardial fibrosis, which is related to the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms. Noncoding RNAs are a class of RNAs that do not function as coding proteins, and have been found to be intimately involved in the life cycle of cardiomyocyte differentiation, transcription and apoptosis, and are important regulators of cardiovascular diseases. An increasing number of studies have shown that noncoding RNAs regulate the proliferation and transformation of cardiac fibroblasts through related signaling pathways and can be used as potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cardiac fibrosis. This article reviews the relationship between noncoding RNAs and cardiac fibrosis.

Caprylic Acid Improves Lipid Metabolism, Suppresses the Inflammatory Response and Activates the ABCA1/p-JAK2/p-STAT3 Signaling Pathway in C57BL/6J Mice and RAW264.7 Cells / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to investigate the effects of caprylic acid (C8:0) on lipid metabolism and inflammation, and examine the mechanisms underlying these effects in mice and cells.@*METHODS@#Fifty-six 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to four groups fed a high-fat diet (HFD) without or with 2% C8:0, palmitic acid (C16:0) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). RAW246.7 cells were randomly divided into five groups: normal, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+C8:0, LPS+EPA and LPS+cAMP. The serum lipid profiles, inflammatory biomolecules, and ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 mRNA and protein expression were measured.@*RESULTS@#C8:0 decreased TC and LDL-C, and increased the HDL-C/LDL-C ratio after injection of LPS. Without LPS, it decreased TC in mice ( P < 0.05). Moreover, C8:0 decreased the inflammatory response after LPS treatment in both mice and cells ( P < 0.05). Mechanistic investigations in C57BL/6J mouse aortas after injection of LPS indicated that C8:0 resulted in higher ABCA1 and JAK2/STAT3 expression than that with HFD, C16:0 and EPA, and resulted in lower TNF-α, NF-κB mRNA expression than that with HFD ( P < 0.05). In RAW 264.7 cells, C8:0 resulted in lower expression of pNF-κBP65 than that in the LPS group, and higher protein expression of ABCA1, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 than that in the LPS and LPS+cAMP groups ( P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Our studies demonstrated that C8:0 may play an important role in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response, and the mechanism may be associated with ABCA1 and the p-JAK2/p-STAT3 signaling pathway.

Introduction of Non-Native Ticks Collected from Fresh Migratory Bird Carcasses on a Stopover Island in the Republic of Korea

When free-ranging birds are accidentally killed or die, there may be greater potential for their associated ticks to detach, seek alternate hosts, and become established. We examined 711 carcasses of 95 avian species for ticks at a stopover island of migratory birds in the Republic of Korea where only Ixodes nipponensis and I. persulcatus were previously reported from local mammals and vegetation. A total of 16 ticks, I. turdus and Haemaphysalis flava, were collected from 8 fresh carcasses belonging to 5 avian species. Despite their known abundance on migratory birds and mainland Korea, these species had not colonized the isolated insular ecosystem possibly due to the low abundance and diversity of local hosts. The results imply that increasing human impact, such as the anthropogenic mortality of migratory birds and the introduction of non-native mammalian hosts, will increase the potential invasion and colonization risk of ticks. This finding also suggests that tick surveillance consisting of fresh carcasses of dead migratory birds may provide additional information, often ignored in surveillance of ticks on live birds, for the potential introduction of non-native ticks and associated pathogens affecting animal and human health.

Large- scale prospective clinical study on prophylactic intervention of COVID-19 in community population using Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules / 中国中药杂志

To scientifically evaluate the intervention effect of Chinese medicine preventive administration(combined use of Huo-xiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) on community population in the case of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), a large cohort, prospective, randomized, and parallel-controlled clinical study was conducted. Total 22 065 subjects were included and randomly divided into 2 groups. The non-intervention group was given health guidance only, while the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) intervention group was given two coordinated TCM in addition to health guidance. The medical instructions were as follows. Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid: oral before meals, 10 mL/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days. Jinhao Jiere Granules: dissolve in boiling water and take after meals, 8 g/time, 2 times/day, a course of 5 days, followed up for 14 days, respectively. The study found that with the intake of medication, the incidence rate of TCM intervention group was basically maintained at a low and continuous stable level(0.01%-0.02%), while the non-intervention group showed an overall trend of continuous growth(0.02%-0.18%) from 3 to 14 days. No suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case occurred in either group. There were 2 cases of colds in the TCM intervention group and 26 cases in the non-intervention group. The incidence of colds in the TCM intervention group was significantly lower(P<0.05) than that in the non-intervention group. In the population of 16-60 years old, the incidence rate of non-intervention and intervention groups were 0.01% and 0.25%, respectively. The difference of colds incidence between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). In the population older than 60 years old, they were 0.04% and 0.21%, respectively. The incidence of colds in the non-intervention group was higher than that in the intervention group, but not reaching statistical difference. The protection rate of TCM for the whole population was 91.8%, especially for the population of age 16-60(95.0%). It was suggested that TCM intervention(combined use of Huoxiang Zhengqi Oral Liquid and Jinhao Jiere Granules) could effectively protect community residents against respiratory diseases, such as colds, which was worthy of promotion in the community. In addition, in terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events and adverse reactions in the TCM intervention group was relatively low, which was basically consistent with the drug instructions.

Research on zirconium alloys with low elastic modulus and low magnetic susceptibility for improving bone resorption and susceptibility artifacts / 대한치과재료학회지

The objective of this study was to fabricate Zr-Cu alloys with low elastic modulus and low magnetic susceptibility for the use as the dental biomaterials. Metallic implants, such as stainless steel, Co-Cr alloys, and Ti alloys, could be magnetized in the strong magnetic field of the MRI instrument and produce artifacts (magnetic susceptibility artifacts) on the image. The areas that cause the artifacts on images are closely related to the magnetic susceptibility. This susceptibility artifact is caused by metals, such as Ti, Co, and stainless steels, inside the body. Therefore, metallic implants with a low magnetic susceptibility are preferable for surgery performed with the assistance of an MRI. Recently, Zr-based alloys have been attracting interests as biomaterials due to their excellent mechanical properties and low magnetic susceptibility. The magnetic susceptibility of Zr-Nb was half that of Ti-6Al-4V. In addition, the magnetic susceptibility of Zr-Mo was reported almost one-third that of commercially pure Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy.However, there are limited reports concerning metallic biomaterials with low magnetic susceptibility for dental applications. The magnetic susceptibility of the Zr-Cu binary alloys was extremely low, approximately 10-7 ; this level is approximately one order less than that of pure Zr and other commercialized Ti-based metallic biomaterials. The Zr-Cu binary alloy exhibited moderate compressive strength (1261~1565 MPa), yield stress (432~595 MPa), favorable elongation (14~34%), high elastic energy (7.2~19.3 MJ/㎥ ) and low elastic modulus (20~28 GPa). Consequently, Zr-Cu binary alloys have the potential to be used as biomaterials with nullifying magnetic properties for magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis and a good combination of mechanical properties indicates them potential biomaterials for biological hard tissue materials

Research on zirconium alloys with low elastic modulus and low magnetic susceptibility for improving bone resorption and susceptibility artifacts / 대한치과재료학회지

The objective of this study was to fabricate Zr-Cu alloys with low elastic modulus and low magnetic susceptibility for the use as the dental biomaterials. Metallic implants, such as stainless steel, Co-Cr alloys, and Ti alloys, could be magnetized in the strong magnetic field of the MRI instrument and produce artifacts (magnetic susceptibility artifacts) on the image. The areas that cause the artifacts on images are closely related to the magnetic susceptibility. This susceptibility artifact is caused by metals, such as Ti, Co, and stainless steels, inside the body. Therefore, metallic implants with a low magnetic susceptibility are preferable for surgery performed with the assistance of an MRI. Recently, Zr-based alloys have been attracting interests as biomaterials due to their excellent mechanical properties and low magnetic susceptibility. The magnetic susceptibility of Zr-Nb was half that of Ti-6Al-4V. In addition, the magnetic susceptibility of Zr-Mo was reported almost one-third that of commercially pure Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy.However, there are limited reports concerning metallic biomaterials with low magnetic susceptibility for dental applications. The magnetic susceptibility of the Zr-Cu binary alloys was extremely low, approximately 10-7 ; this level is approximately one order less than that of pure Zr and other commercialized Ti-based metallic biomaterials. The Zr-Cu binary alloy exhibited moderate compressive strength (1261~1565 MPa), yield stress (432~595 MPa), favorable elongation (14~34%), high elastic energy (7.2~19.3 MJ/㎥ ) and low elastic modulus (20~28 GPa). Consequently, Zr-Cu binary alloys have the potential to be used as biomaterials with nullifying magnetic properties for magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis and a good combination of mechanical properties indicates them potential biomaterials for biological hard tissue materials

Inhibition of STAT3 signaling induces apoptosis and suppresses growth of lung cancer: good and bad / 한국실험동물학회지

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) modulates a variety of genes involved in the regulation of critical functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunity. For many cancers, elevated levels of STAT3 signaling have been associated with a poor prognosis and the development of chemotherapy resistance. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3, STX-0119, on the cell viability and survival of human lung cancer cells. STX-0119 inhibited activated STAT3 and the expression of STAT3-regulated oncoproteins such as c-Myc, cyclin D1, and survivin in lung cancer cells. STX-0119 also decreased the amount of STAT3 in the nuclear fraction as well as induced apoptosis of these lung cancer cell lines as evidenced by increases in apoptotic cells (Annexin V positive) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. The efficacy of STX-0119 in a mouse xenograft model was confirmed. However, a hematological side effect, which had not been previously reported, was observed. The level of white blood cells was significantly lowered when treated at the dose at which STX-0119 alone showed a significant tumor-suppressive effect. In conclusion, we suggest that STX-0119 may be a potent therapeutic agent against lung cancer. Consideration of the side effect suggests, it is necessary to study whether low-dose STX-0119 is effective for lung treatment with a combination of classic lung cancer therapeutics.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Recurrence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: An 11-Year Nationwide Population-Based Study / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness with a high recurrence rate. This study aimed to analyze the recurrence rate and the risk factors for recurrence using the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC 2002–2013) data. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Patients aged 20 years or older who were diagnosed with BPPV in the period of 2002–2012 and had at least 1 year of monitoring period were included in this study. The diagnosis of BPPV was made when the code for BPPV (KCD-6 code H811) was used or when canalith reposition therapy (EDI code MX035) was entered even in cases with different diagnoses. The risk factors of BPPV recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total of 21355 patients diagnosed with BPPV, 5876 patients (28%) demonstrated recurrence. Multiple recurrences were common. When using the univariate regression analysis, age, sex, vestibular disease, headache, osteoporosis, and ischemic heart disease were found significant. When the patients were classified into 4 groups according to age and sex, vestibular diseases were found as a common risk factor for recurrence in all groups, while headache, osteoporosis, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease were significant in females. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate of BPPV in the Korean adult population was approximately 28% and recurrences were more common in patients aged over 65 and in females. Patients with vestibular diseases were at a higher risk of recurrence regardless of age or sex, while headache, osteoporosis, hypertension and ischemic heart disease increased the risk of recurrence in females.

Severity Predictors of Elderly Poisoning Patients Admitted to an Emergency Medical Center

PURPOSE@#This study examined the clinical characteristics of severe elderly poisoning patients to determine the factors that can prevent them.@*METHODS@#Data were collected from patients over 65 years of age presenting to the emergency center with poisoning from 2013 to 2018. Their medical records were analyzed retrospectively, and patients with a poisoning severity score of three or more were defined as the severe poisoning group. The risk factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.@*RESULTS@#This study analyzed 292 patients, of whom 37 (12.7%) belonged to the severe poisoning group. The severe poisoning group showed a significantly higher association with pesticide poisoning and intentional suicide attempts. Loneliness and somatization were the cause of the suicidal ideas. No significant differences in age, sex, drinking, ingestion time, poisonous materials other than pesticides, and neuropsychological consultation were observed between the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The severe elderly poisoning patients were the result of intentional poisoning for suicide. Loneliness and somatization were the most influential causes of suicidal poisoning. Therefore, psychiatric screening and frequent medical treatment for elderly people are required to prevent severe poisoning in elderly patients.

Embolization for treating posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery

Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the sphenopalatine artery are rare. Only a few cases have been reported. We report two cases of hemorrhage due to pseudoaneurysm of the sphenopalatine artery. The hemorrhage was uncontrollable. It required embolization. Two patients visited our hospital for treatment of zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture. At the emergency room, patients presented with massive nasal bleeding which ceased shortly. After reduction of the fracture, patients presented persistent nasopharyngeal bleeding. Under suspicion of intracranial vessel injury, we performed angiography. Angiograms revealed pseudoaneurysms of the sphenopalatine artery. Endovascular embolization was performed, leading to successful hemostasis in both patients. Due to close proximity to pterygoid plates, zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture involving pterygoid plates may cause injury of the sphenopalatine artery. The only presentation of sphenopalatine artery injury is nasopharyngeal bleeding which is common. Based on our clinical experience, although pseudoaneurysm of maxillary artery branch after maxillofacial trauma has a low incidence, suspicion of injury involving deeply located arteries and early imaging via angiogram are recommended to manage recurrent bleeding after facial trauma or surgery.

A study of fracture loads and fracture characteristics of teeth

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the fracture loads and modes of failure for the full range of natural teeth under simulated occlusal loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty natural teeth were taken from mandibles and maxillas of patients. There were 14 groups of teeth with 10 teeth in each group (5 males and 5 females). Each specimen was embedded in resin and mounted on a positioning jig, with the long axis of the tooth at an inclined angle of 30 degrees. A universal testing machine was used to measure the compression load at which fracture of the tooth specimen occurred; loads were applied on the incisal edge and/or functional cusp. RESULTS: The mean fracture load for the mandibular first premolar was the highest (2002 N) of all the types of teeth, while the mean fracture load for the maxillary first premolar was the lowest (525 N). Mean fracture loads for the mandibular and maxillary incisors, and the first and second maxillary premolars, had significantly lower values compared to the other types of teeth. The mean fracture load for the teeth from males was significantly greater than that for the teeth from females. There was an inverse relationship between age and mean fracture load, in which older teeth had lower fracture loads compared to younger teeth. CONCLUSION: The mean fracture loads for natural teeth were significantly different, with dependence on tooth position and the sex and age of the individual.

Battlefield extremity injuries and time-effect treatment / 军事医学

Objective To propose time-effect standards and standard treatment measures for battlefield extremity injuries.Methods By conducting retrospective analysis of battlefield extremity injuries in the militariy in different countries using literature retrieval and comparative analysis,time-effect standards and standard technical measures of battlefield extremity injuries were outlined.Results In wars of conventional weapons,extremity injuries are the most prevalent.Such treatment should give top priority to the timing of rescue and be implemented in conjunction with the injury classification.Conclusion Time-effect standards and standard treatment measures for battlefield extremity injuries are proposed to strengthen the time-effect treatment capacity of battlefield extremity injuries.

Clinical Response of Rifaximin Treatment in Patients with Abdominal Bloating / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Abdominal bloating is a troublesome complaint due to insufficient understanding of the pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rifaximin in reducing bloating associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). METHODS: A total of 63 patients were treated with rifaximin for FGIDs with bloating or gas-related symptoms between 2007 and 2013 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Rifaximin was administered at a dose between 800 mg/day and 1,200 mg/day for 5 to 14 days. The proportion of patients who had adequate relief of global FGID symptoms and FGID-related bloating was retrospectively assessed. The response was recorded when the symptoms were reduced by at least 50% at the follow-up after treatment cessation. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.8±14.2 years; 49.2% were females. According to Rome III criteria, 20.6% (13/63) had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation, 9.5% (6/63) had IBS with diarrhea, 4.8% (3/63) had mixed IBS, 23.8% (15/63) had functional dyspepsia, and 12.7% (8/63) had functional bloating. Of the 51 subjects who were followed-up, 30 (58.8%) had adequate relief of global FGID symptoms and 26 (51.0%) experienced improvement of abdominal bloating after rifaximin treatment. The proportion of female was slightly higher in non-response group than in the response group (60.0% vs. 34.6%, p=0.069). Otherwise, there was no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, our data confirms that rifaximin may be beneficial for abdominal bloating. Further prospective clinical trial with a larger cohort is needed.

Alar Rim Composite Graft: A Safe and Simple Way to Correct Alar Retraction

BACKGROUND: The alar rim is a complex structure that ensures the competence of the external valves and the patency of inlets to the nasal airways. Retraction of the alar rim is caused by congenital malpositioning, hypoplasia, or surgical weakening of the lateral crura, with the potential for both functional and aesthetic ramifications. Most previously introduced procedures involved a relatively long operation time and relatively high risks of surgical complications. The purpose of this study is to introduce a novel surgical technique for alar rim connection and to present its results. METHODS: After marking the extent of the correction, the recipient alar bed was created by making an incision through the vestibular skin 2-mm cephalad to the rim. Then, the composite graft was harvested from the cymba concha by removing the cartilage with its adherent anterior skin. According to the degree of retraction, the harvested composite graft was divided into 2 pieces considering the symmetry of both alar rims. The composite grafts were inserted into the defects and primary closure was done at the donor site. RESULTS: Our surgical technique was used to correct 12 retracted alar rims in 6 patients. Caudal advancement of the alar rims was observed and the contour of the ala was corrected in all 6 patients. The mean length of follow-up was 1-year, and there were no postoperative complications, such as graft loss or disruption. CONCLUSIONS: The alar rim composite graft is a safe and simple technique for correction of short nostril and caudal transposition of the retracted alar rim.

Effect of Surface Roughness on the Mechanical Properties of Ceramic-Polymer Blocks for CAD/CAM Dental Restoration / 대한치과재료학회지

The effect of surface roughness of ceramic-polymer CAD/CAM blocks on the mechanical properties was investigated in this study. Commercially available Polyglass (Vericom, Korea) and Enamic (Vita, Germany) were selected for this purpose. They were cut into either (4.0×2.1×17.0) mm and (3.0×4.0×17.0) mm, followed by grinding, and polished sequentially with 6 µm and 1 µm diamond paste. Flexural strength, fracture toughness, and Weibull analysis were determined according to ISO 6872 Dentistry-Ceramic materials. The elastic moduli were calculated from a stress-strain curves under flexural loading. The statistical significances of the mechanical properties between the products and surface roughness were analyzed with ANOVA and pared t-test at a significance level of 0.05. After grinding with 6 µm diamond paste after cutting by observing with an atomic force microscope, the arithmetic average roughness decreased to 47~49% and the maximum roughness decreased to 68~69%. When polishing with 1 µm diamond paste, The average roughness decreased to 13~22% and the maximum roughness decreased to 16~19%. When the flexural load was applied, stress increased linearly and fractured without plastic deformation both Polyglass and Enamic. As the surface roughness decreased, the mechanical properties were increased both Polyglass and Enamic. However, the mechanical properties of Polyglass increased up to P3, while Enamic showed almost maximal values at E2, after that there was no significant differences between E2 and E3. It could be due to the different microstructure between two blocks used in this experiment.

Predictive Factors for Improvement of Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia: A Long-term Prospective Clinical Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the predictive factors for improvement of atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 778 subjects were prospectively enrolled and followed up for 10 years. Histological analysis of AG and IM was performed by using the updated Sydney system. To find the predictive factors for reversibility of AG and IM, 24 factors including genetic polymorphisms and bacterial and environmental factors were analyzed. RESULTS: In all subjects, the predictive factor by multivariate analysis for improvement of both antral and corpus AG was successful eradication. The predictive factors for improvement of antral IM were age and successful eradication. The predictive factor for improvement of corpus IM was successful eradication. In patients with Helicobacter pylori infection, age and cagA were predictive factors for improvement of AG and IM. In patients with H. pylori eradication, monthly income and cagA were predictive factors for improvement of AG and IM. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication is an important predictive factor of regression of AG and IM and would be beneficial for the prevention of intestinal-type gastric cancer. Young age, high income, and cagA are additional predictive factors for improving AG and IM status. Thus, various factors affect the improvement of AG and IM.

A better facial contour accomplished by parotid duct preserving superficial parotidectomy

Depression of facial contour after parotidectomy is still challenging to many of surgeons. A 68-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of a painless swelling in both parotid area. The mass was multiple and fixed at the parotid region. We conducted a parotid duct preserving bilateral superficial parotidectomy by one-stage operation to remove the multiple tumors. A lazy S incision was made in both preauricular area and the peripheral branches of the facial nerve were identified using surgical landmark. After dissecting the branches of the facial nerve and parotid duct, main parotid duct was preserved but only small fine ductules from the superficial lobe were ligated. Parotid gland was excised from its anterior aspect with about 1 cm of normal parotid tissue margin. The patient was followed up for 6 years to evaluate postoperative parotid gland function and the computed tomography (CT) was taken. Patient was satisfied with no significant complication such as sunken changes in facial contour, facial nerve function. As far as we know, it is the first study to compare long-term soft tissue contours of soft tissue of duct preserving superficial parotidectomy with duct sacrificing superficial parotidectomy by means of CT findings.

Validation of Administrative Big Database for Colorectal Cancer Searched by International Classification of Disease 10th Codes in Korean: A Retrospective Big-cohort Study

BACKGROUND: As the number of big-cohort studies increases, validation becomes increasingly more important. We aimed to validate administrative database categorized as colorectal cancer (CRC) by the International Classification of Disease (ICD) 10th code. METHODS: Big-cohort was collected from Clinical Data Warehouse using ICD 10th codes from May 1, 2003 to November 30, 2016 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The patients in the study group had been diagnosed with cancer and were recorded in the ICD 10th code of CRC by the National Health Insurance Service. Subjects with codes of inflammatory bowel disease or tuberculosis colitis were selected for the control group. For the accuracy of registered CRC codes (C18–21), the chart, imaging results, and pathologic findings were examined by two reviewers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for CRC were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 6,780 subjects with CRC and 1,899 control subjects were enrolled. Of these patients, 22 subjects did not have evidence of CRC by colonoscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography. The sensitivity and specificity of hospitalization data for identifying CRC were 100.00% and 98.86%, respectively. PPV and NPV were 99.68% and 100.00%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The big-cohort database using the ICD 10th code for CRC appears to be accurate.

Handgrip Strength as a Predictor of Nutritional Status in Chinese Elderly Inpatients at Hospital Admission / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess nutritional status and define gender- and age-specific handgrip strength (HGS) cut-point values for malnutrition or nutritional risk in elderly inpatients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study of 1,343 elderly inpatients was conducted in the Chinese PLA General Hospital. Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS 2002) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) were administered. Anthropometric measurements and blood biochemical indicators were obtained using standard techniques. The gender- and age-specific receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the HGS for nutritional status by SGA and NRS 2002. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to NRS 2002 and SGA, 63.81% of elderly inpatients were at nutritional risk and 28.22% were malnourished. Patients with higher HGS had an independently decreased risk of malnutrition and nutritional risk. The AUCs varied between 0.670 and 0.761. According to NRS 2002, the optimal HGS cut-points were 27.5 kg (65-74 years) and 21.0 kg (75-90 years) for men and 17.0 kg (65-74 years) and 14.6 kg (75-90 years) for women. According to SGA, the optimal HGS cut-points were 24.9 kg (65-74 years) and 20.8 kg (75-90 years) for men and 15.2 kg (65-74 years) and 13.5 kg (75-90 years) for women.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Elderly inpatients had increased incidence of malnutrition or nutritional risk. HGS cut-points can be used for assessing nutritional status in elderly inpatients at hospital admission in China.</p>

Influence of clopidogrel on platelet function and inflammation factor in treatment of severe carotid artery stenosis after stent-assisted angioplasty / 药物评价研究

Objective To investigate the effect of clopidogrel on platelet function and inflammation factor in treatment of severe carotid artery stenosis after stent-assisted angioplasty.Methods Patients (120 cases) with severe carotid artery stenosis after stent-assisted angioplasty were chosen and divided into two groups,the control group were given atorvastatin combined with aspirin,and the observation group were given atorvastatin combined with chlorine.The serum coagulants DD level,FIB level,inflammation factor P-chosen element level and restenosis event incidence of two groups were observed.Results D-double polymer of two groups had no significant difference;After surgery,the D-double polymer and FIB level of two groups were all higher (P ＜ 0.05).After surgery for 24 h,the D-double polymer and FIB level of observation group were higher,after 3 months of surgery,the D-double polymer and FIB level had no significant differences compared with before surgery,which were all in normal level.After 24 h,1 month,3 months of surgery,the D-double polymer and FIB level of observation group were all lower than control group (P ＜ 0.05).Before treatment,the P-chosen selectin of two groups had no significant differences,which were all decreased after surgery,and the observation group was lower than control group (P ＜ 0.05);The restenosis event of observation group was lower than control group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Clopidogrel could control the platelet aggregation of severe carotid stenosis after surgery to prevent the thrombogenesis and decrease the restriction incidence,while control the inflammation factor expression to prevent the atherosclerosis.