PAZ domain is critical for spermatogenesis in chicken.

Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1) plays a crucial role in stem cell proliferation, embryogenesis, growth, and development. We aimed to unravel the function of PIWIL1 and its Piwi/Argonaute/Zwille (PAZ) domain in chicken embryogenesis. The expression of PIWI1 at different stages of spermatogenesis was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the PAZ domain was mutated based on its 3D structure model using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology. The results indicated that PIWIL1 mRNA was specifically expressed in spermatogonium cells undergoing meiosis. After targeting the PAZ domain (300-370 amino acid residues), we obtained two mutant DF-1 cell clones with 23-bp and 8-bp deletions. Injection of the pCMV-Cas9-puro-sgRNA-2 construct into 2.5-day embryos resulted in generation of 19 different PAZ mutants (13 males and 6 females), which showed delayed hatching, reduced quality of semen, and decreased expression of PIWIL1 and SOX2 at embryonic days 5 and 18. However, we could not obtain PAZ double knockout (KO) chickens by crossing of the F0 generation, suggesting that PAZ double KO may halt embryonic development. Our results indicate that PIWIL1 plays an important role in meiosis and that PAZ mutations can lead to decreased sperm quality, whereas its double KO may arrest embryogenesis in chicken.

Promising applications of human-derived saliva biomarker testing in clinical diagnostics / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Saliva testing is a vital method for clinical applications, for its noninvasive features, richness in substances, and the huge amount. Due to its direct anatomical connection with oral, digestive, and endocrine systems, clinical usage of saliva testing for these diseases is promising. Furthermore, for other diseases that seeming to have no correlations with saliva, such as neurodegenerative diseases and psychological diseases, researchers also reckon saliva informative. Tremendous papers are being produced in this field. Updated summaries of recent literature give newcomers a shortcut to have a grasp of this topic. Here, we focused on recent research about saliva biomarkers that are derived from humans, not from other organisms. The review mostly addresses the proceedings from 2016 to 2022, to shed light on the promising usage of saliva testing in clinical diagnostics. We recap the recent advances following the category of different types of biomarkers, such as intracellular DNA, RNA, proteins and intercellular exosomes, cell-free DNA, to give a comprehensive impression of saliva biomarker testing.

[Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biochar, and Combined Amendment on Sandy Soil Improvement Driven by Microbial Community].

Sandy soils are considered as a significant transition phase to desertification. The effective recovery of sandy soils is of great significance to mitigate the desertification process. Some studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and biochar improved the sandy soil, but there have been very few studies regarding the combined effects of AM fungi and biochar amendments on sandy soil improvement. Additionally, the roles of the bacterial and fungal community during the process of sandy soil improvement remain unclear. A greenhouse pot experiment with four treatments, including a control (CK, no amendment), single AM fungi-assisted amendment (RI), single biochar amendment (BC), and combined amendment (BC_RI, biochar plus AM fungi), was set up. This study investigated the effects of different amendment methods on the Nitrariasi birica mycorrhizal colonization, biomass, nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) content, soil organic carbon, soil nutrient (TN, TP, and TK) content, and soil water-stable aggregate composition. High throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate the roles of the bacterial and fungal communities during the process of sandy soil improvement. Combined with multiple analysis methods, the improvement mechanisms of different amendment methods were explored. The aim was to provide basic data and scientific basics for reasonably and effectively improving sandy soils. The results indicated that a significant mycorrhiza colonization was observed in the inoculation (RI and BC_RI) treatments, but there was no substantial difference in the mycorrhiza colonization with the RI and BC_RI. Compared with the CK, the shoot biomass and shoot element (N, K, Ca, and Mg) contents were significantly increased in the RI, and the shoot element (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) contents were significantly increased in the BC and BC_RI; compared with the RI and BC, the root biomass and the root element (P, K, Ca, and Mg) contents were significantly increased in the BC_RI. Compared with the CK, the soil organic carbon contents were significantly increased in the BC and BC_RI, the soil TN contents were significantly increased by 152.54%, and the soil TP and TK contents were significantly decreased by 12.5% and 18.8%, respectively. The proportion of soil aggregates with particle sizes of 0.25-0.05 mm was the highest in each treatment, and the large particle size (>0.25 mm) soil aggregate was significantly increased in the BC_RI. Compared with the CK, the Sobs and Shannon indices of the bacterial/fungal community were significantly decreased in the RI and BC_RI. There was a difference in the microbial community compositions and abundance in the various treatments. The results of the RDA and network analysis were as follows:the effects of AM fungi, biochar, and combined amendment on the soil environment and microbial community structure were significant; in the different amendment treatments, the relationship of the microbial molecular ecological network was significantly changed, and the composition of the core species varied; compared with the RI, there was a higher network connection degree and a richer core species composition in the BC and BC_RI; moreover, the essential role of Rhizophagus intraradices was weaken and the core roles of the other microorganisms (especially bacterial species) were enhanced under the combined effects of biochar and AM fungi. The SEM results demonstrated that the application of AM fungi and biochar could directly affect the bacteria/fungi community structure, and further affect the plant growth and soil properties. The differences in the microbial community structure (especially the change in the microbial interaction) were the key driving factors that led to the difference in the soil improvement effectiveness. In summary, the effects of the different amendment methods on the improvement effectiveness of sandy soils varied. The microbial community played key roles in the process of sandy soil improvement, and there were potential advantages and applications in accelerating the ecological restoration of sandy soils under the combined AM fungi and biochar amendment.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor Parecoxib Was Disclosed as a PPAR-γ Agonist by In Silico and In Vitro Assay

In a search for effective PPAR-γ agonists, 110 clinical drugs were screened via molecular docking, and 9 drugs, including parecoxib, were selected for subsequent biological evaluation. Molecular docking of parecoxib to the ligand-binding domain of PPAR-γ showed high binding affinity and relevant binding conformation compared with the PPAR-γ ligand/antidiabetic drug rosiglitazone. Per the docking result, parecoxib showed the best PPAR-γ transactivation in Ac2F rat liver cells. Further docking simulation and a luciferase assay suggested parecoxib would be a selective (and partial) PPAR-γ agonist. PPAR-γ activation by parecoxib induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes. Parecoxib promoted adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the expression of adipogenesis transcription factors PPAR-γ, C/EBPα, and C/EBPβ. These data indicated that parecoxib might be utilized as a partial PPAR-γ agonist for drug repositioning study.

Efficacy and Safety of Atomization Inhalation of Polymyxin in the Adjunctive Treatment of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia：A Meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To evaluate the efficacy and safety of atomization inhalation of polymyxin combined in the adjunctive treatment for ventilator-associated pneumonia ，and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical treatment. METHODS ： Retrieved from Cochrane Library ，Embase，PubMed，Web of Science ，CNKI，CBM，VIP and Wanfang database （from their inception to March 2021），randomized controlled trials （RCTs）about efficacy and safety of atomization inhalation of polymyxin combined with conventional treatment （trial group ） versus conventional treatment （control group ） for ventilator- associated pneumonia were collected. After data extraction and quality evaluation of included literatures met inclusion and exclusion criteria ， Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.4 software. RESULTS ：A total of 13 clinical studies were included ，involving 2 RCTs and 11 cohort studies with a total of 1 066 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that clinical response rate [OR ＝ 1.53，95％CI（1.17，2.00），P＝0.002]，microbial clearance rate [OR ＝1.46，95％CI（1.11，1.91），P＝0.007] of trial group were significantly higher than those of control group ，with statistical significance. There was no statistical significance in the mortality rate [OR ＝0.88，95％CI（0.68，1.14），P＝0.32] and the incidence of renal impairment [OR ＝1.04，95％CI（0.72，1.49），P＝0.85] between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS ：Based on current evidence ，atomization inhalation of polymyxin combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve clinical response rate and microbial clearance rate of patients with ventilator- associated pneumonia. However ， more strictly-designed ， long-term follow-up and large-scale RCTs are needed.

Advances in molecular mechanism of berberine in treatment of glioma / 肿瘤研究与临床

Glioma is one of the most common primary intracranial tumors, accounting for 80% of malignant brain tumors. The conventional treatment of glioma is surgical resection followed by temozolomide chemotherapy, but the drug resistance will gradually appear that results in a poor prognosis of the patient. Berberine is an alkaloid extracted from Coptis Rhizoma, which has a wide range of pharmacological activities. It exerts its pharmacological effects on glioma such as inhibiting tumor growth through controlling different molecular and cellular pathways. In this article, the application of berberine in the treatment of glioma and the research progress of specific molecular mechanism are reviewed.

Report of national proficiency testing for urinary iodine among the laboratories of iodine deficiency disorders in Shaanxi Province in 2020 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the operation of urinary iodine external quality control network in Shaanxi Province in 2020, to know the urinary iodine detection capabilities of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) laboratories in Shaanxi Province, so as to ensure the technical support for epidemiological surveillance and control of IDD.Methods:In 2020, a total of 118 IDD laboratories in Shaanxi Province participated in the external quality control assessment, and the two concentrations of urinary iodine quality control samples were measured by As 3+-Ce 4+ catalytic spectrophotometry. The testing results of urinary iodine were statistically analyzed with standard value ± uncertainty and Z-ratio scoring methods. Results:All the 118 laboratories participating in the external quality control assessment of urinary iodine in the province had feedback the assessment results. The standard value ± uncertainty method was used for evaluation, the test results of 118 laboratories in the province were all within the uncertainty range, and all were qualified. The Z-ratio scoring method was used for evaluation, there were two county level laboratories with an inter-laboratory |Z| score≥3, and the evaluation results of other laboratories were all qualified, with a qualified rate of 98.31% (116/118). The results of the two evaluation methods were basically consistent.Conclusions:After years of external quality control network operation, the urinary iodine detection capability of laboratories at all levels in Shaanxi Province is stable and reliable, and most laboratories have passed the ability verification. It is suggested that individual laboratory should strengthen internal quality control and improve detection capabilities to lay a solid foundation for monitoring and prevention of IDD.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor Parecoxib Was Disclosed as a PPAR-γ Agonist by In Silico and In Vitro Assay

In a search for effective PPAR-γ agonists, 110 clinical drugs were screened via molecular docking, and 9 drugs, including parecoxib, were selected for subsequent biological evaluation. Molecular docking of parecoxib to the ligand-binding domain of PPAR-γ showed high binding affinity and relevant binding conformation compared with the PPAR-γ ligand/antidiabetic drug rosiglitazone. Per the docking result, parecoxib showed the best PPAR-γ transactivation in Ac2F rat liver cells. Further docking simulation and a luciferase assay suggested parecoxib would be a selective (and partial) PPAR-γ agonist. PPAR-γ activation by parecoxib induced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes. Parecoxib promoted adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the expression of adipogenesis transcription factors PPAR-γ, C/EBPα, and C/EBPβ. These data indicated that parecoxib might be utilized as a partial PPAR-γ agonist for drug repositioning study.

Autophagic blockage by bismuth sulfide nanoparticles inhibits migration and invasion of HepG2 cells.

The biological effects of nanoparticles are of great importance for the in-depth understanding of safety issues in biomedical applications. Induction of autophagy is a cellular response after nanoparticle exposure. Bismuth sulfide nanoparticles (Bi2S3 NPs) are often used as a CT contrast agent because of their excellent photoelectric conversion ability. Yet there has been no previous detailed study other than a cell toxicity assessment. In this study, three types of Bi2S3 NPs with different shapes (Bi2S3 nano rods (BSNR), hollow microsphere Bi2S3 NPs (BSHS) and urchin-like hollow microsphere Bi2S3 NPs (ULBSHS)) were used to evaluatecytotoxicity, autophagy induction, cell migration and invasion in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). Results showed that all three Bi2S3 NPs lead to blockage in autophagic flux, causing p62 protein accumulation. The cell death caused by these Bi2S3 NPs is proved to be autophagy related, rather than related to apoptosis. Moreover, Bi2S3 NPs can reduce the migration and invasion in HepG2 cells in an autophagy-dependent manner. ULBSHS is the most cytotoxic among three Bi2S3 NPs and has the best tumor metastasis suppression. These results demonstrated that, even with relatively low toxicity of Bi2S3 NPs, autophagy blockage may still substantially influence cell fate and thus significantly impact their biomedical applications, and that surface topography is a key factor regulating their biological response.

Acrolein Aggravates Secondary Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage Through Drp1-Mediated Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Clinical advances in the treatment of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) are restricted by the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to secondary brain injury. Acrolein is a highly active unsaturated aldehyde which has been implicated in many nervous system diseases. Our results indicated a significant increase in the level of acrolein after ICH in mouse brain. In primary neurons, acrolein induced an increase in mitochondrial fragmentation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of reactive oxidative species, and release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. Mechanistically, acrolein facilitated the translocation of dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1) from the cytoplasm onto the mitochondrial membrane and led to excessive mitochondrial fission. Further studies found that treatment with hydralazine (an acrolein scavenger) significantly reversed Drp1 translocation and the morphological damage of mitochondria after ICH. In parallel, the neural apoptosis, brain edema, and neurological functional deficits induced by ICH were also remarkably alleviated. In conclusion, our results identify acrolein as an important contributor to the secondary brain injury following ICH. Meanwhile, we uncovered a novel mechanism by which Drp1-mediated mitochondrial oxidative damage is involved in acrolein-induced brain injury.

Acrolein Aggravates Secondary Brain Injury After Intracerebral Hemorrhage Through Drp1-Mediated Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Clinical advances in the treatment of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) are restricted by the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to secondary brain injury. Acrolein is a highly active unsaturated aldehyde which has been implicated in many nervous system diseases. Our results indicated a significant increase in the level of acrolein after ICH in mouse brain. In primary neurons, acrolein induced an increase in mitochondrial fragmentation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of reactive oxidative species, and release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. Mechanistically, acrolein facilitated the translocation of dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1) from the cytoplasm onto the mitochondrial membrane and led to excessive mitochondrial fission. Further studies found that treatment with hydralazine (an acrolein scavenger) significantly reversed Drp1 translocation and the morphological damage of mitochondria after ICH. In parallel, the neural apoptosis, brain edema, and neurological functional deficits induced by ICH were also remarkably alleviated. In conclusion, our results identify acrolein as an important contributor to the secondary brain injury following ICH. Meanwhile, we uncovered a novel mechanism by which Drp1-mediated mitochondrial oxidative damage is involved in acrolein-induced brain injury.

Analysis of the iodine nutrition level of children aged 8 - 10 and pregnant women in Shaanxi Province in 2019 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:This study aims to provide scientific evidence for prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders through monitoring the iodine nutrition status of children and pregnant women in Shaanxi Province.Methods:Totally 110 counties (cities, districts) in Shaanxi Province in 2019 were surveyed. Each of the counties (cities, districts) was further divided into five sampled regions along five different geographic directions: east, west, south, north and middle. From each region, one town was selected and then one primary school was selected from each town. Finally, there were a total of 42 non-boarding students aged 8 - 10 years old (age and gender balanced) selected from each school, who would be tested household salt iodine's level and urinary iodine's level. Also, we did the same test for 21 pregnant women who were selected from each town randomly. Additionally, we examined the children's thyroid by B-scan ultrasonograph in 39 counties (cities, districts).Results:A total of 23 101 salt and urine samples were collected from children aged 8 - 10 years old, the average of salt iodine content of the children' family was (24.07 ± 3.71) mg/kg; the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.55% (22 536/23 101); the median urinary iodine was 211.68 μg/L; and the thyroid goiter rate (TGR) was 1.50% (123/8 191). A total of 11 555 salt and urine samples from pregnant women were collected, the salt iodine content was (24.05 ± 3.66) mg/kg; and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.57% (11 274/11 555); the median urinary iodine was 182.74 μg/L.Conclusions:In 2019, the iodine nutrition of children in Shaanxi Province is in the super appropriate level, and the iodine nutrition of pregnant women is appropriate. The iodine content of edible salt can be adjusted. It is suggested that pregnant women should be supplied special iodized salt.

Evolution and interpretation of diagnostic reference levels for adults undergoing X-ray computed tomography in China / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

The diagnostic reference level (DRL) for adults radiation dose in CT examination based on a large-scale national survey data is released in the form of national health industry standards (WS/T 637-2018) after more than ten years of exploration by radiologists, imaging technologists, radiation protection specialists and radiographers. Its principles and method are in line with international practices and the actual situation in China, which basically cover frequently-used CT examination items for adults. Compared with DRL in several other countries or organizations, radiation exposure to the patients as a whole is at a reasonably low level. The 50th percentile (achievable dosimetry levels) and 25th percentile (indicative level of unusually low dosimetry) are given as additional tools for radiation dose optimization guidance. In daily activities of radiological diagnosis, the radiation dose should be matched with image quality and clinical diagnostic tasks, and the frequency of unjustifiable high or low radiation dose should be reduced.

Evolution and interpretation of diagnostic reference levels for adults undergoing X-ray computed tomography in China / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

The diagnostic reference level (DRL) for adults radiation dose in CT examination based on a large-scale national survey data is released in the form of national health industry standards (WS/T 637-2018) after more than ten years of exploration by radiologists,imaging technologists,radiation protection specialists and radiographers.Its principles and method are in line with international practices and the actual situation in China,which basically cover frequently-used CT examination items for adults.Compared with DRL in several other countries or organizations,radiation exposure to the patients as a whole is at a reasonably low level.The 50th percentile (achievable dosimetry levels) and 25th percentile (indicative level of unusually low dosimetry) are given as additional tools for radiation dose optimization guidance.In daily activities of radiological diagnosis,the radiation dose should be matched with image quality and clinical diagnostic tasks,and the frequency of unjustifiable high or low radiation dose should be reduced.

Meta-analysis of Risk Factors of Linezolid-induced Thrombocytopenia / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate risk factors of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia systematically， and to provide reference for rational drug use in clinic. METHODS： Retrieved from PubMed， Embase， Cochrane library， Web of Science， CBM， CNKI and Wanfang database， during database establishment to Oct. 2018， clinical studies about risk factors of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia were collected， and the data of literatures met criteria were collected. After Newcastle-Ottawa scale （NOS） was applied for evaluating the quality of included literatures. Meta-analysis was conducted by using Rev Man 5.3 software. RESULTS： Sixteen clinical studies involving 2 264 patients in total were included. Results of Meta-analysis showed that daily per kg dose （DKPD） [SMD＝0.62， 95％CI（0.29，0.95）， P＝0.000 2]， low platelet count before medication [SMD＝－0.90， 95％CI（－1.62， －0.18）， P＝0.01]， low creatinine clearance rate [SMD＝－0.65， 95％CI（－1.10，－0.19）， P＝0.005]， long treatment course [SMD＝0.45， 95％CI（0.18，0.71）， P＝0.000 9]， low body weight  [SMD＝－0.36， 95％CI（－0.60，－0.11），P＝0.005] significantly influenced the occurrence of thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS： The risk factors associated with linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia include low baseline platelet count， low creatinine clearance rate， low body weight， long medication course and high DKPD.

Impact of anemia and chronic kidney disease on the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among diabetic patients / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the association between anemia and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among diabetic patients, and whether the association is modified by the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).@*METHODS@#Physical examination data of 8 563 patients with diabetes who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria between 2010 and 2011 were collected, based on the prospective cohort data of Kailuan study. The deadline of the follow-up was December 31, 2015, and the endpoints comprised all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between anemia with or without CKD, and cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality after adjustment for confounding factors.@*RESULTS@#The average age of the subjects was (57.3±10.3) years, of whom the patients with anemia accounted for 5.2%. The proportion of the patients with anemia combined with CKD was higher than that of the patients without anemia (27.2% vs. 20.8%, P=0.001). The median follow-up time was 4.9 years (interquartile range: 4.6-5.2 years). During the follow-up period, 559 patients died, and 434 patients had cardiovascular disease. Compared with the patients without anemia, the all-cause mortality rate of the patients with anemia was higher (3 220.3/100 000 person-years vs. 1 257.9/100 000 person-years, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular disease between the above two groups (999.8/100 000 person-years vs. 1 081.2/100 000 person-years, P>0.05). The mortality and incidence of cardiovascular disease among the patients with CKD were higher than those of the patients without CKD (2 558.3/100 000 person-years vs. 1 044.0/100 000 person-years, P<0.001; 1 605.9/100 000 person-years vs. 941.6/100 000 person-years, P<0.001). Results of Cox regression model showed that, after adjustment for confounding factors, the all-cause mortality risk increased by 95% in the diabetic patients with anemia (HR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.50-2.54). Anemia and CKD significantly increased the mortality risk among diabetic patients (HR=3.61, 95% CI: 2.48-5.26). The CKD patients without anemia had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.13-1.74).@*CONCLUSION@#Anemia is associated with an increased mortality risk in Chinese diabetic patients. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The all-cause mortality risk increases significantly in anemia patients with the presence of CKD, which indicates that we should focus on the prevention and treatment of diabetic patients with anemia and CKD.

Glide path management of rotary nickel-titanium instruments in simulated root canals / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the shaping ability of ProGlider, HyFlex EDM Glidepath File and RaCe ISO 10 with that of PathFile and stainless steel K-file hand instruments in simulated root canals.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 simulated resin blocks were divided randomly into five groups (n=12), each group prepared with each instrument, respectively. Preparation time was recorded. Pre- and post-operative images were obtained using a scanner and superimposed using Photoshop. The material removal from the inner and outer canal walls beginning from 0 mm at the end point of the canal were measured using ImageJ. Centering ability was determined, accordingly. The data were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA at a significance level of P<0.05.@*RESULTS@#Preparation time for ProGlider was (61.018±5.020) s, significantly the fastest (P < 0.05), that for SS K-file (111.100±6.987) s, the slowest (P<0.05), and the differences among the other 3 groups were not significant (P>0.05). The removal of resin from the outer wall at the apical portion was significantly lower for HyFlex EDM Glidepath File than for ProGlider (P<0.05), both of them were significantly lower than the other 3 groups (P<0.05). For the removal from the inner wall at the curvature portion, ProGlider was the least whilst SS K-file the most (P<0.05). At the straight portion, RaCe ISO 10 removed the most not only from the inner but also the outer wall (P<0.05), HyFlex EDM Glidepath File the second most, and the other 3 groups among the same levels. As far as the centering ability was concerned, at the apical portion, HyFlex EDM Glidepath File was the best, ProGlider the second best, no significant difference identified among the other 3 groups. At the curvature portion, ProGlider and HyFlex EDM Glidepath File were the best, PathFile the second, RaCe ISO 10 the third, the worst was the SS K-file. At the straight portion, the difference amongt the 5 groups was not significant.@*CONCLUSION@#The shaping abilities of ProGlider, HyFlex EDM Glidepath File and RaCe ISO 10 were better or comparable to that of PathFile, while the preparation time for ProGlider reduced significantly, and HyFlex EDM Glidepath File and RaCe ISO 10 removed significantly more resin at the straight portion of the canal.

Meta-analysis of Rituximab Injection Associated Pneumonia / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the relationship between rituximab and the occurence of pneumonia, and to provide evidenle-based reference in clinic. METHODS: Retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang database and other database, RCTs, quasi-RCTs, controlled clinical trials were searched from inception to Mar. 2017. After literature screening, data extraction, literature quality evaluation and analysis of bias risk referring to Cochrane Intervention Measure System Evaluation Manual (5. 3 edition), Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5. 3 software. RESULTS: A total of 16 literatures were finally included, consisting of 14 RCTs and 1 386 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of rituximab associated pneumonia in observation group was lower than control group, but without statistical significance [OR=1. 19, 95％ CI (0. 75, 1. 91), Z=0. 74, P=0. 46]. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to sample size, multiple-center, intervention dose, there was no statistical significance in the incidence of rituximab-associated pneumonia between 2 groups (P＞0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the incidence of pneumonia between observation group and control group, rituximab is not associated with the occurrence of pneumonia. Due to methodology limit of included studies, most of high quality long-term follow-up studies have not been included. Large-scale and high quality clinical studies are required for further valuation.

The characteristics of steel slag and the effect of its application as a soil additive on the removal of nitrate from aqueous solution.

This study examined the characteristics of nitrate removal from aqueous solution by steel slag and the feasibility of using steel slag as a soil additive to remove nitrate. Steel slag adsorbents were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectrum (IR spectrum). Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were also analysed. Various parameters were measured in a series of batch experiments, including the sorbent dose, grain size of steel slag, reaction time, initial concentration of nitrate nitrogen, relationship between Al, Fe and Si ions leached from the steel slag and residual nitrate in the aqueous solution. The nitrate adsorbing capacity increased with increasing amounts of steel slag. In addition, decreasing the grain diameter of steel slag also enhanced the adsorption efficiency. Nitrate removal from the aqueous solution was primarily related to Al, Fe, Si and Mn leached from the steel slag. The experimental data conformed to second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isothermal adsorption equation, indicating that the adsorption of nitrate by steel slag is chemisorption under the action of monolayer adsorption. Finally, it was determined that using steel slag as a soil additive to remove nitrate is a feasible strategy.