Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index-based nomogram for lung carcinoma following microwave ablation -a real world single center study.

Background: The preoperative inflammatory condition significantly influences the prognosis of malignancies. We aimed to investigate the potential significance of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers in forecasting the long-term results of lung carcinoma after microwave ablation (MWA). Method: This study included patients who received MWA treatment for lung carcinoma from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2020. We collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome information. To assess the predictive capacity of inflammatory biomarkers, we utilized the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and assessed the predictive potential of inflammatory biomarkers in forecasting outcomes through both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. Results: A total of 354 individuals underwent MWA treatment, of which 265 cases were included in this study, whose average age was 69.1 ± 9.7 years. The AUC values for the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 0.796 and 0.716, respectively. The Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated a significant independent association between a high SIRI and a decreased overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]=2.583, P<0.001). Furthermore, a high SIRI independently correlated with a lower DFS (HR=2.391, P<0.001). We developed nomograms utilizing various independent factors to forecast the extended prognosis of patients. These nomograms exhibited AUC of 0.900, 0.849, and 0.862 for predicting 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS, respectively. Additionally, the AUC values for predicting 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year DFS were 0.851, 0.873, and 0.883, respectively. Conclusion: SIRI has shown promise as a valuable long-term prognostic indicator for forecasting the outcomes of lung carcinoma patients following MWA.

The predictive value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging combined with intravoxel incoherent motion parameters for evaluating maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify factors predictive of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters. METHOD: Fifty-six normal singleton pregnancies at 33-39 weeks of gestation underwent MRI examination at 1.5 T. The IVIM parameters were obtained from the placenta. The correlation between the f value and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and between the f value and transfused units of red blood cells (RBCs) was estimated by linear regression. The correlation between various influencing factors (clinical risk factors, MRI features, and IVIM parameters) and poor outcomes was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULT: The interobserver agreement ranged from fair to excellent (k = 0.30-0.88). Multivariate analyses showed that previous cesarean sections, low signal intensity bands on T2WI and the D value were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. The combination of three risk factors demonstrated the highest AUC of 0.903, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.10 % and 96.90 %, respectively. Last, f was positively correlated with PPH and units of RBCs transfused. DISCUSSION: Preoperative MRI features and IVIM parameters may be used to predict poor outcomes in patients with invasive placental disorders like PAS.

Airway management for a patient with tracheobronchomegaly undergoing lobectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tracheobronchomegaly (TBM) is a rare disorder mainly characterized by dilatation and malacia of the trachea and major bronchi with diverticularization. This will be a great challenge for airway management, especially in thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation. Using a laryngeal mask airway and a modified double-lumen Foley catheter (DFC) as a "blocker" may achieve one-lung ventilation. This is the first report introducing this method in a patient with TBM. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 64-year-old man with TBM receiving left lower lobectomy. Preoperative chest computed tomography demonstrated a prominent tracheobronchial dilation and deformation with multiple diverticularization. The most commonly used double-lumen tube or bronchial blocker could not match the distorted airways. After general anesthesia induction, a 4# laryngeal mask was inserted, through which the modified DFC was positioned in the left main bronchus with the guidance of a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The DFC balloon was inflated with 10 ml air and lung isolation was achieved without any significant air leak during one-lung or two-lung ventilation. However, the collapse of the non-dependent lung was delayed and finally achieved by low-pressure artificial pneumothorax. The surgery was successful and the patient was extubated soon after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Using a laryngeal mask airway with a modified double-lumen Foley catheter acted as a bronchial blocker could be an alternative method to achieve lung isolation.

Preoperative controlling nutritional status score (CONUT) predicts postoperative complications of patients with bronchiectasis after lung resections.

Background: The Controlled Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a valid scoring system for assessing nutritional status and has been shown to correlate with clinical outcomes in many surgical procedures; however, no studies have reported a correlation between postoperative complications of bronchiectasis and the preoperative CONUT score. This study aimed to evaluate the value of the CONUT score in predicting postoperative complications in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with localized bronchiectasis who underwent lung resection at our hospital between April 2012 and November 2021. The optimal nutritional scoring system was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and incorporated into multivariate logistic regression. Finally, independent risk factors for postoperative complications were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 240 patients with bronchiectasis were included, including 101 males and 139 females, with an average age of 49.83 ± 13.23 years. Postoperative complications occurred in 59 patients (24.6%). The incidence of complications, postoperative hospital stay and drainage tube indwelling time were significantly higher in the high CONUT group than in the low CONUT group. After adjusting for sex, BMI, smoking history, lung function, extent of resection, intraoperative blood loss, surgical approach and operation time, multivariate analysis showed that the CONUT score remained an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after bronchiectasis. Conclusions: The preoperative CONUT score is an independent predictor of postoperative complications in patients with localized bronchiectasis.

Clinical application of maxillary tissue bone-borne expander and biocreative reverse curve system in the orthodontic retreatment of severe anterior open bite with transverse discrepancy: A case report.

Anterior open bite and transverse discrepancy are often accompanied by hyperdivergent skeletal patterns. In addition, degenerative joint disorders and vertical maxillary excess contribute to an unfavorable convex facial profile with a retruded chin. Correction of this complex three-dimensional problem with orthodontic treatment alone is considered challenging owing to anatomical limitations. Moreover, a history of orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction makes retreatment difficult. This case report illustrates the application of a maxillary tissue bone-borne expander and biocreative reverse curve system in a 23-year-old female patient with a severe anterior open bite and transverse discrepancy who underwent orthodontic treatment with four premolar extractions. By setting the treatment target under precise diagnosis and using appropriate appliances, a satisfactory treatment result could be achieved without orthognathic surgery.

Spiral Suture of the Lower Uterine Segment with Temporary Aortic Balloon Occlusion in Morbidly Adherent Placenta Previa Cases.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the combined effect of spiral suture of the lower uterine segment with intraoperative aortic balloon occlusion in morbidly adherent placenta previa cases. Patient and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study involved patients from 2017 to 2020. The study considered 68 cases of morbidly adherent placenta previa cases from medical records retrospectively with age ranging from 23 to 42 years. Bilateral uterine artery embolization was performed, to control excessive bleeding. Perioperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate, amount of blood transfusion, balloon occlusion time, fetal and maternal radiation dose, and postpartum complications were assessed. Results: A total of 68 patients underwent surgery. Hysterectomy was performed in three patients and uterine artery embolization in 21 patients. Of 53 patients who required blood transfusions, the amount of packed red blood cells given was 800 mL and the amount of plasma given was 400 mL. Median abdominal aortic balloon occlusion time was 17 minutes. Fetal and maternal radiation doses were 5 mGy and 12 mGy, respectively. One patient experienced surgery-related complications, a bladder injury. No major catheterization-related and postpartum complications were observed. Conclusion: Fertility-sparing surgery for women with morbidly adherent placenta could include abdominal aortic balloon occlusion and spiral suture of lower uterine segment.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism after surgery for adenocarcinoma in situ and the validity of the modified Caprini score: A propensity score-matched study.

Background: Recently, the new World Health Organization (WHO) tumor classification removed adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) from the diagnosis of lung cancer. However, it remains unclear whether the "malignancy" item should be assessed when the modified Caprini Risk Assessment Model (RAM) is used to assess venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in AIS. The purpose of our study is to assess differences between AIS and stage IA adenocarcinoma (AD) from a VTE perspective. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on AIS and IA adenocarcinoma in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2021, and divided into AIS group and AD group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the incidence of VTE and coagulation function, and to analyze whether the RAM is more effective when the "malignancy" item is not evaluated in AIS. Results: 491 patients were included after screening, including 104 patients in the AIS group and 387 patients in the AD group. After PSM, 83 patients were matched. The incidence of VTE and D-dimer in the AIS group was significantly lower than that in the AD group (P<0.05).When using the RAM to score AIS, compared with retaining the "malignancy" item, the incidence of VTE in the intermediate-high-risk group was significantly higher after removing the item (7.9% vs. 36.4%, P=0.018), which significantly improved the stratification effect of the model. Conclusions: The incidence of postoperative VTE in AIS was significantly lower than that in stage IA adenocarcinoma. The stratification effect was more favorable when the "malignancy" item was not evaluated in AIS using the RAM.

Penile metastasis from rectal carcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis to the penis is an unusual event, and penile metastasis from rectal carcinoma (PMRC) is extremely rare and associated with a dismal prognosis. Thus far, approximately 80 cases have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: Herein, we report the case of a 49-year-old man with PMRC. The patient presented to the urology clinic with a complaint of penile pain during urination. The patient underwent the Dixon operation for rectal carcinoma 2 mo before the presentation. During hospitalisation, abdominal computed tomography revealed a nodular lesion on the left penis. The postoperative pathological examination revealed a typical intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. Previous cases of PMRC were retrieved from PubMed to characterise the clinicopathological features and identify the prognostic factors of PMRC. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggested that approximately 24 mo is the median time to metastasis occurrence and 150 d is the survival time after diagnosis. Furthermore, poor pathological differentiation, lymph node involvement of the primary RC, metastasis time < 6 mo, penile metastatic nodule diameter > 1 cm, and treatment abandonment are negative predictors of survival outcomes. Close follow-up, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may potentially improve the prognosis of patients.

Identification of a novel heterozygous missense TP63 variant in a Chinese pedigree with split-hand/foot malformation.

BACKGROUND: Tumor protein p63 is an important transcription factor regulating epithelial morphogenesis. Variants associated with the TP63 gene are known to cause multiple disorders. In this study, we determined the genetic cause of split-hand/foot malformation in a Chinese pedigree. METHODS: For this study, we have recruited a Chinese family and collected samples from affected and normal individuals of the family (three affected and two normal). Whole exome sequencing was performed to detect the underlying genetic defect in this family. The potential variant was validated using the Sanger sequencing approach. RESULTS: Using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing, we identified a novel heterozygous pathogenic missense variant in TP63 (NM_003722.5: c.921G > T; p.Met307Ile). This variant resulted in the substitution of methionine with isoleucine. Structural analysis suggested a resulting change in the structure of a key functional domain of the p63 protein. CONCLUSION: This novel missense variant expands the TP63 variant spectrum and provides a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of families with split-hand/foot malformation or other TP63-related diseases.

YAP plays a protective role in T-2 toxin-induced inhibition of chondrocyte proliferation and matrix degradation.

Previous research has shown that T-2 toxin can damage cartilage, resulting in a disease phenotype similar to osteoarthritis. The precise molecular mechanism by which T-2 toxin causes chondrocyte injury, however, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to look into the role of YAP in T-2 toxin-induced rat chondrocyte injury. Based on research results, T-2 toxin decreased the levels of collagen II and PCNA while increasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase MMP13. These findings supported the T-2 toxin's detrimental effect on chondrocytes. YAP's role in T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte injury was also investigated. Total YAP and related nuclear proteins were found to decrease as the concentration of T-2 toxin increased. While PYAP expression was not significantly altered in response to T-2 toxin, the PYAP/YAP ratio decreased as the T-2 toxin concentration increased, implying that the HIPPO signaling pathway was activated. Furthermore, the YAP-specific inhibitor Verteporfin was used to investigate the role of YAP in T-2 toxin-induced chondrocyte injury. YAP inhibition increased MMP13 expression while decreasing COL2 and PCNA levels. In summary, the current study found that T-2 toxin decreased the levels of COL2 and PCNA while increasing the expression of MMP13 in chondrocytes after inhibiting YAP, providing a new insight into the mechanism of T-2 toxin-induced cartilage damage.

Research progress of anti-glioma chemotherapeutic drugs (Review).

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial malignancy in the central nervous system. At present, the most important treatment option is surgical resection of the tumor combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The principle of operation is to remove the tumor to the maximal extent on the basis of preserving brain function. However, prominent invasive and infiltrative proliferation of glioma tumor cells into the surrounding normal tissues frequently reduces the efficacy of treatment. This in turn worsens the prognosis, because the tumor cannot be completely removed, which can readily relapse. Chemotherapeutic agents when applied individually have demonstrated limited efficacy for the treatment of glioma. However, multiple different chemotherapeutic agents can be used in combination with other treatment modalities to improve the efficacy while circumventing systemic toxicity and drug resistance. Therefore, it is pivotal to unravel the inhibitory mechanism mediated by the different chemotherapeutic drugs on glioma cells in preclinical studies. The aim of the present review is to provide a summary for understanding the effects of different chemotherapeutic drugs in glioma, in addition to providing a reference for the preclinical research into novel chemotherapeutic agents for future clinical application.

Effects of Thyroperoxidase Antibody and Thyroglobulin Antibody on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) on maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in pregnant women. A total of 296 singleton pregnant women were classified into four groups according to the thyroid auto-antibody in the first trimester. Finally, there were 97 women in TPOAb positive group (TPOAb+/TgAb-), 35 in TgAb positive group (TPOAb-/TgAb+), 85 in TPOAb and TgAb positive group (TPOAb+/TgAb+), and 79 in TPOAb and TgAb negative group (TPOAb-/TgAb-). Thyroid function, TPOAb, and TgAb were checked during pregnancy and followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months postpartum. Levothyroxine sodium tablets could be taken to maintain euthyroid antepartum. Thyroid function of women with postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) were followed up at 2 and 3 years postpartum. We observed the incidence of PPT, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), placental abruption, placenta previa, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, and low birth Weight in the four groups. 19.93% of the women had PPT. The incidence of PPT in TPOAb+/TgAb-, TPOAb-/TgAb+, TPOAb+/TgAb+groups was significantly higher than that in TPOAb-/TgAb- group, respectively (16.49 vs. 6.33%, 22.86 vs. 6.33%, 35.29 vs. 6.33%, p <0.05). The incidence of PPT in TPOAb+/TgAb+group was significantly higher than that in TPOAb+/TgAb- group (35.29 vs. 16.49%, p <0.01). PPT occurred as early as 6 weeks postpartum, but mainly at 3 and 6 months postpartum in the four groups (62.50%, 75.00%, 70.00%, 80.00%). All PPT in TPOAb-/TgAb- group occurred within 6 months postpartum, while it was found at 9 months or 12 months postpartum in other three groups. There was no classical form of PPT in TPOAb-/TgAb- group, while in the other three groups, all three types (classical form, isolated thyrotoxicosis, isolated hypothyroidism) existed. At 2 years postpartum of the women with PPT, the rate of euthyroidism in TPOAb+/TgAb+group was significantly lower than that in TPOAb-/TgAb- group (p <0.05). At 3 years postpartum of the women with PPT, the rate of euthyroidism in TPOAb+/TgAb-, TPOAb-/TgAb+, and TPOAb+/TgAb+groups were significantly lower than that in TPOAb-/TgAb- group (p <0.05). The values of TPOAb and TgAb postpartum were significantly higher than those during pregnancy (p <0.05). The incidence of PROM in TPOAb+/TgAb- group was significantly higher than that in TPOAb-/TgAb- group (32.99 vs. 17.72%, p <0.05). The binary logistic regression for PPT showed that the OR value of TPOAb was 2.263 (95% CI 1.142-4.483, p=0.019). The OR value of TgAb was 3.112 (95% CI 1.700-5.697, p=0.000). In conclusion, pregnant women with positive thyroid auto-antibodies had an increased risk of PPT and a reduced rate of euthyroidism at 2 and 3 years postpartum. TPOAb is associated with the incidence of PROM. Both of TPOAb and TgAb were independent risk factors for PPT. TgAb deserves more attention when studying autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) combined with pregnancy.

Advances in metformin­based metabolic therapy for non­small cell lung cancer (Review).

Therapeutic approaches that target the metabolism of tumor cells have been a popular research topic in recent years. Previous studies have demonstrated that glycolysis inhibitors reduce the proliferation of non­small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by interfering with the aerobic glycolytic pathway. However, the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in tumor cells has also been implicated in lung cancer metabolism. Metformin, a known inhibitor of mitochondrial OXPHOS, has been indicated to reduce NSCLC morbidity and mortality in clinical studies. The present article reviewed the therapeutic effects of metformin against NSCLC, both as a single agent and combined with other anticancer treatments, in order to provide a theoretical basis for its clinical use in adjuvant therapy for NSCLC.

18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis: A case report.

The early clinical symptoms of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are nonspecific and often lead to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis. And by the time morphological changes are observed on the images, the disease is in an advanced stage and irreversible vascular injuries has occurred. Therefore, early correct diagnosis and timely systemic anti-inflammatory treatment can effectively improve the clinical situation. Conventional imaging provides only changes in vascular structure and provides little information on inflammatory activity. Here we report the PET/CT imaging presentation of 18F-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in a patient with TAK, a 58-year-old patient with known TAK whose disease clustered many non-specific features, and highlight the value of PET/CT in the diagnosis and management of patients with early or atypical clinical presentation of TAK.

Differentiation of gestational diabetes mellitus by nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolic plasma analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic profile of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at both antepartum and postpartum periods. Seventy pregnant women were divided into three groups: the normal glucose-tolerant group (NGT, n=35), the abnormal glucose-tolerant groups without insulin therapy (A1GDM, n=24) or with insulin therapy (A2GDM, n=11). Metabolic profiles of the plasma were acquired by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and analyzed by multivariate statistical data analysis. The relationship between demographic parameters and the potential metabolite biomarkers was further explored. Group antepartum or postpartum showed similar metabolic trends. Compare with those of the NGT group, the levels of 2-hydroxybutyrate, lysine, acetate, glutamine, succinate, tyrosine, formate, and all three BCAAs (leucine, valine, isoleucine) in the A2GDM group were increased dramatically, and the levels of lysine, acetate, and formate in the A1GDM group were elevated significantly. The dramatically decreased levels of 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate and methanol were observed both in the A1GDM group and A2GDM group. Compare to the A1GDM group, the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) of leucine, valine, and isoleucine were increased dramatically in the A2GDM group. The levels of aromatic amino acids (AAAs), tyrosine and phenylalanine, were significantly increased in GDM women, consistent with the severity of GDM. Interference of amino acid metabolism and disturbance in energy metabolism occurred in women with different grades of GDM. Metabolic profiles could reflect the severity of GDM. Plasma BCAA concentrations showing strong positive correlations with weight and pre-delivery BMI. This study provides a new perspective to understand the pathogenesis and etiology of GDM, which may help the clinical management and treatment of GDM.

Innovation and practice on training the innovative undergraduate talents in universities under the background of "Three Whole Education"—taking the Biomedical Engineering College of Chongqing Medical University as an example / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Under the background of "Three Whole Education", the College of Biomedical Engineering of Chongqing Medical University builds the rule of undergraduate tutors, promotes the effective connection among the entrance -in school -graduation education, integrates the innovative education and teaching throughout into the undergraduate period, and implements "4+1" education models of theory teaching - ability training - competetion incubation - atmosphere building to create innovative classroom transcripts, finally realizing the all-around education of innovative undergraduate talents. Through the innovation and practices, we will continue to refine educational effects.

Study of "4+ 1" integration training mode combining undergraduate and postgraduate for biomedical engineering major / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Chongqing Medical University and University of Dundee have explored the "4+ 1" integration training mode combining undergraduate and postgraduate for biomedical engineering major in 2018, including mode of education, curriculum linkage and credit recognition, contract signing and publicity, process assessment and management, and degree awarding. After repeated communication and argument, Chongqing Medical University and University of Dundee signed the contract of the "4+ 1" integration training mode in 2019. One junior student participated in the "Summer Camp of University of Dundee" in the same year, and one senior student participated in this integration training mode program in 2020. According to the feedback of the first batch of students, the "4+ 1" integration training mode can guide students from different angles, which is conducive to broadening students' international vision and injecting strong power into the cultivation of biomedical engineering talents.

Therapeutic effect of tetrandrine on silicosis rats and its toxic effect on liver and kidney function / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of tetrandrine(TET) on silicosis model rats and its toxic effect on liver and kidney function. METHODS: The specific pathogen free healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group and the TET group, with 14 rats in each group. By un-exposure tracheal injection method, the rats in the model and TET groups were given one-time tracheal infusion of free silicon dioxide suspension with a mass concentration of 50 g/L to establish the rat model of silicosis. Rats in the control group were infused with 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution with the same method. On the second day after the model was established, the TET group was given 30 mg/kg body mass of TET solution by gavage. The other two groups were given the same amount of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The treatment was once per day, six times per week. Seven rats in each group were sacrificed on the 28 th and 56 th days after modeling. The morphological change of the lung, liver and kidney tissues of each group was observed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6, in the lung tissues of rats in each group. The activities of aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and the levels blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine(CRE) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. RESULTS: The lung organ coefficients of rats in the TET group were lower than those of the model group on the 28 th and 56 th days(all P<0.05). The lung organ coefficient of the rats in the TET group on the 56 th day was higher than that in the same group on the 28 th day(P<0.05). The lung tissue structure of the control group was normal. After modeling, the lung tissues of rats in model group showed different degrees of pathological changes such as alveolar structure destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis on the 28 th and 56 th days. The degree of pathological changes in TET group was less than that of the model group. In the lung tissues of rats in the model group, the levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-6 were higher than those of the control group(all P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-6 in the lung tissues of rats in the TET group were lower than that of the model group(all P<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the control group(all P>0.05). The activities of ALT and AST in the TET group were higher than those in the model group and the control group(all P<0.01). The level of serum BUN in TET group was higher than that in control group(P<0.01), but it showed no statistical difference when compared with the control group(P>0.05). The level of serum CRE in each group showed no significant difference(P>0.05). There were no abnormal pathological changes found in the liver and kidney tissues of rats in each group at different times. CONCLUSION: TET can reduce the inflammatory response in silicosis rats and improve lung tissue fibrosis; however, the therapeutic dose may have certain toxicity to the liver and kidney of the silicosis rats.

Application of virtual simulation teaching instruments in large-scale medical equipment courses and its reflection / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In the practical teaching of large-scale medical equipment courses in medical colleges and universities. There are some problems such as less opportunities for students to operate the equipment which is possessed by teaching hospitals, the large-scale medical equipment in teaching hospitals are in a pathogenic environment, and some equipment such as CT, DR have radiation hazards, which lead to difficulties in practical teaching. These problems restrict the cultivation of students' practical ability, cause disconnections between theoretical teaching and practical teaching, and are not conducive to training "new engineering" and "new medical science" talents. So, this paper puts forward an idea which introduces virtual simulation teaching instruments of large-scale medical equipment into the teaching of medical equipment in medical colleges and universities, uses the physical structures, control systems and functional software of virtual simulation teaching instruments to implement the teaching of "integration of theory and practice", and also sets up validation experiments, comprehensive experiments, designing experiments and research explorative experiments in the teaching process. This kind of teaching can not only realize the high integration of theoretical teaching and practical teaching, but also consolidate students' basic theoretical knowledge, improve their abilities to solve complex engineering problems, and cultivate "new engineering" and "new medical" talents in line with the needs of the new era.

Recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a large Chinese family: a clinical and genetic investigation.

BACKGROUND: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common manifestation of Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, which is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutation of the folliculin (FLCN) gene. This study was established to investigate the mutation of the FLCN gene and the phenotype in a family with PSP. METHODS: We investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics of a large Chinese family with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Genetic testing was performed by Sanger sequencing of the coding exons (4-14 exons) of the FLCN gene. RESULTS: Among ten affected members in a multi-generational PSP kindred, with a total of 18 episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax, the median age for the initial onset of pneumothorax was 42.5 years (interquartile range: 28.8-57.2 years). Chest computed tomography scan of the proband showed pulmonary cysts and pneumothorax. A novel nonsense mutation (c.1273C>T) in exon 11 of FLCN gene that leads to a pre-mature stop codon (p.Gln425*) was identified in the family. The genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of BHD syndrome in this family in the absence of skin lesions or renal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: A novel nonsense mutation of FLCN gene was found in a large family with PSP in China. Our results expand the mutational spectrum of FLCN gene in patients with BHD syndrome.