Prevalence of respiratory and allergic diseases in children in Xuhui District， Shanghai in 2013 and 2020 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of respiratory and allergic diseases in children in Xuhui District， Shanghai in 2013 and 2020， and to determine the influencing factors. MethodsAnnual average levels of air pollutants including PM2.5， PM10， O3， SO2， and NO2 were collected and described in Shanghai from 2013 to 2020. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a questionnaire among grade 3 to 5 students in a school in Xuhui District， Shanghai， in September 2013 and 2020， respectively. The questionnaire collected variables including living environment， daily habits， family history of respiratory and allergic diseases， and incidence of these diseases in children. Chi-square test was used to determine the difference across respiratory and allergic diseases. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the influencing factors. ResultsA total of 1 398 valid questionnaires were collected （705 in 2013 and 693 in 2020）. Compared with 2013， annual average concentrations of PM2.5， PM10， O3， SO2， and NO2 in 2020 significantly decreased. The prevalence of bronchial asthma， bronchitis， persistent cough and persistent expectoration in 2013 were significantly higher than those in 2020 （P<0.05） in Xuhui District. Multivariate analysis showed that severe air pollution， boys， parents with asthma or allergy， parents with higher educational levels， and more allergens in household were the risk factors associated with the incidence of bronchial asthma， bronchitis， allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema （P<0.05）. Parents with allergy history， high smoking frequency of family member， and more allergens in household were the risk factors associated with the incidence of persistent cough and persistent expectoration （P<0.05）. ConclusionTo 2013，2020 air pollution in Shanghai has been mitigated and prevalence of bronchial asthma and bronchitis of children has decreased. Childhood respiratory and allergic diseases are associated with indoor and outdoor environment， family medical history， and family daily habits.

Comparison of early postoperative visual quality between SMILE and SPT-TransPRK / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the differences and changes in early postoperative visual quality after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and smart pulse technology-assisted transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (SPT-TransPRK).Methods:A cohort study was performed.A total of 92 patients (92 eyes) who underwent corneal laser refractive surgery were enrolled in Dalian Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University from February 2021 to May 2021.The data from the right eye were collected for analysis.The patients were divided into SMILE group (40 patients, 40 eyes) and SPT-TransPRK group (52 patients, 52 eyes). Preoperative, 1- and 3-month postoperative visual acuity were measured to calculate the effectiveness, which was defined as the ratio of postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) to preoperative best corrected visual acuity.Refraction was measured by an AR-1 autorefractor.Corneal higher-order aberration (HOA) including total HOA, spherical aberration and coma was measured by Sirius corneal topographer.Objective scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function cut-off frequency (MTF cut-off), Strehl ratio (SR), simulated contrast visual acuity VA100 (day), VA20 (dusk) and VA9 (night) were measured via OQAS II visual quality analysis system.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Dalian Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University (No.2019-KT-010). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:There was no significant difference in 3-month postoperative UCVA and effectiveness between the two groups ( Z=0.880, P=0.380; t=0.920, P=0.058). Patients in SPT-TransPRK group showed mild hyperopia 3 months after surgery.Preoperative, 1- and 3-month postoperative total corneal HOA was (0.47±0.18), (0.70±0.22) and (0.74±0.19)μm in SMILE group, and (0.40±0.14), (0.98±0.35) and (0.94±0.22)μm in SPT-TransPRK group respectively, showing statistically significant differences ( Fgroup=13.851, P=0.001; Ftime=29.960, P<0.001). Preoperative, 1- and 3-month postoperative spherical aberration was (-0.20±0.09), (-0.44±0.14) and (-0.44±0.15)μm in SMILE group, and (-0.20±0.10), (-0.71±0.23) and (-0.75±0.20)μm in SPT-TransPRK group respectively, showing statistically significant differences ( Fgroup=31.037, P<0.001; Ftime=48.005, P<0.001). The postoperative total corneal HOA and spherical aberration were increased in both groups compared with before surgery, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). The 1- and 3-month postoperative total corneal HOA and spherical aberrations were smaller in SMILE group than in SPT-TransPRK group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The 1- and 3-month postoperative coma were increased in both groups compared with before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). In SMILE group, 1-month postoperative OSI was higher and 1-month postoperative MTF cut-off, SR, and VA9 were lower than those before surgery, and 3-month postoperative OSI was higher and 3-month postoperative SR and VA9 were lower than those before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). In SPT-TransPRK group, 1-month postoperative OSI was higher and 1-month postoperative MTF cut-off, SR, VA100, VA20, and VA9 were lower than those before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). There was no significant difference in OSI, MTF cut-off, SR, VA100, VA20, and VA9 between 3 months postoperatively and before surgery in the SPT-TransPRK group (all at P>0.05). There was no significant difference in coma, OSI, MTF cut-off, SR, VA100, VA20, and VA9 between two groups (all at P>0.05). Conclusions:Both SMILE and SPT-TransPRK are effective methods for correcting myopia and they have comparable visual quality.Compared with SPT-TransPRK, corneal total HOA and spherical aberration are smaller after SMILE.

Associations of habitual fish oil use with risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related outcomes in UK: national population based cohort study

ObjectivesTo prospectively investigate the associations of habitual fish oil use with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, hospital admission, or mortality with Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) in a large-scale cohort. DesignProspective population-based cohort study. SettingUK Biobank. ParticipantsA total of 110 440 participants aged 37 -73 years who completed a questionnaire on supplement use, which included fish oil at baseline were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and followed up until 2022. Main exposureAll participants filled out questionnaires about the habitual use of supplements, including fish oil. Main outcome measuresSARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospital admission and COVID-19 mortality. ResultsAt baseline, 29 424 (26.6%) of the 110 440 participants reported habitual use of fish oil supplements. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for habitual users of fish oil versus non-users were 0.95 (0.93 to 0.98) for SARS-CoV-2 infection among participants with follow-up time less than 12.1 years but no significant associations were observed for participants with follow-up time more than 12.1 years. For COVID-19-related outcomes, the hazard ratios were 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.88) for COVID-19 hospital admission and 0.72 (0.60 to 0.87) for COVID-19 mortality. For COVID-19-related outcomes, the association seemed to be stronger among those with longstanding illness. The Cox proportional hazard analysis after propensity-score matching yielded consistent results. ConclusionsHabitual fish oil supplement is associated with a lower risk of hospital admission and mortality with COVID-19, but not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population with more than 12.1 years of follow-up.

Associations of proton pump inhibitors with susceptibility to pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19: evidence from a large population based cohort study

ObjectiveConcerns have been raised about the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and current findings linking the regular use of PPIs to respiratory infections remain inconsistent. Our study aims to evaluate whether PPI use increases the risk of pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19. MethodThe presented study included 160,923 eligible participants from the UK Biobank (mean age 56.5 years, 53% women). Cox proportional hazards regression and propensity score-matching analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Effect modifications by stratifications, including indications and CYP2C19 phenotypes were tested. ResultsThe regular use of PPIs was associated with increased risks of developing pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.59) and influenza (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.55). However, the risk of COVID-19 infection among regular PPI users was not significantly increased (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.16). The burden was more notably observed in patients without indications of PPI use (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.33-1.73 for pneumonia; HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.64 for influenza). The risk for pneumonia was higher among the CYP2C19 rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22-1.73, P for interaction < 0.001). The propensity score-matching analyses yielded similar trends. ConclusionsThe regular use of PPIs is associated with increased susceptibility to pneumonia and influenza, but not COVID-19 infection. The risks are even higher among recipients without main indications. Our study highlights the appropriate use and de-prescribing of PPIs according to indications and CYP2C19 phenotypes for patients and clinical practitioners. What is already known on this topicO_LIProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been extensively used in clinical practice, while emerging studies suggest the adverse effects associated with their long-term use. C_LIO_LIThe linkage between PPIs and respiratory infections has been indicated, whereas controversy remains. C_LI What this study addsO_LIIn the large cohort involving 160,923 individuals, regular use of PPIs was associated with 42% and 31% increased risks of pneumonia and influenza, respectively, but not COVID-19 infection. C_LIO_LIThe burdens were more evident among PPI users without main indications, and CYP2C19 rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers. C_LI How this study might affect research, practice or policyO_LIConsidering the potential risk of respiratory infections, appropriate use following indications and metabolic phenotypes, as well as de-prescribing of PPIs are highlighted. C_LI

Effects of low dose hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density and estrogen level in the treatment of perimenopausal women with osteoporosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To study the effect of low dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density and estrogen level in perimenopausal women with osteoporosis (OP).Methods:A total of 105 perimenopausal OP patients diagnosed and treated in Guangrao County People′s Hospital from March 2019 to May 2020 were selected and divided into the conventional group (51 cases) and the hormone group (54 cases) according to the non-randomized clinical concurrent control study and the principle of patient voluntary. The former group was given conventional drug therapy, while the latter group was given low-dose HRT. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolic markers, endometrial thickness, and hormone levels were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment, and the safety was assessed.Results:After the treatment, bone mineral density values of lumbar L 2 - L 4 and greater trochanter in the hormone group were higher than those in the conventional group: (1.23 ± 0.25) g/cm 2 vs. (1.12 ± 0.27) g/cm 2, (0.62 ± 0.16) g/cm 2 vs. (0.55 ± 0.17) g/cm 2, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). After treatment, the level of bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) in the hormone group was higher than that in the conventional group: (6.71 ± 1.20) μg/L vs.(5.82 ± 1.04) μg/L; the levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b), osteocalcin (BGP) in the hormone group were lower than those in the conventional group: (501.42 ± 36.66) pg/L vs. (536.63 ± 38.58) pg/L, (75.86 ± 6.39) U/L vs. (79.32 ± 7.13) U/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the hormone group were lower than those in the conventional group: (11.23 ± 2.21) U/L vs. (13.31 ± 1.98) U/L, (13.64 ± 3.68) U/L vs. (16.47 ± 4.04) U/L; the level of estradiol (E 2) in the hormone group was higher than that in the conventional group: (98.46 ± 18.34) nmol/L vs. (91.38 ± 17.59) nmol/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in endometrial thickness between the two groups before and after the treatment ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse reaction and adverse event ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The application of low-dose HRT in the treatment of perimenopausal OP patients can effectively increase the body mineral density value, improve the level of sex hormone and bone metabolism markers, and do not increase the endometrial thickness, with a higher safety.

Knockout of farnesoid X receptor gene aggravates cisplatin-induced kidney injury / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand activated transcription factors and belongs to bile acid receptor. Studies have shown that the expression of FXR in renal tissue can reduce renal injury via regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibition of inflammatory response, reduction of oxidative stress and renal fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether FXR is involved in autophagy in renal diseases. This study aims to investigate the role of FXR in cisplatin-induced acute renal injury and whether its mechanism is related to autophagy regulation.@*METHODS@#Twelve male WT or FXR-KO mice at 12 weeks were randomly divided into a WT group, a WT+cisplatin group, a FXR-KO group, and a FXR-KO+cisplatin group, with 6 mice in each group. The WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin (20 mg/kg), and the WT group and the FXR-KO group were intraperitoneally injected with equal volume of cisplatin solvent. Seventy-two hours later, the mice were killed and blood and renal tissue samples were collected. The levels of SCr and BUN were detected by immunoturbidimetry. After the staining, the pathological changes of renal tissue were observed under optical microscope. The protein levels of LC3 and p62 were detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The clearance of damaged mitochondria and the accumulation of lysosomal substrate were observed under electron microscope. The apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells was detected by TUNEL.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the WT group or the FXR-KO group, both SCr and BUN levels in the WT+cisplatin group or the FXR-KO+cisplatin group were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.001), and SCr and BUN levels in the FXR-KO+cisplatin group were significantly higher than those in the WT+cisplatin group (both P<0.05). Under the light microscope, there were no obvious pathological changes in the renal tissue of mice in the WT group and the FXR-KO group. Both the WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group had vacuolar or granular degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, flat cells, lumen expansion, brush edge falling off, and even exposed basement membrane and tubular formation. The scores of renal tubular injury in the WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group were significantly higher than those in the WT group and the FXR-KO group, respectively (both P<0.001), and the score in the FXR-KO+cisplatin group was significantly higher than that in the WT+cisplatin group (P<0.05). Under the transmission electron microscope, the mitochondria of mouse tubular epithelial cell in the WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group was swollen, round, vacuolated, cristae broken or disappeared; the lysosome was uneven and high-density clumps, and the change was more obvious in the FXR-KO+cisplatin group. Western blotting showed that the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I was decreased and the expression of p62 was increased in the WT+cisplatin group compared with the WT group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group compared with FXR-KO group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); compared with the FXR-KO group, the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I was decreased and the expression of p62 was increased significantly in the FXR-KO+cisplatin group (both P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of total LC3 and p62 in renal cortex of the WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group was increased significantly, especially in the FXR-KO+cisplatin group. TUNEL results showed that the mice in the WT group and the FXR-KO group had negative staining or only a few apoptotic tubular epithelial cells, and the number of apoptotic cells in the WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group were increased. The apoptosis rates of renal tubular epithelial cells in the WT+cisplatin group and the FXR-KO+cisplatin group were significantly higher than those in the WT group and the FXR-KO group, respectively (both P<0.001), and the apoptosis rate in the FXR-KO+cisplatin group was significantly higher than that in the WT+cisplatin group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Knockout of FXR gene aggravates cisplatin induced acute renal injury, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis.

Microbial contamination characteristics of centralized air conditioning systems in star-rated hotels based on metagenomic sequencing / 环境与职业医学

Background The use of heating and ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) in public places is conducive to improving indoor air quality and increasing the users comfort level. However, HVAC may also become potential carriers of indoor airborne microbial contamination. Objective To understand the characteristics of microbial pollution and distribution of related pathogenic microorganisms in HVAC of star-rated hotels, and to provide a basis for effective control of such pollution. Methods According to the requirements of the Hygienic specification of central air conditioning ventilation system in public buildings (WS 394-2012), two sets of HVAC in two star-rated hotels (A and B, inaugurated in 2002 and 1998, respectively) in the central area of Shanghai were randomly selected on September 9, 2020 for the hygienic evaluation of microorganisms in the air supply and respirable particulate matter (PM10) in the air supply, dust accumulation and microorganisms on the inner surface of the ducts, as well as Legionella pneumophila in cooling water and condensate water. At the same time, 3 samples from the inner surface of ducts, 1 sample from the surface of the filter, 1 sample from the condensate, and 1 sample from the cooling water were collected from each set of HVAC, a total of 12 sample from 2 sets of HVAC, for Illumina HiSeq metagenomic sequencing，and the samples are divided into 3 groups according to their types: duct group, filter group, and water sample group. The α-diversity indices (Shannon index, Simpson index, Chao1 index, ACE index, and goods_coverage index) were calculated to reflect the microbial community composition; and the β-diversity of the three groups were studied by principal component analysis to determine the similarity of the microbial communities. Results The maximum total number of bacteria and fungi in the air supply of the HVAC were 1158 CFU·m−3 and 344 CFU·m−3 for Hotel A respectively; and 2000 CFU·m−3 and 532 CFU·m−3 for Botel B respectively. β-hemolytic streptococci were negative in all samples; the respirable particulate matter, microorganisms and dust accumulation on the inner surface of air ducts, Legionella pneumophila IN cooling water and condensate samples all met the standards. The results of Illumina HiSeq sequencing showed that a total of 17322 microorganisms were reported in the 12 samples, with bacterial microbiota accounting for 97.31% of the classified genes and the remaining 2.69% were from fungi, viruses, and parasites. At the species level, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas, Alternaria, and Malassezia were the dominant microbial taxa measured in this survey. The results of α-diversity analysis showed that the values of Shannon index, Simpson index, and Chao1 index for the three groups of samples were duct > filter > water sample. The goods coverage indices of all sample groups s were close to 1. The principal component analysis showed that the contributions of two principal components were 19.27% and 14.25%, respectively, in which the samples of the filter and duct groups were better clustered into one category. Conclusion The overall hygiene conditions of the two hotels are good, except for the serious microbial contamination in the air supply of HVAC. Metagenomic sequencing reveals complex microbial communities of HVAC, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The species composition vary by sample groups, particularly the species compositions of the samples from filters and ducts are close and dominated by pathogenic microorganisms of human origin, suggesting that the potential biosafety hazards of HVAC should not be ignored.

Construction of an air quality health index for pediatric respiratory diseases in Shanghai / 环境与职业医学

Background Air quality health index (AQHI) has been widely used to quantify the health effects of multiple pollutants observed in population-based epidemiological studies, and can better reflect the widespread linear non-threshold between air pollution and health effects. Objective To explore an AQHI for pediatric respiratory diseases (AQHIr) in Shanghai and evaluate its feasibility. Methods The daily numbers of hospital outpatient visits for pediatric respiratory diseases from 2015 to 2019 were obtained from five general hospitals in Xuhui, Baoshan, Hongkou, Jinshan, and Chongming Districts of Shanghai. Monitoring data on air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3), air quality index (AQI), and meteorological variables (temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, and wind speed) were collected from five air quality monitoring sites nearest to selected hospitals. Time-series analysis using generalized additive model (GAM) was conducted to estimate the associations between respiratory-related pediatric outpatient visits and the concentrations of air pollutants. The sum of excess risk (ER) of hospital outpatient visits was used to construct AQHIr. To assess the predictive power of AQHIr, the associations of AQHIr and AQI with the number of pediatric respiratory outpatient visits in three hospitals in Xuhui, Hongkou, and Chongming districts were compared. Results Air pollutants had various effects on respiratory diseases outpatient visits. PM2.5, NO2, and O3 had most significant impacts on lag0 day and the associated ERs of hospital outpatient visits for each 10 μg·m−3 increase in pollutant concentration were 1.27% (95%CI: 0.88%-1.66%), 0.75% (95%CI: 0.40%-1.11%), and 0.36% (95%CI: 0.10%-0.62%), respectively. PM10 and SO2 had most significant impacts on lag3 day and the associated ERs of hospital outpatient visits for each 10 μg·m−3 increase in pollutant concentration were 0.81% (95%CI: 0.51%-1.12%) and 5.64% (95%CI: 3.37%-7.96%), respectively. There were significant effects of combinations of two pollutants among PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3 except for PM10+NO2, SO2+PM2.5, and SO2+NO2 (P<0.05). According to the results of single-pollutant and two-pollutant models, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and O3 were selected to construct AQHIr. The comparison showed that for every interquartile range increase in AQHIr, the ER for pediatric outpatient visits was higher than that for the value corresponding to AQI. Conclusion Air pollutants in Shanghai have an impact on the number of pediatric respiratory outpatient visits. The AQHIr based on and outpatient visits for pediatric respiratory diseases can be a sensitive index to predict the effects of air pollution on children's respiratory health.

The characteristics and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and psychological status in science and technologyists / 中华内科杂志

Objectives:To investigate the prevalence and related factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and psychological problems in Chinese science and technology workers.Methods:The investigation was organized and conducted by the Innovative and Development Institute of China Association of Senior Scientists and Technologists and Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and included science and technology workers from research institutions and medical institutions in China by random sampling methods through face-to-face and online questionnaire investigation from July 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021. Information including age, sex, work stress status, CVD history, sleep, depression, and anxiety were included in the questionnaire.Results:This survey included 14 552 subjects. Among them, 25.5% were suffered from CVD, 48.6% were with insomnia, 28.8% experienced depression/anxiety (including only depression, only anxiety, depression combined with anxiety), and 15.6% had CVD in combined with depression/anxiety. Taking those without CVD and depression/anxiety as reference group, multiple logistic regression analyses showed that work stress increased the risk of depression/anxiety in subjects without CVD (manageable work stress, OR=2.253, 95 %CI 1.583-3.206, overwhelming work stress OR=7.899, 95 %CI 5.094-12.250), and drinking increased the risk of CVD ( OR=1.978, 95 %CI 1.382-2.833). Moreover, overwhelming work stress ( OR=4.012, 95 %CI 2.515-6.399) and smoking ( OR=2.342, 95 %CI 1.603-3.421) increased the risk of depression/anxiety in subjects with CVD (all P<0.001). Conclusion:The high morbidities of depression/anxiety, CVD, and CVD in combination with depression/anxiety urge us to take actions to protect the heart and mental health of scientific and technological workers.

Ocular surface flora in obese patients before and after dietary intervention / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of ocular surface microbiota in obese patients before and after dietary intervention.Methods:From November 1, 2020 to May 1, 2021, 35 obese patients in the obesity management center of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected for a 4-week low-calorie dietary intervention of 1 600-1 800 kcal/day. The body weight, body mass index(BMI), body composition(body fat, body fat percentage, visceral fat grade, total body water, and skeletal muscle) were observed before and after dietary intervention. The characteristics of ocular surface flora in obese patients before and after intervention were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.Results:The body weight, BMI, body fat, percentage of body fat, visceral fat grade and total body water decreased significantly after 4 weeks( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in skeletal muscle( P>0.05). There was no significant difference of ocular surface flora α and β in diversity( P>0.05). Opportunistic pathogens Pseudomonas and Cutibacterium decreased significantly, while Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Oscillospiraceae UCG 002, and Blautia, which producing short chain fatty acids, increased significantly( P<0.05). Functional prediction analysis showed that the metabolic pathways such as degradation related pathways and insulin signaling pathways of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) were significantly enriched. Conclusion:After dietary intervention, opportunistic pathogenic bacteria decreased and short chain fatty acid producing bacteria increased in obese patients. The altered ocular surface flora may be related to the degradation of VOCs and the improvement of insulin sensitivity.

Correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism and protein expression of FcγRⅡb in Hashimoto′s thyroiditis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate whether FcγRⅡb rs775 single nucleotide polymorphism confers susceptibility to Hashimoto′s thyroiditis and its impact on expression of FcγRⅡb protein on B cell surface.Methods:A total of 187 Hashimoto′s thyroiditis patients(HT group) were enrolled, including 46 males(24.60%) and 141 females(75.40%), with a median age of 43(32, 53) years, and 187 healthy controls(conrol group), including 62 males(33.16%) and 125 females(66.84%), with a median age of 41(31, 51) years. The peripheral blood of two groups were sequenced, genotype and allele frequencies distribution of FcγRⅡb rs775 T>C were compared with clinical parameters as strata between the two groups. At the same time, the expression of inhibitory receptor FcγRⅡb on B cell surface was detected using flow cytometry.Results:Compared with control group, the mutant homozygous CC genotype was obviously enrichment in HT group( OR=3.321, 95% CI 1.175-9.386, P=0.018), and the proportion of CC genotype increased in male of HT group( P=0.076). However, there is no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between control group and HT group after stratification by sex. In addition, the percentage of FcγRⅡb on B cell surface decreased significantly in HT group( P=0.029). Conclusion:There was no significant correlation between FcγRⅡb polymorphism and the down-regulation of FcγRⅡb protein on B cell surface in Hashimoto′s thyroiditis patients, and FcγRⅡb can be a predisposed factor for Hashimoto′s thyroiditis.

Neuroprotective Effect of Astersaponin I against Parkinson’s Disease through Autophagy Induction

An active compound, triterpene saponin, astersaponin I (AKNS-2) was isolated from Aster koraiensis Nakai (AKNS) and the autophagy activation and neuroprotective effect was investigated on in vitro and in vivo Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. The autophagy-regulating effect of AKNS-2 was monitored by analyzing the expression of autophagy-related protein markers in SHSY5Y cells using Western blot and fluorescent protein quenching assays. The neuroprotection of AKNS-2 was tested by using a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridium ion (MPP+ )-induced in vitro PD model in SH-SY5Y cells and an MPTP-induced in vivo PD model in mice. The compound-treated SH-SY5Y cells not only showed enhanced microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and decreased sequestosome 1 (p62) expression but also showed increased phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinases (p-Erk), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and phosphorylated unc-51-like kinase (p-ULK) and decreased phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) expression. AKNS-2-activated autophagy could be inhibited by the Erk inhibitor U0126 and by AMPK siRNA. In the MPP+ -induced in vitro PD model, AKNS-2 reversed the reduced cell viability and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels and reduced the induced α-synuclein level. In an MPTP-induced in vivo PD model, AKNS-2 improved mice behavioral performance, and it restored dopamine synthesis and TH and α-synuclein expression in mouse brain tissues. Consistently, AKNS-2 also modulated the expressions of autophagy related markers in mouse brain tissue. Thus, AKNS-2 upregulates autophagy by activating the Erk/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR pathways. AKNS-2 exerts its neuroprotective effect through autophagy activation and may serve as a potential candidate for PD therapy.

Bruceine D inhibits HIF-1α-mediated glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma by blocking ICAT/β-catenin interaction

@#Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, characterized by highly hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a major regulator involved in cellular response to changes of oxygen levels, supporting the adaptation of tumor cells to hypoxia. Bruceine D (BD) is an isolated natural quassinoid with multiple anti-cancer effects. Here, we identified BD could significantly inhibit the HIF-1α expression and its subsequently mediated HCC cell metabolism. Using biophysical proteomics approaches, we identified inhibitor of β-catenin and T-cell factor (ICAT) as the functional target of BD. By targeting ICAT, BD disrupted the interaction of β-catenin and ICAT, and promoted β-catenin degradation, which in turn induced the decrease of HIF-1α expression. Furthermore, BD could inhibit HCC cells proliferation and tumor growth in vivo, and knockdown of ICAT substantially increased resistance to BD treatment in vitro. Our data highlight the potential of BD as a modulator of β-catenin/HIF-1α axis mediated HCC metabolism.

Panx1 Promotes Cisplatin-induced Apoptosis of A549 Cells by Regulating ATP/IP3 Pathway / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To observe the regulation of Panx1 on ATP/IP3 signaling pathway and its mechanism during cisplatin-induced apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Methods Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 was used as the research object and carbenoxolone (CBX) was used as a drug interference tool. A549 cells were divided into normal control group, the CBX group, the cisplatin (DDP) group and the CBX+DDP group. MTT assay and Annexin V/PI assay were used to detect the survival and apoptosis rates of A549 cells. The relative concentrations of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and intracellular inositol triphosphate (IP3) were measured by Chemiluminescence and ELISA. Results Compared with DDP group, the cell survival rate of CBX+DDP group increased, while the early and late apoptotic rates and the release concentration of extracellular ATP and intracellular IP3 decreased (all P < 0.01). Conclusion Panx1 can increase the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin by regulating the ATP/IP3 signaling pathway.

Identification of Key Genes in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Establishment of Prognostic Mode.

BACKGROUND: The development of human tumors is associated with the abnormal expression of various functional genes, and a massive tumor-based database needs to be deeply mined. Based on a multigene prediction model, access to urgent prognosis of patients has become possible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected three RNA expression profiles (GSE32863, GSE10072, and GSE43458) from the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) database of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal tissue using GEO2R program. After that, we analyzed the transcriptome data of 479 LUAD samples (54 normal tissue samples and 425 cancer tissue samples) and their clinical follow-up data from the (TCGA) database. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used to assess the prediction model. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to identify independent predictors. TCGA pancreatic adenocarcinoma datasets were used to establish a nomogram model. RESULTS: We found 98 significantly prognosis-related genes using KM and COX analysis, among which six genes were found to be the DEGs in GEO. Using multivariate analysis, it was found that a single gene could not be used as an independent predictor of prognosis. However, the risk score calculated by weighting these six genes could serve as an independent prognosis predictor. COX analysis performed with multiple covariates such as age, gender, tumor stage, and TNM typing showed that risk score could still be utilized as an independent risk factor for patient survival rate (p = 0.013) and had an applicable reliability (area under the curve, AUC = 0.665). By combining risk score and various clinical features, the nomogram model was constructed, which had been proven to have high consistency for the prediction of 3- and 5-year survival rate (concordance = 0.751) and high accuracy as tested by ROC (AUC = 0.71;AUC = 0.708). CONCLUSION: We proposed a method to predict the prognosis of LUAD by weighting multiple genes and constructed a nomogram model suitable for the prognostic evaluation of LUAD, which could provide a new tool for the identification of therapeutic targets and the efficacy evaluation of LUAD.

Clinical significance of IgM and IgG test for diagnosis of highly suspected COVID-19 infection

Quick, simple and accurate diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 is very important for the screening and therapy of patients. Although several methods were performed in clinical practice, however, the IgM and IgG diagnostic value evaluation was little performed. 57 suspected COVID-19 infection patients were enrolled in our study. 24 patients with positive and 33 patients with negative nucleic acid test. The positive rate of COVID-19 nucleic acid was 42.10%. The positive detection rate of combination of IgM and IgG for patients with COVID-19 negative and positive nucleic acid test was 72.73% and 87.50%. The results were significantly higher than the nucleic acid or IgM, IgG single detection. hsCRP in the COVID-19 nucleic acid negative group showed significantly higher than the positive groups (P=0.0298). AST in the COVID-19 IgM negative group showed significantly lower than the positive groups (P=0.0365). We provided a quick, simple, accurate aided detection method for the suspected patients and on-site screening in close contact with the population.

Whole body FDG-PET/CT for the assessment of bone marrow infiltration in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma / FDG-PET/TC de cuerpo entero para evaluar la infiltración de la médula ósea en pacientes con linfoma de nuevo diagnóstico

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and bone marrow biopsy are currently the common clinical examination of lymphoma infiltration. The aim of this research is to evaluate the value of PET-CT in diagnosis of bone marrow infiltration, clinical staging and pathological typing of lymphoma. METHODS: 153 cases were analyzed retrospectively to compare the consistency of PET-CT and bone marrow biopsy. We analyzed the sensitivity, accuracy and specificity of PET-CT in different clinical pathology of lymphoma. RESULTS: The PET-CT sensitivity in detecting bone marrow infiltration is 54.3% with a specificity of 80.5% and accuracy of 74.5%. In aggressive B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, HG-BL) and MZL, PET-CT results of bone marrow infiltration showed high accuracy of 88.1% and 83.3% respectively. The median value of SUVmax in the patients detected to have bone marrow infiltration by BMB was significantly higher than patients with BMB negative results among subgroups of aggressive B-cell lymphoma, MZL and T-NHL (p<.05). CONCLUSION: PET-CT is significant in detecting bone marrow infiltration in certain pathological types of lymphoma. However pathological inconsistencies still exist between bone marrow biopsy and PET-CT, thus PET-CT cannot completely replace biopsy

ANTECEDENTES: La tomografía computarizada por emisión de positrones (PET/TC) y la biopsia de médula ósea (BMB) son actualmente los exámenes clínicos comunes para valorar la infiltración linfomatosa. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el valor de la PET/TC en el diagnóstico de la infiltración de la médula ósea, la estadificación clínica y la tipificación patológica del linfoma. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron retrospectivamente 153 casos para comparar la consistencia de la PET/TC y la BMB. Analizamos la sensibilidad, la fiabilidad y la especificidad de la PET/TC en las diferentes enfermedades clínicas del linfoma. RESULTADOS: La sensibilidad de la PET/TC para detectar infiltración de la médula ósea es del 54,3%, con una especificidad del 80,5% y una precisión del 74,5%. En los casos de linfoma agresivo de células B (DLBCL, HG-BL) y MZL, los resultados de la PET/TC para la infiltración de la médula ósea reflejaron una alta precisión del 88,1 y 83,3%, respectivamente. El valor medio SUVmáx en los pacientes en los que se detectó infiltración de la médula ósea mediante BMB fue significativamente superior al de los pacientes con resultados negativos de BMB entre los subgrupos de linfoma agresivo de células B, MZL y T-NHL (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: La PET/TC es significativa a la hora de detectar infiltración de la médula ósea en ciertos tipos patológicos de linfoma. Sin embargo, siguen existiendo inconsistencias patológicas entre la biopsia de médula ósea y la PET/TC, aunque esta técnica no puede sustituir por completo a la biopsia

Whole body FDG-PET/CT for the assessment of bone marrow infiltration in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and bone marrow biopsy are currently the common clinical examination of lymphoma infiltration. The aim of this research is to evaluate the value of PET-CT in diagnosis of bone marrow infiltration, clinical staging and pathological typing of lymphoma. METHODS: 153 cases were analyzed retrospectively to compare the consistency of PET-CT and bone marrow biopsy. We analyzed the sensitivity, accuracy and specificity of PET-CT in different clinical pathology of lymphoma. RESULTS: The PET-CT sensitivity in detecting bone marrow infiltration is 54.3% with a specificity of 80.5% and accuracy of 74.5%. In aggressive B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, HG-BL) and MZL, PET-CT results of bone marrow infiltration showed high accuracy of 88.1% and 83.3% respectively. The median value of SUVmax in the patients detected to have bone marrow infiltration by BMB was significantly higher than patients with BMB negative results among subgroups of aggressive B-cell lymphoma, MZL and T-NHL (p<.05). CONCLUSION: PET-CT is significant in detecting bone marrow infiltration in certain pathological types of lymphoma. However pathological inconsistencies still exist between bone marrow biopsy and PET-CT, thus PET-CT cannot completely replace biopsy.

Nursing experience of a case of transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement for prior bioprosthetic valve failure / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To summarize nursing experience of transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement performed on a patient with bioprosthetic valve failure.@*Methods@#To review nursing keypoints of a case of transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative care, monitor, valve preparation, and prejudgments of complications.@*Results@#The result of the surgical procedure was satisfactory by means of multidisciplinary teamwork. The patient was discharged 7 days after surgery without occurrence of perioperative complications.@*Conclusions@#A satisfactory result of transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve replacement procedure could be yielded by adequate preoperative preparation, mature notion for hybrid technique, strict monitor, and prevention for complications.

Melatonin protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting contracture in isolated rat hearts / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effect of melatonin against myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury in isolated rat hearts and explore the underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#The isolated hearts from 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (=10): the control group, where the hearts were perfused with KH solution for 175 min; IR group, where the hearts were subjected to global ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 120 min; IR+melatonin (Mel+IR) group, where melatonin (5 μmol/L) was administered to the hearts 1 min before ischemia and during the first 5 min of reperfusion, followed by 115 min of reperfusion; and IR+2, 3-butanedione monoxime (IR+BDM) group, where the hearts were treated with BDM (20 mmol/L) in the same manner as melatonin treatment. Myocardial injury in the isolated hearts was assessed based on myocardial injury area, caspase-3 activity, and expressions of cytochrome C and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Cardiac contracture was assessed using HE staining and by detecting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and the content of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the coronary outflow, measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and electron microscopy. The content of ATP in the cardiac tissue was also determined.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those in the control group, the isolated hearts in IR group showed significantly larger myocardial injury area and higher caspase-3 activity and the protein expressions of cytochrome C and cleaved caspase-3 with significantly increased LDH activity and cTnI content in the coronary outflow and elevated LVEDP at the end of reperfusion; HE staining showed obvious fractures of the myocardial fibers and the content of ATP was significantly decreased in the cardiac tissue; electron microscopy revealed the development of contraction bands. In the isolated hearts with IR, treatment with Mel or BDM significantly reduced the myocardial injury area, caspase-3 activity, and protein expressions of cytochrome C and cleaved caspase-3, obviously inhibited LDH activity, lowered the content of cTnI and LVEDP, reduced myocardial fiber fracture, and increased ATP content in the cardiac tissue. Both Mel and BDM inhibited the formation of contraction bands in the isolated hearts with IR injury.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Mel can alleviate myocardial IR injury in isolated rat hearts by inhibiting cardiac contracture, the mechanism of which may involve the upregulation of ATP in the cardiac myocytes to lessen the tear of membrane and reduce cell content leakage.