TRPV4 affects visual signals in photoreceptors and rod bipolar cells.

Introduction: Mechanical sensitive channels expressed in mammalian retinas are effectors of elevated pressure stresses, but it is unclear how their activation affects visual function in pressure-related retinal disorders. Methods: This study investigated the role of the transient potential channel vanilloid TRPV4 in photoreceptors and rod bipolar cells (RBCs) with immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, electroretinography (ERG), and patch-clamp techniques. Results: TRPV4 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the outer segments of photoreceptors, dendrites and somas of PKCα-positive RBCs and other BCs, plexiform layers, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in wild-type mice. TRPV4-IR was largely diminished in the retinas of homozygous TRPV4 transgenic mice. Genetically suppressing TRPV4 expression moderately but significantly enhanced the amplitude of ERG a- and b-waves evoked by scotopic and mesopic lights (0.55 to 200 Rh*rod-1 s-1) and photopic lights (105-106 Rh*rod-1 s-1) compared to wild-type mice in fully dark-adapted conditions. The implicit time evoked by dim lights (0.55 to 200 Rh*rod-1 s-1) was significantly decreased for b-waves and elongated for a-waves in the transgenic mice. ERG b-wave evoked by dim lights is primarily mediated by RBCs, and under voltage-clamp conditions, the latency of the light-evoked cation current in RBCs of the transgenic mice was significantly shorter compared to wild-type mice. About 10% of the transgenic mice had one eye undeveloped, and the percentage was significantly higher than in wild-type mice. Conclusions: The data indicates that TRPV4 involves ocular development and is expressed and active in outer retinal neurons, and interventions of TRPV4 can variably affect visual signals in rods, cones, RBCs, and cone ON BCs.

A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors for 152 cases of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection / 中华预防医学杂志

To understand the clinical characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection and the main risk factors affecting clinical prognosis, providing a reference for clinical prevention and control of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection. In this study, the clinical data of 152 patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection admitted to Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed by reviewing the electronic medical record system, including underlying diseases, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and bacterial resistance. Statistical methods such as Chi-Squared Test and t Test were used to analyze the related risk factors that may affect the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection, then the variables with P<0.05 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the independent risk factors of poor prognosis. The results showed among 152 patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection, 50 patients (32.89%) were infected with MRSA. In comparison, 102 patients (67.11%) were infected with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Except for rifampicin, the resistance rate of MRSA to commonly used antibiotics was all higher than that of MSSA, and the difference was statistically significant (Chi-square values were 8.272, 11.972, 4.998, 4.776, respectively;all P-values are less than 0.05). Strains resistant to vancomycin, linezolid, and quinupristin/dalfopristin were not found. In the MRSA group, indwelling catheter and drainage tube, carbapenems, and β-lactamase inhibitor treatment were significantly higher than the MSSA group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of poor prognosis of bloodstream infection in the MRSA group was higher than that in the MSSA group (34.00% vs 13.73%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=8.495, P<0.05). No independent risk factors associated with poor prognosis were found in the included patients with MRSA bloodstream infection.Multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed that solid malignant tumors (OR=13.576, 95%CI: 3.352-54.977, P<0.05), mechanical ventilation (OR=7.468, 95%CI: 1.398-39.884, P<0.05) were the most important independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection. In summary, the poor prognosis rate of MRSA bloodstream infection is higher than that of MSSA. The clinical evaluation of related risk factors should be strengthened, targeted prevention and control interventions should be taken to improve the prognosis of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection, and the use of antibiotics should be rational and standardized, to control bacterial infection and drug resistance effectively .

L-carnitine treatment attenuates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Accumulating evidence indicates that L-carnitine (LC) protects against multiorgan damage through its antioxidant properties and preservation of the mitochondria. Little information is available about the effects of LC on renal fibrosis. This study examined whether LC treatment would provide renoprotection in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent UUO were treated daily with LC for 7 or 14 days. The influence of LC on renal injury caused by UUO was evaluated by histopathology, and analysis of gene expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, programmed cell death, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT/forkhead box protein O 1a (FoxO1a) signaling. In addition, H2O2-exposed human kidney cells (HK-2) were treated with LC. RESULTS: LC treatment inhibited expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and was followed by a significant attenuation of tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The increased oxidative stress caused by UUO was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/FoxO1a-dependent signaling, and this was abrogated by administration of LC. In H2O2-exposed HK-2 cells, LC decreased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and suppressed expression of profibrotic cytokines and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSION: LC protects against the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in an obstructed kidney.

Semi-quantitative risk assessment of the contamination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters from Jinshan District, Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus(VP)in oysters in Jinshan District, Shanghai and make assessment on the risks that may cause, providing the basis for prevention and control of foodborne disease. Methods Raw oyster samples with shells were randomly collected from markets, supermarkets and restaurants in Jinshan District from July to October in 2017. The content of VP in oysters was tested in accordance with the national standard methods. The semi-quantitative risk assessment for VP in oysters was made by Risk Ranger combining with the monitoring results of diet and health status of residents in Jinshan District of Shanghai in 2012-2013. Results The overall positive rate of VP in the 40 oyster samples was 80.0%(32/40). The positive rate of VP in oyster samples from farmer's markets was the highest, 85.7%(12/14), followed by those from restaurants and supermarkets. The relative risk for VP in raw oysters was 63. The probability of illness caused by VP in oysters per day per consumer of interest was 6.85×10-4, and the total predicted patients annual incidence rate in this population was 1 247.8/105. Conclusion The contamination of VP in seafood oysters in Jinshan District is serious. Eating raw oysters is at high risk; consumers are advised to reduce or avoid eating raw oysters, and processing food before eating is an effective method to decrease VP infection. Strengthening surveillance and management is imperative in this regard.

L-carnitine treatment attenuates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction

Background/Aims@#Accumulating evidence indicates that L-carnitine (LC) protects against multiorgan damage through its antioxidant properties and preservation of the mitochondria. Little information is available about the effects of LC on renal fibrosis. This study examined whether LC treatment would provide renoprotection in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro. @*Methods@#Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent UUO were treated daily with LC for 7 or 14 days. The influence of LC on renal injury caused by UUO was evaluated by histopathology, and analysis of gene expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, programmed cell death, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT/forkhead box protein O 1a (FoxO1a) signaling. In addition, H2O2-exposed human kidney cells (HK-2) were treated with LC. @*Results@#LC treatment inhibited expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and was followed by a significant attenuation of tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The increased oxidative stress caused by UUO was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/FoxO1a-dependent signaling, and this was abrogated by administration of LC. In H2O2-exposed HK-2 cells, LC decreased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and suppressed expression of profibrotic cytokines and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. @*Conclusions@#LC protects against the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in an obstructed kidney.

Characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from diarrhea patients in Jinshan District，Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective:To determine the distribution and epidemic characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Jinshan District of Shanghai from 2016 through 2018. Methods:Serotype analysis，examination of virulence genes， including thermolabilehemolysin（TLH），thermostable direct hemolysin（TDH），and TDH related hemolysin（TRH），and antimicrobial susceptibility test and pulsed field gel electrophoresis （PFGE） molecular typing were performed on 218 Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from diarrhea patients. Results:A total of 218 strains were divided into 8 groups and 21 serotypes. Of them， 147 strains were serotyped，with O3：K6 as the most common serotype （57.3%）. All tested strains were divided into 25 clusters based on the similarity of 85% and above，in which the dominant cluster was JSVP02，and the total similarity was 56.3%-100.0%. Two hundred and one strains （92.2%） carried tdh gene，13 strains （6.0%） carried trh gene，and 7 strains were negative for both tdh and trh. A total of 35 strains were completely sensitive to 17 kinds of antibiotics，while the remaining 183 strains showed different drug resistance. Conclusion:Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from diarrhea patients in Jinshan District from 2016 through 2018 is diverse. Majority of the strains have TDH gene and are resistant to the first generation cephalosporins such as cefazolin and penicillin ampicillin. Construction of regional PFGE molecular typing database will facilitate screening，identification and early warning of high-risk strains.

Exogenous pancreatic kininogenase protects against renal fibrosis in rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Tissue kallikrein has protective function against various types of injury. In this study, we investigated whether exogenous pancreatic kininogenase (PK) conferred renoprotection in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and H2O2-treated HK-2 cells in vitro. SD rats were subjected to UUO surgery, then PK (7.2 U/g per day, ip) was administered for 7 or 14 days. After the treatment, rats were euthanized; the obstructed kidneys were harvested for further examination. We found that PK administration significantly attenuated interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and downregulated the expression of proinflammatory (MCP-1, TLR-2, and OPN) and profibrotic (TGF-ß1 and CTGF) cytokines in obstructed kidney. UUO-induced oxidative stress, closely associated with excessive apoptotic cell death and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/FoxO1a signaling, which were abolished by PK administration. We further showed that PK administration increased the expression of bradykinin receptors 1 and 2 (B1R and B2R) mRNA and the production of NO and cAMP in kidney tissues. Coadministration with either B1R antagonist (des-Arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin) or B2R antagonist (icatibant) abrogated the renoprotective effects of PK, and reduced the levels of NO and cAMP in obstructed kidney. In H2O2-treated HK-2 cells, addition of PK (6 pg/mL) significantly decreased ROS production, regulated the expression of oxidant and antioxidant enzymes, suppressed the expression of TGF-ß1 and MCP-1, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Our data demonstrate that PK treatment protects against the progression of renal fibrosis in obstructed kidneys.

Intracellular Dye Microinjection in Retinal Morphological and Communication Studies.

The retina provides an excellent system to analyze neural architecture and communication mechanisms. In retinal physiological, morphological, and developmental studies, intracellular dye microinjection is an extensively applied technique. Dyes and/or chemical compounds are introduced into retinal neurons via iontophoresis injection to identify cell types, communication, and developmental changes. Here, we describe the detailed methods for ejecting the dyes Lucifer yellow and Neurobiotin into retinal neurons through micropipette and concentrate on avoiding the known pitfalls and troubleshooting.

Risk assessment of cadmium contamination and dietary exposure in market aquatic products in one district of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the status of cadmium contamination in commercially sold aquatic products and to analyze the risk of dietary intake of cadmium among residents in one district of Shanghai. Methods Multistage sampling was used to collect 397 animal aquatic products from agricultural markets and supermarkets in 11 communities (townships), the District from 2018 to 2019.Cadmium content was tested according to national standard.The status of cadmium contamination was assessed by single factor pollution index(Pi)method.Risk of dietary intake of cadmium among residents was assessed by point evaluation method in combination with food consumption and dietary survey in 2013 and calculation of safe limits for cadmium in various aquatic diets(MOS). Results The detection rate of cadmium was 75.06% in the 397 animal aquatic products and the content of cadmium in 10 samples which crabs were totally exceeded the standard, accounting for 2.52%.The average contents of cadmium in crabs, bivalves which were higher than in shrimps(11.0 μg/kg), gastropods(7.6 μg/kg) and marine fish(3.8 μg/kg) were respectively 140.0 μg/kg and 90.0 μg/kg(χ2=186.41, P < 0.005), but no cadmium was detected in freshwater fish.The single factor pollution index(Pi) of crabs was 0.280 which meant light pollution and the Pi of other kinds of aquatic products was respectively under 0.100 that meant no cadmium contamination.The consumption of animal aquatic products was the highest in freshwater fish followed by shrimps, marine fish and crabs.The MOS of every kind of aquatic products is higher than 1 which meant cadmium intake from commercially sold animal products was an acceptable health risk for the population. Conclusion The risk level of cadmium intake by residents in the district through commercially sold animal aquatic products is relatively low, but the cadmium pollution status of commercially sold crustacean crabs should be vigilant, and the intake of crabs is advised to be reduced as far as possible.Relevant departments should also pay attention and strengthen monitoring and management in this regard.

Surface mineralized biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics loaded with urine-derived stem cells are effective in bone regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Segmental bone defects caused by trauma, tumors, or infection are a serious challenge for orthopedists in the world. Recent developments in tissue engineering have provided a new treatment for segmental bone defects. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) can be obtained noninvasively and might be a new kind of seed cells used in bone tissue regeneration. Therefore, the first aim of the present study was to investigate the biological characteristics of USCs. The second aim of the present study was to study the osteogenic effect of surface mineralized biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (BCPs) loaded with USCs in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: We isolated USCs from the urine of healthy adult donors and evaluated the biological characteristics of USCs in vitro. We mineralized the surface of BCPs by simulated body fluid (SBF). Cell adhesion and proliferation of USCs on the surface mineralized BCPs were evaluated. Osteogenic proteins and genes of USCs on the surface mineralized BCPs were texted by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Critical-sized segmental bone defects model in New Zealand white rabbits were established and randomly divided into 4 groups (surface mineralized BCPs loaded with USCs, BCPs loaded with USCs, surface mineralized BCPs, and BCPs) based on the implant they received. The therapeutic efficacy of the scaffolds in a large bone defect at post-implantation was evaluated by imaging and histological examination. RESULTS: USCs isolated in our study expressed stem cell-specific phenotypes and had a stable proliferative capacity and multipotential differentiation capability. Surface mineralized BCPs promoted osteogenic proteins and genes expression of USCs without affecting the proliferation of USCs. After 10 weeks, the amount of new bone formation was the highest in the group of surface mineralized BCPs loaded with USCs. CONCLUSION: USCs, from non-invasive sources, have good application prospects in the field of bone tissue engineering. Surface mineralized BCPs can significantly enhance osteogenic potential of USCs without changing biological characteristics of BCPs. Surface mineralized BCPs loaded with USCs are effective in repairing of critical-sized segmental bone defects in rabbits.

[Clinical study of recombinant human erythropoietin combined with iron to correct perioperative anemia in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) combined with iron in treatment of anemia in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures during perioperative period. METHODS: A clinical data of 71 patients with intertrochanteric fractures met the inclusion criteria between April 2016 and October 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with closed reduction and proximal femoral intramedullary nail fixation. Thirty-one patients were treated with rHuEPO and iron before operation as trial group, and 40 patients were not treated with rHuEPO and iron as control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, fracture side and classification, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, combined medical diseases, time from fracture to admission, preoperative hospital stay, and operation time between the two groups ( P>0.05).The hemoglobin levels before operation and at 1, 3, and 7 days after operation, number of blood transfusion, blood transfusion rate, blood transfusion volume, postoperative hospital stay, complications were recorded and compared. RESULTS: After operation, 8 patients (25.8%) in trial group and 22 patients (55.0%) in control group received blood transfusion; the blood transfusion volume was (1.96±0.85) units in trial group and (3.19±1.61) units in control group. There were significant differences in blood transfusion rate and volume between the two groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative hemoglobin level between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative hemoglobin level was higher in trial group than in control group, and the difference between the two groups was significant at 7 days ( P<0.05). The postoperative hospital stay was (6.16±3.97) days in trial group and (9.25±4.47) days in control group, showing significant difference between the two groups ( P<0.05). There were 8 patients (25.8%) with pulmonary infection in trial group and 14 (35.0%) in control group after operation; 6 patients (19.4%) with deep venous thrombosis in trial group and 8 (20.0%) in control group. There was no significant difference in the incidences of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were discharged from hospital normally, and no one died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The application of rHuEPO combined with iron before operation in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures can rapidly increase the hemoglobin level after operation, shorten the hospital stay, and do not increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis after operation.

Essential Roles of Tbr1 in the Formation and Maintenance of the Orientation-Selective J-RGCs and a Group of OFF-Sustained RGCs in Mouse.

In the mouse retina, more than 30 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) subtypes have been classified based on a combined metric of morphological and functional characteristics. RGCs arise from a common pool of retinal progenitor cells during embryonic stages and differentiate into mature subtypes in adult retinas. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling formation and maturation of such remarkable cellular diversity remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that T-box transcription factor T-brain 1 (Tbr1) is expressed in two groups of morphologically and functionally distinct RGCs: the orientation-selective J-RGCs and a group of OFF-sustained RGCs with symmetrical dendritic arbors. When Tbr1 is genetically ablated during retinal development, these two RGC groups cannot develop. Ectopically expressing Tbr1 in M4 ipRGCs during development alters dendritic branching and density but not the inner plexiform layer stratification level. Our data indicate that Tbr1 plays critical roles in regulating the formation and dendritic morphogenesis of specific RGC types.

Shen-Kang protects against tacrolimus-induced renal injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Evidence suggests that Shen-Kang (SK), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, protects against various types of renal injury. In this study, we evaluated whether SK treatment confers renoprotection in a rat model of chronic tacrolimus (TAC) nephropathy. METHODS: Rats were treated daily with TAC (1.5mg/kg, subcutaneously) and SK (450 mg/kg, intravenously) for 4 weeks. The effects of SK on TAC-induced renal injury were assessed by measuring renal function, urine albumin excretion, histopathology, inflammatory cell infiltration, expression of profibrotic (transforming growth factor ß1 [TGF-ß1] and TGF-ß inducible gene-h3 [ßig-h3]) and proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death. RESULTS: Administration of SK preserved glomerular integrity (fractional mesangial area and Wilms tumor 1-positive glomeruli), attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and reduced the number of ectodermal dysplasia 1-positive cells, and this was paralleled by improved urine albumin excretion and renal dysfunction. At the molecular level, SK treatment suppressed expression of TGF-ß1/Smad2/3, ßig-h3, and proinflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death were significantly decreased with SK treatment, and apoptosis-related genes were regulated toward cell survival (active caspase-3 and the B-cell lymphoma-2/Bcl2-associated X [Bcl-2/Bax] ratio). CONCLUSION: SK protects against TAC-induced renal injury.

The effect of procyanidin on periprosthetic osteolysis caused by TCP wear particles in the mouse calvaria and its mechanism / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effects of procyanidin on periprosthetic osteolysis caused by tricalcium phosphate (TCP) wear particles in the mouse calvaria and its mechanism.@*METHODS@#Forty-eight male ICR mice were randomly divided into sham group, TCP group, and procyanidin (0.2 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg)-treated group (n=12). A periprosthetic osteolysis model in the mouse calvaria was established by implanting 30 mg of TCP wear particles onto the surface of bilateral parietal bones following removal of the periosteum. On the 2 day post-operation, procyanidin (1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg) was locally injected to the calvaria under the periosteum every other day. After 2 weeks, all the mice were sacrificed to collect the blood samples and the calvaria. Periprosthetic osteolysis and osteoclastogenesis in the mouse calvaria were observed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and HE staining. mRNA levels of TRAP, capthesin K, c-Fos and NFATc1 in the periprosthestic bone tissue were examined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Serum contents of total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC) and MDA, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined by chemical colorimetry. Protein expressions of autophagic biomarkers such as Beclin-1 and LC-3 in periprosthetic bone tissue of the calvaria were examined by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with sham group, periprosthetic osteolysis, osteoclastogenesis, mRNA levels of TRAP, capthesin K, c-Fos and NFATc1, and serum MDA content were increased significantly in the TCP group (P＜0.05), whereas serum T-AOC level and SOD activity were decreased. The protein expressions of Beclin-1 and LC-3, and the conversion of LC3-II from LC3-I were both up-regulated markedly in the mouse calvaria of TCP group (P＜0.05). Compared with TCP group, osteolysis, osteoclastogenesis, mRNA levels of TRAP, capthesin K, c-Fos and NFATc1 and serum MDA content were decreased obviously in the procyanidine group (P＜0.05), serum T-AOC level and SOD activity were increased, the expressions of Beclin-1 and LC-3, and the conversion of LC3-II from LC3-I were down-regulated obviously in the mouse calvaria of procyanidin group (P＜0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Procyanidin has a protective effect of periprosthetic osteolysis caused by TCP wear particles in the mouse calvaia, its mechanism may be mediated by inhibition of oxidative stress and autophagy.

Relationship between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among college freshmen in Hangzhou / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) among college freshmen of Hangzhou area, and provide scientific evidence for the prevention of NAFLD in universities.@*Methods@#The 1 752 freshmen students from six universities were selected to perform a questionnaire survey, including general information, and dietary survey in the last year, by using a random sampling method. Factor analysis was used to achieve the major dietary patterns.@*Results@#Three dietary patterns were obtained from the analysis, including the animal food, Western fast food, and traditional Chinese patterns. After adjusting for confounding factors, participants in the highest tertile of the animal food and Western fast food pattern had significantly higher BMI (P<0.01). Besides, participants in the highest tertile of the Western fast-food pattern had higher ALT and AST than those in the lowest tertile(P<0.05). Conversely, participants in the highest tertile of the traditional Chinese pattern had lower BMI, ALT and AST than those in the lowest tertile(P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that Western pattern might increase the risk of NAFLD (OR=1.26, 95%CI=1.09-1.72, P<0.05), whereas the traditional Chinese pattern might decrease the risk of NAFLD (OR=0.51, 95%CI=0.38-0.74, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Different dietary patterns are closely related to NAFLD in college freshmen. Chinese traditional food should be kept their diet, red meat and fried food should be reduced to decrease. the risk of NAFLD.

Shen-Kang protects against tacrolimus-induced renal injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS@#Evidence suggests that Shen-Kang (SK), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, protects against various types of renal injury. In this study, we evaluated whether SK treatment confers renoprotection in a rat model of chronic tacrolimus (TAC) nephropathy.@*METHODS@#Rats were treated daily with TAC (1.5mg/kg, subcutaneously) and SK (450 mg/kg, intravenously) for 4 weeks. The effects of SK on TAC-induced renal injury were assessed by measuring renal function, urine albumin excretion, histopathology, inflammatory cell infiltration, expression of profibrotic (transforming growth factor β1 [TGF-β1] and TGF-β inducible gene-h3 [βig-h3]) and proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death.@*RESULTS@#Administration of SK preserved glomerular integrity (fractional mesangial area and Wilms tumor 1-positive glomeruli), attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and reduced the number of ectodermal dysplasia 1-positive cells, and this was paralleled by improved urine albumin excretion and renal dysfunction. At the molecular level, SK treatment suppressed expression of TGF-β1/Smad2/3, βig-h3, and proinflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death were significantly decreased with SK treatment, and apoptosis-related genes were regulated toward cell survival (active caspase-3 and the B-cell lymphoma-2/Bcl2-associated X [Bcl-2/Bax] ratio).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SK protects against TAC-induced renal injury.

Admission prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in elderly Chinese patients with hip fracture and a new predictor based on risk factors for thrombosis screening.

BACKGROUND: Elderly hip fracture (HF) patients are at very high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which increases their perioperative mortality. However, data focusing on the admission prevalence of DVT in elderly Chinese patients with hip fracture are limited. Venography and ultrasonography are not suitable for most elderly HF patients; there is also controversy about the prognostic value of D-dimer in elderly patients. Thus, our primary goal was to clarify the prevalence of and risk factors for DVT in elderly Chinese HF patients at admission. Our secondary goal was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a new predictor of DVT based on the risk factors for elderly HF patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Between January 2015 and January 2017, 248 elderly Chinese HF patients (> 60 years) were enrolled in this study. The subjects were diagnosed with DVT using ultrasonography or venography. All the patients' clinical data were obtained, including demographic variables, medical history, comorbidities, and laboratory results. A stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors contributing to the occurrence of DVT. The value of the new DVT predictor was calculated using a formula based on the coefficient regression and independent variables. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of different factors. RESULTS: Of the study patients, 74 (29.8%) were diagnosed with DVT, including sixty-five (87.8%) with distal peripheral, five (6.8%) with proximal central and four (5.4%) with mixed DVT. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that five risk factors increased the occurrence of DVT at admission, including gender, age, time from injury to admission, fibrinogen, and D-dimer. The new DVT predictor was calculated using the following formula: 1.131× (female = 1, male = 0) + 0.071 × age (years) + 0.571 × time from injury to admission (days) + 1.028 × fibrinogen(g/L) + 0.123 × D-dimer(g/L). The diagnostic value of the new predictor was highest among those risk predictors whose AUC (area under the ROC curves) value was 0.852. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of DVT in elderly Chinese HF patients at admission. Moreover, the new predictor, based on risk factors, was a good method to improve the diagnosis of DVT.

[Perioperative treatment progress of Parkinson's disease with hip fracture].

Objective: To review the progress of perioperative treatments for patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures. Methods: The related literature of treatments for patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures were reviewed and analyzed from the aspects such as the perioperative management, selection of operation ways, and prognosis. Results: The patients of Parkinson's disease are more likely to sustain hip fractures because of postural instability and osteoporosis. The perioperative treatments for patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures should be determined by orthopedists, neurologist, anesthesiologist, and physical therapist. There is still controversy about the selection of operation and surgical approach. And the prognosis of patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures are associated with the severity of Parkinson's disease. Conclusion: There are few clinical studies about the patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures. The mid-term and long-term functional outcomes of patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures are unsufficient. And the best treatments of patients of Parkinson's disease and hip fractures need to be further explored.

[The application and research progress of in-situ tissue engineering technology in bone and cartilage repair].

Objective: To review the application and research progress of in-situ tissue engineering technology in bone and cartilage repair. Methods: The original articles about in-situ tissue engineering technology in bone and cartilage repair were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results: In-situ tissue engineering have been shown to be effective in repairing bone defects and cartilage defects, but biological mechanisms are inadequate. At present, most of researches are mainly focused on animal experiments, and the effect of clinical repair need to be further studied. Conclusion: In-situ tissue engineering technology has wide application prospects in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. However, further study on the mechanism of related cytokines need to be conducted.

[Application of cell sheet technology in bone and cartilage tissue engineering].

Objective: To review the progress of cell sheet technology and its application in bone and cartilage engineering. Methods: The recent literature concerning the cell sheet technology used in treatment of bone and cartilage defects was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results: Cell sheet built through many different ways can protect extracellular matrix from proteolytic enzymes. As a three-dimensional structure, cell sheet can repair bone and cartilige defects via folding, wrapping scaffold, or be created by the layering of individual cell sheets. Conclusion: The cell sheet technology would have a very broad prospects in bone and cartilage tissue engineering in future.