[Comparison of the application methods and effects of skin flaps in the repair of defects in different parts of the nose according to the concept of aesthetic nosesubunits].

Objective: To analyze the difference of application methods and effects of local flap in small and medium-sized defects of different aesthetic subunits of nose, in order to provide reference for clinical work. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on 59 patients with external nasal masses and scars who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from July 1, 2021 to January 30, 2022, including 27 females and 32 males, aged 15 to 69 years. Using Likert scale, the repair methods and effects of local flap for nasal soft tissue defects were evaluated and summarized from three aspects of texture, flatness and scar concealment. GraphPad Prism 5.0 software was used for data statistics and analysis. Results: The use of skin flaps to repair small and medium-sized areas of the nose could achieve satisfactory results. For patients with different subunits, in terms of skin flatness and scar concealment degree in the operation area, patients' satisfaction with the dorsal and lateral nasal areas was higher than that of the alar and tip areas, respectively (F=6.40, P=0.001; F=10.57, P<0.001). For patients with different skin flap repair methods, the satisfaction of patients with Z-plasty and Dufourmentel skin flap was higher than that of other skin flap repair methods (F=4.38, P=0.002), and the satisfaction of patients with Dufourmentel skin flap was the highest in the degree of scar concealment (F=2.57, P=0.038). Conclusions: In the small and medium-sized defects of the nose, the use of multiple local flaps can achieve good cosmetic effects and functional recovery. The operator should select the appropriate flap repair method according to the characteristics of different aesthetic subunits of the nose.

[Application and clinical efficacy of ultrasound debridement method in residual burn wounds].

Objective: To investigate the application and clinical efficacy of ultrasound debridement method in residual burn wounds. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From August 2017 to August 2021, 64 patients with residual burn wounds who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the 980th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA. According to the debridement method adopted for the residual wounds, the patients were divided into ultrasound debridement group (34 cases, 22 males and 12 females, aged (31±13) years) and traditional debridement group (30 cases, 19 males and 11 females, aged (32±13) years). After the corresponding debridement, the wounds of patients in the two groups were selected for stamp skin grafting or large skin grafting according to the wound site and skin donor status. For unhealed wounds after stage Ⅰ surgery, secondary debridement and skin grafting were be performed, with the wound debridement methods in the 2 groups being the same as those of stage Ⅰ, respectively. On postoperative day 3, drug-sensitive test was used to detect the bacteria in the wound and the positive rate of bacteria was calculate. On postoperative day 7, the survival rate of skin slices in wound and the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma were calculated. At discharge, wound healing time and debridement times of patients were counted, and the secondary debridement rate was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test or chi-square test. Results: On postoperative day 3, the wounds in ultrasound debridement group were infected with Staphylococcus aureus in 2 cases and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 2 cases, and the wounds in traditional debridement group were infected with Staphylococcus aureus in 5 cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 3 cases, Acinetobacter baumannii in 1 cases, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 1 cases, and Enterobacter cloacae in 1 cases. The positive rate of bacteria of wound in ultrasound debridement group was significantly lower than that in traditional debridement group (χ2=5.51, P<0.05). On postoperative day 7, the survival rate of skin grafts in ultrasound debridement group was (92±5) %, which was significantly higher than (84±10) % in traditional debridement group (χ2=6.78, P<0.01); the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma in ultrasound debridement group was 17.6% (6/34), which was significantly lower than 40.0%( 12/30) in traditional debridement group, χ2=3.94, P<0.05. At discharge, the wound healing time in ultrasound debridement group was (11.0±2.0) d, which was significantly shorter than (13.0±3.1) d in traditional debridement group (t=3.81, P<0.01); the secondary debridement rate of wounds in ultrasound debridement group was 2.9% (1/34), which was significantly lower than 20.0% (6/30) in traditional debridement group (χ2=4.76, P<0.05). Conclusions: Ultrasound debridement method can significantly reduce the bacterial load of residual burn wounds, reduce postoperative hematoma formation, and promote the survival of skin grafts to shorten the course of disease of patients.

Bactericidal and antibiofilm properties of Rumex japonicus Houtt. on multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus and its biofilm formation have been challenging to control in milk and dairy industries. Biofilms formed by Staph. aureus may result in the failure of antibacterial agents and disinfectants to penetrate the biofilm in an attempt to control contamination. Novel natural antibacterial agents are required to combat MDR bacteria and biofilms. In this study, we evaluated the bactericidal, antibiofilm, and antimotility effects of Rumex japonicus Houtt. (RJH) extract on MDR Staph. aureus isolated from milk. The RJH extract exhibited good antibacterial activity against MDR strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.78 to 6.25 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 12.5 mg/mL. The extract showed strong inhibition of biofilm formation (81.9%) at sub-MIC value and eradication of biofilm at higher concentrations. The motility of Staph. aureus was effectively blocked by the extract. Major compounds emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion were identified in RJH extract using HPLC-linear trap quadrupole (LTQ)/Orbitrap-mass spectrometry. The extract was nontoxic to human epithelial cell lines such as Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/mL, and from 0.1 to 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that RJH extract could be an alternative to synthetic preservatives in milk and dairy products.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of brain glioma before postoperative radiotherapy

Purpose To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of brain glioma before postoperative radiotherapy, and to provide reference for the delineation of postoperative radiotherapy target area. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 106 cases of brain glioma confirmed by surgery and pathology in our hospital, including 70 cases of high-grade glioma (HGG) and 36 cases of low-grade glioma (LGG). The MRI images of the lesions within 1 month before and after surgery were analyzed, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the near and far tumor areas were measured, respectively, and the corresponding rADC values were calculated. Results The incidence of residual tumors of postoperative HGG and LGG was 0, 15.7% (0/36, 11/70), respectively. The incidence of postoperative reactive enhancement was 11.0% and 52.9% (4/36 and 37/70), respectively. About 30.6% and 81.4% (11/36 and 57/70) of patients with adjacent meningeal enhancement were found in the operative area. Conclusions The MRI images of HGG and LGG before postoperative radiotherapy had certain characteristics, providing a favorable guidance for the delineation of the target area of radiotherapy and the formulation of treatment plan (AU)

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of brain glioma before postoperative radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of brain glioma before postoperative radiotherapy, and to provide reference for the delineation of postoperative radiotherapy target area. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 106 cases of brain glioma confirmed by surgery and pathology in our hospital, including 70 cases of high-grade glioma (HGG) and 36 cases of low-grade glioma (LGG). The MRI images of the lesions within 1 month before and after surgery were analyzed, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the near and far tumor areas were measured, respectively, and the corresponding rADC values were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of residual tumors of postoperative HGG and LGG was 0, 15.7% (0/36, 11/70), respectively. The incidence of postoperative reactive enhancement was 11.0% and 52.9% (4/36 and 37/70), respectively. About 30.6% and 81.4% (11/36 and 57/70) of patients with adjacent meningeal enhancement were found in the operative area. CONCLUSIONS: The MRI images of HGG and LGG before postoperative radiotherapy had certain characteristics, providing a favorable guidance for the delineation of the target area of radiotherapy and the formulation of treatment plan.

HLA-DPA1 gene polymorphism in primary glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DPA1 gene polymorphism and primary glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 51 patients and 51 healthy controls through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The possible association between HLA-DPA1 gene mutation and primary glaucoma was detected using the t-test and the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Rs1676486 genotype had a significant genetic correlation. Rs3753841 and rs12138977 genotypes had a higher minor-allele frequency in control group. The CT + CC genotype frequency of rs12138977 showed a significant genetic correlation in both case group and control group. Moreover, the rs12138977 polymorphism and corneal thickness had little influence on the occurrence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Also, the main risk factors for PACG were intraocular hypertension and short axial length. CONCLUSIONS: The HLA-DPA1 gene polymorphism may be related to the severity of PACG.

Effect of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on platelet aggregation function after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

In this study, phosphorylation levels of vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) to investigate the effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on platelet aggregation function (PAF) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

The characterisation of overweight and obese women who are under reporting energy intake during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Misreporting of energy intake is common and can contribute to biased estimates of the relationship between diet and disease. Energy intake misreporting is poorly understood in pregnancy and there is limited research assessing characteristics of women who misreport energy intake or changes in misreporting of energy intake across pregnancy. METHODS: An observational study in n = 945 overweight or obese pregnant women receiving standard antenatal care who participated in the LIMIT randomised trial. Diet, physical activity, psychological factors, body image satisfaction and dieting behaviour were assessed at trial entry (10-20 weeks gestation) and 36 weeks gestation. Energy misreporting status was assessed through the ratio of daily energy intake over basal metabolic rate. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with the dependent variable of under reporting of energy intake at study entry or 36 weeks in separate analysis. RESULTS: At study entry and 36 weeks, women were classified as under reporters (38 vs 49.4%), adequate reporters (59.7 vs 49.8%) or over reporters of energy intake (2.3 vs 0.8%) respectively. The prevalence of under reporting energy intake at 36 weeks was higher than at study entry (early pregnancy). Body mass index (BMI) at study entry and 36 weeks and socioeconomic status, dieting behaviour and risk of depression at 36 weeks were independent predictors of under reporting of energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: Under reporting of energy intake was present in over a third of overweight and obese pregnant women and was higher in late compared to early pregnancy. Characteristics such as BMI, socioeconomic status, past dieting behaviour and risk of depression may aid in identifying women who either require support in accurate recording of food intake or attention for improving diet quality. Results were unable to distinguish whether under reporting reflects misreporting or a true restriction of dietary intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12607000161426 , registered 9/3/2007.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region (rs10877887) of let-7 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex polygenic disease whose development is dependent on many genetic factors. The let-7 family, an important and widely studied microRNA family, has been shown to play an important role in the initiation and progression of HCC. In this study, we examined the possible associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the let-7 family (rs10877887) and the susceptibility and prognosis of HCC, using a case-control research model. Eighty-nine HCC patients and 95 healthy controls were genotypes by direct sequencing, and the correlation between rs10877887 genotypes and HCC susceptibility was evaluated using an unconditional logistic regression model. Populations with the CT + CC genotype were at a significantly higher risk of HCC compared to those with the TT genotype (CT + CC vs TT: odds ratio = 3.52, 95% confidence interval = 1.90-6.52; P < 0.05). Furthermore, we discovered that the genetic variant of rs10877887 might serve as a prognostic marker for survival in HCC patients, as the CT + CC genotype was associated with poor prognosis.

Infrared radiation properties of Ho³âº in multicomponent germanium tellurite glasses.

Ho(3+)-doped and Ho(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped multicomponent germanium tellurite (MGT) glasses with multifarious emission channels in the near-infrared wavelength region have been fabricated and characterized. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters of Ho(3+)-doped MGT glasses are solved to be Ω2=5.32×10(-20) cm(2), Ω(4)=2.73×10(-20) cm(2), and Ω(6)=1.12×10(-20) cm(2), indicating a higher asymmetric and stronger covalent environment around Ho(3+) ions in MGT glasses. Efficient infrared fluorescences have been observed in MGT glasses, and spontaneous emission probabilities are derived to be 230.4, 79.9, and 138.3 s(-1) for the (5)I(6)→(5)I(8), ((5)F(4),(5)S(2))→(5)I(5), and (5)I(7)→(5)I(8) radiative transitions, respectively. In Ho(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped MGT glasses, the maximum stimulated emission cross-section of 2.0 µm emission is calculated to be 4.93×10(-21) cm(2), and the corresponding gain cross-section is derived to be 3.62×10(-21) cm(2) when the excited state population fraction P reaches 0.8. Multifarious infrared emissions show that Ho(3+) in MGT glasses is a good candidate for optical amplifiers and optoelectronic devices.

Overweight and obese women's perceptions about making healthy change during pregnancy: a mixed method study.

Overweight and obesity during pregnancy is associated with risk of a range of adverse health outcomes. While intervention studies aim to promote behavioral change, little is known about the underlying psychological mechanisms facilitating and hindering change. The aim of this study was to evaluate overweight and obese women's perceptions of making behavior change during pregnancy. We explored beliefs through self-administrated questionnaires (n = 464) and semi-structured face-to-face interviews (n = 26). Questions were designed according to the Health Belief Model. A triangulation protocol was followed to combine quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 269 women (58 %) indicated that high gestational weight gain is a concern, with 348 (75 %) indicating excessive weight gain is associated with complications during pregnancy or child birth. Women were aware of maternal complications associated with high gestational weight gain, but had more limited awareness of neonatal complications. While most women indicated in questionnaires that healthy eating and physical activity were associated with improved health during pregnancy, they were unable to identify specific benefits at interview. Barriers to making healthy behavior changes were highly individualized, the main barrier being lack of time. While the majority (91 %) of women indicated that they would make behavior changes if the change made them feel better, only half felt confident in their ability to do so. Interventions for overweight and obese pregnant women should incorporate education about neonatal health consequences and benefits of healthy behavior change in addition to incorporating strategies to enhance self-efficacy.

A decrease in diet quality occurs during pregnancy in overweight and obese women which is maintained post-partum.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring adequate dietary intake during pregnancy has important implications for optimising maternal and fetal health. It is not known whether diet quality is altered over pregnancy and the post-partum period. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive assessment of diet quality in overweight and obese women during pregnancy and early post-partum. DESIGN: In a prospective cohort study, n=301 overweight or obese pregnant women completed a food frequency questionnaire at study entry (10-20 weeks gestation), 28 weeks gestation, 36 weeks gestation and 4 months post-partum for assessment of macronutrient and micronutrient intake and diet quality by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). RESULTS: Energy, macronutrient and dietary sources of micronutrients did not alter across pregnancy or post-partum. The HEI was of below average quality in 31.0% of women at baseline. This decreased from week 28 (P<0.001) and was maintained at a lower level post-partum such that HEI levels were lower compared with study entry (53.3±12.7 versus 56.7±10.1, P<0.001). The HEI decrease occurred in association with decreases in the milk, meat and unsaturated oil components, and increases in the proportion of energy from solid fats, alcohol and added sugars (P<0.001), and was independently predicted by the socioeconomic index for areas score (ß=-0.011, s.e.=0.011, P=0.031). CONCLUSION: We report for the first time that dietary quality decreases across pregnancy and is maintained at this reduced level in the early post-partum period in overweight and obese women. Dietary interventions aimed at improving diet quality should be targeted to early pregnancy and post-partum.

Characterization of a pathogenic H9N2 influenza A virus isolated from central China in 2007.

The entire genome of the A/Chicken/Hubei/C1/2007 (H9N2) virus, isolated from central China in 2007, was completely sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that A/Chicken/Hubei/C1/2007 (H9N2) virus represents multiple reassortant lineages, with genes coming from the early mainland China strain (Ck/Beijing/1/94), an H9N2 virus with special genotype (Ck/shanghai/F/98) and other lineages from poultry in Asia. Infection studies indicated that A/Chicken/Hubei/C1/2007 (H9N2) virus replicated efficiently in MDCK cells and in BALB/c mice. The H9N2 virus also replicated to high titers in chicken respiratory tracts and caused overt clinical signs in chickens. Our results suggest that attention should be paid to the natural evolution of H9N2 influenza viruses and to the control of H9N2 influenza viruses in animals.

JNJ-10280205 and JNJ-10287069: Novel PDE5 inhibitors as clinical candidates for erectile dysfunction.

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are efficacious in treating patients with erectile dysfunction. New PDE5 inhibitors with different selectivity and pharmacokinetic profiles have been vigorously pursued. Here we report two novel, potent, and selective PDE5 inhibitors, JNJ-10280205 and JNJ-10287069, with Ki values of 0.05 and 0.12 nM, respectively. Both compounds displayed superior selectivity against PDE1-4 and -6 when compared to sildenafil. In the anesthetized dogs, JNJ-10280205 and JNJ-10287069 exhibited similar efficacy as sildenafil in enhancing erectile functions, with no significant effect on cardiovascular parameters. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that JNJ-10287069 had better oral bioavailability than JNJ-10280205 in several animal species. In vitro study suggested that cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 played a major role in the metabolism of both compounds. The compounds inhibited some of the CYP450 enzymes and the human ether-a-go-go (HERG) channel at much higher concentrations than that required to inhibit PDE5, thus, no cross inhibition would be expected at therapeutic doses. Both compounds are suitable clinical candidates.

Non-steroidal progesterone receptor specific ligands.

The nuclear receptor for progesterone is a target for contraception and for several therapeutic indications. Progestin agonists and antagonists in clinical use mimic the steroidal backbone of the cognate ligand, progesterone. Thus, they have significant cross-reactivity with other steroid receptors. Recently, non-steroidal progesterone receptor ligands have begun to appear in the literature. This review will describe the current status of research into these promising new chemical entities.

Effect of chronic and acute cigarette smoking on the pharyngoglottal closure reflex.

BACKGROUND: Injection of water into the pharynx at a threshold volume induces vocal cord adduction--the pharyngoglottal closure reflex (PGCR). This reflex together with other supraoesophageal reflexes may be helpful in preventing aspiration. Cigarette smoking has an adverse affect on the pharyngo-upper oesophageal sphincter contractile reflex and reflexive pharyngeal swallow. The effect of smoking on PGCR has not been studied previously. AIMS: To elucidate the effect of chronic and acute cigarette smoking on PGCR. SUBJECTS: We studied 10 chronic smokers and 10 non-smokers before and after real/simulated smoking, respectively. METHODS: Using concurrent recordings, glottal function was monitored by video endoscopy, swallowing by electromyography, and PGCR was triggered by rapid and slow pharyngeal water injections. RESULTS: The threshold volume to trigger PGCR during rapid injection was significantly higher in chronic smokers (non-smoker 0.20 (SEM 0.02) ml, smoker 0.36 (0.02) ml; p<0.001). In six of 10 smokers, acute smoking abolished this reflex during slow water injection. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking adversely affects stimulation of PGCR. This finding may have implications in the development of reflux related respiratory complications in smokers.

[Clinical and experimental study on anti-liver fibrosis effect of xuelong granule].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect and mechanism of Xuelong Granule (XLG) in antiliver fibrosis. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with liver cirrhosis were divided into 2 groups randomly. The 58 Patients in the treated group were treated by XLG and the 40 patients in the control group were treated by Shenchai Granule for 3 months. Levels of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN), and pathological changes of liver tissues were observed before and after treatment. In experimental study on model rats, the liver tissue content of hydroxyproline and pathological changes under light and electron microscope were observed. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the treated group was 72.4%, that in the control group was 40.0%, there was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). The level of serum HA and LN in the treated group declined markedly after treatment, and pathological examination of 8 cases showed the fibrous tissues reduced obviously. Experimental study showed marked reduction of hydroxyproline content and significant lowering of fibrous tissue proliferation, both under light and electron microscope, in liver of model rats after XLG treatment. CONCLUSION: XLG has a definite effect in anti-liver fibrosis.

Deterioration of the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Deterioration of aerodigestive tract reflexes such as the esophagoglottal and pharyngoglottal closure reflexes and pharyngeal swallow has been documented in the elderly. However, the effect of aging on the contractile response of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to pharyngeal water stimulation has not been studied. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharyngo-UES reflex in the healthy elderly. METHODS: We studied nine healthy elderly (77 +/- 1 y [SD]; four men, five women) and nine healthy young volunteers (26 +/- 2 y [SD]; four men, five women). AUES sleeve sensor was used to measure the pressure. We tested pharyngeal stimulation induced by rapid pulse and slow continuous injection of water. RESULTS: The volume of water required to stimulate the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex by rapid pulse injection in the elderly (0.5 +/- 34 0.1 mL) was significantly higher than that in the young (0.1 +/- 0.02 mL) (P < .05). In contrast to young subjects, there was no pressure increase in resting UES pressure observed in the elderly for continuous pharyngeal water infusion. In both young and elderly, the threshold volume for the pharyngo-UES contractile reflex was significantly lower than that for pharyngeal swallows. CONCLUSIONS: The pharyngo-UES contractile reflex deteriorates with aging. This deterioration is primarily due to abnormalities of the afferent limb of the reflex.

Upper esophageal sphincter function during gastroesophageal reflux events revisited.

Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) function during gastroesophageal reflux events is not completely elucidated because previous studies addressing this issue yielded conflicting results. We reexamined the UES pressure response to intraluminal esophageal pressure and pH changes induced by reflux events. We studied 14 healthy, asymptomatic volunteers (age 49 +/- 6 yr) and 7 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (age 48 +/- 5 yr). UES pressure, intraesophageal pressure, and pH were monitored at the distal, middle, and proximal esophagus concurrently in the supine position 1 h before and 2 h after a 1,000-calorie meal. A total of 321 reflux events were identified by the development of abrupt reflux-induced intraesophageal pressure increase (IPI); 285 events occurred in patients and 36 in control subjects. In control subjects 33 of 36 and in patients 252 of 285 IPI events were associated with a pH drop. Among patients and control subjects, 99% and 100%, respectively, of all IPI events irrespective of pH drop were associated with abrupt increase in UES pressure (34 +/- 2 and 27 +/- 6 mmHg, respectively). The average percentage of maximum UES pressure increase over prereflux values ranged between 66% and 96% (control subjects) and 34% and 122% (patients). IPIs induced by both acidic and nonacidic reflux events evoke strong UES contractile responses.