Hydrophilic, Porous, Fiber-Reinforced Collagen-Based Membrane for Corneal Repair.

Collagen membrane with outstanding biocompatibility exhibits immense potential in the field of corneal repair and reconstruction, but the poor mechanical properties limit its clinical application. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polymer widely explored for application in corneal reconstruction due to its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, easy processability, and flexibility. In this study, a PCL/collagen composite membrane with reinforced mechanical properties is developed. The membrane has a strong composite structure with collagen by utilizing a porous and hydrophilic PCL scaffold, maintaining its integrity even after immersion. The suture retention and mechanical tests demonstrate that compared with the pure collagen membrane, the prepared membrane has a greater tensile strength and twice the modulus of elasticity. Further, the suture retention strength is improved by almost two times. In addition, the membrane remains fully intact on the implant bed in an in vitro corneal defect model. Moreover, the membrane can be tightly sutured to a rabbit corneal defect, progressively achieve epithelialization, and remain unchanged during observation. Overall, the PCL/collagen composite membrane is a promising candidate as a suturable corneal restoration material in clinical keratoplasty.

Protein homeostasis in aging and cancer.

Aging is a major risk factor for cancer development. As dysfunction in protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, is a universal hallmark of both the aging process and cancer, a comprehensive understanding of the proteostasis system and its roles in aging and cancer will shed new light on how we can improve health and quality of life for older individuals. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of proteostasis and discuss the relationship between proteostasis and aging and age-related diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the clinical application value of proteostasis maintenance in delaying the aging process and promoting long-term health.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the assessment of Crohn's disease activity: comparison with computed tomography enterography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Continuous assessment of disease activity remains a huge challenge during the follow-ups of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) by comparing with computed tomography enterography (CTE) in the assessment of disease activity in CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients diagnosed with CD were included in this study, using the CEUS and CTE as imaging methods for comparison. The selected parameters included the location and thickness of the thickest part of the intestinal wall, mesenteric fat proliferation, mesenteric vessels change, enhancement pattern and the presence of complications. Patients were clinically assessed using the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) was regarded as the reference standard. RESULTS: The location of the thickest part of the intestinal wall (κ = 0.653), bowel wall thickness (ICC = 0.795), mesenteric vessels change (κ = 0.692) and complications (κ = 0.796) displayed substantial agreement (0.61-0.80) between CEUS and CTE, while the detection of mesenteric fat proliferation (κ = 0.395) and enhancement pattern (κ = 0.288) showed fair consistency (0.21-0.40) for comparison. In CEUS, bowel wall thickness, mesenteric fat proliferation, enhancement pattern and mesenteric vessels change were statistically significant in assessing CD activity, while bowel wall thickness, mesenteric fat proliferation and mesenteric vessels change in CTE. Bowel wall thickness showed the best diagnostic performance in the assessment of CD activity at CEUS and CTE. CONCLUSION: CEUS provides a radiation-free and effective way to assess the CD activity in comparison with CTE, which also avoids frequent colonoscopy examinations, improves tolerance of patients, and reduces the cost of medical care, thereby serving as a useful tool for CD follow-up.

[Detection of drug-resistance genes of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the drug resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) and the distribution of drug-resistance genes, as well as the association of alleles at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring with resistance to antimicrobial drugs. METHODS: BALF specimens were collected from 245 children with RMPP who were admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from March 2016 to December 2020. A rapid cultured drug sensitivity assay was used to detect the resistance of MP isolates to nine commonly used antimicrobial drugs. The real-time PCR was used to measure MP DNA. The direct sequencing was used to detect gene mutations in MP 23SrRNA V region central ring. RESULTS: Among the 245 BALF specimens, 207 tested positive for MP DNA, with a positive rate of 84.5%. The results of drug susceptibility test showed that the children with RMPP had a resistance rate of > 70% to macrolide antimicrobial drugs, with the highest resistance rate to clarithromycin, followed by roxithromycin, clindamycin, acetylspiramycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin, and these children had a resistance rate of < 5% to quinolone antimicrobial drugs. Among the 207 MP DNA-positive specimens, 41 (19.8%) had no drug-resistance gene mutations and 166 (80.2%) had drug-resistance gene mutations, among which 154 (74.4%) had an A→G mutation at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring, 7 (3.4%) had an A→G mutation at 2064 locus, and 5 (2.4%) had mutations in both 2063 and 2064 loci. Among the 166 specimens with point mutations of the MP 23SrRNA gene, 159 (95.8%) had point mutations at 2063 locus. The A→G point mutation at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring had a great impact on resistance to macrolide antimicrobial drugs. There was a significant difference in the distribution of alleles at 2063 locus between the children with resistance to clarithromycin, roxithromycin, clindamycin, acetylspiramycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MP in the BALF of children with RMPP has a relatively high resistance rate to macrolide antimicrobial drugs. Resistance to macrolide antimicrobial drugs is closely associated with the A→G point mutation in the 23SrRNA gene, and the point mutation at 2063 locus of 23SrRNA V region central ring may affect the drug-resistance mechanism of MP.

Minimally invasive surgery for glycogen storage disease combined with inflammatory bowel disease: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rare in patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD). In GSD patients, a decrease in the number of neutrophils leads to prolonged intestinal infection, leading to the formation of chronic inflammation and eventually the development of IBD. Minimally invasive surgery for patients with IBD has been proven to reduce inflammatory responses and postoperative risks and ultimately promote rapid recovery. Herein we discuss minimally invasive surgery and the perioperative management in a patient with GSD and IBD. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old male had GSD Ib associated with IBD-like disease for 10 years. Despite standard treatments, such as mesalazine, prednisone and adalimumab, the patient eventually developed colonic stenosis with incomplete ileus. After adequate assessment, the patient was treated with minimally invasive surgery and discharged in stable condition. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgery for patients with IBD and GSD is safe, feasible and effective.

Magnolol, a natural aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 agonist, inhibits the proliferation and collagen synthesis of cardiac fibroblasts.

Inhibiting myocardial fibrosis can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. Magnolol (Mag), a natural component of Magnoliae officinalis, has been reported to inhibit fibrosis. However, the mechanism of Mag activity and its effects on myocardial fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we investigated the involvement of ALDH2, an endogenous protective agent against myocardial fibrosis, in the Mag-mediated inhibition of cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. We found that Mag significantly inhibited cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, based on the results of MTT, EdU and western blot assays. Moreover, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays showed that Mag could bind directly and stably to ALDH2. Further analysis of the mechanism of these effects indicated that treatment with Mag dose-dependently enhanced ALDH2 activity without altering protein expression. Mag could enhance the activity of recombinant human ALDH2 proteins with a half-maximal effective concentration of 5.79 × 10-5 M. In addition, ALDH2 activation via Alda-1 inhibited cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, while ALDH2 inhibition via daidzin partially blocked the suppressive effects of Mag. In summary, Mag may act as a natural ALDH2 agonist and inhibit cardiac fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Discovery of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors from Kadsura coccinea by affinity ultrafiltration mass spectrometry and the anti-inflammatory activity.

The medicinal plant Kadsura coccinea distributing in South China, was widely used for reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Previous study in our laboratory had proved the significant therapeutic effects of K. coccinea extract on adjuvant arthritis rats. To explore the responsible components and possible mechanisms, an AUF-HPLC-Q-TOF/ MS method was employed for screening and characterizing COX-2 ligands from K. coccinea stems for the first time. Meanwhile, the molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding modes for ligands and COX-2, the cell-free enzyme activity assay was applied to verify the direct COX-2 inhibition of potential inhibitors, and the cell-based study on COX-2 expression was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of (+)-Anwulignan. As a result, the potential COX-2 inhibitor (+)-Anwulignan significantly suppressing COX-2 expressions in LPS signaling pathways might be a good candidate for anti-inflammation and analgesia. In conclusion, AUF mass spectrometry combining the molecular docking and bioassays in vitro was an efficient approach for discovering enzyme inhibitors from traditional herbs.

Traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional therapy for female kidney stone: A protocol for systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney stone is caused by abnormal accumulation of crystalline substances in the kidneys. Kidney stone is one of the urinary system diseases with a high incidence. In this study, we will use the research method of randomized controlled trials to explore the effects of Traditional Chinese medicine combined with western medicine on renal function and urine metabolism in women with kidney stones. We hope that the results of this study will provide more evidence-based medical evidence for TCM to treat kidney stones, and also provide patients with more treatment options. METHODS/DESIGN: This pragmatic randomized controlled trial will recruit 100 patients who are diagnosed with kidney stone. Simple randomization to conventional drug treatment with a 1:1 allocation ratio will be used. The participants will continue to receive ESWL treatment and TCM therapy. The selection of outcomes will be evaluated by the overall effectiveness of clinical efficacy. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of Traditional Chinese medicine for patients with Female kidney stone.

Correlation between ultrasound consolidated score and simple endoscopic score for determining the activity of Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop an ultrasound consolidated score (UCS) in determining the activity of Crohn's disease (CD) and evaluate it with reference to simple endoscopic score (SES). METHODS: From June 2014 to June 2017, 66 patients with CD were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Each patient underwent endoscopy and transabdominal ultrasound (US) examination. The morphological symmetry, echogenicity of bowel wall, bowel wall layer structure, echogenicity of peri-bowel fat, bowel wall thickness (BWT), and Limberg type on power Doppler US were assessed with transabdominal US, and an UCS scoring system was developed based on these characteristics. Endoscopic results were used as the reference standard and SES was calculated to determine the CD activity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance for determining CD activity and the correlation between UCS and SES was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: 330 intestinal segments in 66 patients were included. The UCS of the segments in the remission phase ranged from 3.0 to 9.0 (mean, 3.6 ± 0.9) whereas in the active phase from 3.0 to 20.0 (mean, 10.6 ± 4.0) (p < 0.001). The cut-off value of UCS was 6. The associated area under ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 0.980, 88.3%, 95.5%, 93.8%, 91.3%, and 92.3%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between UCS and SES was 0.90, which was higher than the correlation coefficient of 0.83 between BWT and SES. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed UCS with transabdominal US has a good performance and potentially provides an effective alternative for evaluating the activity of CD. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: UCS is an effective method to evaluate the activity of CD because it provides comprehensive information of the disease. Therefore, it could be employed as an alternative for diagnosis of CD.

Berberine versus placebo for the prevention of recurrence of colorectal adenoma: a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer remains an important public health goal. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical potential and safety of berberine for prevention of colorectal adenoma recurrence. METHODS: This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was done in seven hospital centres across six provinces in China. Individuals aged 18-75 years who had at least one but no more than six histologically confirmed colorectal adenomas that had undergone complete polypectomy within the 6 months before recruitment were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive berberine (0·3 g twice daily) or placebo tablets via block randomisation (block size of six). Participants were to undergo a first follow-up colonoscopy 1 year after enrolment, and if no colorectal adenomas were detected, a second follow-up colonoscopy at 2 years was planned. The study continued until the last enrolled participant reached the 2-year follow-up point. All participants, investigators, endoscopists, and pathologists were blinded to treatment assignment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the recurrence of adenomas at any follow-up colonoscopy. Analysis was based on modified intention-to-treat, with the full analysis set including all randomised participants who received at least one dose of study medication and who had available efficacy data. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02226185; the trial has ended and this report represents the final analysis. FINDINGS: Between Nov 14, 2014, and Dec 30, 2016, 553 participants were randomly assigned to the berberine group and 555 to the placebo group. The full analysis set consisted of 429 participants in the berberine group and 462 in the placebo group. 155 (36%) participants in the berberine group and 216 (47%) in the placebo group were found to have recurrent adenoma during follow-up (unadjusted relative risk ratio for recurrence 0·77, 95% CI 0·66-0·91; p=0·001). No colorectal cancers were detected during follow-up. The most common adverse event was constipation (six [1%] of 446 patients in the berberine group vs one [<0·5%] of 478 in the placebo group). No serious adverse events were reported. INTERPRETATION: Berberine 0·3 g twice daily was safe and effective in reducing the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenoma and could be an option for chemoprevention after polypectomy. FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China.

[Impacts of Spartina alterniflora invasion on coastal wetland ecosystem: Advances and prospects].

Coastal wetland, affected by the interaction of land and marine ecosystems, is a typical fragile and sensitive zone. Spartina alterniflora is the most successful invasive species in global coastal zone, with important impact on coastal wetland ecosystems. We systematically summarized available literature, and reviewed the effects of S. alterniflora invasion on biogeochemical cycling (soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycling, and soil heavy metal migration) and biological community (microorganisms, plants, and animals) in coastal wetlands. Then, three perspectives were proposed for the future research: 1) strengthening the mechanism of the impact of S. alterniflora invasion on ecosystem health of coastal wetlands; 2) focusing on the coupling mechanism of the interaction between S. alterniflora community and coastal wetland environment in the context of global change; 3) carrying out long-term positioning monitoring to clarify the responses of coastal wetlands at different stages of S. alterniflora invasion. This review could provide guidance for the ecological utilization and management of S. alterniflora.

Baeckeins L and M, two novel C-methylated triflavonoids from the roots of Baeckea frutescens L.

Baeckea frutescens is a medicinal plant distributing from Southeast Asia to Australia. A pair of novel diastereomeric C-methylated triflavonoids named baeckeins L (1) and M (2) were isolated from the roots of B. frutescens. The structures of these isolates were elucidated by analysis of the 1D (1H/13C) and 2D NMR (HSQC/HMBC/NOESY) and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of chiral carbons (C-2/C-3/C-2°/C-3°) were established by CD spectrometry combined with quantum chemical calculations.

[Significance of neutrophil extracellular trap and its markers in the early diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of plasma neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) and its markers in the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. METHODS: A total of 160 children with CAP were enrolled as the CAP group, and 50 healthy children were enrolled the control group. According to disease severity, the CAP group was further divided into a mild CAP subgroup with 137 children and a severe CAP subgroup with 23 children. According to the pathogen, the CAP group was further divided into a bacterial pneumonia subgroup with 78 children, a Mycoplasma pneumonia subgroup with 35 children, and a viral pneumonia subgroup with 47 children. The levels of plasma NET and its markers [antibacterial peptide (LL-37), extracellular free DNA (cfDNA), and deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I)] were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the value of each index in diagnosing CAP and assessing its severity. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the CAP group had significant increases in the levels of NET, LL-37, and cfDNA and a significant reduction in the activity of DNase I (P<0.05). Compared with the mild CAP subgroup, the severe CAP subgroup had significantly higher levels of NET, LL-37 and cfDNA and a significantly lower activity of DNase I (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the levels of NET, LL-37, and cfDNA and the activity of DNase I among the bacterial pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and viral pneumonia subgroups (P>0.05). In the CAP group, plasma NET levels were positively correlated with white blood cell count (WBC), percentage of neutrophils, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin and tumor necrosis factor-α (r=0.166, 0.168, 0.275, 0.181 and 0.173 respectively, P<0.05); LL-37 and cfDNA levels were positively correlated with WBC (r=0.186 and 0.338 respectively, P<0.05) and CRP levels (r=0.309 and 0.274 respectively, P<0.05); the activity of DNase I was negatively correlated with CRP levels (r=-0.482, P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that NET, LL-37, cfDNA, and DNase I had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.844, 0.648, 0.727, and 0.913 respectively in the diagnosis of CAP, with optimal cut-off values of 182.89, 46.26 ng/mL, 233.13 ng/mL, and 0.39 U/mL respectively, sensitivities of 88.12%, 35.63%, 54.37%, and 91.25% respectively, and specificities of 74.00%, 92.00%, 86.00%, and 76.00% respectively. In the assessment of the severity of CAP, NET, LL-37, cfDNA, and DNase I had an AUC of 0.873, 0.924, 0.820, and 0.778 respectively, with optimal cut-off values of 257.7, 49.11 ng/mL, 252.54 ng/mL, and 0.29 U/mL respectively, sensitivities of 83.21%, 86.96%, 78.26%, and 95.65% respectively, and specificities of 78.26%, 83.94%, 76.64%, and 56.93% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NET and its related markers have a certain value in diagnosing CAP and assessing its severity in children.

[Effect of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) on perinatal nicotine-exposure-induced lung function and morphology of neonatal rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST 36) versus "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) in the pregnant rats on perinatal nicotine-exposure-induced lung function and morphology of newborn rats and explore the rule of acupoint effect in EA for the prevention from lung dysplasia in newborn rats. METHODS: A total of 24 female SD rats were randomized into a normal saline group (S group), a nicotine group (N group), a nicotine-ST 36 group (N + ST 36 group) and a nicotine-GB 34 group (N+GB 34 group), 6 rats in each one. Starting at the 6th day of pregnancy, 0.9% sodium chloride solution was injected subcutaneously in the S group, 1 mg/kg; and in the rest 3 groups, nicotine of the same dose was injected through to the 21st postnatal day to establish the perinatal nicotine-exposure model. Simultaneously, during model preparation, EA was applied at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) in the N+ST 36 group and the N+GB 34 group respectively, once a day, through to the 21st postnatal day. The lung function analytic system for small animal was adopted to observe the changes in lung function indicators in newborn rats, such as peak inspiratory flow (PIF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), expiratory resistance (RE), inspiratory resistance (RI) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn). HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of lung, such as alveolar fusion and rupture. RESULTS: Compared with the S group, PEF and Cdyn were lower and PIF, RI and RE higher in the N group (all P<0.01), additionally, alveoli were fused and ruptured, alveolar wall thickened, the numbers of alveoli reduced, the interspace of alveoli enlarged and the diameter increased (P<0.01). Compared with the N group, in the N+ST 36 group, PEF and Cdyn were increased, PIF, RI and RE reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), the alveolar fusion and rupture relieved, the numbers of alveoli increased, alveolar wall thinner, the interpsace of alveoli became normal and the diameter was reduced significantly (P<0.01). In the N+GB 34 group, the changes of lung function and morphological indicators were not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) in the pregnant rats significantly improves the perinatal nicotine-exposure-induced lung function and morphology of newborn rats than electroacupuncture at "Yanglingquan" (GB 34).

[Ion Concentrations and Their Spatial Variability in Underground Water and Surface Water in Typical Terrestrial Ecosystems in China].

The water chemistry data monitored during 2010-2015 by 33 terrestrial ecological stations from the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the National Ecosystem Research Network of China (CNERN) were used to characterize ion concentrations and their spatial variability in underground water, still surface water, and flowing surface water from typical terrestrial ecosystems. The results showed the presence of mass-based concentrations of major anions, including HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > CO32-. Among them, HCO3- and SO42- were dominant, and their sums accounted for 71.7%, 75.3%, and 74.9% of the total anions in underground water, still surface water, and flowing surface water, respectively. Cations were mainly Ca2+ and Na+, and their sums accounted for 69.7%, 64.8%, and 68.9% of the total cations in underground water, still surface water, and flowing surface water, respectively. The ion concentration and ion ratio in the underground water, still surface water, and flowing surface water differed largely among the studied regions. The hydrochemical type varied regionally, e.g., Na-Mg-SO4-Cl type, usually with high content of salinity, was found in the underground water of ecological systems in the Northwest arid and semiarid areas and in the East Huanghuaihai Plain; Ca-SO4-HCO3 type in underground water and Ca-HCO3-SO4 type in surface water were found in hilly areas with subtropical red soil; Na-Ca-HCO3-Cl type was present in underground water of south hilly areas with subtropical latosolic red soil; and Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 types were found in other ecological systems. Hydrochemical types had low inter-annual variation for both underground water and surface water.

[Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Chize" (LU5) of mother rats exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and lactation has a protective effect on development of lung function and morphology in neonatal rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the different effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Chize" (LU5) of mother rats exposed to Nicotine during pregnancy and lactation on lung function and morphological changes in offspring rats, so as to explore the most effective acupoint for improving the development of lung in neonatal rats. METHODS: A total of 24 female pregnancy SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control, model, EA-ST36 and EA-LU5 (n＝6 rats in each group). Rats of the normal group were treated by subcutaneous injection of normal saline, and those of the other 3 groups treated by subcutaneous injection of nicotine (1 mg•kg－1•d－1) beginning from the 6th day to about the 21st day of pregnancy (childbirth day) for nicotine exposure during pregnancy and lactation. The daily EA treatment (2 Hz /15 Hz，1 mA) was applied to bilateral ST36 and LU5 for 20 min, beginning from the 6th day of pregnancy to the 21st day (childbirth day). The lung function of the offspring rats including the peak inspiratory flow (PIF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), lung resistance (RL), exhalation resistance (RE)and lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn) was detected by using a lung function analysis system. Histopathological changes (severity of alveolarization) of the offspring rats' lung tissue were observed under microscope after H．E. stain. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the PIF, RL and RE values were significantly increased (P<0.01), and PEF and Cdyn values significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01). The alveolar diameter in the model group was evidently increased relevant to the normal group (P<0.01). Following the intervention, modeling induced increase of PIF, RL, RE and alveolar diameter and decrease of PEF and Cdyn values in the EA-ST36 group, and the increased PIF, RL and RE levels in the EA-LU5 group were obviously suppressed relevant to the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Additionally, modeling induced obvious congestion and edema of the alveolar wall, alveolar deformation, rupture and fusion, and reduction of the number of the pulmonary alveoli were evidently milder in both EA-ST36 and EA-LU5 groups. No significant differences were found between the EA-ST36 and EA-LU5 groups in the abovementioned 5 indexes of pulmonary function and alveolar diameter (P>0.05)．. CONCLUSION: EA of ST36 and LU5 of mother rats experiencing nicotine exposure during pregnancy and lactation can improve the lung function and morphological changes in neonatal rats, and the effect of ST36 is relatively better.

Usefulness of Strain Elastography, ARFI Imaging, and Point Shear Wave Elastography for the Assessment of Crohn Disease Strictures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of strain elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging and point shear wave elastography (p-SWE) for assessment of the predominant types of intestinal stenosis in Crohn disease. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled in this study, among whom 25 suspicious stenoses in 25 intestinal segments were studied using gray scale ultrasonography. All 3 elastography methods were performed, and all patients underwent endoscopy within 24 hours with pathologic biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Youden index, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were calculated. Pathologic findings were regarded as the gold standard. RESULTS: For SE, the optimal cutoff value was a score of 4 or greater (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 66.7%; accuracy, 68%; PPV, 30%; NPV, 93.3%; AUROC, 0.708; however, P > .05). The results of ARFI imaging were similar: the optimal cutoff value was a score of 4 or greater (sensitivity, 50%; specificity, 81%; accuracy, 76%; PPV, 33.3%; NPV, 89.4%; AUROC, 0.669; P < .05). However, for p-SWE, the optimal cutoff value was reached when the shear wave velocity exceeded 2.73 m/s (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 96%; PPV, 100%; NPV, 95.5%; AUROC, 0.833; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: p-SWE had the best performance for evaluating and differentiating intestinal stenosis in Crohn disease, while neither SE nor ARFI imaging achieved satisfactory outcomes for evaluating inflammatory stenosis and fibrotic stenosis of Crohn disease.

The development and evaluation of a sub-health self-rating scale for university students in China.

BACKGROUND: Sub-health status is defined as declines in vitality, physiological function and capacity for adaptation, but without the presence of clinical or sub-clinical disease. We have developed and evaluated a comprehensive questionnaire, the Sub-Health Self-Rating Scale (SSS), to assess sub-health status in university students. METHOD: The items for the draft questionnaire were discussed in focus groups. The WHOQOL-BREF was selected as the validity reference. From a professional perspective and large sample evaluation, the scale ultimately consisted of 58 items. The reliability and validity of the SSS was examined in undergraduate students and 1000 questionnaires were randomly selected from the samples for expert evaluation. RESULTS: Cronbach's α of the total scale was 0.942. The dimensions of physiological, psychological and social had high reliability: 0.915, 0.856 and 0.850, respectively. Based on scree plot and related theories, there were 10 factors to be extracted. The correlation coefficient between the total scale and sub-scale was high. The dimensions of physiological, psychological and social had high correlations with the total scale: 0.929, 0.803 and 0.774, respectively. The sub-health cut-off point of the total scale was 72; for the physiological field, it was 72; for the psychological field, it was 60; and the social field, it was 56. The fit between the expert evaluation method and the scale method was 0.758. The lower the score, the worse the health condition. CONCLUSION: We established and evaluated a valid instrument (SSS) that encompasses physiological, psychological and social factors to investigate sub-health status. It is short and easy to complete, and therefore suitable for use with undergraduate students.

[Association of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 gene polymorphism with bronchial asthma and response to montelukast in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the association of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4) rs932476 polymorphism with the development of bronchial asthma and the response to montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in children. METHODS: A total of 128 children with bronchial asthma were enrolled as case group, and 100 healthy children were enrolled as control group. The genotype and allele frequencies of PLA2G4 rs932476 were compared between the two groups. The children in the case group were administered with montelukast except routine treatment for 2 months, and the changes in serum levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), interleukin-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) after treatment were observed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of PLA2G4 rs932476 between the case and control groups, as well as between the groups with different severities of asthma (P>0.05). After treatment, the children with AA genotype had a significantly higher overall response rate than those with GG genotype. After treatment, the case group had significant reductions in the serum levels of IgE and IL-4 and a significant increase in the level of IFN-γ (P<0.05). After treatment, the children with GG genotype had a higher serum level of IL-4 and a lower level of IFN-γ than those with AA genotype. After treatment, the case group had significant increases in pulmonary function parameters, and the children with AA genotype had significantly higher parameters than those with GG genotype. The case group had a significant reduction in the level of FeNO, and the children with AA genotype had a significantly lower level than those with GG genotype after treatment. The case group had a significantly higher serum level of LTB4 than the control group before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment the case group had a significant reduction in the serum level of LTB4 (P<0.05). The children with GG genotype had a significantly higher level of LTB4 than those with AA genotype after treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PLA2G4 rs932476 polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility and severity of bronchial asthma in children, but it may has certain influence on children's response to the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast, possibly by affecting the level of LTB4.

[Value of simultaneous amplification and testing in early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and related influencing factors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of simultaneous amplification and testing (SAT) in the early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children and related influencing factors. METHODS: A total of 526 children with community-acquired pneumonia who were hospitalized between December 2016 and December 2017 were enrolled. Particle agglutination was used to measure serum Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) antibody (MP-Ab). The value of SAT in the diagnosis of MPP was evaluated based on these results. RESULTS: Based on the results of serum MP-Ab measurement, 165 children were diagnosed with MPP. MP-SAT had a sensitivity of 90.9% (150/165), a specificity of 97.9% (368/376), and high accuracy (Youden index=0.89) in the diagnosis of MPP, suggesting that there was good consistency between these two methods (Kappa=0.90). The diagnostic sensitivity of MP-SAT in children with a short course of disease was significantly higher than that in children with a long course of disease (P=0.031). The diagnostic sensitivity of MP-SAT was significantly higher than that of single serum MP-Ab measurement (P=0.018), with poor consistency between these two methods (Kappa=0.039). MP-SAT had good consistency with double serum MP-Ab measurement (Kappa=0.91). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that course of disease (≥7 days) and out-of-hospital macrolide treatment were the main factors influencing the results of MP-SAT (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MP-SAT has high value in the early diagnosis of MPP and can effectively cover the shortage of single serum MP-Ab test in the acute stage and thus provide help for early clinical diagnosis. MP-SAT test should be performed in the early stage of the disease (<7 days) and before the application of macrolide treatment.