GDNF's Role in Mitigating Intestinal Reactive Gliosis and Inflammation to Improve Constipation and Depressive Behavior in Rats with Parkinson's disease.

Constipation is a common symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is often associated with depression. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are crucial for regulating intestinal inflammation and colon motility, and their activation can lead to the death of intestinal neurons. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been recognized for its neuroprotective properties in various neurological disorders, including PD. This study explores the potential of GDNF in alleviating intestinal reactive gliosis and inflammation, thereby improving constipation and depressive behavior in a rat model of PD. A PD model was established via unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Five weeks post-injury, AAV5-GDNF (2 ~ 5 × 10^11) was intraperitoneally injected into experimental and control rats. Fecal moisture percentage (FMP) and colonic propulsion rate (CPPR) were used to evaluate colon motility. Colon-related inflammation and colonic epithelial morphology were assessed, and depressive behavior was analyzed one week before sampling. PD rats exhibited reduced colonic motility and GDNF expression, along with increased EGC reactivity and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, there was an up-regulation of CX43 and a decrease in PGP 9.5 expression. The intraperitoneal injection of AAV-GDNF significantly protected colonic neurons by inhibiting EGC activation and down-regulating CX43. This treatment also led to a notable reduction in depressive-like symptoms in PD rats with constipation. GDNF effectively reduces markers of reactive gliosis and inflammation, and promotes the survival of colonic neurons, and improves colonic motility in PD rats by regulating CX43 activity. Furthermore, GDNF treatment alleviates depressive behavior, suggesting that GDNF or its agonists could be promising therapeutic agents for managing gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with PD.

3D bioprinting of Salvianolic acid B-sodium alginate-gelatin skin scaffolds promotes diabetic wound repair via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic effects.

In patients with diabetic wounds, wound healing is impaired due to the presence of persistent oxidative stress, an altered inflammatory response, and impaired angiogenesis and epithelization. Salvianolic acid B (SAB), which is derived from the Chinese medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic effects. Previous studies have used 3D bioprinting technology incorporating sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (Gel) as basic biomaterials to successfully produce artificial skin. In the current study, 3D bioprinting technology was used to incorporate SAB into SA-Gel to form a novel SAB-SA-Gel composite porous scaffold. The morphological characteristics, physicochemical characteristics, biocompatibility, and SAB release profile of the SAB-SA-Gel scaffolds were evaluated in vitro. In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic abilities of the SAB-SA-Gel scaffolds were evaluated in cells and in a rat model. Analysis demonstrated that 1.0 wt% (the percentage of SAB in the total weight of the solution containing SA and Gel) SAB-SA-Gel scaffolds had strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic properties both in cells and in the rat model. The 1.0% SAB-SA-Gel scaffold reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interluekin-1ß and increased the expression of transforming growth factor-ß. In addition, this scaffold removed excessive reactive oxygen species by increasing the expression of superoxide dismutase, thereby protecting fibroblasts from injury. The scaffold increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, accelerated granulation tissue regeneration and collagen deposition, and promoted wound healing. These findings suggest that this innovative scaffold may have promise as a simple and efficient approach to managing diabetic wound repair.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treatment of pregnancy-related symptoms: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture (AM) in the treatment of pregnancy-related symptoms such as acute vomiting during pregnancy. METHODS: We comprehensively searched the available literature up to November 2021, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on AM for the treatment of severe vomiting, insomnia, pharyngeal and pelvic pain, mood abnormalities, and dyspepsia during pregnancy. RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs with a cumulative sample size of 1178 cases were included. Of these, 964 patients were included in the Meta-analysis. The Meta-analysis results showed that AM was more efficient than Western medicine in treating discomfort during pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.11, 1.28), P < 0.01]. AM was better than the control group in improving the visual analog scale scores [standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.62, 95% CI(0.53, 0.71), P < 0.01]. AM was superior to the control group in improving Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) symptom scores [OR = 7.31, 95% CI(3.36, 15.94), P < 0.01]. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the AM and sham-AM groups and the analgesic drug group [OR = 0.70, 95% CI(0.39, 1.28), P = 0.25], but the treatment and control groups had mild adverse effects with a low incidence. CONCLUSIONS: AM is more effective than other treatments or pharmacotherapy alone in the treatment of pregnancy-related symptoms, and is relatively safe. However, the quality of the included trials was rather poor, and high-quality studies are required to confirm our findings.

Association of white matter hyperintensities with long-term stroke recurrence in patients with recent subcortical small infarcts / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the association of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) with long-term stroke recurrence in patients with recent subcortical small infarcts (RSSIs).Methods:Consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Neurology, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University between January 2019 and August 2022 and met the clinical and imaging manifestations of RSSIs were collected. The demographic characteristics, baseline clinical data, and MRI features were collected. Using stroke recurrence as the endpoint event, the recurrence time was recorded, and Cox regression model was used to analyze relevant factors affecting stroke recurrence in patients with RSSIs.Results:A total of 202 patients were enrolled, including 138 males (68.3%), aged 67.9±10.5 years. Seventy-seven patients (38.1%) were mild WMHs, 64 (31.7%) were moderate WMHs, and 61 (30.2%) were severe WMHs. There were statistically significant differences in age, history of stroke, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, total cholesterol, infarct thickness, and infarct distribution among different WMHs severity groups (all P<0.05). The median follow-up time was 40.5 months (interquartile range, 27.7-49.0 months), and a total of 55 patients (27.2%) had stroke recurrence (ischemic stroke 54, occipital hemorrhage 1). Recurrence rates of stroke in the mild, moderate, and severe WMHs groups were 18.2%, 31.3%, and 34.4%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that WMHs were an independent risk factor for stroke recurrence (compared to the mild group, the risk ratio of the severe group was 2.225, 95% confidence interval was 1.116-4.436; P=0.023). Conclusion:The risk of long-term stroke recurrence in patients with RSSI is associated with the severity of WMHs.

Vitamin D3 attenuates high-glucose exposure-induced oxidative stress to promote osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Diabetic osteoporosis is gaining public attention.However,few studies have reported the effect of a high-glucose environment on the osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and the corresponding therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether vitamin D3 can restore the osteogenic differentiation potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in a high-glucose environment. METHODS:The viability of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was detected by CCK-8 assay to screen the appropriate vitamin D3 intervention concentration.Under the high-glucose environment,RT-qPCR,western blot assay,immunofluorescence,JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential,alizarin red staining,and β-galactosidase staining were used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation potential,intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation,mitochondrial membrane potential alteration,and cell senescence of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells after vitamin D3 intervention.The underlying mechanism was also discussed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Vitamin D3 significantly promoted the proliferation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the range of 0.1 μmol/L to 1 mmol/L.(2)High-glucose environment down-regulated the mRNA and protein level expressions of osteogenic-related genes α1-I collagen,alkaline phosphatase,Runt-associated transcription factor 2,and osteocalcin in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,which induced oxidative stress and cellular senescence.(3)Vitamin D3 at an intervention concentration of 10 μmol/L significantly restored the osteogenic phenotype of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells under high-glucose conditions and attenuated intracellular oxidative stress and cellular senescence by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.(4)These findings suggested that the osteogenic differentiation ability of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was reduced in the high-glucose environment,and vitamin D3 could partially improve their osteogenic differentiation ability and reduce cell damage.

Fucoxanthin alleviates glucocorticoid-induced osteoblast apoptosis by activating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Osteoporosis has a high incidence,leading to fracture and other complications.However,existing drugs have great side effects and are difficult to meet the clinical application. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect and potential mechanism of fucoxanthin on osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoid. METHODS:Primary rat osteoblasts were inoculated in 6-well plates.When the cell fusion reached 80%,the cells were divided into four groups:the control group was cultured alone for 24 hours,the glucocorticoid group was intervened with dexamethasone for 24 hours,the fucoxanthin group was intervened with fucoxanthin for 24 hours,and the glucocorticoid + fucoxanthin group was intervened with dexamethasone and fucoxanthin at the same time for 24 hours.After intervention,cell proliferation,apoptosis,intracellular reactive oxygen species level,and protein expression of apoptosis-related proteins,bone formation-related proteins,and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cell counting kit-8 results showed that the cell viability was decreased in the glucocorticoid group compared with the control group(P＜0.05)but increased in the glucocorticoid+fucoxanthin group compared with the glucocorticoid group(P＜0.05).JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential staining and flow cytometry assay showed that the percentage of apoptosis increased in the glucocorticoid group compared with the control group(P＜0.05)but decreased in the glucocorticoid+fucoxanthin group compared with the glucocorticoid group(P＜0.05).Western blot assay showed that compared with the control group,the protein expression of BAX and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase was elevated in the glucocorticoid group(P＜0.05),and the protein expression of BCL2,type Ⅰ collagen α1 peptide chain,alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,and RUNX2 was decreased in the glucocorticoid group(P＜0.05).Compared with the glucocorticoid group,the protein expression of BAX and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase was decreased(P＜0.05),and the protein expression of BCL2,type Ⅰ collagen α1 peptide chain,alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,and RUNX2 was elevated(P＜0.05)in the glucocorticoid+fucoxanthin group.Fluorescent probe assay showed an increase in reactive oxygen species level in the glucocorticoid group compared with the control group(P＜0.05)and a decrease in reactive oxygen species level in the glucocorticoid+fucoxanthin group compared with the glucocorticoid group(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay showed that the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 in the glucocorticoid group was decreased compared with that in the control group(P＜0.05);and the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 in the glucocorticoid+fucoxanthin group was elevated compared with that in the glucocorticoid group(P＜0.05).To conclude,fucoxanthin can improve glucocorticoid-induced osteoblast apoptosis and the expression of bone formation-related molecules by activating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2.

Shear wave elastography for evaluating hepatic iron overload in children with β-thalassemia major:Correlations with MR T2* value and serum ferritin / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To observe the value of shear wave elastography(SWE)for evaluating hepatic iron overload in children with β-thalassemia major(β-TM),as well as the correlations of relative parameters with MR T2*value and serum ferritin.Methods Totally 96 children with β-TM and 100 healthy children(control group)were retrospectively enrolled.Children with β-TM were divided into hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)group(n=41)or non-HSCT group(n=55)according to underwent HSCT or not.SWE parameters were compared among groups.Spearman correlation was performed to observe the correlations of liver shear wave velocity with MR T2*value and serum ferritin,as well as Young's modulus with MR T2*value and serum ferritin in children with β-TM.Results Liver shear wave velocity(LSWV)and Young's modulus in HSCT group and non-HSCT group were all higher than those in control group(all P＜0.001).No significant difference of LSWV nor Young's modulus was found between HSCT group and non-HSCT group(both P＞0.05).SWE parameters of children with β-TM were moderately and negatively correlated with MR T2*value(r=-0.501,P＜0.05;r=-0.514,P＜0.05),while weakly and positively correlated with serum ferritin(r=0.488,P＜0.05;r=0.470,P＜0.05).Conclusion SWE was helpful for evaluating hepatic iron overload in children with β-TM,with parameters being negatively correlated with MR T2*value and positively correlated with serum ferritin.

Efficacies of intravenous immunoglobulin for kidney recipients for clearing BK virus and treating BK virus nephropathy / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacies of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the clearance of Bovine Kobu (BK) virus and treatment of BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) in kidney transplantation recipients.Methods:From March 1, 2018 to March 31, 2022, the relevant clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 13 kidney transplantation recipients with histologically proven BKVN on a full course of IVIG. The changes of serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were compared before and after Month 1/3/6/12. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed for examining the overall risk factors of BK virus clearance failure.Results:kidney transplantation (12 cases) and combined pancreatorenal transplantation (1 case) were performed. Among them, 9/13 patients were pathologically classified as stage A (early changes without tubular necrosis) and another 4 cases as stage B (active nephropathy with viral tubular necrosis). After IVIG dosing, all patients with BK virus in blood turned negative. Urinary BK virus DNA load of 7 patients with BK virus declined by 10 3 copies/ml, and 6 patients with BK virus in urine turned negative. Blood BK viral DNA load, urinary BK viral DNA load, GFR and serum creatinine before IVIG were 26 100 (1 000, 254 000) copies /ml and 1 450 (438, 7 480) ×10 6 copies /ml, (35. 36±14. 57) ml/min and (208. 50±66. 89) μmol/L, respectively, after 12 months of use of IVIG were 0、0(0, 0. 58) ×10 6 copies/ml、(46. 05±13. 00) ml/min and(175. 38±50. 64) μmol/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P=0. 012, 0. 027, 0. 046 and 0. 039) . Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the overall risk factor for viral clearance failure was high initial viral load ( HR=0. 780, 95% CI: 0. 64-0. 98, P=0. 032) , concurrent transplanted kidney rejection ( HR=0. 847, 95% CI: 0. 52-0. 93, P=0. 013) and higher BKVN grade ( HR=0. 426, 95% CI: 0. 22-0. 81 , P=0. 010) were the overall risk factors for urinary BK virus clearance failure. No major adverse events occurred. Conclusions:IVIG may achieve a high efficacy of BK virus clearance. IVIG is effective in the treatment of BKVN. The graft renal function was stable or improved after treatment.

Advances in research on mechanisms related to myocardial regeneration in neonatal murine / 中国比较医学杂志

Cardiovascular disease is a health hazard to humans and systolic heart failure due to myocardial infarction is a major cause of death.It was previously thought that myocardial cells of the adult mammalian heart possess a limited ability to proliferate and self-renew.However,it has been widely reported that mammals have the ability to regenerate the myocardium,which is restricted to early postnatal life,and that it is strong enough to repair damaged heart tissue.The discovery of myocardial regeneration in neonatal hearts has provided an ideal animal model to investigate the mechanisms that affect myocardial regeneration,and many mechanisms that reverse myocardial cell cycle arrest and promote myocardial regeneration have been revealed.In this article,we review the factors affecting gene expression for myocardial regeneration(e.g.,ncRNAs and transcription factors),myocardial regeneration-related signaling pathways,and the regulation of myocardial regeneration by non-myocardial cells(e.g.,extracellular matrix,immune response,and epicardium)to provide directions for achieving myocardial regeneration after myocardial injury in adult mammals.

How do female mosquitoes determine the most suitable males for mating? / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

More than 80% of the world’s populations are at risk of vector-borne diseases, with mosquito-borne diseases as a significant global public health problem. Mosquito populations control is critical to interrupting the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. This review summarizes the physical attributes, smell, vision, touch, and hearing of mosquitoes to unravel the preferences of female mosquitoes, and describes the mechanisms underlying the best male mating by female mosquitoes, so as to provide new insights into management of mosquito-borne diseases.

Analysis of the correlation between the anatomical features of patent foramen ovale and right to left shunt / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To investigate the correlation between the anatomical structure of patent foramen ovale(PFO)observed by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)and the right to left shunt(RLS)grade of contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography(c-TTE).Methods Ninety cases in which the presence of PFO was suggested by TEE examination as a diagnostic criterion from November 2021 to December 2022 in the First Hospital of Nanchang were retrospectively analysed.According to the c-TTE results of patients,the RLS was divided into 4 levels,and the correlation between PFO structural characteristics and RLS grading was analyzed.Results There was a positive correlation between PFO diameter size and RLS grading in resting state(r=0.381,P<0.05);The PFO diameter of patients with hypermobile interatrial septum(HIS)was larger and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);The PFO diameter of patients with persistent RLS was larger than that of excited phase patients,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in RLS shunt degree between patients with long tunnel and those without long tunnel;There was no significant difference in RLS grade and PFO diameter size under Valsalva state.Conclusion Research has shown that certain anatomical structures of PFO interact with RLS grading,and PFO anatomical structures can also interact with each other(the opening diameter of the foramen ovale with HIS is larger);At the same time,TEE can clearly show the morphological characteristics of PFO and predict the degree of RLS,so as to further evaluate the possibility of ischemic stroke in patients with PFO,and provide more evidence for the indications for foramen ovale closure.

Identification of heat shock protein hsp70 family genes from Rana amurensis and its expression profiles upon infection / 生物工程学报

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) widely exist in all organisms, the structures of which are usually extraordinarily conservative. They are also well-known stress proteins that are involved in response to physical, chemical and biological stresses. HSP70 is an important member of the HSPs family. In order to study the roles of amphibians HSP70 during infection, the cDNA sequence of Rana amurensis hsp70 family genes were cloned by homologous cloning method. The sequence characteristics, three-dimensional structure and genetic relationship of Ra-hsp70s were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. The expression profiles under bacterial infection were also analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Expression and localization of HSP70 protein were tested by immunohistochemical techniques. The results showed that three conservative tag sequences of HSP70 family, HSPA5, HSPA8 and HSPA13, were found in HSP70. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated four members are distributed in four different branches, and members with the same subcellular localization motif are distributed in the same branch. The relative expression levels of the mRNA of four members were all significantly upregulated (P < 0.01) upon infection, but the time for up-regulating the expression levels were diverse in different tissues. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that HSP70 was expressed to different degrees in the cytoplasm of liver, kidney, skin and stomach tissue. The four members of Ra-hsp70 family have ability to respond bacterial infection to varying degrees. Therefore, it was proposed that they are involved in biological processes against pathogen and play different biological functions. The study provides a theoretical basis for functional studies of HSP70 gene in amphibians.

Progress on the association between anaphylaxis and bronchial asthma in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Bronchial asthma and anaphylaxis are two conditions related to the sensitization state of the body that can coexist with each other in children.Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children, while anaphylaxis is a rapid onset emergency involving multiple systems of the body.The two diseases can affect each other.Poor asthma control can increase the risk of anaphylaxis, and there is a risk of misdiagnosis during symptom onset.Both diseases need prompt and appropriate acute treatment as well as long term management.This review summarizes the various associations and differences between asthma and anaphylaxis, as well as management tools and strategies, in order to provide reference for enhancing disease awareness and optimizing disease management.

Correlation between non-traditional lipid parameters and in-hospital recurrence in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between non-traditional lipid parameters and in-hospital recurrence in patients with acute minor ischemic stroke (AMIS).Methods:Patients with AMIS admitted to three sub-central hospitals in Shanxi Province within 72 h of onset in March, June, September, and December of 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 were retrospectively included. The demographic information, clinical features, blood lipid parameters, and in-hospital stroke recurrence events were collected. Non-traditional lipid parameters included low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio, triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C ratio, and non-HDL-C levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent correlation between the non-traditional lipid parameters and the risk of in-hospitals stroke recurrence. Results:A total of 1 040 patients with AMIS were included, including 727 males (69.9%), aged 61.5±13.0 years old; 51 patients (4.904%) experienced in-hospital stroke recurrence, with an average time from admission to recurrence was 7.4±5.7 d. Four hundred and thirty-six (41.9%) AMIS patients complicated with ICAS, aged 61.0±12.5 years old, with 304 males (69.7%); 26 (6.0%) experienced recurrence of in-hospital stroke, and the time from admission to recurrence was 7.8±6.2 d. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding variables, the higher TC/HDL-C ratio (odds ratio [ OR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.02-1.77; P=0.035) and non-HDL-C ( OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02-1.77; P=0.045) were the independent risk factors for in-hospital stroke recurrence. In AMIS patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, only higher non-HDL-C was significantly and independently associated with the risk of in-hospital stroke recurrence ( OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.05-2.65; P=0.030). Conclusion:The higher non-traditional lipid parameters are associated with an increased risk of in-hospital stroke recurrence in patients with AMIS.

Effect of Silibinin on Proliferation and Invasion of HeLa Cells and Its Mechanism / 华中科技大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the effect of silibinin(SB)on the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer HeLa cells and its mechanism.Methods CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of SB on the proliferation of HeLa cells,and the proper concentration of SB was screened.The cells were divided into 9 groups:control,SB-L(SB low dose),SB-M(SB medium dose),SB-H(SB high dose),PD98059(ERK1/2 signal inhibitor),SB202190(p38 MAPK inhibitor),PD98059+SB,SB202190+SB and cisplatin group.CCK-8 was used to detect cell proliferation.Transwell chamber was used to observe the cell invasion.Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)and p-p38.Western blot was used to detect the expression of MMP-2,MMP-9,ERK1/2,p38,p-ERK1/2 and p-p38.Results Compared with the control group,the proliferation rate and the number of inva-sive cells in other groups were significantly reduced(P＜0.05).And the expression levels of MMP-2,MMP-9,p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with SB-M group,the above changes in PD98059+SB group and SB202190+SB group were more significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion SB can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of HeLa cells,and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of ERK/p38 MAPK signal pathway activation and downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

Low-frequency whole-body resonance stimulation can improve the balance and walking of hemiplegic stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of low-frequency whole body resonant stimulation on the ba-lance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty-six stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into a low-frequency resonance training group, a high-frequency vibration training group and a control group, each of 22. All received routine exercise training at individualized intensities. All three groups underwent five 1-minute cycles of 7Hz, 15Hz or 1Hz stimulation twice a day, five days a week for eight weeks. Before and after the intervention, balance and walking ability were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, the timed up and go test and a 10m walking test. Step length, step frequency and step speed were also measured.Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups before the training. Afterward, significant improvement was observed in all of the groups in terms of all of the measurements. The average results of the low-frequency resonance training group were at that point significantly better than the other two groups′ averages, while the high-frequency vibration training group′s results were superior to those of the control group.Conclusion:Resonance training at 7Hz is the most effective in improving the balance and walking ability of stroke survivors with hemiplegia.

Application of ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry for determination of iodide in water / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To study the application of ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry for determination of iodide in water.Methods:Ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry was used to determine the iodine content of tap water and source water in the range of 0 - 20 and 0 - 200 μg/L iodine concentration. The effect of the method was verified in terms of linear range, detection limit, precision and accuracy.Results:In the range of 0 - 20 and 0 - 200 μg/L iodine concentration, the absolute values of linear correlation coefficients were > 0.999 0; the detection limits were 0.18 and 1.02 μg/L, respectively; the coefficient of variation of low, medium and high iodine concentrations in tap water and source water was less than 5%. In the range of 0 - 20 μg/L iodine concentration, the spiked recovery rates of tap water and source water were 90.33% - 110.46% and 92.21% - 102.82%, respectively; in the range of 0 - 200 μg/L iodine concentration, the spiked recovery rates of tap water and source water were 90.14% - 102.62% and 91.36% - 106.18%, respectively. The national first level standard materials GBW09113g and GBW09114g were tested, and the results of water iodine determination were within the given range of the standard materials.Conclusion:Ammonium cerium sulfate spectrophotometry has a wide linear range, high accuracy, and good precision, making it suitable for widespread application in grassroots areas.

Effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Chinese medication on the expression of serum inflammatory indicators and microRNAs in patients with multiple myeloma after chemotherapy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Chinese medication on serum inflammatory indicators, T-lymphocyte subsets, and serum microRNAs in patients with multiple myeloma after chemotherapy. Methods: Eighty-two patients with multiple myeloma who had terminated chemotherapy were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method, with 41 cases in each group. The control group received symptomatic treatment of Western medicine plus oral Chinese medication Yi Shen Qiang Gu Tang (decoction for benefiting the kidney to strengthen bones), and the observation group received additional heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment. After the intervention, the following measures were observed, including clinical efficacy, symptom scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and tumor patient's quality of life (QOL) scores [including Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, performance scale (PS) score, and tumor-specific QOL questionnaire score] alongside the serum inflammatory indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], and the relative expression levels of T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and serum microRNA-302 (miR-302), microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p), and microRNA-125a (miR-125a). Results: After treatment, the total effective rate was 85.4％ in the observation group, higher than 68.3％ in the control group (P<0.05). The observation group was superior to the control group in improving the serum inflammatory factor levels, TCM symptom scores, tumor patient's QOL scores, and the relative expression levels of T-lymphocyte subsets and serum miR-302, miR-140-5p, and miR-125a, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Chinese medication can lower the serum inflammatory factor levels, strengthen immune function, mitigate TCM symptoms, enhance QOL, and raise the expression levels of serum miR-125a, miR-140-5p, and miR-302 in multiple myeloma patients after chemotherapy.

Value of CT texture analysis parameters in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To study the value of CT texture analysis (CTTA) parameters in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Methods:From May. 2020 to Oct. 2021, 110 patients with thyroid nodules in the background of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in the Radiology Department of Nanjing Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine were selected, and CTTA was performed. CTTA parameters (entropy value, peak state and skewness) were counted. The pathological diagnosis results were taken as the "gold standard". Statistical pathological examination results were used to compare the general clinical characteristics and CTTA parameters of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to analyze the diagnostic value of CTTA parameters for thyroid nodules.Results:According to the clinicopathological examination, 43 of 110 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were malignant, accounting for 39.09%. Among them, 22 were papillary carcinoma, 13 were follicular carcinoma, 6 were medullary carcinoma, and 2 were malignant lymphoma; 67 cases were benign, accounting for 60.91%, including 32 nodular goiters, 20 Hashimoto’s nodules, 8 thyroid adenomas, and 7 focal inflammation. The levels of TSH, irregular shape, blurry border and calcification in patients with malignant thyroid nodules were higher than those in patients with benign thyroid nodules ( t/ χ2=13.167, 18.364, 20.180,17.621, P<0.001). In the background of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there was no significant difference in the peak and skewness of CTTA parameters between benign and malignant thyroid nodules ( t=1.633, 1.382, P=0.105, 0.170). The entropy value of patients with malignant thyroid nodules was higher than that of patients with benign thyroid nodules, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=9.862, P<0.001). ROC analysis showed that the cut-off value of entropy value for diagnosing benign and malignant thyroid nodules was 6.28, AUC value was 0.909, 95% CI was 0.839-0.955, sensitivity was 86.05% (37/43), and specificity was 88.06% (69/67) . Conclusion:CTTA parameters in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients with benign and malignant thyroid nodules are different, and CTTA parameters have certain diagnostic value for benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Distribution characteristics and health risk assessment of elements in drinking water from endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the types and distribution characteristics of elements in drinking water from endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City, understand the relationship between fluoride and various elements, and conduct health risk assessment on potential high-risk elements.Methods:From May to June 2017, one endemic fluorosis area with water improvement (Gaoling District, Huyi District, Lintong District) was selected according to the northeast, the southwest and the due east directions of Xi'an City as the survey area. Sixteen endemic fluorosis villages were selected from each endemic area, and 2 water samples were collected from each endemic village to detect fluoride and 12 elements such as chromium, manganese, ferrum, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, antimony, barium, and lead. Hygienic evaluation was conducted according to national standards, and the potential high-risk elements (arsenic, molybdenum) were assessed for health risk through the health risk assessment model recommended by the National Environmental Protection Agency of the United States.Results:The water samples from the endemic fluorosis areas in Xi'an City mainly contained seven elements: barium, ferrum, molybdenum, arsenic, zinc, manganese, and chromium. The content of copper and selenium was relatively low, while the content of cadmium, antimony, and lead was extremely low. The fluoride content in water samples from Gaoling District and Lintong District was relatively high, and the fluorine, arsenic, molybdenum elements was pairwise positively correlated ( P < 0.05). The molybdenum element in water samples from Lintong District exceeded 9.38% (3/32). The fluoride in the water samples of Huyi District was relatively low, and the arsenic, molybdenum elements was positively correlated ( r = 0.84, P < 0.001), and the arsenic element exceeded the standard by 25.00% (8/32). The main health risk of drinking water in endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City was arsenic exposure, with children at a higher risk than adults, and the areas of Huyi District, Lintong District, and Gaoling District declined, the risk of cancer (CR) of Gaoling District was < 10 -4 and hazard quotient (HQ) was < 1. However, in the areas of Huyi District and Lintong District (except HQ of adults), there was a higher risk (CR > 10 -4, HQ > 1). Children in one endemic fluorosis village in Lintong District had a higher non carcinogenic risk of molybdenum (HQ > 1). Conclusions:The drinking water in endemic fluorosis areas with water improvement in Xi'an City mainly contains 7 elements, especially arsenic and molybdenum, which need to be regularly monitored. Some areas have high health risks of arsenic in water, and monitoring, management, and related epidemiological investigations need to be strengthened. At the same time, it is necessary to actively monitor other toxic and harmful substances that may be introduced during the water improvement process to prevent the occurrence of secondary health problems.