Methods for health workforce projection model: systematic review and recommended good practice reporting guideline.

BACKGROUND: Health workforce projection models are integral components of a robust healthcare system. This research aims to review recent advancements in methodology and approaches for health workforce projection models and proposes a set of good practice reporting guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review by searching medical and social science databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and EconLit, covering the period from 2010 to 2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies projecting the demand for and supply of the health workforce. PROSPERO registration: CRD 42023407858. RESULTS: Our review identified 40 relevant studies, including 39 single countries analysis (in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Lesotho, Malawi, New Zealand, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, UK, United States), and one multiple country analysis (in 32 OECD countries). Recent studies have increasingly embraced a complex systems approach in health workforce modelling, incorporating demand, supply, and demand-supply gap analyses. The review identified at least eight distinct types of health workforce projection models commonly used in recent literature: population-to-provider ratio models (n = 7), utilization models (n = 10), needs-based models (n = 25), skill-mixed models (n = 5), stock-and-flow models (n = 40), agent-based simulation models (n = 3), system dynamic models (n = 7), and budgetary models (n = 5). Each model has unique assumptions, strengths, and limitations, with practitioners often combining these models. Furthermore, we found seven statistical approaches used in health workforce projection models: arithmetic calculation, optimization, time-series analysis, econometrics regression modelling, microsimulation, cohort-based simulation, and feedback causal loop analysis. Workforce projection often relies on imperfect data with limited granularity at the local level. Existing studies lack standardization in reporting their methods. In response, we propose a good practice reporting guideline for health workforce projection models designed to accommodate various model types, emerging methodologies, and increased utilization of advanced statistical techniques to address uncertainties and data requirements. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the significance of dynamic, multi-professional, team-based, refined demand, supply, and budget impact analyses supported by robust health workforce data intelligence. The suggested best-practice reporting guidelines aim to assist researchers who publish health workforce studies in peer-reviewed journals. Nevertheless, it is expected that these reporting standards will prove valuable for analysts when designing their own analysis, encouraging a more comprehensive and transparent approach to health workforce projection modelling.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Ginkgolide Meglumine Injection combined with Butylphthalide in the treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ginkgolide Meglumine Injection (GMI) combined with Butylphthalide in the treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS), and provide reference for rational clinical medication. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and other databases were searched for published studies on the treatment of AIS with GMI combined with Butylphthalide in both Chinese and English. The search period was from the establishment of the database to July 2023. The included studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software for Meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies involving 2362 patients (experimental group = 1182, control group = 1180) were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the overall effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group [RR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.16, 1.26), P< 0.00001]. In addition, compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvement in NIHSS score [SMD = -1.59, % CI (-2.00-1.18), P< 0.00001] and ADL score [SMD = 2.12, 95% CI (1.52, -2.72), P<0.00001], significant decrease in CRP [SMD = -2.24, 95% CI (-3.31, -1.18), P<0.0001] and TNF-α [SMD = -2.74, 95% CI (-4.45, -1.03), P< 0.005] levels, and improvement in plasma viscosity [SMD = -0.86, 95% CI (-1.07, -0.66), P< 0.00001]. However, the influence on homocysteine level remains inconclusive. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups [SMD = 0.95, 95% CI (0.71, 1.28), P> 0.05]. CONCLUSION: GMI combined with Butylphthalide shows good clinical application effects and good safety in the treatment of AIS. However, more large-sample, multicenter, randomized controlled are needed to confirm these findings.

CircXRN2 accelerates colorectal cancer progression through regulating miR-149-5p/MACC1 axis and EMT.

In China, there has been a persistent upward trend in the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC), with CRC ranking second in incidence and fifth in mortality among all malignant tumors. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the progression of various cancers, their specific role in CRC progression remains largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role and underlying mechanisms of circXRN2 in CRC. Differential expression of circXRN2 was identified through whole transcriptome sequencing. The expression levels of circXRN2 and miR-149-5p were quantified in CRC tissues, corresponding adjacent normal tissues, and CRC cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The stability of circXRN2 was confirmed through RNase R and actinomycin D experiments. The binding interaction between circXRN2 and miR-149-5p was validated through RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase assays. The biological functions of circXRN2 were assessed through a battery of in vitro experiments, including the CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, scratch assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry assay. Additionally, in vivo experiments involving a tumor transplantation model and a liver-lung metastasis model were conducted. The influence of circXRN2 on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was determined via Western blotting analysis. In CRC tissues and cells, there was an upregulation in the expression levels of both circXRN2 and ENC1, while miR-149-5p exhibited a downregulation in its expression. The overexpression of circXRN2 was found to enhance tumor proliferation and metastasis, as evidenced by results from both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Functionally, circXRN2 exerted its antitumor effect by suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while also promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, the dysregulated expression of circXRN2 had an impact on the expression of proteins within the EMT signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that circXRN2 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells through the miR-149-5p/ENC1/EMT axis, suggesting that circXRN2 might serve as a potential therapeutic target and novel biomarker in the progression of CRC.

Total Ionizing Dose Effects on the Threshold Voltage of GaN Cascode Devices.

GaN devices are nowadays attracting global attention due to their outstanding performance in high voltage, high frequency, and anti-radiation ability. Research on total ionizing dose and annealing effects on E-mode GaN Cascode devices has been carried out. The Cascode device consists of a low-voltage MOSFET and a high-voltage depletion-mode GaN MISHEMT. Cascode devices of both conventional processed MOSFET and radiation-hardened MOSFET devices are fabricated to observe the TID effects. Experiment results indicate that, for the Cascode device with conventional processed MOSFET, the VTH shifts to negative values at 100 krad(Si). For the Cascode device with radiation-hardened MOSFET, the VTH shifts by -0.5 V at 100 krad(Si), while shifts to negative values are 500 krad(Si). The annealing process, after the TID experiment, shows that it can release trapped charges and help VTH recover. On one hand, the VTH shift and recover trends are similar to those of a single MOSFET device, suggesting that the MOSFET is the vulnerable part in the Cascode which determines the anti-TID ability of the device. On the other hand, the VTH shift amount of the Cascode device is much larger than that of a previously reported p-GaN HEMT device, indicating that GaN material shows a better anti-TID ability than Si.

Meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of Xingnaojing and naloxone in the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Xingnaojing combined with naloxone in the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning. METHODS: By retrieving the literatures published in the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang Database, Weipu Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from January 2010 to September 2021, the data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Xingnaojing combined with naloxone in the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning were extracted. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was evaluated by using the tools of bias risk evaluation of Cochrane Collaboration, and the data were statistically analyzed by using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 20 literatures were included, involving in 771 cases treated by Xingnaojing combined with naloxone and 761 cases in the control group. The effective rate of the experimental group is higher than that of the control group [risk ratio (RR) = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.14, 1.26)]. The average awake time (STD mean difference = -2.08, 95% CI [-2.60, -1.56]), physical recovery time (STD mean difference = -2.94, 95% CI [-3.59, -2.28]), delayed encephalopathy (RR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.31, 0.62]), and adverse reactions (RR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.10, 0.54]) was lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Xingnaojing combined with naloxone in the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning is significantly superior to naloxone, but it still needs to be further verified by high-quality large samples of RCTs.

Septal radioablation therapy for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: first-in-human study.

Aims: There is still no non-invasive septal reduction therapy for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with drug-refractory symptomatic HOCM. Methods and results: The radiation target of ventricular septum was determined by multiple anatomical imaging. Stereotactic body radiotherapy was performed with standard techniques. Patients were treated with a single fraction of 25 Gy, followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months by clinical visit. Five patients were enrolled and completed the 12 months follow-up. The mean radioablation time was 21.6 min, and the mean target volume was 10.5 cm3. All five patients survived and showed improvements in symptoms after SBRT. At 12 months post-SBRT, the echocardiography-derived left ventricular outflow tract gradient decreased from 88 mmHg (range, 63-105) to 52 mmHg (range, 36-66) at rest and from 101 mmHg (range, 72-121) to 74 mmHg (range, 65-100) after Valsalva. The end-diastolic thickness of the targeted septum reduced from 23.7 mm (range, 20.3-29) to 22.4 mm (range, 19.7-26.5); 6 min walking distance increased from 190.4 m (range, 50-370) to 412.0 m (range, 320-480). All patients presented with new fibrosis in the irradiated septum area. No radiation-related complications were observed during SBRT and up to 12 months post procedure. Conclusion: The current study suggests that SBRT might be a feasible radioablation therapeutic option for patients with drug-refractory symptomatic HOCM. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04686487.

Right hemicolectomy combined with duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis for hepatic colon carcinoma invading the duodenum: A single-center case series.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic colon carcinoma invading the duodenum is not common in clinical practice. Surgical treatment of colonic hepatic cancer that invades the duodenum is difficult, and the surgical risk is high. AIM: To discuss the efficacy and safety of duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis for the treatment of hepatic colon carcinoma invading the duodenum. METHODS: From 2016 to 2020, 11 patients from Panzhihua Central Hospital diagnosed with hepatic colon carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Clinical and therapeutic effects and prognostic indicators were retrospectively analyzed to determine the efficacy and safety of our surgical procedures. All patients underwent radical resection of right colon cancer combined with duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis. RESULTS: The median tumor size was 65 mm (r50-90). Major complications (Clavien-DindoI-II) occurred in 3 patients (27.3%); the average length of hospital stay was 18.09 ± 4.21 d; and only 1 patient (9.1%) was readmitted during the 1st mo after the surgery. The 30-d mortality rate was 0%. After a median follow-up of 41 m (r7-58), the disease-free survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 90.9%, 90.9% and 75.8%, respectively; the overall survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 90.9%. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, radical resection of right colon cancer combined with duodenum-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis is clinically effective, and the complications are manageable. The surgical procedure also has an acceptable morbidity rate and mid-term survival.

Comparative Study of Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Radical Surgery with or without Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer with T4 Stage: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in T4 colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. The study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of radical surgery (RS) with HIPEC in T4 CRC. METHODS: Adverse events after HIPEC were estimated by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The efficacy was evaluated using recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the effects of confounders between groups. RESULTS: Of the 417 patients (263 men and 154 women), 165 patients were treated with RS + HIPEC and 252 patients with RS alone. There was no significant difference in the incidence of all adverse events after PSM. Overall RFS and OS were not significantly different at 24 months (p = 0.580 and p = 0.072, respectively). However, in patients with T4b stage CRC (92.1% vs. 77.3%, p = 0.048) and tumor size ≥ 5 cm (93.0% vs. 80.9%, p = 0.029), RFS in the two groups showed a significant difference at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the safety of HIPEC in T4 CRC was confirmed. Compared with RS, though RS + HIPEC did not benefit the overall cohort at 24 months, RS + HIPEC could benefit patients with T4b stage CRC and tumor size ≥ 5 cm in RFS.

Comparative Study of Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Mitomycin versus Lobaplatin for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy after Radical Surgery in Colorectal Cancer with High-Risk Factors for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The drug selection of radical surgery (RS), with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), in pT4 colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. METHODS: Adverse events after HIPEC were estimated by common terminology criteria for adverse events version 5.0. The efficacy was evaluated using overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free rate (RFR). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the influence of confounders between Mitomycin and Lobaplatin groups. RESULTS: Of the 146 patients, from April 2020 to March 2021, 47 were managed with mitomycin and 99 with lobaplatin. There was no significant difference in the incidence of all adverse events between the two groups after PSM. OS and RFR were not significantly different between the two groups at 22 months (p = 0.410; p = 0.310). OS and RFR of the two groups also showed no significant difference for patients with T4a or T4b stage, tumor size < or ≥ 5 cm. Among patients with colon cancer, RFR at 22 months of the two groups was significantly different (100.0% vs. 63.2%, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the safety of mitomycin and lobaplatin for HIPEC was not different. Compared with lobaplatin, mitomycin for HIPEC after RS could benefit patients with colon cancer in RFR.

Rectal cancer combined with abdominal tuberculosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: It is very rare to suffer from colorectal adenocarcinoma and abdominal tuberculosis simultaneously. Even in a country such as China, where tuberculosis is still endemic, its diagnosis and treatment are challenging. This article describes in detail a case of rectal cancer complicated by abdominal tuberculosis and its pathological features. CASE SUMMARY: We outline the case of a 71-year-old female who was admitted with intermittent blood in the stool over the past year. The patient was diagnosed with low rectal cancer and received neoadjuvant therapy. The patient then returned to the hospital for surgery, but diffusely distributed nodules were found during laparoscopic exploration. The diagnosis of rectal cancer with extensive metastasis was considered during the operation. There was no opportunity for radical surgery. Thus, nodules were taken for pathological examination, and the abdomen was closed. The histopathological diagnosis was tuberculous granuloma, and the patient was treated with standardized anti-tuberculosis drugs in a specialized hospital. Later, the patient again came to our hospital and underwent abdominoperineal resection. She was discharged 10 d after the operation in good clinical condition. CONCLUSION: We aim to emphasize the importance of preoperative and postoperative pathological examination in diagnosis and treatment.

Meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of Shenyankangfu tablets combined with losartan potassium in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of Shenyankangfu tablets in combination with losartan potassium in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, and WeiPu for comparative studies on Shenyankangfu tablets in combination with losartan potassium in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis. The search period runs from the establishment of the database until September 2021. Data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out on the documents that met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis of the included literature was conducted using the RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 17 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria were included, with a total sample size of 1680 patients (841 patients in the study group and 839 in the control group). The effective rate was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group [RR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.16, 1.27), P < 0.00001]. In addition, 24-hour urine protein levels [SMD = -1.11, 95% CI (-1.40, -0.83), P < 0.00001], urine NAG enzyme [SMD = -0.99, 95% CI (-1.27, -0.72), P < 0.00001], leukotactin-1 [SMD = -2.43, 95% CI (-3.50, -1.35), P < 0.00001], and the incidence of adverse reactions [RR = 0.43, 95% CI (0.28, 0.66), P < 0.00001] were lower in the study group when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: It is safer to treat chronic glomerulonephritis with Shyenyankangfu tablets in combination with losartan potassium. At the same time, it alleviates disease-related symptoms, reduces the influence of cytokine levels, and has fewer adverse reactions, making it more conducive to disease recovery. However, additional multi-center, randomized, control trials with large sample sizes must be conducted to confirm the findings.

A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Current Research Trends in Chinese Medicine for Osteosarcoma / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#To illustrate the research framework, overall knowledge structure, and development trends of Chinese medicine (CM) treatment for osteosarcoma (OS) by using a bibliometric analysis and newly developed visualization tools.@*METHODS@#Research datasets were acquired from the Web of Science (WOS) database from January 1, 1980 to September 30, 2019. VOS viewer and Citespace software was used to analyze the data and generate visualization knowledge maps. Annual trends of publications, distribution of institutes, distribution of journals, citation and H-index status, co-authorship status, research hotspots and co-citation status were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 223 publications in the WOS database met the requirement. The number of published articles showed a rise but the citation frequency and the H-index of China were relatively low. The cooperation between the countries, institutes and authors were relatively weak. Most publications were basic researches. Most of the previous researches focused on basic mechanisms of CM in treating OS, and therapy and improvement of dosage form may become a frontier in this research field.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compared with other fields, the field of CM treatment for osteosarcome is still in infancy. The distribution of researches is imbalanced and cooperation between countries, institutions and authors remains to be strengthened. Furthermore, basic research occupies an absolute dominant position, and the exploration of the molecular mechanism of CM in preventing and treating OS may become a key point in the future.

Isoxanthanol alleviates Staphylococcus aureus induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rat model through promotion of miR-145-5p expression.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the isoxanthanol against Staphylococcus aureus chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rat model. The isoxanthanol decreased the parasitic load by almost 99% in the Staphylococcus aureus infected rats. It significantly (P < 0.05) decreased mortality rate of the rats, prevented pulmonary tissue damage and aggregation of inflammatory cytokines. In Staphylococcus aureus infected rats, isoxanthanol treatment inhibited production of interleukin-18, interleukin-1ß and TNF-α significantly (P < 0.05) in the BALF and pulmonary tissues. Treatment of the Staphylococcus aureus-infected rats with isoxanthanol inhibited up-regulation of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 expression. In Staphylococcus aureus-infected rats the expression of miR-145-5p was remarkably increased on treatment with isoxanthanol. In summary, isoxanthanol prevents Staphylococcus aureus-induced COPD in rats through up-regulation of miR-145-5p and suppression of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, isoxanthanol can be of therapeutic importance for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus induced COPD.

Characteristics of pain sensitivity in children and model mice with autism spectrum disorder disorders / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the characteristics of pain sensitivity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to provide reference for clinical comprehensive intervention of ASD.@*Methods@#A case-control study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of pain sensitivity in 142 ASD children and 142 normal children using the items related to pain sensitivity in the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). In addition, two recognized ASD model mice (BTBR mice and model mice induced by VPA) were selected as experimental group. The thermal pain threshold and mechanical pain threshold of BTBR mice were measured by electroshock seizure threshold and Von Frey filament test, and the differences of pain characteristics between BTBR mice and control mice were compared, the thermal pain threshold of model mice induced by VPA (VPA rats) was measured by electroshock seizure threshold, and the differences between BTBR mice and control mice (Con) were compared.@*Results@#There was significant difference in pain sensitivity between ASD group and control group (χ 2=0.81，P<0.05), and the sensitivity of ASD children to pain was significantly lower than that of normal control children. The pain sensitivity of BTBR mice and C57BL/6 mice on the 42 nd day after birth was measured. The T-test analysis showed that the time taken for BTBR and C57BL/6 mice to retract their feet on the 42 nd day after birth (3.62±0.38,3.02±0.33)s (t=3.28,P<0.01), and the mechanical pain threshold (9.75±3.58,0.55±0.93)s (t=7.44,P<0.01). The detection of thermal stinging pain in VPA rats and con rats on the 9 th, 11 th, 13 th and 15 th day after birth was detected. The results of t test were as follows:P9(11.34±1.38,9.81±1.64)g, P11(11.37±1.98,9.36±1.11)g, P13(11.53±1.38,9.51±1.01)g and P15(12.05±2.91,8.74±1.60)g (t=-2.79,-2.25,3.95,3.95,P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Compared with normal control children, ASD children show insensitivity to pain which is further supported by two types of animal models for ASD.

Pseudomonas phragmitis sp. nov., isolated from petroleum polluted river sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, designated S-6-2T, was isolated from petroleum polluted river sediment in Huangdao, Shandong Province, PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that S-6-2T represented a member of the genus Pseudomonas, sharing the highest sequence similarities with Pseudomonas parafulva (97.5 %) and Pseudomonas fulva (97.5 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene, concatenated 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoB and rpoD genes and genome core-genes indicated that S-6-2T was affiliated with the members of the Pseudomonas pertucinogena group. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and genome-to-genome distance between the whole genome sequences of S-6-2T and closely related species of the genus Pseudomonas within the P. pertucinogena group were less than 77.94 % and 20.5 %, respectively. Differences in phenotypic characteristics were also found between S-6-2T and the closely related species. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/ C18  : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, C17 : 0cyclo and C12 : 0. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one unidentified lipid (L1), two unidentified phospholipids (PL1 and PL2) and an aminophospholipid (APL). The DNA G+C content of the genome of S-6-2T was 60.1 mol%. On the basis of the evidence from the polyphasic taxonomic study, strain S-6-2T can be classified as representative of a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas phragmitis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S-6-2T (=CGMCC 1.15798T=KCTC 52539T).

Association between Radiation Exposure and Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation: Results from Clinical and Experimental Studies.

PURPOSE: The association between occupational radiation exposure and endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between radiation exposure and EDV among fluoroscopy-guided interventional procedure specialists and explored the possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brachial flow-mediated dilation was compared in 21 interventional cardiologists (the radiation group) and 15 noninterventional cardiologists (the nonradiation group). Animal radiation experiments were also performed to observe the impact of radiation on EDV. RESULTS: Flow-mediated dilation in both the left (radiation group, 3.63% vs. nonradiation group, 6.77%; P < .001) and right brachial arteries (5.36% vs. 7.33%, respectively; P = .04) and serum nitric oxide (NO) level (343.69 vs. 427.09 µmol/L, respectively; P = .02) were significantly reduced in the radiation group compared to those in the nonradiation group. EDV was significantly impaired in acetylcholine concentrations of 3 × 10-6 mol/L and 10-5 mol/L (60.09% vs.74.79%, respectively; P = .03; and 62.73% vs. 80.56%, respectively; P = .002), and reactive oxygen species levels in the aorta intima and media layers were significantly increased in mice after a single x-ray exposure, which could be partly rescued by pretreatment with folic acid (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation exposure can lead to impairment of flow-mediated vasodilation in human or EDV in mice. In mice acutely exposed to radiation, folic acid alleviated radiation-induced EDV impairment by possible reduction of reactive oxidative species.

[Associations of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Prevalence,Severity,and Prognosis of Coronary Heart Disease].

Objective To explore the associations of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)with the prevalence,severity,and prognosis of coronary heart disease(CHD). Methods A total of 512 hospitalized patients undergoing coronary angiography in our department from June 2013 to June 2015 were enrolled.Fatty liver was judged by ultrasound screening,and Gensini score was calculated according to the result of coronary angiography.Then the independent predictors of CHD were analyzed.The association between NAFLD and cardiovascular endpoints was analyzed during prospective follow-up among 276 CHD patients. Results The CHD prevalence was 76.8% in NAFLD group and 50.7% in non-NAFLD group(P=0.000),the number of target vessels was 2(1,3)and 1(1,3)(P=0.019),and the Gensini score was(29.02±27.62)and(24.04±20.18)(P=0.022),respectively.NAFLD was an independent predictor of CHD(OR=2.28,95%CI=1.54-3.56,P<0.001).The risk of cardiovascular endpoints was not significantly different between NAFLD group and non-NAFLD group(P>0.1).Cox regression analysis showed that NAFLD was not a predictor of cardiovascular endpoints in patients with CHD(HR=0.95,95%CI=0.62-1.58,P=0.691).Conclusion NAFLD is an independent predictor of CHD,and it is related to severity of coronary artery stenosis.However,it can not predict the clinical outcomes of patients with CHD.

Analysis on AIDS related knowledge, high-risk behaviors and STDs infection status of whoremasters in Kaiyuan City, Yunnan Province / 中华疾病控制杂志

@# Objective To understand the awareness of AIDS related knowledge, high risk behaviors, the infection status of HIV, syphilis and HSV-2, and to explore the associated factors with HSV-2 infection among whoremasters in Kaiyuan City, so as to provide scientific evidence for targeted intervention to prevent and control HIV and other STDs. Methods A self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted among whoremasters recruited through outreach activities and snowball sampling. The blood and urine were also collected for corresponding laboratory examination. Results Among the whoremasters, 98.22% had a high awareness of AIDS related knowledge, 9.33% once used drugs, and 14.67% did not use a condom during the latest commercial sex. 62.22% of the whoremasters ever had non-marital sex partners, and of those who had sex with non-marital sex partners in the past year, 59.55% reported using condoms inconsistently. The total infection rate of HIV/syphilis/HSV-2 was 18.22% and the infection rates of HIV, syphilis and HSV-2 were 3.11%, 1.33% and 16.44%, respectively. The older whoremasters were more likely to have a higher HSV-2 infection rate (AOR=1.044,95%CI:1.016-1.073,P=0.002), and those whoremasters not using a condom during the latest commercial sex were more likely to have a higher HSV-2 infection rate (AOR=3.125,95%CI:1.229-7.945,P=0.017). Conclusions Though whoremasters in Kaiyuan City had a high awareness of AIDS related knowledge, they had high-risk behaviors and relatively high HIV and other STDs infection rates. Targeted interventions are needed to improve the risk awareness of STDs infection to promote consistent condom use in both commercial and non-marital sexual behaviors among whoremasters.

Application Status of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics in Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In recent years, near-infrared spectroscopy has developed into an analytical technique widely used in various fields. Because of its advantages of fast, green and non-destructive, it plays an increasingly prominent role in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) analysis. However, due to the complexity and overlap of spectra, near-infrared spectroscopy needs to be combined with chemometrics for analysis and calculation. The principle, application scope, advantages and limitations of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics are summarized in detail, in addition, their combined applications in the identification of the origin, authenticity, processed products, composition prediction and water content detection of TCM are reviewed. The authors discussed and analyzed the joint application of near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics in the field of TCM analysis, and summarized the unique advantages of the combined technology in the field of TCM, which had certain guiding significance for medical workers to better use this technology.

Mechanism of β-carboline alkaloids inhibiting migration and invasion of SGC-7901 cells / 中国中药杂志

To explore the mechanism of β-carboline alkaloids inhibiting the migration and invasion of SGC-7901 cells and its correlation with FAK gene expression,CCK-8 method was used to determine the inhibitory rate of β-carboline alkaloids on the proliferation of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells under different concentrations.The effect of β-carboline alkaloids on the migration and invasion of SGC-7901 cells was used by Transwell compartment.Detection of mRNA and protein expression of FAK genes were used by qRT-PCR and Western blot.Then si-FAK-1051 recombinant plasmid was transfected into SGC-7901 cells.FAK gene silencing effect was identified by qRT-PCR and Western blot technique again.Finally,the effects of FAK gene silencing on proliferation and migration of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were detected by CCK-8 kit and Transwell chamber assay respectively.With the increase of the concentration ofβ-carboline alkaloids,the inhibitory rate of SGC-7901 cells in human gastric cancer cells increased gradually,with IC5013.364 mg·L-1.The number of SGC-7901 cells of Transwell compartment in the positive experimental group(5-FU,5 mg·L-1) and the β-carboline alkaloids group decreased significantly(P<0.01) and the number of SGC-7901 cells in the β-carboline alkaloids group was significantly lower than that in the positive experimental group(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the mRNA and protein expression level of FAK genes in the positive experimental group was significantly lower than that in the experimental group of β-carboline alkaloids(P<0.05).After transfection of si-FAK-1051 into gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells,the expression of mRNA and protein of FAK gene was significantly down regulated(P<0.05).SGC-7901 cell proliferation and cell migration ability also decreased significantly(P<0.05).β-carboline alkaloids are more effective than 5-FU in inhibiting migration and invasion of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of mRNA and protein expression of FAK gene by β-carboline alkaloids.