A comprehensive predictive model for radiation-induced brain injury in risk stratification and personalized radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) is a severe radiotoxicity for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, greatly affecting their long-term life quality and survival. We aim to establish a comprehensive predictive model including clinical factors and newly developed genetic variants to improve the precision of RBI risk stratification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By performing a large registry-based retrospective study with magnetic resonance imaging follow-up on RBI development, we conducted a genome-wide association study and developed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for RBI in 1189 NPC patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy. We proposed a tolerance dose scheme for temporal lobe radiation based on the risk predicted by PRS. Additionally, we established a nomogram by combining PRS and clinical factors for RBI risk prediction. RESULTS: The 38-SNP PRS could effectively identify high-risk individuals of RBI (P = 1.42 × 10-34). Based on genetic risk calculation, the recommended tolerance doses of temporal lobes should be 57.6 Gy for individuals in the top 10 % PRS subgroup and 68.1 Gy for individuals in the bottom 50 % PRS. Notably, individuals with high genetic risk (PRS > P50) and receiving high radiation dose in the temporal lobes (D0.5CC > 65 Gy) had an approximate 50-fold risk over individuals with low PRS and receiving low radiation dose (HR = 50.09, 95 %CI = 24.27-103.35), showing an additive joint effect (Pinteraction < 0.001). By combining PRS with clinical factors including age, tumor stage, and radiation dose of temporal lobes, the predictive accuracy was significantly improved with C-index increased from 0.78 to 0.85 (P = 1.63 × 10-2). CONCLUSIONS: The PRS, together with clinical factors, could improve RBI risk stratification and implies personalized radiotherapy.

Autoantibody repertoire profiling in tissue and blood identifies colorectal cancer-specific biomarkers.

Autoantibodies (AAbs) in the blood of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have been evaluated for tumor detection. However, it remains uncertain whether these AAbs are specific to tumor-associated antigens. In this study, we explored the IgG and IgM autoantibody repertoires in both the in situ tissue microenvironment and peripheral blood as potential tumor-specific biomarkers. We applied high-density protein arrays to profile AAbs in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte supernatants and corresponding serum from four patients with CRC, as well as in the serum of three noncancer controls. Our findings revealed that there were more reactive IgM AAbs than IgG in both the cell supernatant and corresponding serum, with a difference of approximately 3-5 times. Immunoglobulin G was predominant in the serum, while IgM was more abundant in the cell supernatant. We identified a range of AAbs present in both the supernatant and the corresponding serum, numbering between 432 and 780, with an average of 53.3% shared. Only 4.7% (n = 23) and 0.2% (n = 2) of reactive antigens for IgG and IgM AAbs, respectively, were specific to CRC. Ultimately, we compiled a list of 19 IgG AAb targets as potential tumor-specific AAb candidates. Autoantibodies against one of the top candidates, p15INK4b-related sequence/regulation of nuclear pre-mRNA domain-containing protein 1A (RPRD1A), were significantly elevated in 53 CRC patients compared to 119 controls (p < 0.0001). The project revealed that tissue-derived IgG AAbs, rather than IgM, are the primary source of tumor-specific AAbs in peripheral blood. It also identified potential tumor-specific AAbs that could be applied for noninvasive screening of CRC.

Application of mixed reality technology in vertebroplasty / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:How to improve the accuracy of puncture,reduce surgical damage,and improve surgical efficiency during vertebroplasty is currently one of the focuses of exploration and improvement in vertebroplasty techniques. OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical significance of application of mixed reality technology in percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal fractures. METHODS:Two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture in Dalian Second People's Hospital in June 2023 were selected.Before operation,128-row CT scanning of the lumbar spine was performed and the original data of digital imaging and communications in medicine(DICOM)were obtained.Visual Volume software was used to build the three-dimensional network model of vertebral compression fracture.Holographic imaging glasses were used to accurately map 3D network model images to the real world,assist the surgeon in completing preoperative simulation,explaining preoperative conditions and treatment plans,and guiding puncture and bone cement injection during surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Precise puncture was achieved with the assistance of a mixed reality technology.Postoperative imaging examination showed good bone cement filling and no obvious leakage.The postoperative symptoms of the patient were alleviated well,and they were able to move to the ground on the same day after surgery.(2)It is concluded that a mixed reality technology is helpful for preoperative surgical design and communication efficiency with patients and their families.Assisting with precise puncture during surgery,shortening surgical time,and reducing side injuries is a new and effective clinical diagnosis and treatment model,which has development potential in minimally invasive,precise,and personalized treatment of spinal surgery.

Value of metoprolol combined with Wenxin Keli in treatment of atrial tachycardia after catheter ablation due to atrial fibrillation / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To explore the therapeutic value of metoprolol combined with Wenxin Keli(a Chinese patent drug)on atrial tachycardia(AT)after catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods A total of 290 patients who were diagnosed with AF and underwent catheter ablation successfully in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from May 2018 to January 2022 were enrolled,and were randomly divided into Wenxin Granule group(Group W),metoprolol group(Group M),combined group(Group MW)and blank control group(Group C).The times of AT,heart beats during the longest AT episode,average heart rate and adverse reactions were compared among the 4 groups.Results The mean heart rate,episodes of AT,heart beats during the longest AT episode,and numbers of premature atrial contractions(PAC)of class Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ in Group C in 1 year after operation were all sig-nificantly higher than the baseline levels(P＜0.01),so were in the Group W,Group M and Group MW(P＜0.01).Group MW had obviously lower mean heart rate,episodes of AT,heart beats dur-ing the longest AT episode,and numbers of PAC of class Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ when compared with Group W and Group M(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the total incidence of ad-verse reactions in Group W,Group M and Group MW(7.1％vs 13.9％vs 8.9％,P=0.301).Con-clusion Metoprolol combined with Wenxin Keli can be used to treat AT after AF catheter abla-tion.The combination can effectively reduce the average heart rate,episodes of AT,numbers of PAC and heart beats during the longest AT episode,and thus decrease the recurrence of postopera-tive AF with high safety.

Efficacy of dronedarone combined with metoprolol on elderlv patients with atrial arrhythmia / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy of dronedarone combined with low dose metoprol-ol in the treatment of atrial tachycardia.Methods A total of 175 elderly patients with atrial tachy-cardia admitted in Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital during January 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled and then randomly divided into dronedarone group(n=57),metoprolol group(n=55)and combined group(dronedarone+metoprolol,n=48).The frequency,duration and symptom changes of arrhythmia were compared before and after treatment.Results After 3 and 6 months of administration,the total effective rate was significantly higher in the combination group than the dronedarone group and the metoprolol group(P＜0.05).The frequency of atrial fibrillation(AF)attacks[(2.31±1.78)/48 h vs(11.56±18.68)/48 h],AF duration[(4.86±6.73)h/48 h vs(10.92±9.61)h/48 h],atrial flutter(AFL)attacks[(2.33±1.53)/48 h vs(4.33±1.53)/48 h]and AFL duration[(5.15±4.87)h/48 h vs(21.54±20.08)h/48 h]in the combined group,and AFL duration[(2.75±1.94)h/48 h vs(10.29±8.04)h/48 h]in the dronedarone group were reduced after 6 months of treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion In the treatment of atrial tachycardia,dronedarone combined with low dose metoprolol can not only obviously improve symptoms,but also significantly reduce the atrial premature and atrial tachycardia attacks,decrease the number and duration of AF and AFL attacks,and control heart rate effectively.

Value of precision management after cardiac resynchronization therapy / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of precision management on improving the symp-toms and response rate of patients after cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Methods A to-tal of 97 patients with heart failure(HF)who received CRT for the first time in Department of Cardiology,Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from January 1,2020 to December 31,2021 were enrolled in this study.They were divided into control group(53 cases)and precision management group(44 cases).CRT response rate and incidence of HF readmission or death were compared be-tween the two groups.Results The precision management group had significantly larger propor-tion of total response in 12 months after CRT than the control group(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival rate without clinical concern was obviously higher in the precision management group than the control group(P=0.018).Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that no precision management after surgery(HR=0.21,95％CI:0.09-0.47,P=0.005)and hospitalization for HF within 1 year before surgery(HR=3.94,95％CI:1.70-9.14,P=0.005)were the main predictors of clinical events of concern after CRT.Conclusion Postoperative precision management of CRT can increase the CRT response rate,reduce the risk of readmission or death due to HF,and improve the prognosis effectively.

Clinical study on non-drug treatment of BPSD in senile dementia and its correlation with ApoE gene polymorphism / 中国现代医生

Objective To analyze the effect of non-drug therapy on behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia(BPSD)and its correlation with apolipoprotein E(ApoE)gene polymorphism.Methods A total of 90 patients with senile dementia admitted to Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were selected as study objects,they were divided into routine group,control group and observation group according to random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.Patients in routine group were treated with memantine hydrochloride tablets,patients in control group were treated with music therapy on the basis of routine group,patients in observation group were treated with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation on the basis of routine group,and they were all treated for 12 weeks.BPSD severity,dementia severity,cognitive function,ability of daily living and ApoE gene polymorphism were compared among the three groups.Results Before treatment,there were no significant differences in the scores of neuropsychiatric inventory(NPI),clinical dementia rating(CDR),mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and activity of daily living(ADL)scale among the three groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the NPI and CDR scores of three groups were significantly lower than before treatment,and the MMSE and ADL scores were significantly higher than before treatment(P<0.05).The scores of NPI and CDR in observation group and control group were significantly lower than those in routine group,while the scores of MMSE and ADL were significantly higher than those in routine group(P<0.05).There were ε2,ε3 and ε4 alleles in ApoE,of which ε3 had the highest expression frequency(55 cases),followed by ε4 and ε2.There was no significant difference in detection rate of different ApoE genes among the three groups(P>0.05).The NPI scores of ApoE ε4 patients were significantly higher than those of ApoE ε3 and ApoE ε2 patients(P<0.05).Conclusion Non-drug therapy has a significant effect on senile dementia patients,which can effectively alleviate dementia and BPSD,improve cognitive function and daily living ability.ApoE ε4 gene is closely associated with BPSD in senile dementia patients.

The interaction and mediation effects between the host genetic factors and Epstein-Barr virus VCA-IgA in the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Previous studies have demonstrated strong associations between host genetic factors and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) VCA-IgA with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the specific interplay between host genetics and EBV VCA-IgA on NPC risk is not well understood. In this two-stage case-control study (N = 4804), we utilized interaction and mediation analysis to investigate the interplay between host genetics (genome-wide association study-derived polygenic risk score [PRS]) and EBV VCA-IgA antibody level in the NPC risk. We employed a four-way decomposition analysis to assess the extent to which the genetic effect on NPC risk is mediated by or interacts with EBV VCA-IgA. We consistently found a significant interaction between the PRS and EBV VCA-IgA on NPC risk (discovery population: synergy index [SI] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.85-3.10; replication population: SI = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.17-4.44; all pinteraction < 0.001). Moreover, the genetic variants included in the PRS demonstrated similar interactions with EBV VCA-IgA antibody. We also observed an obvious dose-response relationship between the PRS and EBV VCA-IgA antibody on NPC risk (all ptrend < 0.001). Furthermore, our decomposition analysis revealed that a substantial proportion (approximately 90%) of the genetic effects on NPC risk could be attributed to host genetic-EBV interaction, while the risk effects mediated by EBV VCA-IgA antibody were weak and statistically insignificant. Our study provides compelling evidence for an interaction between host genetics and EBV VCA-IgA antibody in the development of NPC. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing measures to control EBV infection as a crucial strategy for effectively preventing NPC, particularly in individuals at high genetic risk.

Peptidome-wide association analysis of Epstein-Barr virus identifies epitope repertoires associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are essential for presenting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens and are closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aims to systematically investigate the association between HLA-bound EBV peptides and NPC risk through in silico HLA-peptide binding prediction. A total of 455 NPC patients and 463 healthy individuals in NPC endemic areas were recruited, and HLA-target sequencing was performed. HLA-peptide binding prediction for EBV, followed by peptidome-wide logistic regression and motif analysis, was applied. Binding affinity changes for EBV peptides carrying high-risk mutations were analyzed. We found that NPC-associated EBV peptides were significantly enriched in immunogenic proteins and core linkage disequilibrium (LD) proteins related to evolution, especially those binding HLA-A alleles (p = 3.10 × 10-4 for immunogenic proteins and p = 8.10 × 10-5 for core LD proteins related to evolution). These peptides were clustered and showed binding motifs of HLA supertypes, among which supertype A02 presented an NPC-risk effect (padj = 3.77 × 10-4 ) and supertype A03 presented an NPC-protective effect (padj = 4.89 × 10-4 ). Moreover, a decreased binding affinity toward risk HLA supertype A02 was observed for the peptide carrying the NPC-risk mutation BNRF1 V1222I (p = 0.0078), and an increased binding affinity toward protective HLA supertype A03 was observed for the peptide carrying the NPC-risk mutation BALF2 I613V (p = 0.022). This study revealed the distinct preference of EBV peptides for binding HLA supertypes, which may contribute to shaping EBV population structure and be involved in NPC development.

Study of Heat Treatment Effect on Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Reinforced with Fiber Glass.

In this paper, mechanical properties of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (EP) reinforced with a 20% fiber glass (GF) with layered structure after high temperature aging are studied. Tensile and flexural stress-strain curves of the GF/EP composite after aging tests in the temperature range of 85-145 °C in air were measured. Tensile and flexural strength demonstrate gradual decrease with the increase in the aging temperature. The failure mechanism at the micro scale is studied by the scanning electron microscopy. A separation of the GFs and EP matrix and evident pullout of the GFs are observed. Degradation of the mechanical properties is explained by a cross-linking and chain scission of the initial molecular structure of the composite and decrease in the interfacial adhesion force between GFs and EP matrix caused by oxidation of the EP matrix and difference of the GF and EP coefficients of thermal expansion.

High-throughput identification of regulatory elements and functional assays to uncover susceptibility genes for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Large-scale genetic association studies have identified multiple susceptibility loci for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the underlying biological mechanisms remain to be explored. To gain insights into the genetic etiology of NPC, we conducted a follow-up study encompassing 6,907 cases and 10,472 controls and identified two additional NPC susceptibility loci, 9q22.33 (rs1867277; OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.68-0.81, p = 3.08 × 10-11) and 17q12 (rs226241; OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.26-1.60, p = 1.62 × 10-8). The two additional loci, together with two previously reported genome-wide significant loci, 5p15.33 and 9p21.3, were investigated by high-throughput sequencing for chromatin accessibility, histone modification, and promoter capture Hi-C (PCHi-C) profiling. Using luciferase reporter assays and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to validate the functional profiling, we identified PHF2 at locus 9q22.33 as a susceptibility gene. PHF2 encodes a histone demethylase and acts as a tumor suppressor. The risk alleles of the functional SNPs reduced the expression of the target gene PHF2 by inhibiting the enhancer activity of its long-range (4.3 Mb) cis-regulatory element, which promoted proliferation of NPC cells. In addition, we identified CDKN2B-AS1 as a susceptibility gene at locus 9p21.3, and the NPC risk allele of the functional SNP rs2069418 promoted the expression of CDKN2B-AS1 by increasing its enhancer activity. The overexpression of CDKN2B-AS1 facilitated proliferation of NPC cells. In summary, we identified functional SNPs and NPC susceptibility genes, which provides additional explanations for the genetic association signals and helps to uncover the underlying genetic etiology of NPC development.

Building an improved transcription factor-centered yeast one hybrid system to identify DNA motifs bound by protein comprehensively.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the motifs bound by a transcription factor (TF) is important to reveal the function of TF. Previously, we built a transcription factor centered yeast one hybrid (TF-Centered Y1H) that could identify the motifs bound by a target TF. However, that method was difficult to comprehensively identify all the motifs bound by a TF. RESULTS: Here, we build an improved TF-Centered Y1H to comprehensively determine the motifs bound by a target TF. Recombination-mediated cloning in yeast was performed to construct a saturated prey library that contains 7 random base insertions. After TF-Centered Y1H screening, all the positive clones were pooled together to isolate pHIS2 vector. The insertion regions of pHIS2 were PCR amplified and the PCR product was subjected to high-throughput sequencing. The insertion sequences were then retrieved and analyzed using MEME program to identify the potential motifs bound by the TF. Using this technology, we studied the motifs bound by an ethylene-responsive factor (BpERF2) from birch. In total, 22 conserved motifs were identified, and most of them are novel cis-acting elements. Both the yeast one hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assay verified that the obtained motifs could be bound by BpERF2. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) study further suggested that the identified motifs can be bound by BpERF2 in cells of birch. These results together suggested that this technology is reliable and has biological significance. CONCLUSION: This method will have wide application in DNA-protein interaction studies.

Clinical and genome-wide association analysis of chemoradiation-induced hearing loss in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Chemoradiation-induced hearing loss (CRIHL) is one of the most devasting side effects for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients, which seriously affects survivors' long-term quality of life. However, few studies have comprehensively characterized the risk factors for CRIHL. In this study, we found that age at diagnosis, tumor stage, and concurrent cisplatin dose were positively associated with chemoradiation-induced hearing loss. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 777 NPC patients and identified rs1050851 (within the exon 2 of NFKBIA), a variant with a high deleteriousness score, to be significantly associated with hearing loss risk (HR = 5.46, 95% CI 2.93-10.18, P = 9.51 × 10-08). The risk genotype of rs1050851 was associated with higher NFKBIA expression, which was correlated with lower cellular tolerance to cisplatin. According to permutation-based enrichment analysis, the variants mapping to 149 hereditary deafness genes were significantly enriched among GWAS top signals, which indicated the genetic similarity between hereditary deafness and CRIHL. Pathway analysis suggested that synaptic signaling was involved in the development of CRIHL. Additionally, the risk score integrating genetic and clinical factors can predict the risk of hearing loss with a relatively good performance in the test set. Collectively, this study shed new light on the etiology of chemoradiation-induced hearing loss, which facilitates high-risk individuals' identification for personalized prevention and treatment.

Anterior versus posterior retractor reinsertion with a lateral tarsal strip for involutional entropion repair: A multicentric experience.

PURPOSE: The aim was the comparison of two different approaches to re-insert the inferior eyelid retractors within addition to lateral tarsal strip at lower eyelid involutional entropion (LEIE) surgical correction. METHOD: This multicentric retrospective case series involved 233 consecutive patients (195 eyelids) who underwent LEIE repair. All the lids had a lateral tarsal strip (LTS) in addition to the reinsertion of retractors onto the tarsal plate via the anterior approach (group 1) or the posterior approach (group 2). The desired normal position of the eyelids at 6-month follow-up was considered 'surgical successes, while entropion recurrence and overcorrection (ectropion) were considered 'surgical failures'. RESULTS: One-hundred ninety-one (82%) surgeries were included in group 1 and 42 (18%) in group 2. The success rate was 92.1% (176 lids) in group 1 and 85.7% (36 lids) in group 2 (p = 0.188). The recurrence rate was statistically higher for group 2 (14.3%) than for group 1 (3.7%) (p = 0.016). Overcorrection only described in group 1 (3.1%). Both groups had a similar complication rate (p = 0.268), with trichiasis being the most frequent (14, 6%). Ten eyelids (47.6%) from the 21 overall failures were satisfactorily reoperated, and the remaining ones were treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: The anterior or posterior approach to reinsert lower eyelid retractors to tarsal plate in addition to LTS to correct LEIE can provide a similar outcome. However, the anterior approach achieves a slightly higher success rate with fewer recurrences but with a higher overcorrection rate.

Müllerotomy with anterior graded Müller muscle disinsertion for Graves upper eyelid retraction: validation of surgical outcomes using Bézier curves.

PURPOSE: To assess with Bézier curves the outcomes of Müllerotomy with anterior graded Müller muscle disinsertion for the treatment of Graves upper eyelid retraction (UER). METHODS: Eighty-six eyelids of 52 inactive GO patients operated from November 2018 to June 2021 were included in this study. All measurements were performed on Bézier curves adjusted to the upper lid contour with a previously validated algorithm. Lid contour was classified regarding grade of superposition (GS) as excellent (GS > 90%), good (GS 85-90%) or poor (< 85%). Surgical success was defined as complete or partial if postoperative grade of asymmetry was < 10% with an excellent or good lid contour, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 51 ± 10.4 years with a range from 31 to 78 years and a mean follow-up of 14.4 ± 7.4 months. There was a significant improvement of median GS (p < 0.0001) from preoperative (74.3%; 10.7 IQR) to postoperative values (91.7%; 6.3 IQR). A normalization of postoperative contour peak (- 0.69; 1.27 SD) and MPLD90 (4.2 mm; 0.8 SD) was noticed (p < 0.0001). Postoperative lid contour was excellent in 62 (72%), good in 16 (19%) and poor in 8 eyelids (9%). Surgical success was achieved in 42 patients (81%), from which 34 (81%) were complete. Reintervention was required in 14 eyelids (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring surgical outcomes with Bézier curves allows an automated, complete and objective assessment, giving more consistency to our data compared to previous reports. Müllerotomy with graded Müller muscle disinsertion is a safe and effective procedure for Graves UER, offering predictable results.

Bézier curves as a total approach to measure the upper lid contour: redefining clinical outcomes in palpebral surgery.

AIMS: To define and quantify the upper lid contour by adapting Bézier curves with a newly developed software in normal subjects, assessing their reliability. METHODS: Fifty eyes of 50 healthy patients with no ocular pathology were included in this study from October 2020 to November 2020. All measurements were performed on Bézier curves adjusted to the upper lid contour. An original software was used to measure the radial and vertical midpupil-to-lid margin distances (MPLD), temporal-to-nasal (T/N) ratios, contour peak location and grade of superposition (GS) and asymmetry (GA) indexes. We calculated differences in the variables measured regarding age, gender or the side of the eye being assessed. RESULTS: The mean Bézier curve showed an excellent level of inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99). The median GS index of each eyelid to the mean Bézier curve was 95.4%, 8.5 IQR, and the median GA index was 3%, 3.4 IQR. The mean contour peak location was -0.35 mm, SD 0.45. Overall, the mean central MPLD was 4.1 mm, SD 0.6. No significant differences were found between male and female patients in variables derived from Bézier curves. CONCLUSION: Bézier curves may become a very useful tool for the assessment of upper lid contour, contour peak and symmetry. GS and GA indexes, along with the T/N area ratio are potential outcomes for this purpose. All current variables can be obtained just from one single Bézier curve measurement. Our results offer an in-depth exhaustive description of these variables and their distribution in the normal population.

Two new iridoid glycosides from Hedyotis diffusa.

Two new iridoid glycosides, named productasperulosidic acid butyl ester (1) and E-6-O-3-hydroxy-p-methoxycinnamoyl scandoside methyl ester (2), along with nine known ones (3-11), were isolated from Hedyotis diffusa Willd. The structures of them were elucidated by extensive 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectral data. Compounds 1-11 showed no significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells.

Two new prenylated 2-arylbenzofurans from roots of Artocarpus heterophyllus and their anti-respiratory burst activities / 中国中药杂志

Two prenylated 2-arylbenzofurans were isolated from roots of Artocarpus heterophyllus, with a combination of various chromatographic approaches, including ODS, MCI, Sephadex LH-20, and semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). They were identified as 5-[6-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5,7-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)benzofuran-2-yl]-1,3-benzenediol(1) and 5-[2H,9H-2,2,9,9-tetramethyl-furo[2,3-f]pyrano[2,3-h][1]benzopyran-6-yl]-1,3-benzenediol(2) with spectroscopic methods, such as HR-ESI-MS, IR, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR, and named artoheterins B(1) and C(2), respectively. The anti-respiratory burst activities of the two compounds were evaluated with rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils(PMNs) stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA). The results showed that 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on respiratory burst of PMNs with IC_(50) values of 0.27 and 1.53 μmol·L~(-1), respectively.

Nutritional Status of Children Aged 3 to 7 Years in Zhag′yab， Tibet / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo understand the physical development level of 3-7 years old children in Zhag′yab， and to provide reference for local health decision-making. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2021 and July 2021， with a sample of 1 247 Tibetan children aged 3-7 years from kindergartens in 13 districts of Zhag′yab. Their height and weight were measured and the hemoglobin was detected by a unified method. Standard statistical method was adopted （Z-score method）. Z-scores of length /height-for-age （HAZ）， Z-scores of weight-for-age （WAZ）， Z-scores of body mass index （BMI）-for-age （BAZ） and Z-scores of weight-for-height （WHZ） were calculated by WHO Anthro v3.2.2 and WHO Anthro Plus. The nutritional status of children was evaluated according to WHO diagnostic criteria for malnutrition and anemia. ResultsThe average WAZ and HAZ of children aged 3 to 7 in Zhag′yab were lower than the WHO standards，except for the WAZ of 4-year old， the differences were statistically significant （P<0.05）. The overall detection rate of malnutrition was 25.7%， stunting， underweight， wasting， overweight， obesity and anemia were 11.6%， 11.8%， 10.8%， 3.3%， 1.8% and 29.3%， respectively. The detection rates of all indicators in boys were higher than those in girls， and the differences were not statistically significant （P>0.05）. The overweight rate and obesity rate of rural children were lower than those of urban children， and the other detection rates were higher than those of urban children. The differences of underweight rate， obesity rate and anemia rate were statistically significant between urban and rural children （P<0.05）. Among the detection rates of all indicators in different age groups， there were statistically significant differences in the overweight rate and the anemia rate （P<0.05）. The overweight rate of children aged 4 and the anemia rate of children aged 5 were the highest. ConclusionsThe physical development of children aged 3 to 7 in Zhag′yab is poor， and the prevalence of malnutrition and anemia is high. Underweight and anemia are more serious in rural children， and the overweight and obesity problem of urban children is emerging. More attention should be paid to promote their nutritional status. The prevention and intervention of children’s malnutrition should be strengthened in Zhag′yab.

Correlation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cognitive dysfunction / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cognitive dysfunction.Methods:This is a case-control study. From February 2022 to October 2022, 32 COPD patients (inpatient and outpatient) from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and Rehabilitation Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and 32 healthy subjects were recruited. All participants underwent a thorough evaluation, which included Montreal Assessment of Cognitive Function (MoCA), visuospatial n-back task included accuracy (ACC) and mean response time (RT), the pulmonary functions including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), one-second rate (FEV 1/FVC) and maximum volume per minute (MVV), Health Survey Short Form (SF-36), and St. George′s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The correlation between cognitive dysfunction and lung function, SF-36 and SGRQ in COPD patients were analyzed. Results:The prevalence of smoking, hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the two groups were significantly different (all P<0.05). MoCA score, 1-back ACC and 2-back ACC in COPD group were significantly lower than those in healthy control group [(23.86±4.50) vs (27.55±1.29) points, (76.82%±16.60%) vs (90.61%±7.40%), (67.93%±10.10%) vs (78.74%±10.38%), all P<0.001]; 2-back RT was significantly higher than that of healthy group [(316.43±108.17) vs (254.09±101.62) ms, P<0.05]; and the Physiological function (PF), physiological function (RP), emotional function (RE), energy (VT), social function (SF), physical pain (BP) in SF-36 were significantly worse than the healthy control group (all P<0.05). The MoCA score of COPD group was positively correlated with FEV 1/FVC ( r=0.501, P=0.018). The 1-back ACC was positively correlated with FEV 1 and FEV 1/FVC ( r=0.568, 0.634; both P<0.05). The 1-back RT was negatively correlated with FEV 1/FVC and MVV ( r=-0.452, -0.534; both P<0.05). The 2-back ACC was positively correlated with FEV 1/FVC ( r=0.426, P=0.048). The 2-back RT was negatively correlated with MVV ( r=-0.571, P=0.006). In COPD group, MoCA score was negatively correlated with activity, influence and total score in SGRQ ( r=-0.533, -0.466, -0.521; all P<0.05). The 1-back ACC was negatively correlated with activity, influence and total score ( r=-0.552, -0.517, -0.584; all P<0.05). The 1-back RT was positively correlated with activity, influence and total score ( r=0.430, 0.379, 0.417; all P<0.05). The 2-back ACC was negatively correlated with impact and total score ( r=-0.398, -0.412; both P<0.05). Conclusion:COPD patients have impaired cognitive function, which is mainly manifested by the decline of working memory and executive function, and is correlated with the lung function, general health condition and quality of life.