Utilities of environmental radioactivity tracers in assessing sequestration potential of carbon in the coastal wetland ecosystems.

Demand for accurate estimation of coastal blue carbon sequestration rates in a regular interval has recently surged due to the increasing awareness of nature-based climate solutions to alleviate adverse impacts stemming from the recent global warming. The robust estimation method is, however, far from well-established. The international community requires, moreover, to quantify its effect of "management." This article tries to provide the environmental isotope community with basic biophysical features of coastal blue carbon ecosystems to identify a suitable set of environmental isotopes for promoting coastal ocean-based climate solutions. This article reviews (i) the primary biophysical characteristics of coastal blue carbon ecosystems and hydrology, (ii) their consequential impact on the accumulation and preservation of organic carbon (OC) in the sediment column, (iii) suitable environmental isotopes to quantifying the sedimentary organic carbon accumulation, outwelling of the carbon-containing byproducts of decomposition of biogenic organic matter and acid neutralizing alkalinity produced in situ sediment to the offshore. Above-ground biomass is not cumulative over the years except for mangrove forests within coastal blue carbon systems. Non-gaseous carbon sequestration and loss occur mainly as a form of sediment organic carbon (SOC) and dissolved carbon in an intertidal and subtidal bottom sediment body in a slow, patchy, and dispersive way, on which this article focuses. Investigating environmental radionuclides is probably the most cost-effective effort to contribute to defining the offshore spatial extent of coastal blue carbon systems except for seagrass beds (e.g., Ra isotopes), to quantify millimeter per year scale carbon accretion and loss within the systems (e.g., 7Be, 210Pb) and a liter per meter of coastline per a day scale water movement from the systems (Ra isotopes). A millimeter-scale spatial and an annual (or less) time-scale resolution offered by the use of environmental isotopes would equip us with a novel tool to enhance the carbon storage capacity of the coastal blue carbon system.

[Effects of microRNA-106b on migration and invasion of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell NCI-H2452].

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of microRNA-106b in the process of migration and invasion of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell NCI-H2452. Methods: In April 2017, the expression level of miRNA-106b in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells (NCI-H2452, MSTO-211H, NCI-H2052) and normal mesothelial cells MeT-5A was detected and analyzed. Using NCI-H2452 cells as a model, the NCI-H2452 cell model with miRNA-106b overexpression was established by transfecting miRNA-106b mimics. The expression level of miRNA-106b in the cells was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The effect of miRNA-106b on the migration and invasion ability of NCI-H2452 cells was analyzed. The gene expression data of malignant mesothelioma and the downstream target gene data of miRNA-106b in public databases were analyzed to screen the downstream target genes of miRNA-106b in mesothelioma cells that affect cell migration and invasion ability, and to verify the expression of this gene in NCI-H2452 cells with miRNA-106b overexpression. Results: The expression of miRNA-106b in three MPM cells was decreased compared with MeT-5A cells (P<0.001) . The expression level of miRNA-106b was significantly increased after transfection of miRNA-106b mimics (P<0.001) . The scratch migration levels of the experimental group were 28.45%±4.37%, 38.12%±4.82% and 50.06%±8.92% at 24h, 31h and 48h, respectively. Compared with the control group, the migration level decreased by 37.48%±2.65%, 49.21%±3.45% and 68.14%±3.81% (P<0.01) . The number of cell migration and invasion decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0.001) . Public databases were used to screen and analyze the possibility that TCF21 gene, as a downstream target gene, could affect the migration and invasion ability of MPM cells. The expression level of TCF21 gene was increased after transfection of miRNA-106b mimics in NCI-H2452 cells (P=0.009) . Conclusion: MiRNA-106b can inhibit the migration and invasion of NCI-H2452 cells and increase the expression of TCF21 gene.

[Incremental value of epicardial fat volume on predicting obstructive coronary artery disease with myocardial ischemia].

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial fat volume (EFV) and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with myocardial ischemia, and evaluate the incremental value of EFV on top of traditional risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) in predicting obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and single photon emission computerized tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from March 2018 to November 2019 were consecutively enrolled. EFV and CAC were measured by non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Obstructive CAD was defined as coronary artery stenosis≥50% in at least one of the major epicardial coronary arteries, and myocardial ischemia was defined as reversible perfusion defects in stress and rest MPI. Obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia was defined in patients with coronary stenosis severity≥50% and reversible perfusion defects in the corresponding areas of SPECT-MPI. Patients with myocardial ischemia bot without obstructive CAD were defined as none-obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group. We collected and compared the general clinical data, CAC and EFV between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the relationship between EFV and obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. ROC curves were performed to determine whether addition of EFV improved predictive value beyond traditional risk factors and CAC for obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. Results: Among the 164 patients with suspected CAD, 111 patients were males, and average age was (61.4±9.9) years old. 62 (37.8%) patients were included into the obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group. 102 (62.2%) patients were included into the none-obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group. EFV was significantly higher in obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group than in none-obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia group ((135.63±33.29)cm3 and (105.18±31.16)cm3, P<0.01). Univariate regression analysis showed the risk of obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia increased by 1.96 times for each SD increase in EFV(OR 2.96; 95%CI, 1.89-4.62; P<0.01). After adjustment for traditional risk factors and CAC, EFV remained as an independent predictor for obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia (OR, 4.48, 95%CI, 2.17-9.23; P<0.01). Addition of EFV to CAC and traditional risk factors was related to larger AUC for predicting obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia (0.90 vs. 0.85, P=0.04, 95%CI: 0.85-0.95) and the global chi-square increased by 21.81 (P<0.05). Conclusions: EFV is an independent predictor for obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia. Addition of EFV to traditional risk factors and CAC has incremental value for predicting obstructive CAD with myocardial ischemia in this patient cohort.

Identification of hub genes correlated with diabetic retinopathy via bioinformatics methods.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the hub genes and uncover the molecular mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE60436 in our study. After screening for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and visualized using the Cytoscape software. Finally, we identified 10 hub genes by cytoHubba plugin. RESULTS: A total of 592 DEGs were identified, including 203 up-regulated genes and 389 downregulated genes. The DEGs were mainly enriched in visual perception, photoreceptor outer segment membrane, retinal binding, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. By constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, 10 central genes were finally identified, including CNGA1, PDE6G, RHO, ABCA4, PDE6A, PDE6B, NRL, RPE65, GUCA1B and AIPL1. CONCLUSIONS: CNGA1, PDE6G, RHO, ABCA4, PDE6A, PDE6B, NRL, RPE65, GUCA1B, and AIPL1 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for DR.

[The clinical characteristics of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea with hyperandrogenism].

Objective: To explore the clinical and biochemical discriminants of hyperandrogenism in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). Methods: From January to September 2022, a total of 56 patients with FHA group in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University outpatient clinic were included in this retrospective cross-sectional analysis. According to the clinical or biochemical features of hyperandrogenism, FHA patients can be divided into two subgroups, namely hyperandrogenic FHA and non-hyperandrogenic FHA. Explore the differences and its significances between hyperandrogenic FHA and non-hyperandrogenic FHA by comparing anthropometry, reproductive hormones, AMH, ultrasonic manifestation, the scores of eating attitude test, depression questionnaire and anxiety scale respectively and analyzing their correlations. Results: The age of 56 FHA patients was 15-32(23.36±4.90) years, and body mass index(BMI) was (18.91±2.49) kg/m2. The age of hyperandrogenic FHA and non-hyperandrogenic FHA was (21.76±4.40) and (24.05±5.00) (P=0.109) years old respectively, and BMI was (19.14±3.15 )and (18.81±2.18) kg/m2 (P=0.702). Compared to the non-hyperandrogenic FHA, the AMH (6.46 and 3.63 ng/ml, P=0.025) and PRL (278.78 and 149.46 mU/ml, P=0.002) levels were higher in hyperandrogenic FHA group. There was no significant difference between the hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic FHA group in body composition.GAD-7 (r=0.455, P=0.005) and PHQ-9 (r=0.664, P<0.001) were correlated with EAT-26 scores in non-hyperandrogenic FHA group, but no significant correlation was shown between PHQ-9 (r=0.091, P=0.766)、GAD-7 (r=0.304, P=0.313) and EAT-26 in hyperandrogenic FHA group. Conclusions: Some patients with FHA had clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism and mildly elevated AMH and PRL, with underlying PCOS endocrine characteristics.

[Association between inflammation activity of left atrial epicardial adipose tissue measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT and atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To explore the association between inflammation activity of left atrial epicardial adipose tissue (LA-EAT) measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: A total of 78 patients with AF, who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT in the Nuclear Medicine Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University due to abnormally elevated levels of tumor indicators or malignant tumors from March 2018 to December 2019, were enrolled in this retrospective study. According to the examination date of PET/CT and basic characteristics of AF patients (gender, age), a 1∶1 propensity score matching was used to enroll a non-AF control group (78 patients). The maximum standard uptake value of left atrial epicardial tissue (LA-EAT FDG SUVmax) and total EAT volume (V-EAT) were measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial diameter (LAD) were obtained by echocardiography. Blood lipids and biomarkers of inflammation were measured. The differences of clinical data and EAT-related indicators were compared between the AF group and control group. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the related factors of AF. Then the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cutoff value of LA-EAT FDG SUVmax on the diagnosis of AF. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the increase of LA-EAT FDG SUVmax and AF. Results: The age was (66.9±10.2) years and there were 55 males (70.5%) in the AF group. The age was (66.9±8.0) years, and there were 52 males (66.7%) in the control group (both P>0.05). The LAD ((44.2±5.8) mm vs. (35.4±4.4) mm), V-EAT ((122.1±42.0) cm3 vs. (91.6±34.5) cm3), and LA-EAT FDG SUVmax ((1.6±0.3) vs. (1.4±0.2)) values were significantly higher, while LVEF ((60.1±4.7)% vs. (63.9±2.9)%) was lower in the AF group than in the control group (P all<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LAD (OR=1.340, 95%CI 1.195-1.502), V-EAT (OR=1.016, 95%CI 1.001-1.031), and LA-EAT FDG SUVmax (OR=1.375, 95%CI 1.095-1.723) were positively correlated with AF, LVEF (OR=0.781, 95%CI 0.659-0.926) was negatively correlated with AF(P all<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of LA-EAT FDG SUVmax for diagnosis of AF was 0.680 (95%CI 0.597-0.764, P<0.001), and the best cut-off value was 1.415 with a sensitivity of 65.4% and specificity of 61.5%. After adjusting for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LVEF, LAD and V-EAT, LA-EAT FDG SUVmax≥1.415 was independently associated with AF (OR=2.982, 95%CI 1.122-7.926, P=0.010). Conclusions: The inflammatory activity of LA-EAT measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT is an independent risk factor of AF, and the increased inflammatory activity of LA-EAT is positively correlated with AF.

[microRNA-30d can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of human mesothelial cell MSTO-211H].

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism of microRNA-30d (miR-30d) in the process of proliferation, migration and invasion of malignant mesothelioma cell line MSTO-211H. Methods: In April 2017, the human MSTO-211H cells was used to establish miR-30d overexpressed MSTO-211H cell model by transfection of miR-30d mimics. The qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression level of miR-30d in the cells transfected miR-30d mimics. The effects of miR-30d on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of MSTO-211H cells were analyzed by CCK-8 experiment, flow cytometry, cell scratch experiment and Transwell method. Results: After transfection of miR-30d, the expression level of miR-30d in the MSTO-211H+miR-30d cells group was significantly higher than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (P<0.01) . The cell activity of MSTO-211H+miR-30d group (105.13%±2.35%) was significantly lower than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (115.40%±1.35%) , and the level of apoptosis (3.97%±0.36%) was significantly higher than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (1.47%±0.10%) (P<0.01) . The relative migration areas at 12 and 24 h of MSTO-211H+miR-30d cells group (9.35±3.16 µm(2) and 58.19±1.82 µm(2)) were significantly lower than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (54.42±5.26 µm(2) and 88.32±1.96 µm(2)) (P<0.01) . Compared with the MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group, the numbers of cell migration and cell invasion were reduced in the MSTO-211H+miR-30d cells group (P<0.01) . Conclusion: miR-30d can regulate the progression of malignant pleural mesothelioma by inhibiting the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of MSTO-211H cells.

[Study on malignant transformation of MeT-5A cells induced by chrysotile].

Objective: To study the cytotoxicity and malignant transformation ability of chrysotile on MeT-5A cells. Methods: In June 2016, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of chrysotile to MeT-5A cells. MeT-5A cells were treated with 5 µg/cm(2) chrysotile intermittently for 24 h a time, once a week and a total of 28 times. After the cells showed anchorage independent growth, the cell features of malignant transformation were identified by colony forming frequency in soft agar, and the soft agar colony formation rates were calculated. The activities of key speed limiting enzymes of glycolysis metabolism including hexokinase (HK) , phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were determined by UV colorimetry. Results: Chrysotile was cytotoxic to MeT-5A cells in a concentration-dependent decline. Compared with the control group, the relative survival rates of MeT-5A cells were significantly decreased after exposed to chrysotile at 10, 20, 40 and 80 µg/cm(2) (P<0.05) . After 28 times of exposure, the growth rate of the cells in chrysotile transformed MeT-5A cells was accelerated, the arrangement was disordered, the contact inhibition was lost, and the double layer growth appeared, which could grow on soft agar. The colony forming rate of the chrysotile transformed MeT-5A cells was 18.33‰±2.49‰. Compared with the control group (0) , the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01) . The activities of glycolysis related kinase including PK [ (19.51±1.52) U/L], PFK[ (0.12±0.02) U/10(4) cell] and HK[ (0.26±0.01) U/10(4) cell] were increased in the chrysotile transformed MeT-5A cells compared with control group [ (25.00±1.04) U/L、(0.15±0.01) U/10(4) cell and (0.33±0.01) U/10(4) cell] (P<0.01) . Conclusion: Chrysotile can induce malignant transformation of MeT-5A cells and increase the activities of glycolysis related kinases including PK, PFK and HK.

[Effects and mechanisms of Xuezhikang on preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury in diabetic rats].

Objective: To explore the effects and mechanisms of Xuezhikang on preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to establish a diabetes model in 7-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After 4 weeks of modeling, 24 diabetic rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham group, CIN group, CIN+vehicle (Veh) group and Xuezhikang group. All animals were sacrificed at 24 hours after administration of contrast. Blood and kidney tissues were collected to detect biochemical, inflammation-related, oxidative stress-related and pathological indicators. Results: After administration of contrast agent, the renal function-related indicators were decreased in Xuezhikang group compared with CIN+Veh group [serum creatinine (SCr): (59.3±3.3) µmol/L vs (73.2±4.1) µmol/L; blood urea nitrogen (BUN): (13.8±0.5) mmol/L vs (16.3±0.6) mmol/L; serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL): (41.4±2.0) ng/ml vs (54.9±4.4) ng/ml; urinary kidney injury moleculer-1 (uKIM-1): (11.1±0.5) ng/ml vs (16.6±0.5) ng/ml] (all P<0.05). Histological analysis showed that the severity of renal tubule dilatation, brush border loss and renal tubular cell necrosis in Xuezhikang group was better than that of CIN+Veh group. Additionally, the oxidative stress-related indicators of Xuezhikang group improved compared with those of CIN+Veh group [malondialdehyde (MDA): (12.1±0.7) nmol/mg vs (15.5±0.8) nmol/mg, superoxide dismutase (SOD): (35.0±2.2) U/mg vs (23.7±3.4) U/mg, renal nitrite: (1.7±0.1) nmol/mg vs (1.2±0.1) nmol/mg, all P<0.05]. Meanwhile, Xuezhikang pretreatment downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (both P<0.05). Conclusion: The current study suggests that Xuezhikang protects against CIN in diabetic rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

[Value of high-resolution anoscopy in the diagnosis of anal precancerous lesions].

Objective: To evaluate the value of high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) in the diagnosis of anal precancerous lesions. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed, which included 142 patients who underwent HRA in vulvar and anal clinic at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2014 to December 2019. With the perianal and anal canal biopsy pathology as the "gold standard", the diagnostic value of HRA and specific findings for anal precancerous lesions were evaluated and the clinical characteristics of patients with anal precancerous lesions were analyzed. Results: (1) Agreement between HRA and anal pathology were 76.6% (95/124, perianal) and 70.0% (84/120, anal canal), in which there was no significant difference (χ2=1.365, P=0.243). The strength of agreement with weighted Kappa statistic were 0.604 (perianal) and 0.455 (anal canal) respectively. HRA diagnosis were more overestimated [16.9% (21/124) in perianal and 25.0% (30/120) in anal canal] than underestimated [6.5% (8/124) in perianal and 5.0% (6/120) in anal canal]. The sensitivity and specificity of HRA in the diagnosis of anal precancerous lesions were all more than 60.0% (perianal lesions: 97.8% and 74.7%; anal canal lesions: 90.9% and 66.7%), and Youden's index were >0.5 (perianal lesions: 0.725; anal canal lesions: 0.576). The positive predictive value of HRA in anal canal lesions (50.8%) was lower than that in perianal lesions (68.8%). (2) The thin acetowhite epithelium was the most common finding in anal precancerous lesions, and its performance in anal canal lesions (the sensitivity, the specificity and the Youden's index were 78.8%, 62.4% and 0.412, respectively) were better than those in perianal lesions (the sensitivity, the specificity and the Youden's index were 28.9%, 96.9% and 0.258, respectively). The dense acetowhite epithelium and vascular patterns were only seen in anal canal lesions. Lugol's iodine was little useful for perianal lesions (the incidence of iodine negative was 0),but quite useful to evaluate the canal lesions (the positive predictive value was 83.3% and the negative predictive value was 82.3%). (3) The average age of patients with low-grade anal precancerous lesion was (37±10) years old, and high-grade anal precancerous lesion was (42±11) years old, and there was significant difference between them (P=0.034). Age curve showed that the peak age was 30-40 years old. Vulvar intraepithelial lesion was the risk factor of anal precancerous lesions (χ2=4.284, P<0.05). Conclusions: HRA patterns are reliable in the diagnosis of anal precancerous lesions, which is important for guiding biopsy. However, it is easy to be overestimated, especially for anal canal lesions. The acetowhite epithelium is the most common finding in anal precancerous lesions, but vascular patterns are only seen in anal canal lesions.

[Influence factors and differences of posterior corneal elevation measured by Pentacam system combined with Corvis ST].

Objective: To investigate the influence factors and differences of abnormal posterior corneal elevation by Pentacam system and Corvis ST. Methods: This retrospective case series study included 227 eyes of 144 patients (90 males, 139 eyes; 54 females, 88 eyes) from December 2017 to October 2018 who were going to receive corneal refractive surgery at the Corneal Refraction Department of Qingdao Eye Hospital. The general data of the patients including gender, age, refractive parameters, optimal correction of spherical and cylindrical diopters were collected. All patients underwent Pentacam system and Corvis ST measurement. According to the back difference (BD) of Pentacam parameters, BD<12 µm was set as the control group (59 patients, 118 eyes) and BD≥12 µm as the high BD group (85 patients, 109 eyes). In the high BD group, BD≤16 µm was set as the suspicious group (44 patients, 53 eyes), while BD>16 µm was set as the abnormal group (41 patients, 56 eyes). Seven parameters of Pentacam and 15 parameters of Corvis ST were selected. The Pentacam parameters included BD, anterior surface keratometry (ASK), posterior surface keratometry (PSK), anterior surface astigmatism (AAstig), posterior surface astigmatism (PAstig), central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal diameter (W-W). The parameters of Corvis ST included the first applanation time (AT(1)), the first applanation length (AL(1)), the first applanation velocity (AV(1)), the second applanation time (AT(2)), the second applanation length (AL(2)), the second applanation velocity (AV(2)), highest concavity time (HCT), highest concavity peak distance (HC-PD), highest concavity deformation amplitude (HC-DA), highest concavity radius (HC-R), the ratio of deformation amplitude (DA ratio), Integr. Radius, corneal thickness thinnest/pachymetric progression (ARTh), SPA1 (resultant pressure divided by deflection amplitude at the first applanation), and the Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI). The comparison between the groups was analyzed with Independent sample t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Bonferroni test. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation factors of BD, and the main factors affecting BD were found through multiple linear regression. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the control group and the high BD group in age, spherical diopters, and cylindrical diopters (t=-3.311, -1.808, -2.359; P=0.071, 0.072, 0.121, respectively). In Pentacam parameters, ASK, PSK, PAstig, and W-W showed significant differences among groups (Z=18.492, 31.547, 10.773, 70.167; P<0.05). AAstig and CCT showed no statistical difference between groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group [42.80 (41.98, 44.00)], ASK increased in the abnormal group [43.40 (42.20, 44.40)] significantly (t=-4.292; P<0.05). PSK of the suspicious group [-6.50 (-6.60, -6.35)] and the abnormal group [-6.50 (-6.70, -6.33)] increased significantly compared with the control group [-6.30 (-6.50, -6.20)] (t=4.492, 4.618; P<0.05). Compared with the control group [0.40 (0.30, 0.50)], PAstig of the suspicious group [0.40 (0.30, 0.40)] and the abnormal group [0.40 (0.30, 0.40)] increased significantly (t=2.796, 2.515; P=0.016, 0.036). Compared with the control group [11.50 (11.40, 11.80)], W-W of the suspicious group [11.40 (11.00, 11.60)] and the abnormal group [11.10 (10.90, 11.30)] decreased, and W-W of the abnormal group also decreased significantly compared with the suspicious group (t=3.235, 8.353, 4.282; P<0.05). The correlation analysis between BD and Pentacam parameters of patients in each group showed that BD was negatively correlated with W-W (r=-0.614, -0.304, -0.396, -0.661, P<0.05) in the control group, the suspicious group, the abnormal group, and all patients, while BD had a low correlation with other parameters or no significant correlation. The correlation analysis of BD and Corvis ST parameters in patients showed that only in the suspicious group, BD was positively correlated with AV(1), HCT, and HC-DA (r=0.332, 0.361, 0.382, P<0.05), while no significant correlation was found between BD and other Corvis ST parameters in each group. In order to further explore the main factors affecting BD, Pentacam parameters and Corvis ST parameters were selected as independent variables with BD as the dependent variable to establish a multivariate linear regression analysis model. There was no collinearity between variables W-W, ASK, PSK, HC-PD, SPA1, and CCT (tolerance<0.100). The equation test result was F=37.221, P<0.001, adjusted r(2)=0.504, and the fitting was good. Conclusions: Among the Pentacam parameters, W-W, ASK, and PSK are the main factors affecting the change of BD. HC-PD and SPA1 in the Corvis ST parameters may also have some influence on BD. The Pentacam system combined with Corvis ST is a very useful differential diagnosis system for patients with abnormal BD. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56:110-117).

[The correlation between left atrial sphericity and thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To study the correlation between left atrial sphericity (LASP) and thromboembolic events (TE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This study was conducted in patients with AF underwent radiofrequency ablation in the Department of Cardiology of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2011 to October 2018. The AF patients with TE (study group, n=157) and the AF patients without TE (control group, n=157) were matched for age and gender. The differences of LASP and other related indexes between the two groups were compared, and the correlation between LASP and TE was analyzed by conditional logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of LASP for TE. Results: (1) The LASP in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group [ (87.5±7.1) % vs. (82.8±6.1) %, P=0.001]. (2) Conditional logistic regression analyses showed that LASP (OR=1.10, 95%CI 1.05-1.16, P=0.001), left atrial volume index (OR=1.01, 95%CI 1.00-1.02, P=0.016) and CHA(2)D-VASc score (OR=1.77, 95%CI 1.30-2.41, P=0.001) were independently and positively correlated with TE. (3) The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of left atrial sphericity (AUC=0.712, 95%CI 0.656-0.768, P=0.001) was larger than the AUC of either left atrial volume index (AUC=0.650, 95%CI 0.589-0.710, P=0.001) or CHA(2)D-VASc score (AUC=0.612, 95%CI 0.550-0.674, P=0.001). (4) CHA(2)D-VASc-LASP(2) score was positively correlated with TE (OR=1.95, 95%CI 1.55-2.42, P=0.001). Conclusion: LASP is independently and positively correlated with TE in patients with AF.

[Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis in children in grassland of Inner mongolia].

Objective: To investigate the self-reported prevalence, clinical characteristics, complications of allergic rhinitis (AR) and the sensitization of outdoor air pollen allergens in children in the Inner mongolia grassland region. Methods: A multistage, stratified and random clustered sampling with a face-to-face interview survey study in children from 0 to 17 years old was performed together with 10 common allergen skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count in 6 regions in the Inner mongolia grassland region from May to August of 2015. SAS 9.4 software was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 2 443 subjects completed the study. The self-reported prevalence of AR was 26.6%. The prevalence of boys was higher than that of girls (28.8% vs 24.3%, χ(2)=6.157, P<0.05). Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence than rural areas (34.7% vs 18.8%, χ(2)=79.107, P<0.05). There was significant regional difference in the prevalence of AR among the six areas investigated (χ(2)=221.416, P<0.05). The main clinical symptoms of AR were sneezing (88.2%) and nasal congestion (78.6%). Among combined diseases, asthma accounted for 16.5% (107/650), rhinoconjunctivitis accounted for 47.9% (311/650). The peak season of AR was April and July, with the top SPT positive allergens of Artemisia species and chenopodium in this area. Conclusions: The prevalence AR in children in the Inner mongolia grassland region is extremely high. Sneezing is the main clinical symptom. Rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common combined disease. High summer and autumn pollen exposure is the main cause of AR.

Influence of miR-34a on preeclampsia through the Notch signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of micro-ribonucleic acid-34a (miR-34a) on preeclampsia through the Notch signaling pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressions of miR-34a, Notch-1, Notch-2, and Notch-3 in the placenta of 39 preeclampsia patients and 42 normal patients were detected by immunohistochemistry and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The correlations between miR-34a expression with the expressions of Notch-1, Notch-2 and Notch-3 were analyzed, respectively. Besides, placental trophoblasts were isolated from preeclampsia patients and cultured in vitro. The expressions of miR-34a, Notch-1, Notch-2 and Notch-3 in placental trophoblasts were analyzed. Furthermore, the influences of miR-34a on the protein expressions of Notch-1, Notch-2, Notch-3, and hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1) in the Notch signaling pathway were analyzed by Luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blotting. The role of Notch in trophoblast invasion was investigated through the Notch inhibitors. In addition, its influence on the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) was studied by miR-34a overexpression. RESULTS: The expressions of miR-34a and Notch-1 were correlated with preeclampsia in the placentas of preeclampsia patients and normal patients to a certain degree. The expression of miR-34a in preeclamptic placenta was significantly higher than that of the normal placenta (p<0.05). However, Notch-1 expression was markedly lower in preeclamptic placenta (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the expressions of Notch-2 and Notch-3 between the two types of placentas (p>0.05). MiR-34a had a remarkable negative correlation with Notch-1 expression in the Notch family (p<0.001, r=-0.5775). RT-PCR results revealed that the mRNA expression of miR-34a in placental trophoblasts of patients with preeclampsia was notably higher than that of normal people (p<0.01). However, Western blotting demonstrated that the protein expressions of Notch-1, Notch-2 and Notch-3 exhibited the opposite results. Additionally, the protein expression of Notch-1, Notch-2, Notch-3 and Hes-1 in trophoblasts transfected with pre-miR-34a was significantly decreased. The treatment with Notch inhibitors markedly reduced the trophoblast invasion. Furthermore, miR-34a overexpression or intracellular domain of Notch (ICN) overexpression regulated uPA expression. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-34a regulates uPA system through the Notch signal transduction, thereby regulating the invasion of placental trophoblasts in patients with preeclampsia.

[Application of dexmedetomidine in radiofrequency ablation of liver tumor].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine as a basic analgesic sedative for patients with radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors. Methods: A total of 443 liver cancer patients underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the 302 Hospital of PLA from January 2015 to December 2016 were retrospectively studied. The experimental group was dexmedetomidine group, with a total of 165 cases. The control group was pethidine group with a total of 278 cases. The indexes of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate of two groups were collected before and after operation, and the VAS score and incidence of nausea and adverse reactions were recorded. Results: The results of the experimental group added dose of pethidine (64.6 mg) lower than that of the control group pethidine dose (90.8 mg), the difference was statistically significant (Z=-10.205 3, P<0.01). The experimental group and the control group with VAS score average value was not statistically significant(Z=1.801 9, P=0.076), group two with 4 points for the critical point of the stratification, more than 4 points and<4 group comparison, the test group VAS score greater than 4 were significantly lower than the control group (χ(2)=7.05, P=0.007 9). The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the experimental group were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.01), while the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the control group significantly increased compared with those before operation. Dexmedetomidine has the effect of stabilizing hemodynamics. The heart rate of the two groups decreased, and the rate of heart rate decreased in the experimental group. In addition, dexmedetomidine did not significantly increase the incidence of nausea and vomiting compared with the control group. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine is safe and effective as a basic drug for analgesic and sedative in patients with liver tumor radiofrequency ablation.

[Prevalence of thyroid function in pregnant and lactating women in areas with different iodine levels of Shanxi province].

Objective: To investigate the effects of high iodine intake on thyroid function in pregnant and lactating women. Methods: A cross sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 130 pregnant women and 220 lactating women aged 19-40 years in areas with high environment iodine level (>300 µg/L) or proper environment iodine level (50-100 µg/L) in Shanxi in 2014. The general information, urine samples and blood samples of the women surveyed and water samples were collected. The water and urine iodine levels were detected with arsenic and cerium catalysis spectrophotometric method, the blood TSH level was detected with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and thyroid stimulating hormone (FT(4)), antithyroid peroxidase autoantibody (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb) were detected with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: The median urine iodine levels of the four groups were 221.9, 282.5, 814.1 and 818.6 µg/L, respectively. The median serum FT(4) of lactating women in high iodine area and proper iodine area were 12.96 and 13.22 pmol/L, and the median serum TSH was 2.45 and 2.17 mIU/L, respectively. The median serum FT(4) of pregnant women in high iodine area and proper iodine area were 14.66 and 16.16 pmol/L, and the median serum TSH was 2.13 and 1.82 mIU/L, respectively. The serum FT(4) levels were lower and the abnormal rates of serum TSH were higher in lactating women than in pregnant women in both high iodine area and proper iodine area, the difference was statistically significant (FT(4): Z=-6.677, -4.041, P<0.01; TSH: Z=8.797, 8.910, P<0.01). In high iodine area, the abnormal rate of serum FT(4) in lactating women was higher than that in pregnant women, the difference was statistically significant (Z=7.338, P=0.007). The serum FT(4) level of lactating women in high iodine area was lower than that in proper iodine area, the difference was statistically significant (Z=-4.687, P=0.000). In high iodine area, the median serum FT(4) in early pregnancy, mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy was 16.26, 14.22 and 14.80 pmol/L, respectively, and the median serum TSH was 1.74, 1.91 and 2.38 mIU/L, respectively. In high iodine area, the serum FT(4) level in early pregnancy was higher than that in mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy, and the serum TSH level was lower than that in mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy, the difference was statistically significant (FT(4): Z=-2.174, -2.238, P<0.05; TSH: Z=-2.985, -1.978, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the positive rates of serum thyroid autoantibodies among the four groups of women and women in different periods of pregnancy (P>0.05). The morbidity rates of subclinical hyperthyroidism in pregnant women and lactating women in high iodine area were obviously higher than those in proper iodine areas, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=5.363, 5.007, P<0.05). Conclusions: Excessive iodine intake might increase the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnant women and lactating women. It is suggested to strengthen the iodine nutrition and thyroid function monitoring in women, pregnant women and lactating women in areas with high environmental iodine.

[Study on the change of optical zone after femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis].

Objective: To explore the change of optical zone after femtosecond laser assisted laser in sitn keratomileusis(FS-LASIK) so as to provide the reference for measurement and design of clinical optical zone. Methods: This retrospective case series study covers 41 eyes of 24 patients (7 males and 17 females, aged from 18 to 42 years old) with myopia and myopic astigmatism who have received FS-LASIK surgery at Corneal Refractive Department of Qingdao Eye Hospital and completed over 6 months of clinical follow-up. Pentacam system (with the application of 6 corneal topographic map modes including: the pure axial curvature topographic map, the pure tangential curvature topographic map, the axial curvature difference topographic map, the tangential curvature difference topographic map, the postoperative front elevation map and the corneal thickness difference topographic map), combined with transparent concentric software (a system independently developed by Qingdao Eye Hospital) was used to measure the optical zone at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the optical zone diameters measurement results among different follow-up times in group were analyzed with the repeated measures analysis of variance, and the actual measured values and the theoretical design values of the optical zone were analyzed with independent-samples t-testing. Spearman correlation coefficient (r(s)) have been applied to evaluate the relationship between postoperative optical zone measurement values and the potential influencing factors. Results: The optical zone diameters measured by pure axial curvature topographic map at 1, 3 and 6 months after FS-LASIK showed (6.55±0.50)mm, (6.50±0.53)mm and (6.48±0.53)mm respectively. The differences between values are of no statistical significance (F=1.60, P=0.21), the optical zone diameter measured by pure tangential curvature topographic map at 1, 3 and 6 months after FS-LASIK showed (5.44±0.46)mm, (5.46±0.52)mm and (5.44±0.50)mm respectively, the differences between values are of no statistical significance (F=0.17, P=0.85). The optical zone diameters measured by postoperative front elevation map at 1, 3 and 6 months after FS-LASIK showed (5.06±0.28)mm, (5.12±0.32)mm and (5.17±0.28)mm respectively. The differences between the values of 3 and 6 months postoperatively are of no statistical significance (F=6.14, P=0.15), the optical zone diameters measured by axial curvature difference topographic map at 1, 3 and 6 months after FS-LASIK showed (6.51±0.37)mm, (6.45±0.41)mm and (6.41±0.40)mm respectively, and the differences between the values of 3 and 6 months postoperatively are of no statistical significance (F=7.25, P=0.05). The optical zone diameters measured by tangential curvature difference topographic map at 1, 3 and 6 months after FS-LASIK showed (5.21±0.23)mm, (5.16±0.19)mm and (5.17±0.20) mm respectively, and the differences between the values of 1 and 3 months postoperatively are of statistical significance (F=1.75, P=0.04). The optical zone diameters measured by corneal thickness difference topographic map at 1, 3 and 6 months after FS-LASIK showed (6.53±0.40)mm, (6.39±0.43)mm and (6.41±0.47)mm respectively, and the differences between the values of 1 and 3 months postoperatively are of statistical significance (F=1.67, P=0.032). The actual measured optical zone values from the 6 different modes of Pentacam system are less than the theoretical design values (7.75 mm), and the differences were statistical significance (t=-15.42, -29.39, -59.27, -21.47, -81.69, -18.22, P<0.01). Conclusions: The optical zone measurement values tend to be stable at 3 months after FS-LASIK. The actual measured values from all the 6 different modes of Pentacam system were less than the theoretical design values. The results from pure tangential curvature topographic map, the tangential curvature difference topographic map and the postoperative front elevation map showed greater variation with clear border, which was beneficial for eccentric research. The results from pure axial curvature topographic map, the axial curvature difference topographic map and the corneal thickness difference topographic map were close to the theoretically designed values. Furthermore, the axial curvature difference topographic map showed clearer border and less variation thus maybe more favorable for measuring optical zone in clinical application.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 39-47).

Prevalence of pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with high pollen exposure in grasslands of northern China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician-diagnosed pollen-induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence. METHODS: A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer-administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count. RESULTS: A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05). CONCLUSION: Pollen-induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions.