Research on the Construction and Application of Breast Cancer-Specific Database System Based on Full Data Lifecycle.

Relying on the Biomedical Big Data Center of West China Hospital, this paper makes an in-depth research on the construction method and application of breast cancer-specific database system based on full data lifecycle, including the establishment of data standards, data fusion and governance, multi-modal knowledge graph, data security sharing and value application of breast cancer-specific database. The research was developed by establishing the breast cancer master data and metadata standards, then collecting, mapping and governing the structured and unstructured clinical data, and parsing and processing the electronic medical records with NLP natural language processing method or other applicable methods, as well as constructing the breast cancer-specific database system to support the application of data in clinical practices, scientific research, and teaching in hospitals, giving full play to the value of medical big data of the Biomedical Big Data Center of West China Hospital.

Genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders and risk of COVID-19

BackgroundPre-pandemic psychiatric disorders have been associated with an increased risk of COVID-19. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, e.g. to what extent genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders contributes to the observed association. MethodsThe analytic sample consisted of white British participants of UK Biobank registered in England, with available genetic data, and alive on Jan 31, 2020 (i.e., the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK) (n=346,554). We assessed individuals genetic predisposition to different psychiatric disorders, including substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorder, using polygenic risk score (PRS). Diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were identified through the UK Biobank hospital inpatient data. We performed a GWAS analysis for each psychiatric disorder in a randomly selected half of the study population who were free of COVID-19 (i.e., the base dataset). For the other half (i.e., the target dataset), PRS was calculated for each psychiatric disorder using the discovered genetic variants from the base dataset. We then examined the association between PRS of each psychiatric disorder and risk of COVID-19, or severe COVID-19 (i.e., hospitalization and death), using logistic regression models. The ascertainment of COVID-19 was through the Public Health England dataset, the UK Biobank hospital inpatient data and death registers, updated until July 26, 2020. For validation, we repeated the PRS analyses based on publicly available GWAS summary statistics. Results155,988 participants (including 1,451 COVID-19 cases), with a mean age of 68.50 years at COVID-19 outbreak, were included for PRS analysis. Higher genetic liability forwards psychiatric disorders was associated with increased risk of both any COVID-19 and severe COVID-19, especially genetic risk for substance misuse and depression. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for any COVID-19 were 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.31) and 1.26 (1.11-1.42) among individuals with a high genetic risk (above the upper tertile of PRS) for substance misuse and depression, respectively, compared with individuals with a low genetic risk (below the lower tertile). Largely similar ORs were noted for severe COVID-19 and similar albeit slightly lower estimates using PRSs generated from GWAS summary statistics from independent samples. ConclusionIn the UK Biobank, genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, including severe course of the disease. These findings suggest the potential role of genetic factors in the observed phenotypic association between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19, underscoring the need of increased medical surveillance of for this vulnerable population during the pandemic.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers exert genotoxic effects in pantropic spotted dolphin fibroblast cell lines.

Cetaceans accumulate persistent and toxic substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers in their tissue. PBDEs are ubiquitous in marine environments, and their exposure to mammals is linked to numerous health effects such as endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and fetal toxicity. However, the toxicological effects and mechanism of toxicity in cetaceans remains poorly understood. The effects of BDE-47 (0.1-0.5 µg mL-1), BDE-100 (0.1-0.5 µg mL-1), and BDE-209 (0.25-1.0 µg mL-1) exposure on cell viability, oxidative stress, mitochondrial structure, and apoptosis were evaluated using a recently established pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) skin fibroblast cell line (PSD-LWHT) as an in vitro model. However, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased following exposure to 1.0 µg mL-1 PBDE while superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals, and inducible nitric oxide increased in a dose-dependent manner. At 0.5-1.0 µg mL-1, PBDEs significantly reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, exposure to BDE-47 and -209 significantly affected mitochondrial structure as well as cell signaling and transduction compared to BDE-100. Although PBDE exposure did not affect cell viability, a significant increase in cell apoptosis markers (Bcl2 and caspase-9) was observed. This study demonstrated that BDE-47, -100, and -209 congeners might cause cytotoxic and genotoxic effects as they play a crucial role in the dysregulation of oxidative stress and alteration of mitochondrial and cell membrane structure and activity in the fibroblast cells. Hence, these results suggest that PBDEs might have adverse health effects on cetaceans inhabiting contaminated marine environments.

Comparison of intravenous anesthesia between propofol and etomidate in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and their effects on plasma nitric oxide and endothelin-1 / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To compare the effects of intravenous anesthesia between propofol and etomidate in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and their effects on plasma nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1).Methods:The clinical data of 80 patients with laparoscopic surgery in Guangrao People′s Hospital from March 2017 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 40 cases were given propofol intravenous anesthesia (propofol group), and 40 cases were given etomidate intravenous anesthesia (etomidate group). The anesthetic effect, plasma NO and ET-1 levels, hemodynamic indexes and adverse reactions (muscle spasm, nausea and vomiting, injection site pain, body movement and respiratory depression) were compared between the two groups.Results:The time of consciousness disappearance, tracheal intubation, eye opening, spontaneous breathing and speech response in etomidate group were significantly shorter than those in propofol group: (57.48 ± 2.63) s vs. (86.17 ± 7.41) s, (4.39 ± 2.56) min vs. (6.42 ± 2.58) min, (5.39 ± 2.56) min vs. (9.42 ± 2.58) min, (5.21 ± 1.99) min vs. (8.75 ± 2.54) min and (8.39 ± 2.56) min vs. (8.39 ± 2.56) min, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of NO and ET-1 in the etomidate group were significantly lower than those in the propofol group at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 h after pneumoperitoneum ( P< 0.05). The levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation (SpO 2) in the etomidate group were significantly higher than those in the propofol group: (78.42 ± 4.68) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) vs. (74.11 ± 6.63) mmHg, (132.86 ± 8.71) mmHg vs. (111.24 ± 3.56) mmHg and 0.982 ± 0.032 vs. 0.953 ± 0.043, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the etomidate group was significantly lower than that in the propofol group: 17.5% (7/40) vs. 47.5% (19/40), P<0.05. Conclusions:Compared with propofol intravenous anesthesia, etomidate intravenous anesthesia in laparoscopic surgery patients has more stable hemodynamics and better anesthetic effect. It can effectively inhibit the release of NO and ET-1, and has higher safety.

Excess cardiovascular deaths in the beginning of COVID-19 outbreak

ImportanceThe healthcare demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic was far beyond the hospital surge capacity in many countries, resulting in possible negative influence on prognosis of other severe diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). ObjectiveTo assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on CVD-related hospitalizations and mortality. DesignCommunity-based prospective cohort study. Setting the UK Biobank population. Participants421,717 UK Biobank participants who were registered in England and alive on December 1st 2019. Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome of interest was CVD death, as deaths with CVD as a cause of death according to the death registers. We retrieved information on hospitalizations with CVD as the primary diagnosis based on the UK Biobank hospital inpatient data. The study period was between December 1st 2019 and May 30th 2020, and we used the same calendar period of the three preceding years as the reference period. Standardized mortality/incidence ratios (SMRs/SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the relative risk of CVD outcomes during the study period, compared with the reference period, to control for seasonal variations and aging of the study population. ResultsWe observed a distinct increase in CVD-related deaths in March and April 2020 as compared to the corresponding months of the three preceding years. The observed number of CVD death (n=217) was almost doubled in April, compared with the expected number (n=120), corresponding to an SMR of 1.81 (95% CI 1.58-2.06). We observed a sharp decline of CVD hospitalization in March (n=841) and April (n=454), compared with the expected number (n=1208 for March and 1026 for April), leading to an SIR of 0.70 (95% CI 0.65-0.74) for March and 0.44 (95% CI 0.40-0.48) for April. There was also a clear increase of death, but a clear decrease of hospitalization, in March and April for all the five major subtypes of CVD. ConclusionsWe observed a distinct excess in CVD deaths in the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK Biobank population. In addition to CVD complications of SARS-CoV-2 infections, the reduced hospital capacity might have contributed to the observed excess CVD deaths. Key PointsO_ST_ABSQuestionC_ST_ABSHow did the COVID-19 outbreak affect rates of CVD-related death and hospitalization? FindingIn this prospective study involving 421,717 UK Biobank participants, we observed excess CVD-related mortality in parallel with decreased CVD-related hospitalization in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, March and April 2020. MeaningIn addition to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection progressing to CVD-related death, reduced hospital resources might have partially contributed to the excess CVD mortality.

Pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders and risk of COVID-19: a cohort analysis in the UK Biobank

ObjectiveTo determine the association between pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders and the risk of COVID-19. DesignCommunity-based prospective cohort study. SettingUK Biobank population. Participants421,048 participants who were recruited in England and alive by January 31st 2020, i.e., the start of COVID-19 outbreak in the UK. 50,815 individuals with psychiatric disorders recorded in the UK Biobank inpatient hospital data before the outbreak were included in the exposed group, while 370,233 participants without such conditions were in the unexposed group. MeasurementsWe obtained information on positive results of COVID-19 test as registered in the Public Health England, COVID-19 related hospitalizations in the UK Biobank inpatient hospital data, and COIVD-19 related deaths from the death registers. We also identified individuals who was hospitalized for infections other than COVID-19 during the follow-up. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), controlling for multiple confounders. ResultsThe mean age at outbreak was 67.8 years and around 43% of the study participants were male. We observed an elevated risk of COVID-19 among individuals with pre-pandemic psychiatric disorder, compared with those without such diagnoses. The fully adjusted ORs were 1.44 (95%CI 1.27 to 1.64), 1.67 (1.42 to 1.98), and 2.03 (1.56 to 2.63) for any COVID-19, inpatient COVID-19, COVID-19 related death, respectively. The excess risk was observed across all levels of somatic comorbidities and subtypes of pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders, while further increased with greater number of pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders. We also observed an association between pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders and increased risk of hospitalization for other infections (1.85 [1.65 to 2.07]). ConclusionsPre-pandemic psychiatric disorders are associated with increased risk of COVID-19, especially severe and fatal COVID-19. The similar association observed for hospitalization for other infections suggests a shared pathway between psychiatric disorders and different infections, including altered immune responses. Summary boxO_ST_ABSWhat is already known on this topic?C_ST_ABSPsychiatric morbidities have been associated with risks of severe infections through compromised immunity and/or health-behaviors. While recent studies showed that unhealthy lifestyle and psychosocial factors (including self-reported psychological distress) increased the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, data on the role of clinically confirmed psychiatric disorders in COVID-19 susceptibility are to date absent. What this study adds?Using the large community-based data in UK Biobank, our analysis is the first to demonstrate an increase in the risk of COVID-19, especially severe and fatal COVID-19, among individuals with pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders, independently of many important confounders. A similar association was also observed between pre-pandemic psychiatric disorder and hospitalization due to other infections during the COVID-19 outbreak, suggesting a shared pathway between psychiatric disorders and different infections, including altered immune responses. This finding underscores the need of surveillance and care in vulnerable populations with history of psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Immune stimulation effect of PBDEs via prostaglandin pathway in pantropical spotted dolphin: An in vitro study.

Pantropical spotted dolphins are apex predators and have a long lifespan, which makes them susceptible to chemical pollutants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are associated with immunotoxicity in wildlife. However, the effects of PBDEs and their mechanism of immunotoxicity in dolphins is largely unknown. Previously, we established fibroblast cell lines obtained from pantropical spotted dolphins (PSD-LWHT) as an in vitro model for assessing the toxicological implications of chemical pollutants in dolphins. In this study, we used the novel immortalized fibroblast cell line to explore the potential immune stimulation effect of PBDEs via prostaglandins signaling pathways to better understand the immunotoxicity pathway of PBDEs in dolphins. BDE-47, -100, and -209 exposure generally resulted in an increase in inflammatory cytokine expression, PGE2 levels, and COX-2 gene expression but BDE-209 resulted in a suppression in IL-10 production. Both protein and mRNA expression of COX-2 and PTGES increased significantly following exposure to the PBDEs. The results suggested BDE-100 and -209 increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production via increased expression of COX-2 and PTGES expression. Only BDE-100 increased expression level of the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 while BDE-47 and BDE-209 decreased its expression. This probably explained why suppressive effect on the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokines were only found in exposure with BDE-47 and BDE-209 rather than BDE-100. The results showed that PBDEs stimulate innate immune response by triggering PGE2-EPs-cAMP-cytokines signaling.

Analysis of a family with early onset familial Alzheimer′s disease caused by mutation of amyloid precursor protein gene p.V717I / 中华神经科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the clinical data of a family with early-onset familial Alzheimer′s disease and to analyze the mutation of the pathogenic gene in the family.@*Methods@#The clinical data of a proband who was clinically diagnosed as early-onset Alzheimer′s disease in the Department of Neurology, People′s Hospital of Zhengzhou University in October 2018 and her family members were collected. Moreover, whole exome sequencing was performed on blood sample from the proband, then its deleterious effects were assessed according to the Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, a joint consensus recommendation of the American College of Medical Genomics. Subsequently, the strong pathogenic mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing in the some members of the family and 50 sporadic Alzheimer′s disease and 50 normal individuals of the family. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) typing of 10 family members was all epsilon 3/epsilon 3.@*Results@#The proband in this family showed decreased memory, visual space disorder, verbal repetition, personality change and abnormal mental behavior. The mutation at codon 717 of exon 17 of the proband amyloid precursor protein gene was detected by gene detection. The mutation at codon 717 of exon 17 of the proband beta-amyloid precursor protein gene was also found in the other five members of the family. The mutation was not found in 50 sporadic Alzheimer′s disease patients and 50 normal individuals outside the family. The proband′s head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral hippocampal atrophy on plain scan, especially on the left side. No obvious abnormality was found in the head magnetic resonance angiography. The head MRI of the proband′s sister showed brain atrophy and bilateral hippocampal atrophy.@*Conclusions@#The study identified the pathogenic mutation of the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene p.V717I in six patients of a family with early-onset familial Alzheimer′s disease, and the mutation showed a phenomenon of family segregation. This finding is of great significance to the study of early-onset Alzheimer′s disease in Chinese population.

Analysis of a family with early onset familial Alzheimer′s disease caused by mutation of amyloid precursor protein gene p.V717I / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical data of a family with early?onset familial Alzheimer′s disease and to analyze the mutation of the pathogenic gene in the family. Methods The clinical data of a proband who was clinically diagnosed as early?onset Alzheimer′s disease in the Department of Neurology, People′s Hospital of Zhengzhou University in October 2018 and her family members were collected. Moreover, whole exome sequencing was performed on blood sample from the proband, then its deleterious effects were assessed according to the Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants, a joint consensus recommendation of the American College of Medical Genomics. Subsequently, the strong pathogenic mutation was validated by Sanger sequencing in the some members of the family and 50 sporadic Alzheimer′s disease and 50 normal individuals of the family. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) typing of 10 family members was all epsilon 3/epsilon 3. Results The proband in this family showed decreased memory, visual space disorder, verbal repetition, personality change and abnormal mental behavior. The mutation at codon 717 of exon 17 of the proband amyloid precursor protein gene was detected by gene detection. The mutation at codon 717 of exon 17 of the proband beta?amyloid precursor protein gene was also found in the other five members of the family. The mutation was not found in 50 sporadic Alzheimer′s disease patients and 50 normal individuals outside the family. The proband′s head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral hippocampal atrophy on plain scan, especially on the left side. No obvious abnormality was found in the head magnetic resonance angiography. The head MRI of the proband′s sister showed brain atrophy and bilateral hippocampal atrophy. Conclusions The study identified the pathogenic mutation of the beta?amyloid precursor protein gene p. V717I in six patients of a family with early?onset familial Alzheimer′s disease, and the mutation showed a phenomenon of family segregation. This finding is of great significance to the study of early?onset Alzheimer′s disease in Chinese population.

Establishment of pantropic spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) fibroblast cell line and potential influence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on cytokines response.

The presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the aquatic environment is an issue of major concern which may be a cause of increasing prevalence and severity of diseases in marine mammals. Although, cell culture model development and in vitro investigation approach is a prime need of time to progress immunotoxic research on aquatic mammals. In this study, we stablished fibroblast cell line (pantropic spotted dolphin) to assess the potential effects of PBDEs on cytokines response. Cells were grown in 6 well cell culture plate and complete media (DMEM and Ham's F12 nutrient mixture, fetal bovine serum, antibiotic and essential amino acids) was provided. The primary culture of (PSP-LWH) cells identification was achieved by vimentin (gene and protein) expressions. Karyotyping revealed pantropic spotted dolphin chromosomes 20 pairs with XX. Transfection was achieved by SV40 LT antigen and transfected cells were expended for passages. Stability of cell line was confirmed at various passages intervals using RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence methods. After confirmation, cell line was exposed to BDE-47 (250 ng/ml), BDE-100 (250 ng/ml) and BDE-209 (1000 ng/ml), with control group (PBS), positive control DMSO (0.1%) and negative control LPS (500 ng/ml) for 24 h. The ELISA results showed significant increase in IL-6 in BDE- 100 and BDE-209 while IL-1ß and IL-8 were found higher in BDE-47 and BDE-100. TNFα and IL-10 secretion was noted higher in control and positive control groups. Altogether, these results emphasize importance of transfected (PSP-LWHT) cell line in aquatic research and potential effects of PBDEs on fibroblast provides evident to understand immune modulating effects of PBDEs in marine mammals. The impact of PBDEs on dolphin's fibroblast cells immune response and altered cytokine response have been presented for the first time.

Establishment and characterization of pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) dermal fibroblast cell line.

The pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) (PKW) is a tropical and subtropical marine mammal commonly found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. Since the PKWs live in offshore protected territories, they are rarely seen onshore. Hence, PKW are one of the most poorly understood oceanic species of odontocetes. The dermal tissue comes primarily from stranding events that occur along the coast of the Shantou, Guangdong, China. The sampled tissues were immediately processed and attached on collagen-coated 6-well tissue culture plate. The complete medium (DMEM and Ham's F12, fetal bovine serum, antibiotic and essential amino acids) was added to the culture plates. The primary culture (PKW-LWH) cells were verified as fibroblast by vimentin and karyotype analyses, which revealed 42 autosomes and two sex chromosomes X and Y. Following transfection of PKW-LWH cells with a plasmid encoding, the SV40 large T-antigens and the transfected cells were isolated and expanded. Using RT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence analysis and SV40 large T-antigen stability was confirmed. The cell proliferation rate of the fibroblast cells, PKW-LWHT was faster than the primary cells PKW-LWH with the doubling time 68.9h and 14.4h, respectively. In this study, we established PKW dermal fibroblast cell line for the first time, providing a unique opportunity for in vitro studies on the effects of environmental pollutants and pathogens that could be determined in PKW and/or Cetaceans.

Fatal familial insomnia preliminarily diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia: a case report and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical,imaging,genetic features in a case of fatal familial insomnia (FFI),and review related literatures.Methods A case of middle-aged woman diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia based on the preliminary manifestation of abnormal mental behavior was reported.The clinical features,imaging characteristics,electroencephalogram and polysomnogram of the patient were analyzed,and the blood samples from the patient and some of her familial members were collected for the sequencing of prion protein gene (PRNP).Results This patient was a middle-aged woman,whose clinical manifestations were abnormal mental behavior,rapid progressive dementia and intractable insomnia,abnormal night sleep behavior and laryngeal stridor.Brain MRI indicated frontotemporal lobe atrophy.Non-sleep disturbance was observed in polysomnography.The cerebrospinal fluid was negative for 14-3-3 protein.The results of PRNP sequencing revealed that the mutation of gene D178N/129M was detected.Conclusions Detection of PRNP plays an important role in the diagnosis of FFI.Patients suspected of FFI in clinic should be detected for genetic testing.Whether the frontotemporal lobe atrophy was caused by FFI or concurrent with FFI remains to be further verified.

Clinical characteristics of four patients with primary intraspinal lymphoma / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To analyze clinical characteristics of four cases with primary intraspinal lymphoma to achieve early diagnosis of the disease.Methods Clinical data including the clinical presentation,imaging features and pathological characteristics of four patients diagnosed as primary intraspinal lymphoma confirmed surgically and pathologically from February 2014 to February 2017 in Henan Provincial People's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively,and literatures were reviewed.Results The major clinical manifestations of the primary intraspinal lymphoma were as following:persistent or intermittent waist (back) pain,accompanied with both lower limb weakness,dysfunction of motion,loss or disappearance of sensation,incontinence,followed by an acute progressive neurological function deterioration.The imaging showed a single fusiform shape or irregular lump.The T1 WI signal was equal or slightly lower,and T2WI showed equal or slightly higher signal,and the general signal uniform;The lump showed mild or moderate homogeneous enhancement.The group of four cases were B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma confirmed by pathological biopsy.Conclusions The clinical and imaging features of primary intraspinal lymphoma are lack of specificity and are easy to be misdiaguosed.The diagnosis is mainly based on pathological biopsy.

Correction: Saccharomyces Boulardii and Bacillus Subtilis B10 modulate TLRs and cytokines expression patterns in jejunum and ileum of broilers.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173917.].

Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus subtilis B10 modulate TLRs and cytokines expression patterns in jejunum and ileum of broilers.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) and Bacillus subtilis B10 (Bs) on intestinal epithelial Toll like receptors (TLR), and Cytokine expression response to understand the intestinal epithelial innate immune mechanism in broilers. A total of 300 birds (Sanhuang broilers) were allotted into three groups (n = 100) and each divided into five replications (n = 20). Control group (Ctr) birds were fed basal diet, broilers in experimental groups received (1×108cfu/kg feed) Sb and Bs respectively in addition to basal diet for 72 days. The result showed significant increase in mRNA expression level of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR15. Down streaming MyD88, TRAF6, TAB2 and NF-κB mRNA level noted higher, in the jejunum and ileum as compared to control group. Meanwhile, IL-6, TNFα, IL-10, TGF-ß expression levels showed high expression in the jejunum of Sb and Bs groups. IL-10 expression level increased in the ileum and IL-6, TNFα, IL-10 and TGF-ß expression levels increased in the jejunum of Sb group. Levels of IL-1 ß, IL-17, and IL-4, increased merely in Sb group. Ileal cytokines IL-1ß, IL-17 and IL-4concentration were noted higher in Sb group, and IL-1ß, and IL-4 levels were up-regulated in Bs group. The results indicated that the INF-γ and IL-8 level decreased in Sb and BS groups. Serum IgA and sIgA level increased in both treatment groups. Our findings illustrated that S. boulardii and B. subtilis B10 may have a role to induce mucosal immunity by activating the TLRs and cytokines expressions in broilers.

Positions of the implanted stimulating electrodes for artificial facial nerve for inducing contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the optimal positions of the implanted stimulating eletrodes for artificial facial nerve (AFN) for inducing contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rabbit with peripheral facial paralysis.@*Methods@#According to the four microelectrodes of the AFN stimulating side, four modes of the implanted positions were divided. In line with different modes, the electrodes were implanted into the affected OOM of the rabbits with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis. AFN output electric stimulation to induce contraction of the affected OOM with uniform stimulating frequency and pulse length in vitro. Then compared the stimulus threshold amplitude and the peak amplitude separately among different modes by SAS 9.3 version statistical software.@*Results@#The differences of the stimulus threshold amplitude and the peak amplitude had no statistically significant separately between the first mode and the second mode (P>0.05), but there were statistically significant differences between the third mode and the fourth mode (P<0.05). Both kinds of the amplitudes were approximated between the first mode and the second mode respectively, and higher than those in the third mode or the fourth mode. Furthermore, both kinds of the amplitudes in the fourth mode were higher than those in the third mode.@*Conclusions@#The microelectrodes of the AFN stimulating lateral are implanted into the upper lip with a public microelectrode and an output microelectrode, into the lower lip with an output microelectrode, and into the way, which is located to the angle 40° to 45° about the line joining between the midpoint of the ipsilateral auricle root and the corner of the mouth with an output microelectrode. This is the third positional mode which requires lowest effective stimulus current intensity. Thus the mode is suitable as the optimal placement programme.

Comparison of Work Mode and Effect Analysis in ICU Area of Our Hospital before and after the Applica-tion of Automated Drug Dispensing System / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To promote standard management of drugs in ICU area. METHODS:The change of work mode in ICU area of our hospital was analyzed and compared after the application of automated drug dispensing system(ADDS)as well as the change of related indicators 3 months before and after the application of ADDS;the effect of ADDS was evaluated. RESULTS& CONCLUSIONS:After the application of ADDS,the management of base drugs changed from open management to intelligent, closed-off and authority management;drug storage and cost management became more scientific,and staff allocation became more optimal. Under the condition of zero difference in the number of medical orders,initial medication time shortened from 170 min to 131 min (P<0.05),time of daily drug preparation and drug repercussion shortened from (81.20 ± 3.56)min to (30.04 ± 7.55) min,and (9.18 ± 2.79)min to (6.47 ± 4.66) min (P<0.05). The application of ADDS can improve work efficiency,standardize drug management,promote medical safety,and provide reference for initiating a new mode of drug management in wards.

Combined inhibition of Stat3 and HIF-1α for enhancement of radio- and chemo-sensitivity in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the influence of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and hypoxia-inducible factor-lα (HIF-1α) on the resistance effect of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma to radiation therapy and chemotherapy under the hypoxia circumstances.@*METHOD@#Western blot was used to test the expression of p-Stat3 and HIF-1α in the Hep-2 cells under the hypoxia conditions. MTT assay was used to test the proliferation of Hep-2 cells after radiation therapy and chemotherapy; the Hep-2 cells were suppressed expression of Stat3 and/or HIF-1α.@*RESULT@#(1) AG490 induced significant proliferation inhibition on Hep-2 cells and Hep-2HIF-1α-/- cells in vitro underthe hypoxia environments (P < 0.05); (2) Suppressing expression of Stat3 reduced the expression of HIF-1α protein (P < 0.05); (3) Combined inhibition of Stat3 and HIF-1α enhanced radio- and chemo-sensitivity in laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells under hypoxia.@*CONCLUSION@#Combined inhibition of Stat3 and HIF-1α can further enhance radio- and chemo-sensitivity in laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells under hypixia compare than inhibiting Stat3 or HIF-1α alone. Effectively blocking of HIF-1α pathway and suppressing the expression of Stat3, would be an effective method to enhance radio- and chemo-sensitivity in laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells, which provides a new thought to reduce the resistance to treatment.

The correlation of CT perfusion imaging with microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To explore the correlation of CT perfusion imaging with microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE).Methods Multi-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging was performed in 27 patients with HAE.Time-density curves(TDC) of the HAE peripheral area was drawn from the region of interest (ROI) with perfusion functional software.CT perfusion parameters including blood flow ( BF ),blood volume ( BV ),mean transit time(MTT) and permeability surface area product (PS) were calculated.MVD and VEGF expression of pathological specimens were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34,anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody.The CT perfusion parameters,MVD and VEGF were compared in different types of TDC with t test.The correlation of CT perfusion parameters with MVD and VEGF were analyzed with Spearman test.Results In this group,21 cases which TDC lower than that of the liver were classified as type Ⅰ,the others 6 cases TDC higher than the liver were of type Ⅱ TDC.TDC perfusion parameters of the two types were as follows,BF:( 111.7 + 27.6),( 158.9 + 39.5 ) ml · 100 g- 1 · min - 1,BV:( 15.1 + 6.2),(26.8+8.4) ml/100 g,MTT:(7.0+4.4),(7.7+3.1) s,PS:(51.7 +17.3),(51.0+20.5) ml·100 g-1 · min-1.The significant differences of BF,BV and MVD[ (20.5 +5.4)/HP,(37.2 ±7.5)/HP,respectively ] were found between two types ( t =- 7.897,- 18.783,- 5.223,P ＜ 0.05,respectively).There were no significant differences in MTT,PS and VEGF expression(2.1 ± 1.0,3.2 ± 1.0,respectively)between two types of TDC(P ＞0.05).The correlation was found between the MVD and BF and BV in the type Ⅱ TDC group( r =0.789 and 0.878,respectively) and no correlation was found between MVD and each CT perfusion parameters in the type Ⅰ TDC group ( P ＞ 0.05 ).There was no correlation between the VEGF expression and CT perfusion parameters in two types of TDC ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion CT perfusion imaging with different type of TDC reflected different situation of angiogenesis in HAE peripheral area,which could be a potential technique to illustrate the microcirculation of this disease.

The comparison of coronary arteries imaging features between Uygur and Han populations in Xinjiang with 64-slice spiral CT / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the imaging findings of coronary angiography using 64-slice row CT and investigate the difference of coronary artery's morphological characteristics between Uygur and Han populations.Methods A retrospective study was made to coronary CT angiographic images of 88 Uygur cases matched with 88 Han cases.The data were analyzed with X~2 test and paired Wilcoxon test.Results The coronary CT angiographic findings were different between Uygur population and Han population in the following aspects: there were 62, 18, and 8 cases with the left coronary artery originating from intra-sinus, para-sinus and extra-sinus location respectively in Uygur population, while there were 73, 14, and 8 cases in Han population respectively (t=8319, P<0.05).And there were 78,7, and 3 cases with the right coronary artery originating from intra-sinus, para-sinus and extra-sinus location respectively in Uygur population, while there were 82, 1 and 1 case respectively in Han population (t=6936, P<0.05).The incidence of the sharp marginal branch were 52 (52.09%) and 67 (76.13%) in the two populations respectively (X~2=5.8381, P<0.05).The cases with various malformations of coronary arteries were 16 and 6 cases in the two populations respectively(X~2 =5.1948,P<0.05).The cases with LCA variations were 28 and 49 cases in the two populations respectively(t =2692,P<0.05) and the number with RCA variations were 33 and 27 cases in the two populations respectively(2 =968,P<0.05).Conclusions There are lots of differences of the coronary artery morphology between the Uygur and Han populations.Firstly, these differences may be related to different patterns in coronary angiography.Secondly, these differences may be related to differences between Uygur and Han populations in the incidence and severity of coronary heart disease.