[Epidemiological investigation of 511 adult inpatients with gas burns]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of adult inpatients with gas burns in the Department of Burns of Hwa Mei Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as the author's unit) , so as to provide evidence for the prevention of gas burn. Methods: Medical records of all inpatients with flame burns admitted to the author's unit from January 2011 to December 2017 were collected. The percentage of adult inpatients with gas burns in total inpatients with flame burns in the same period, and their gender, age, injury season, accident place, burn severity, common compound injury, complication, population caliber, education, industry, as well as the pre-injury disease and prognosis of elderly inpatients with gas burns were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the age, accident place, education, and industry of the floating population in the adult inpatients with gas burns were analyzed separately and compared with the total population of adult inpatients with gas burns in 7 years. Data were processed with chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test (Monte Carlo algorithm). Results: During the 7 years, 1 490 inpatients with flame burns were admitted to the author's unit, among which 511 were adult inpatients with gas burns, accounting for 34.30%. The number of adult inpatients with gas burns increased gradually during the 7 years, but its percentage in the total inpatients with flame burns during the same period showed no significant difference (χ(2)=7.087, P>0.05). Among the 511 adult inpatients with gas burns (hereinafter referred to as the patients in this group), there were 315 males and 196 females, with a male/female ratio of 1.61 to 1.00, and the middle-aged patients were the most, up to 270 cases, accounting for 52.84%. The distribution of adult inpatients with gas burns during the 7 years was significantly different in gender and age (χ(2)=54.810, 27.832, P<0.01). Among the patients in this group, most were injured in summer, totally 251 cases, accounting for 49.12%, and the accident place was mainly at home, totally 388 cases, accounting for 75.93%. The distribution of adult inpatients with gas burns during the 7 years was significantly different in injury season (χ(2)=42.254, P<0.01), but not in accident place (χ(2)=6.782, P>0.05). The patients in this group were mainly with moderate burns (237 cases, accounting for 46.38%), and the distribution trend of burn severity of adult inpatients with gas burns was basically the same during the 7 years (χ(2)=19.680, P>0.05); 176 patients (34.44%) were accompanied by inhalation injury, and 30 patients (5.87%) were accompanied by blast injury of lung; post injury complications occurred in 20 patients (3.91%). In the elderly inpatients with gas burns, 44.44% (32/72) were accompanied by pre-injury basic diseases, and the proportion of death or unhealed reached 18.06% (13/72). Most of the patients in this group were permanent residents (358 cases, accounting for 70.06%) and received secondary education (304 cases, accounting for 59.49%), and the majority of them were engaged in manufacturing/construction (138 cases, accounting for 27.01%), self-employed business (90 cases, accounting for 17.61%), and catering (90 cases, accounting for 17.61%) industries. The distribution of adult inpatients with gas burns during the 7 years was significantly different in population caliber, education, and occupation (χ(2)=17.496, 29.898, 88.896, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among the patients of this group, the floating population were mainly young (90 cases, accounting for 58.82%) and middle-aged (62 cases, accounting for 40.52%), with main accident place at home (97 cases, accounting for 63.40%), generally received secondary education (101 cases, accounting for 66.01%), and were mainly engaged in manufacturing/construction (71 cases, accounting for 46.41%), self-employed business (26 cases, accounting for 16.99%), and catering (20 cases, accounting for 13.07%) industries. Compared with the total adult inpatients with gas burns in 7 years, the floating population were younger, more injured in the workplace, and more concentrated in industry (χ(2)=42.924, 9.390, 27.819, P<0.01). Conclusions: Gas burn was the leading injury cause of inpatients with flame burns in the author's unit, which mainly occurred in summer and at home; the patients were mainly male, young and middle-aged, and permanent residents, most of which were with moderate burn, often accompanied by inhalation injury. Most of the patients were of secondary education, engaged in manufacturing/construction, self-employed business, and catering industries, among which the floating population were younger, more injured in the workplace, and more concentrated in industry. In order to prevent gas burn, we should pay more attention to the propaganda and education of gas safety among young and middle-aged men, floating population, retired old people and housewives, especially in summer, we should do a good job in gas safety inspection at home. In addition, we should urge enterprises to further strengthen the supervision of production safety.

Genome-wide association study for growth and fatness traits in Chinese Sujiang pigs

Growth and fatness traits are complex and economically important traits in the pig industry. The molecular basis underlying porcine growth and fatness traits remains largely unknown. To uncover genetic loci and candidate genes for these traits, we explored the GeneSeek GGP Porcine 80K SNP chip to perform a GWAS for seven growth and fatness traits in 365 individuals from the Sujiang pig, a recently developed breed in China. We identified two, 17, one and 11 SNPs surpassing the suggestively significant threshold (P < 1.86 × 10^-5 ) for body weight, chest circumference, chest width and backfat thickness respectively. Of these SNPs, 20 represent novel genetic loci, and five and four SNPs were respectively associated with chest circumference and backfat thickness at a genome-wide significant threshold (P < 9.31 × 10^-7 ). Eight SNPs had a pleiotropic effect on both chest circumference and backfat thickness. The most remarkable locus resided in a region between 72.95 and 76.27 Mb on pig chromosome 4, harboring a number of previously reported quantitative trait loci related to backfat deposition. In addition to two reported genes (PLAG1 and TAS2R38), we identified four genes including GABRB3, ZNF106, XKR4 and MGAM as novel candidates for body weight and backfat thickness at the mapped loci. Our findings provide insights into the genetic architecture of porcine growth and fatness traits and potential markers for selective breeding of Chinese Sujiang pigs.

Determination of the Content of 4-FMA in Rat Plasma Samples by HPLC-MS/MS Method

Objective To develop a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （HPLC-MS/MS） method for the determination of the content of 4-fluoromethamphetamine （4-FMA） in rat plasma, and to provide a methodological basis for the study of the toxicokinetics of 4-FMA in rats. Methods Rat plasma samples were added into internal standard methamphetamine （MA）. Its proteins were precipitated with methanol and then separated with Poroshell 120 EC-C18 chromatographic column. A 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and a 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution were used as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Electrospray ionization source was used for detection in the multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） mode. Results The linear relationship was good when the mass concentration of 4-FMA in plasma samples was in the range of 5-1 000 ng/mL （r>0.999）. The limit of detection （LOD） was 3 ng/mL and the limit of quantification （LOQ） was 5 ng/mL. The accuracy was expressed as relative error （RE）, and in the range of ±5%, the intra-day precision and inter-day precision （relative standard deviation, RSD） less than 9%, and the extraction recovery rate was more than 90%. The analysis and detection of plasma samples were completed within 2.5 min. Conclusion This study developed a HPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of 4-FMA in rat plasma samples. This method is accurate, rapid, simple and sensitive and can be applied to the study of toxicokinetics of 4-FMA.

[The effect of birth ball on the outcome of COOK balloon induction]

Objective: To investigate the effect of birth ball on the outcome of COOK balloon induction. Methods: A total of 580 patients were hospitalized in the obstetrics department of Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from May 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. According to the patient's wishes, 290 cases of cervical ripening with birth ball combined with COOK balloon were taken as experimental group, and 290 cases of cervical ripening group with COOK balloon were set as control group. Bishop score improvement, labor time, cesarean section rate, delivery forceps rate, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal scores were compared between the two groups of patients. Results: (1)There was no significant difference in the ag, Body Mass Index (BMI), education background, registered residence and gravidity between the two groups (P>0.05). (2)There was no significant difference in Bishop score improvement between the two groups (P>0.05). (3)The labor time in the experimental group (8.4 h±1.5 h)was significantly shorter than that in the control group (10.6 h±2.7 h). The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The cesarean section rate (11.03% vs 15.17%), forceps delivery rate (5.52% vs 8.28%), and postpartum hemorrhage (308 ml±9 ml vs 367 ml±16 ml) were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: The application of the birth ball in the induction of the COOK balloon can shorten the labor time, reduce the cesarean section rate and the forceps delivery rate, and reduce the postpartum hemorrhage, which has certain clinical application value.

Electrochemical Deoxygenation of N-Heteroaromatic N-Oxides

An electrochemical method for the deoxygenation of N-heteroaromatic N-oxide to give the corresponding N-heteroaromatics has been developed. Several classes of N-heterocycles such as pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, and phenanthridine are tolerated. The electrochemical reactions proceed efficiently in aqueous solution without the need for transition-metal catalysts and waste-generating reducing reagents.

The efficacy of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet with respect to improving pregnancy outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders

BACKGROUND

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet serves as a dietary pattern for the prevention and control of hypertension. The present study aimed to investigate whether the DASH diet can improve the outcomes of pregnancy with gestational hypertension (GH) and chronic hypertension.

METHODS

The current randomised controlled clinical trial was performed in 85 pregnant women diagnosed with GH and chronic hypertension between July 2015 and December 2017. The women were categorised into a control group (41 cases) and a DASH group (44 cases). Participants were followed until delivery. The clinical outcomes of mothers included gestational weeks of birth, delivery mode, postpartum haemorrhage and GH, as well as the incidence of pre-eclampsia during the second and third trimesters. Newborn measurements were collected by evaluating prematurity, birth weight, body length and neonatal Apgar score.

RESULTS

The incidence of pre-eclampsia, prematurity and low birth weight in the DASH group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed in gestational age at delivery and the newborn body length between the two groups (P < 0.05). We failed to find a significant difference in changes of delivery mode, postpartum haemorrhage, postpartum GH, mean birth weight and Apgar score (P > 0.05) between the two diets.

CONCLUSIONS

A DASH diet might comprise a potential strategy for improving the clinical outcomes in pregnant women with GH and chronic hypertension. Future robust clinical trials are warranted to corroborate these findings.

Up-regulated circular RNA hsa_circ_0067934 contributes to glioblastoma progression through activating PI3K-AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in cancer progression and metastasis, although little is known about their role in glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0067934 in GBM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hsa_circ_0067934 expression was detected in GBM tissues and cell lines by using RT-PCR. The prognostic value of the hsa_circ_0067934 expression in GBM patients was statistically analyzed. The effects of hsa_circ_0067934 expression on growth and apoptosis of GBM cells were analyzed by CCK-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry. Migration and invasion ability was evaluated by transwell and wound-healing assays. The protein expression of signaling pathways was determined by using Western blot.

RESULTS

The expression level of hsa_circ_0067934 was significantly increased in GBM tissues and cancer cells. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with higher expression of hsa_circ_0067934 had a more favorable overall survival and disease-free survival. The functional investigations revealed that the knockdown of hsa_circ_0067934 suppressed GBM cell proliferation, metastasis and EMT, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, the mechanistic analysis demonstrated that the down-regulation of hsa_circ_0067934 significantly suppressed the activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Hsa_circ_0067934 is overexpressed and plays an oncogenic role in GBM by promoting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via upregulation of PI3K-AKT pathway, which suggests that hsa_circ_0067934 is likely to serve as an efficient therapeutic approach in respect of GBM treatment.

[Research advances in the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and its inhibitors in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase in the downstream of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) family. This kinase plays an important role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preclinical data demonstrate that 40%-50% of HCC patients have dysregulated expression of the effectors of the mTOR signaling pathway, and the activation of the mTOR pathway is associated with poorly differentiated tumors, early tumor recurrence, and poor survival/prognosis. This article reviews the research advances in the potential role of the mTOR signaling pathway and its inhibitors in the treatment of HCC.

[One case of refractory gout with high fever]

On 17th June 2017, a 50 years old man with refractory gout was admitted in our hospital. During the treatment, he was accompanied by intermittent fever (39 to 40 ℃) of unknown origin for 60 days and gastrointestinal bleeding, with difficult wound repair. After comprehensive treatment of thorough debridement, vacuum sealing drainage, skin graft, skin flap repair, and drug administration, the patient was discharged fully recovered on post hospitalization day 104.

Expression of RNF8 on cochlear apoptosis and aging in mice of different ages

This study aimed to investigate the role of RNF8 (RING finger protein 8) in DNA damage repair in mice of different ages, and to provide new insight into the pathology and treatment of senile deafness. Sixteen C57BL/6J mice aged 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 32 weeks were obtained by paired reproduction. The mice of three age groups were equally divided into two groups, named experimental group (RNF8 gene knockout) and control group (no knockout). The cochlear hair cells, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion cells were observed by HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining. The degree of DNA damage and the related expressions were observed by immunofluorescence γ-H2AX staining and 8-OH immunohistochemical staining, and the aging of damaged cells was detected by lipofuscin and β-galactosidase staining. HE staining showed that the changes of cochlear hair cells, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion cells were obvious in the same group of mice at different ages. Compared with the control group, the aging changes of cochlear hair cells, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion cells were more significant in the experimental group. Immunofluorescence γ-H2AX staining showed H2AX phosphorylation in injured cells. The aging of cochlea in mice changed, and staining of β-galactosidase in the experimental group suggested that the striae of blood vessels were changed with age at 32 weeks old and staining of lipofuscin showed dark brown staining around the nucleus (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the deletion of RNF8 is an important cause of morphological changes in the cochlea of mice. The deletion of RNF8 accelerates the aging of the cochlea of mice, suggesting that the apoptosis of the cochlea could contribute to aging in RNF8 gene-deficient mice.

[Epidemiological characteristics and latent class analysis of non-marital heterosexual behaviors among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome individuals in Jiangmen, Guangdong province between 2015 and 2017]

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics and latent classes of non-marital heterosexual transmission among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) individuals in Jiangmen, Guangdong province between 2015 and 2017. Methods: HIV/AIDS cases from Chinese HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System were collected from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Inclusion criteria of HIV/AIDS were heterosexual transmission, non-marital heterosexual contact and older than 15 years. Exclusion criteria were homosexual contact, repeated reports, injecting drugs, current address in the non-Jiangmen area and not classified non-marital heterosexual contact. A total of 665 HIV/AIDS cases were included in this study. The general demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, education, occupation, etc.), floating population characteristics, HIV high-risk behaviors, HIV testing and other information were collected from database. Chi square test was used to compare the infection status of HIV/AIDS with different characteristics through commercial channels, and the latent class model was used to analyze the latent classes of HIV/AIDS. Results: Among 665 cases, the age was (48.73±15.61) years old. And 46.5% (309/665) cases were married and 73.8% (491/665) were male. Four classes were identified as heterogeneous sub-population by the latent class analysis: the first class occupied 40.13% (267 cases) with feature of nearly equal proportion of males and females and higher proportion of non-service industry workers; the second class occupied 37.40% (248 cases) with features of more than 46 years old, nearly all males, high proportion of farmers, high proportion of marital status, low education and the low propensity of floating; the third class occupied 11.90% (79 cases) with feature of cases from voluntary HIV testing and counseling in center for disease control and prevention; the forth class occupied 10.57% (70 cases) with the feature of less 45 years old, high proportion of service industry workers, no marital history and higher education. Conclusions: HIV/AIDS transmitted by non-marital heterosexual sex in Jiangmen city during 2015-2017 could be divided into four latent classes according to epidemic characteristics, which could provide appropriate classified guidance for AIDS prevention and treatment.

Genome-wide association study identifies variants in the CAPN9 gene associated with umbilical hernia in pigs

Pig umbilical hernia (UH) affects pig welfare and brings considerable economic loss to the pig industry. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying pig UH are still poorly understood. To identify potential loci for susceptibility to this disease, we performed a genome-wide association study in an Erhualian × Shaziling F₂ intercross population. A total of 45 animals were genotyped using Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChips. We observed a SNP (rs80993347) located in the calpain-9 (CAPN9) gene on Sus scrofa chromosome 14 that was significantly associated with UH (P = 1.97 × 10^-10 ). Then, we identified a synonymous mutation rs321865883 (g.20164T>C) in exon 10 of the CAPN9 gene that distinguished two affected individuals (CC) from their normal full-sibs (TC). Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was explored to investigate the mRNA expression profile of the CAPN9 gene in 12 tissues in Yorkshire pigs at different developmental stages (3, 90 and 180 days). CAPN9 showed high expression levels in the gastrointestinal tract at these three growth stages. The results of this study indicate that the CAPN9 gene might be implicated in UH. Further studies are required to establish a role of CAPN9 in pig UH.

[Effects of ethylbenzene on cell injury and mitochondrial membrane potential of CPCs]

Objective: To investigate the effects of ethylbenzene on growth morphology、proliferation ability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of cochlear progenitor cells (CPCs) , and to lay a foundation for the mechanism of hearing loss induced by ethylbenzene. Methods: We can use the fluorescence microscopy to identify the original CPCs isolated from the newborn rats, and followed by the addition of different concentrations of ethylbenzene (0, 15, 30, 45 μmol/L) for 24 hours. The morphological changes of cell injury were observed by inverted optical microscope. The proliferation ability of cells was detected by MTT colorimetry, and the change of MMP was detected by fluorescent probe JC-1. Results: The results of CPCs identification showed the expression of Myosin VIIa and Epsin positive; The results observed by inverted optical microscope showed all groups of CPCs morphological changes compared with the control group; MTT results showed that the decreased significantly proliferation ability of CPCs groups compared with the control group and a dose effect relationship with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) ; JC-1 test results showed the decreased significantly mitochondrial membrane potential in the treated group compared with the control group, and there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Ethylbenzene may cause damage to CPCs, inhibition of cell proliferation and decrease of MMP in rats.

[Construction of cochlear progenitor cells with recombinant short-hairpin RNA lentiviral vector inhibiting the expression of the β-catenin gene]

Objective: To construct a recombinant short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentiviral vector targeting the β-catenin gene in cochlear precursor cells (CPCs) in mice, and to investigate its inhibitory effect. Methods: PCR was used for the multiplication of the β-catenin gene, and shRNA oligo was designed based on the β-catenin gene to construct an interference vector. Gateway Technology was used to construct shRNA lentiviral vector which carried the β-catenin gene, and then 293FT cells were transfected with the constructed lentiviral vector and helper plasmids pLV/helper-SL3, pLV/helper-SL4, and pLV/helper-SL5. The virus supernatant was collected to obtain viral particles, and then mouse CPCs were transiently infected with the recombinant lentivirus with four different concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 20 μl) . The shRNA control group was established. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to investigate the inhibitory effect of shRNA β-catenin lentiviral vector on β-catenin. Results: The recombinant shRNA β-catenin lentiviral vector was successfully constructed, and the virus titers of shβ-catenin and shβ-catenin-control were 5.05×10(7) and 4.34×10(7), respectively. The results of in vitro experiments showed that in CPCs transfected with four different concentrations of recombinant lentivirus, the content of β-catenin protein gradually decreased with the increase in concentration, and there was a significant difference between groups (P<0.05) ; the CPCs transfected with shβ-catenin had significantly lower mRNA expression of β-catenin than those in the shβ-catenin-control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The constructed lentiviral vector targeting the β-catenin gene has a high infection efficiency, and the successful construction of lentiviral vectors provides a technical support for analyzing the role of β-catenin in the differentiation of CPCs into auditory hair cells.

PIG3 suppresses gastric cancer proliferation by regulating p53- mediated apoptosis

Gastric cancer (GC), the third leading cause of cancer mortality and the fifth most common cancer in the world, still is an important health problem worldwide. P53-inducible gene 3 (PIG3) was initially isolated in an investigation to identify the genes that were induced by p53 in human colorectal cancer cells. PIG3 can also regulate the stability of p53 through suppressing the process of the MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of p53. The aim of this study is to explore the expression level of PIG3 in human GC and further investigate the function and mechanism of PIG3 in human GC. Five cell lines and 30 matched GC tissue samples and adjacent tissue samples were used for this study, and MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis and Western blot were carried out. Expression of PIG3 was found to be frequently reduced in GC. Restoration of the expression of PIG3 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and further activated P53 signaling in BGC823 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that expression of PIG3 is frequently reduced in GC tissue, and PIG3 suppressed human GC growth through p53- mediated apoptosis. PIG3 may act as a potential diagnostic marker and a potential therapeutic target of GC.

How does social development influence life expectancy? A geographically weighted regression analysis in China

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine how social development influenced life expectancy from a spatio-temporal perspective.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were taken from the China Statistical Yearbooks for 2001 and 2011, which presented results from 2000 to 2010, respectively.

METHODS

A geographically weighted regression method was performed. A total of 31 provinces were treated as units of our analysis, and four social development dimensions were extracted by exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTS

Generally speaking, healthcare and education development could significantly improve life expectancy. Between 2000 and 2010, the positive effects of social harmony and eco-environment development were gradually increasing. Spatially speaking, the enhancing effect of healthcare development on life expectancy generally declined from south to north China; the improving effect of education development generally declined from southwest China to northeast and northwest China. The geographical distributions of the effects of eco-environment and social harmony development on life expectancy were different between 2000 and 2010; the former declined from the eastern coast to west China in 2000 and declined from northwest to south China in 2010, while the latter first declined from north to southwest China in 2000 and then declined from southwest to northeast China in 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the effects of various social development dimensions on life expectancy vary with time and space, it is necessary to improve certain aspects of social development in specific areas and social stages to efficiently improve life expectancy and population health.

[Characteristics of non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission of HIV infection in Miao-Dong Autonomous prefecture of Qiandongnan]

Objective: The goal of this research was to understand the demographic distribution and related factors of non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission (non-commercial transmission) for HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Methods: Data related to HIV/AIDS infected by non-marital heterosexual transmission and whose present address was in Qian Dongnan, were collected from Information System on the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control. Information included demographic characteristics, the members of non-marital sex partners, transmission path, detection source, CD4(+)T lymphocyte level, et al. cases belong to homosexual history, injective drug use or non-classified non-marital heterosexuality transmission were excluded, totally collect HIV/AIDS 919 cases. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze potential factors associated with non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission. In addition, in March and June 2017, using a convenience sampling, we conducted one-to-one interviews among 10 HIV/AIDS who were infected by non-marital heterosexuality and had non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual experience in Kaili Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The content of the interview included basic information, sexual orientation, the main place of making friends and sexual behavior, attitude to commercial heterosexuality and non-martial and non-commercial heterosexuality and so on. Results: Out of the 919 cases, 645 (70.2%) were male, the proportion of non-commercial transmission was 55.06% (506). The proportion of female HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission was 84.7% (232), which was higher than male (42.5%(274)) (χ(2)=138.35, P<0.001). The proportion of Han HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission was 61.5% (275), which was higher than other religion (52.2%(412)) (χ(2)=6.32, P=0.012). The proportion of HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission who had 0-5 non-marital sexual partners was 58.8% (498), which was higher than who had>5 non-marital sexual partners (11.1%(8)) (χ(2)=61.10, P<0.001). The proportion of HIV/AIDS with non-commercial transmission who lived mobile was 72.9% (94), which was higher than who lived fixedly (52.2%(412)) (χ(2)=19.34, P<0.001). Qualitative interviews results revealed that the age of the respondents were 22-69. Respondents whose ages are in 22-34 were more likely to use mobile phone (4/10) and respondents whose ages are in 35-69 were less likely to look partners through party and the context of working. Conclusion: The proportion of cases being infected by non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission in Qian dongnan was higher than general national levels. The characteristics of sex, marriage status, migration, vocation, the members of non-marital sex partners were significant differed between commercial heterosexual transmission and non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual transmission.

[A new method of measuring leg length discrepancy on radiograph in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty]

Objective: To investigate the reliability of the distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and inter-teardrop line (GT-IT) in evaluating the leg length discrepancy (LLD) in patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Patients who underwent THA in Xi'an Honghui Hospital from August 2015 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study.The patients were measured for bilateral hips anterior-posterior (AP) radiograph preoperatively and postoperatively.Four distances measured, included: GT-IT, the tip of lesser trochanter and bi-ischial line (LT-BI); LT-IT and the anterior superior iliac spine and the medial malleolus (ASIS-MM). Magnification factor was considered when calculating absolute values.Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to detect the reliability of the measurement data.Single factor analysis and paired t test were performed to compare data among the methods. Results: The ICC values of the four groups were greater than 0.80, which showed excellent agreement in the measurements.Single factor analysis of variance showed there were no statistically significant differences in the LLDs of the four groups preoperatively and postoperatively (F=0.914, 0.886, both P>0.05). There was no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative LLD between group GT-IT and group ASIS-MM, LT-BI or LT-IT(t=-1.544-1.114, all P>0.05). The LLDs were comparable between group LT-BI, ASIS-MM and LT-IT both preoperatively and postoperatively (t=1.577, 0.976, 1.344, -0.087, all P>0.05). And the LLD in group LT-IT and ASIS-MM were equivalent preoperatively and postoperatively (t=0.130, 1.063, both P>0.05). Bland-Altman plot illustrated high level of agreements between the four methods. Conclusion: Great reliability can be obtained with the GT-IT in evaluating the LLD in patients undergoing THA.

[Application of occupational hazard risk index model in occupational health risk assessment in a decorative coating manufacturing enterprises]

Objective: To evaluate the occupational health risk of decorative coating manufacturing enterprises and to explore the applicability of occupational hazard risk index model in the health risk assessment, so as to provide basis for the health management of enterprises. Methods: A decorative coating manufacturing enterprise in Hebei Province was chosen as research object, following the types of occupational hazards and contact patterns, the occupational hazard risk index model was used to evaluate occupational health risk factors of occupational hazards in the key positions of the decorative coating manufacturing enterprise, and measured with workplace test results and occupational health examination. Results: The positions of oily painters, water-borne painters, filling workers and packers who contacted noise were moderate harm. And positions of color workers who contacted chromic acid salts, oily painters who contacted butyl acetate were mild harm. Other positions were harmless. The abnormal rate of contacting noise in physical examination results was 6.25%, and the abnormality was not checked by other risk factors. Conclusion: The occupational hazard risk index model can be used in the occupational health risk assessment of decorative coating manufacturing enterprises, and noise was the key harzard among occupational harzards in this enterprise.

Liquid crystalline behaviour of self-assembled LAPONITE®/PLL-PEG nanocomposites

Synthetic LAPONITE®-clay particles with platelet-like shape display strong aging when dispersed in aqueous solutions, preventing the latter from reaching their natural liquid-crystalline equilibrium state. Here we introduce a facile method that successfully prevents this aging behaviour and enables accessing the systems' liquid-crystal and crystalline phases. We graft the comb-like polymer PLL-PEG (poly(l-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol)) onto the clay surfaces from solution, thereby screening the negative surface charges and thus ensuring steric stabilisation. We show zeta-sizer and rheology measurements, respectively, confirming complete steric coating and that aging of dilute samples is completely suppressed even after a year. Using evaporation as a means to concentrate the particles, we observe various liquid crystalline textures under a polarized optical microscope (POM). Upon sequential spreading and drying, we are also able to obtain transparent films with hierarchical architecture.

[Characteristics and influencing factors regarding social relations among men who have sex with men]

Objective: To study the characteristics of social relations and relative factors among MSM in Guangzhou. Methods: Data was collected through a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou from November 2016 to May 2017. Sample size was estimated and participants were recruited from the voluntary counseling and testing services (VCT) which were set for MSM population, by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Social ties and demographic characteristics of the respondents and their sexual partners were analyzed through both Chi square test and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results: A total of 1 073 MSM, together with their nominated 4 301 partners were successfully recruited and involved in this study. Age (OR=1.2, P=0.01) and non-internet based intercourse (OR=1.65, P<0.01) were easy to form close relation with strong ties. Compared with MSM traditional venues (chess and cards room, tea room bathhouse, club), general public venue (bars, KTV, parks, shopping malls, schools, restaurants) (OR=1.46-3.12, P<0.01) showed close relation with strong ties. Our finding showed that MSM at the age of 18-25 preferred to build weak ties with the older MSM, while the 26-30-year-olds and 31-40-year-olds prefer to establish weak ties with younger partners but the 41-50-year-olds preferred to develop weak ties with one that were ten years younger. Conclusions: Clusters were noticed in the MSM populations when grouping and making friends with ones at different age. Characteristics regarding the relationship between sexual partners in choosing venues and ways of dating were different. Targeted intervention programs need to be explored innovatively.

A Novel Finding: Macrophages Involved in Inflammation Participate in Acute Aortic Dissection Complicated with Acute Lung Injury

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) complicated with acute aortic dissection (AAD).

OBJECTIVE

We aim to investigate the roles of macrophages-derived matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in the development of ALI complicated with AAD and factors involved in the recruitment of macrophages.

METHODS

This study included three parts: (i) Determination of serum MMPs, angiotensin II (AngII) and MCP-1 in patients with AAD complicated with ALI or AAD only, non-ruptured chronic aortic aneurysm patients or healthy volunteers using ELISA method. (ii) A novel AAD complicated with ALI model was established by infusing angiotensin II (AngII) to immature rats treated with β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate (BAPN) to identify the potential roles of MMP9 and MCP-1 in AAD complicated with ALI. (iii) Cultured pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (PMVEC) line was used to investigate how AngII was involved in the release of MCP-1 in rat pulmonary vascular endothelial cells.

RESULTS

Serum MMP9, AngII and MCP-1 were remarkably elevated in patients with AAD complicated with ALI. The MMP9 expressed in pulmonary tissues was derived from macrophages. In the animal model, the release of MMP9 from macrophages finally resulted in ALI, while inhibition of MMP9 and MCP-1 contributed to decreased incidence of AAD complicated with ALI. In vitro experiments indicated that AngII triggered overexpression of MCP-1 in PMVECs by activating NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

AAD complicated with ALI is highly associated with the macrophages infiltrating the pulmonary interstitial tissue and released MMP9 in response to angiotensin II. MCP-1 is closely related to the recruitment of macrophages.

[Clinical analysis on hysteroscopic surgery for the treatment of type Ⅱ cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of hysterosopic management of type Ⅱ cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and the value of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE). Methods: Totally 104 patients with type Ⅱ CSP treated with hysteroscopic surgery at the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, during Jan. 2009 to Jun. 2016 were analyzed retrospectively, 67 patients combined with UAE (UAE group) and 37 patients without combined with UAE (non-UAE group). Laparoscopy or sonography guidance was conducted simultaneously. The following clinical parameters were compared, including: primary cure rate, uterine packing rate, uterine perforation rate, hemoglobin level change, the time for the mass absorption and the return of β-hCG to normal, complications, hospital days and hospital stay cost. Results: Median gestational age, size of mass, thickness of the anterior myometrium and β-hCG level in UAE group versus non-UAE group were 47 versus 47 days, 30 versus 30 mm,2 versus 2 mm, 36 524 versus 32 226 U/L (all P>0.05). Out of 104, 100 patients were managed successfully with hysteroscopic surgery, and 4 patients transformed to laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery. Hysteroscopic surgery was effective in 63 out of 67 patients (94%) in UAE group and 34 out of 37 patients (92%) in non-UAE group (P>0.05). There was no significant differences regarding uterine perforation rate, uterine packing rate, hemoglobin change and recovery time between UAE group and non-UAE group (all P>0.05). The median hospital day was 7 days in UAE group versus 5 days in non-UAE group (P<0.01). The median hospital stay cost was 13 654 yuan in UAE group versus 9 108 yuan in non-UAE group (P<0.01). Serious complication occurred in 4 patients (6%, 4/67) in UAE group and 2 patients (5%, 2/67) in non-UAE group (P=0.906). Conclusions: Hysteroscopic surgery is effective and safe for patients with type Ⅱ CSP in the first trimester with size ≤30 mm in diameter and gestation age<7 weeks. The value of prophylactic UAE is uncertain.

CXCR7 Participates in CXCL12-mediated Cell Cycle and Proliferation Regulation in Mouse Neural Progenitor Cells

Background:

Cell cycle regulation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is an essential process for neurogenesis, neural development, and repair after brain trauma. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, CXCL12) and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 are well known in regulating the migration and survival of NPCs. The effects of CXCL12 on NPCs proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and their associated signaling pathways remain unclear. Cyclin D1 is a protein required for progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle and a known downstream target of β-catenin. Therefore, cyclin D1 plays critical roles of cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and survival in NPCs.

Methods:

Primary mouse NPCs (mNPCs) were derived from brain tissues of wild-type, Cxcr4 knockout, or Cxcr7 knockout mice at mouse embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). Flow cytometry was used to perform cell cycle analysis by quantitation of DNA content. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Ki67 immunostaining and TUNEL assay were used to assess the proliferation and survival of mNPCs, respectively.

Results:

CXCL12 pretreatment led to the shortening of G0/G1 phase and lengthening of S phase, suggesting that CXCL12 regulates cell cycle progression in mNPCs. Consistently, CXCL12 treatment increased the expression of CyclinD1 and β-catenin, and promoted proliferation and survival of mNPCs. Cxcr7 knockout of mNPCs blocked CXCL12-mediated mNPCs proliferation, whereas Cxcr4 knockout mNPC did not significantly effect CXCL12- mediated mNPCs proliferation.

Conclusion:

CXCR7 plays an important role in CXCL12-mediated mNPC cell cycle regulation and proliferation.

Comparing effects of cervical anterior approach and laminoplasty in surgical management of cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament by a prospective nonrandomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

The laminoplasty has been the most widely used surgical method for OPLL. In recent years, increasing attention has been drawn to the anterior operative approaches for surgical treatment of cervical OPLL. However, which method is the optimum selection for therapy of cervical OPLL is still obscure. Therefore, we performed this prospective nonrandomized clinical study in patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy due to OPLL and compare the therapeutic efficiency of laminoplasty and anterior approach (cervical discectomy and/or cervical corpectomy) in the management of multilevel cervical OPLL.

HYPOTHESIS

There is no difference in clinical effects between anterior cervical spine surgery and laminoplasty in the treatment of multilevel cervical OPLL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 150 consecutive patients with multilevels of cervical OPLL underwent anterior approaches (ACDF, ACCF and HDF) from July 2010 to June 2014, which were enrolled in this study. During the same period, one hundred and two patients receiving the laminoplasty were enrolled in the study. The clinical effects, alignment and range of motion (ROM) of cervical spine in patients of the anterior group and posterior group were assessed, respectively. The effects of high signals in T2 weighed MRI scans and percentage of spinal canal stenosis in these patients were also evaluated. Finally, postoperative complications regarding each group were analyzed.

RESULTS

Although significant differences in types of OPLL and preoperative sagittal alignment of cervical spine occurred in the two groups (P<0.05), clinical effects of the two groups were similar (P>0.05). The cervical curvature in laminoplasty group showed significant decrease at final follow-up (P<0.05). For ROM of cervical spine, no significant alteration was observed in both groups. The high T2 weighed signals and rate of spinal canal stenosis can influence clinical effects of both anterior group and laminoplasty group. In addition, significantly higher complication rate was observed in laminoplasty group compared with anterior group (P<0.05).

DISCUSSION

Both anterior and laminoplasty approaches can be considered effective and safe procedures in the treatment of the multilevel OPLL. However, the anterior approach with relatively lower incidence of postoperative complications is a better choice for cases with poor cervical curvature and serious spinal canal stenosis.

TYPE OF STUDY AND LEVEL OF PROOF

Level 3 nonrandomized, controlled clinical trials.

Targeted antimicrobial therapy in the microbiome era

Even though the oral microbiome is one of the most complex sites on the body it is an excellent model for narrow‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy. Current research indicates that disruption of the microbiome leads to a dysbiotic environment allowing for the overgrowth of pathogenic species and the onset of oral diseases. The gram‐negative colonizer, Porphyromonas gingivalis has long been considered a key player in the initiation of periodontitis and Streptococcus mutans has been linked to dental caries. With antibiotic research still on the decline, new strategies are greatly needed to combat infectious diseases. By targeting key pathogens, it may be possible to treat oral infections while allowing for the recolonization of the beneficial, healthy flora. In this review, we examine unique strategies to specifically target periodontal pathogens and address what is needed for the success of these approaches in the microbiome era.

The application of a delayed expansion technique for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation in dental implantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of delayed expansion of the alveolar ridge in dental implantation. This method avoids the need to harvest autogenous bone and the requirement to fix a block with screws, and could help prevent the uncontrolled fracture and avascular necrosis that may result from the traditional alveolar split. Eighteen patients and 43 implants were included in this retrospective study. The width of the alveolar ridge was measured before implantation, immediately after implantation, and after the final restoration. The width increased significantly after the insertion of implants and decreased slightly after bone remodelling. Overall, the width of the alveolar ridge increased by 2.37±1.44mm on average, ranging from -0.20mm to 5.75mm. The results suggest the use of delayed expansion for horizontal alveolar bone augmentation; however, the maxillary premolar area may not be a suitable site.

[Factors associated with lost of follow-up of men who have sex with men in a gay bathhouse cohort study in Tianjin, 2012-2015]

Objective: To understand the rate of follow-up lost in men who have sex with men (MSM) in a gay bathhouse cohort study in Tianjin and the associated factors. Methods: The open cohort study in gay bathhouse was launched in 2012 in Tianjin, and the MSM for baseline survey were recruited from January to June 2012, while the follow up was carried out every six months. A questionnaire survey and HIV test were conducted in the study. The MSM who were HIV negative in the baseline survey in 2012 were used for follow up lost analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the factors associated with the lost of follow-up. Results: A total of 658 gay bathhouse patrons were recruited in the baseline survey, at the end of 42-month follow-up period, 173 of them dropped out (26.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that the MSM who were local residents (OR=0.552, 95%CI: 0.377-0.808), in Han ethnic group (OR=0.197, 95% CI: 0.066-0.593), having received HIV test in the last year (OR=0.481, 95% CI: 0.326-0.710), were male sex workers (OR=0.127, 95% CI: 0.028-0.585), and believed to be at high risk for HIV infection (OR=0.285, 95% CI: 0.125-0.647). They were more likely to receive follow-up but the MSM who were aged ≥35 years (OR=1.891, 95%CI: 1.022-3.500) were more likely to be lost in the follow-up. Conclusion: The lost rate of follow-up in MSM in the gay bathhouse cohort was high in Tianjin. Age, household registration, history of HIV test, the awareness of the risk to be infected with HIV and commercial homosex were factors associated with the follow-up rate in the MSM. It is necessary to conduct similar cohort study in targeted population on the basis of findings of this study.