[Statistical analysis of incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China, 2015]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in China in 2015. Methods: The data from 501 cancer registries in China collected by the National Cancer Center were reviewed and evaluated, and the qualified data were included in the final analysis. According to the national population data in 2015, the nationwide incidence and mortality of the prostate cancer were estimated. Chinese standard population in 2000 and world Segi's population were used to calculate the age-standardized (ASR) incidence and mortality rates (ASR China and world, respectively). Results: After data review, the data reported by 368 registries were included in the final analysis, covering a total population of 309 553 499, accounting for 22.52% of the national population at the end of 2015. There were 72 thousand new prostate cancer cases estimated in China in 2015, with a crude incidence rate of 10.23/100 000. The ASR China and ASR world are 6.59/100 000 and 6.47/100 000, respectively, which is the sixth incidence of male malignant tumor.The estimated number of prostate cancer death was 3.07 thousand in China in 2015, with a crude mortality rate of 4.36/100 000; The ASR China and ASR world mortality rates were 2.61/100 000 and 2.65/100 000, respectively, which is the tenth leading cause of death in male malignant tumor.The ASR China incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in males were higher in urban areas (8.40/100 000 and 3.11/100 000) than those in rural areas (4.16/100 000 and 1.90/100 000). The incidence and mortality rates in the eastern areas (8.54/100 000 and 2.99/100 000) were higher than those in the central (5.28/100 000 and 2.34/100 000) and western areas (5.32/100 000 and 2.37/100 000) of China. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in China are lower than the global average, but there is an increasing trend. The incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China have obvious regional differences.

Long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-577 to promote malignant development of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Recent researches have proved that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the exact role of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), and to explore the possible mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DLX6-AS1 expression in CRC tissues was detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Function assays were conducted to detect the effect of DLX6-AS1 on the proliferation and metastasis of CRC in vitro. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) were used to explore the underlying mechanism of DLX6-AS1.

RESULTS

DLX6-AS1 expression in CRC samples was significantly higher than that of adjacent tissues. Loss of DLX6-AS1 markedly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay showed that DLX6-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA via sponging miR-577 in CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

DLX6-AS1 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC by sponging miR-577, which might offer a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-577 to promote malignant development of colorectal cancer

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long noncoding RNA DLX6-AS1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-577 to promote malignant development of colorectal cancer, by F.-R. Zhou, Z.-P. Pan, F. Shen, L.-Q. Huang, J.-H. Cui, K. Cai, X.-L. Guo, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (9): 3742-3748-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201905_17800-PMID: 31115000" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17800.

Estimation of the net energy and protein requirements for maintenance of male arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) during the growth period1,2

The maintenance requirements of net energy and net protein were assumed to represent the most accurate and important values totally for the animal's utilization. The objective of this experiment was to determine the net energy and net protein requirements for maintenance of growing arctic foxes. The experiments was evaluated using regression models estimated from data collected by means of indirect calorimetry, nitrogen balance trials, and digestion and metabolism experiments. Thirty-six growing arctic foxes (3 487 ± 261.7 g) at the age of 85 days were randomly assigned to four groups with 9 animals in each group. Arctic foxes were fed a complete formula diet at four intake levels (100%, or 80%, 60%, and 40% of feed requirements) from 24 July 2017 to 23 September 2017. Arctic foxes in each treatment were kept individually in respiration chambers after 1-d adaptation at day 2 for a 3-d balance trial and then at day 5 followed by a 3-d fasting period. The metabolizable energy intake (MEI), heat production in the fed state (HP), and retained energy (RE) of arctic foxes significantly decreased (P < 0.01) as the feed intake level decreased. Fasting heat production (FHP) of arctic foxes was not influenced by feed intake level (P > 0.05). The metabolizable energy maintenance requirement (MEm) and net energy maintenance requirement (NEm) estimated from the linear relationship between RE and MEI were 230 and 217 kJ/kg of body weight BW0.75/d, respectively. The MEm and NEm estimated by logarithmic regression of HP on MEI were 225 and 209 kJ/kg BW0.75/d, respectively. The net N maintenance requirement (NNm) and net protein maintenance requirement (NPm) estimated from the linear relationship between retained nitrogen (RN) and daily nitrogen intake (NI) were 179.6 mg/kg BW0.75/d and 1.123 g/kg BW0.75/d, respectively. It is concluded that NEm and NPm values obtained fill the net energy and protein requirements shortage, and provide the basic data for establishing the standard of nutrition demand of breeding arctic foxes in China.

MiR-128-3p overexpression sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib induced apoptosis through regulating DJ-1

OBJECTIVE

DJ-1 expression is elevated in a variety of tumors and is related to the survival of tumor cells under adverse stimuli. DJ-1 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) contains the target of miR-128-3p, and the expression of miR-128-3p is decreased in hepatoma cells. Therefore, we speculate and address in this study, that miR-128-3p can regulate DJ-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and play an important role in HCC cells survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MiR-128-3p and DJ-1 expression in HCC cell lines were measured using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter assay was adopted to confirm the miR-128-3p binding sequences in the 3'-UTR of DJ-1. Sorafenib-induced apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by Western blot analysis. Overexpression of miR-128-3p and DJ-1 were achieved via transfection with miR-128-3p mimic and DJ-1 plasmid, respectively.

RESULTS

We revealed that miR-128-3p expression was downregulated, while DJ-1 expression was upregulated in HCC cell lines, and DJ-1 expression can be regulated by miR-128-3p via directly binding to it. Moreover, functional assays showed that overexpression of miR-128-3p sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib-induced apoptosis, and this phenomenon was partly abolished by DJ-1. Mechanistically, PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was found to participate in the miR-128-3p induced sensitivity to sorafenib via DJ-1.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that miR-128-3p overexpression sensitized HCC to sorafenib-induced apoptosis via PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by regulating DJ-1 expression.

[Epidemiological characteristics and medical expenses of acute occupational poisoning hospitalization in 5 monitoring counties (cities, districts) of Shandong Province from 2012 to 2018]

The data were drawn from injury hospitalization surveillance system in Shandong province. From 2012 to 2018, 164 cases of acute occupational poisoning were reported from five surveillance counties (cities, districts), accounting for 6.11% (164/2 683) of total accidental poisoning cases. The annual average reported incidence of acute occupational poisoning hospitalization was 1.15/100 000. The number of male cases was 3.3 times that of females (126 vs 38). The poisoning cases mainly occurred between January to May in a year and 5-7 AM within a day. Those cases were mainly caused by irritating gases (92 cases, 56.10%) and asphyxiating gases (53 cases, 32.32%), of which chlorine (71 cases) and carbon monoxide (50 cases) were the main reasons. The average hospitalization medical cost of acute occupational poisoning cases was 7 278.81 RMB per case.

[Association between frailty and sleep duration among people aged 50 years and over]

Objective: To investigate the association between sleep duration and frailty among people aged 50 years and over. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from the first wave of World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health in China. Frailty index was constructed on the proportion of deficits, out of the 40 variables. A two-level (individual level and community level) linear model was performed to identify the related factors on frailty. All the models were stratified by age, gender, residence (urban/rural). Restricted cubic spline was performed to graphically evaluate the dose-response association between self-reported sleep duration and frailty. Results: A total of 13 175 individuals aged 50 years and over participated in this study. Without adjusting on any confounding factors, shorter or longer sleep duration significantly increased the risk of weakness compared with normal sleep time (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.71-2.44; OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.12-1.63). After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, residence, education, family assets, vegetable, smoking, drinking and physical activity, a positive association between short sleep duration and frailty was noticed compared with normal sleep time (aOR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.27-2.01). The results of stratified analysis on sex, age and urban and rural areas showed that, after adjusting for gender, age, residence, education level, family assets, intake of vegetables and fruits, smoking, drinking and physical activity, only shorter sleep duration was positively correlated with the risk of weakness. In addition, among people aged 65 years and over, adjusted for confounding factors, the risk of weakness increased by 91%, compared with normal sleep time (aOR=1.91, 95%CI: 1.46-2.49). The dose-response curve also showed that the sleep duration and frailty present an approximate "U" shaped relationship. Conclusion: Short sleep duration might be associated with frailty.

[Trend of mortality and decomposition on malignant tumors in Shandong province, 1970-2013]

Objective: To describe the mortality trend of major malignant tumors in Shandong province, from 1970 to 2013. Methods: Data related to cancer mortality were obtained from the Shandong Death Registration System and three nationwide retrospective cause-of-death surveys. Trends of overall mortality and major causes of death were described using the indicators as: mortality rates and age-standardized mortality rates, through comparing the three large-scale mortality surveys in Shandong province. Difference decomposing method was applied to estimate the contribution of demographic and non-demographic factors for the change of mortality. Results: From 1970 to 2013, the crude mortality rate of malignant tumors in Shandong was increasing. The age standard mortality rate was increasing and then decreasing. The composition of cancer deaths in the all-cause-deaths was seen increasing and then decreasing as well. Both demographic and non-demographic factors contributed to the increase of crude cancer mortality rate. With the gradual increase of the proportion of population, its role exceeded the non-demographic factors. The age-standardized mortality rate of malignant tumors in 2011-2013 was lower than that in 2004-2005. Lung cancer mortality rose from the fifth to the first place, with an increase of 6.81 times from 1970-1974 to 2011-2013. Ranking of gastric cancer mortality dropped from first to the third place, with esophageal cancer dropped from second to the fourth. After adjusted by China's standard population in 1964, the mortality rate of lung cancer was still rapidly increasing, but the age-standardized mortality rates of esophageal cancer was gradually decreasing. The crude and age-standardized mortality rates of cervical cancer showed a rapid downward trend, reduced 87.00% and 93.00% respectively from 1970-1974 to 2011-2013. Conclusions: Malignant tumors were still major threats to the residents of Shandong province. The changing trend of different malignant tumors presented an inconsistent nature which called for different intervention strategies be carried out, accordingly.

[Analysis of mortality and probability of premature death caused by four main non-communicable diseases in Shandong Province, 2015]

Based on the data from Shandong Province death registration system in 2015, the mortality rate was adjusted by the results of underreporting rate investigation, and the probability of premature death of non-communicable diseases was calculated by life table method. A total of 728 287 deaths caused by four main non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, malignant tumor, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, accounting for 85.83% of the total death in 2015. The death of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and malignant tumor accounted for 50.90% and 25.69% respectively. The probability of premature death was 17.84%. The probability in males was higher than that in females (23.12% vs 12.25%). The highest probability of premature death in urban was cancer, but in rural was cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The probability increased from the East areas to the West. The highest probability reached at 21.50% in the Western underdeveloped areas, and the lowest probability was in Dongying City (14.84%) and Weihai City (14.94%) in the coastal areas.

[Evaluation on the effect of salt reduction intervention among fourth-grade primary school students and their parents in Shandong Province]

In order to evaluate the intervention effect of the school-based salt reduction model, 28 primary schools were selected in Shandong Province in September 2014 and randomly divided into intervention group (1 361 students, 1 306 parents) and control group (1 364 students,1 340 parents). A series of "small hands and big hands" salt reduction intervention activities were conducted in intervention group for 8 months. After the intervention, the total awareness rate of salt reduction knowledge, the total holding rate of related beliefs and the total reporting rate of related behaviors were 70.65%, 80.30% and 67.03% among students, and 85.66%, 93.77% and 87.93% among parents, in the intervention group, which were higher than those in the control group (37.12%, 66.52% and 50.07% among students; 55.11%, 87.52% and 57.96% among parents) (all P values <0.05). The school-based salt reduction model is effective and feasible.

[The expressions and diagnostic values of miR-18a and miR-21 in esophageal cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expressional levels and diagnostic values of miR-18a and miR-21 in esophageal carcinoma. Methods: The expressions of miR-18a and miR-21 in esophageal cancer tissues and adjacent tissues from 45 esophageal cancer patients, peripheral blood from 45 esophageal cancer patients and 50 healthy donors respectively were detected by RT-PCR. The expressions of miR-18a and miR-21 in normal esophageal epithelial cell HET-1A, esophageal cancer cell lines including ECA109, KYSE150 and TE1 were also detected. Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to quantitatively detect the concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), CYRFA21-1 and TPA (tissue polypeptide antigen) in peripheral blood serum from esophageal cancer patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, the diagnostic effects of miR-18a and miR-21 on esophageal cancer were compared with those of tumor markers in serum. Results: The expression levels of miR-18a and miR-21 in esophageal cancer cells ECA109, KYSE150 and TE1 were 1.64±0.17, 1.62±0.19, 1.46±0.12 and 20.52±1.48, 6.73±0.73, 1.43±0.19, respectively, higher than those in normal esophageal epithelial cells (both P<0.01). The expressions of miR-18a and miR-21 in esophageal cancer tissues were 32.48±28.62 and 8.67±11.98, respectively, significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (all P<0.001). The expression levels of miR-18a and miR-21 in peripheral blood of patients with esophageal cancer were 12.66±11.92 and 9.15±8.14, respectively, significantly higher than those in the normal control group (both P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of miR-18a and miR-21 for diagnosis of esophageal cancer were 0.948 and 0.913 5, respectively. Compared with traditional esophageal tumor markers, the expressions of miR-18a and miR-21 were more sensitive in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The sensitivity and accuracy of the expressions of miR-18a and miR-21 combined with traditional esophageal tumor markers in diagnosis of esophageal cancer can be further improved to 97.8% and 68.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study reveals that the expressions of miR-18a and miR-21 play important roles in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer and may be potentially novel biomarkers.

Gene expression profiling analysis of the role of miR-22 in clear cell ovarian cancer

This study aimed to investigate the role and potential mechanism of miR-22 in clear cell ovarian cancer (CCOC) progression. The gene expression profile of GSE16568, including 3 CCOC samples with miR-22 overexpression and 3 negative controls, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the limma package in R. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed by using The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Furthermore, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. Besides, the miR-22-mRNA interaction pairs were predicted to explore the critical genes involved in the cancer. Totally, 95 up-regulated DEGs and 51 down-regulated DEGs were identified. The DEGs were enriched in different GO terms and pathways. The up-regulated genes cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK6), MDM2 oncogene, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (MDM2), and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) were involved in the p53 signaling pathway. The up-regulated gene FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) was a hub protein in the PPI network of the DEGs. The down-regulated DEGs including lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) and v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) were mainly associated with immunity. Nine DEGs as target genes were identified to be recognized by miR-22. Our study suggested that several key genes such as CDK6, MDM2, LEF1, MYB, and FOS that involved in different pathways including p53 signaling pathway were associated with CCOC progression. miR-22 may play an essential role in cell migration and invasion in CCOC through targeting responsive genes.

[Incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China based on cancer registration data in 2014, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR). Methods: 449 cancer registries submitted nasopharyngeal carcinoma incidence and deaths occurred in 2014 to NCCR. After evaluating the data quality, 339 registries' data were accepted for analysis and stratified by area (urban/rural) and age group. Combined with data on national population in 2014, the nationwide incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were estimated. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: The estimates of new nasopharyngeal carcinoma incident cases and deaths were 44.6 thousands and 24.2 thousands, respectively. The crude incidence rate was 3.26/100 000 (Male 4.51/100 000, Female 1.94/100 000). Age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC, 2000) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 2.48/100 000 and 2.33/100 000, respectively. Male to female ratio was 2.32∶1. The ASIRC in urban and rural areas were all 2.48/100 000. The crude mortality rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was 1.77/100 000 (Male 2.55/100 000, Female 0.95/100 000). Age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC, 2000) and by world standard population(ASMRW) were 1.23/100 000 and 1.20/100 000, respectively. The ASMRC in urban and rural areas were all 1.23/100 000. The cumulative incidence and mortality rates(0-74 years old)were 0.25% and 0.14%, respectively. Conclusions: Incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China in 2014 were at high levels in the world. Corresponding prevention and control measures should be established according to the epidemic characteristics and risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[Experimental study of using chitosan nerve conduit combined with PRP to repair facial nerve defect]

Objective:The purpose of this study was to produce chitosan nerve conduit in order to investigate the feasibility of chitosan nerve conduit combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for repairing facial nerve defects.Method:Forty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 in each group).Establishment of the facial nerve defect model of the upper buccal branches was placed in the nerve regeneration catheter and injected with the same amount of PRP and saline. The PRP was injected into the chitosan nerve conduit as group A. The physiological saline was injected into the chitosan nerve conduit as group B. The physiological saline was injected into the silicone tube as group C. The PRP was injected into the silicone tube as group D. Eight weeks later,facial nerve gross observation,facial nerve electrophysiological tests,histological observation,image analysis,valuation of nerve regeneration recovery were detected.Result:Five patients were lost to follow up (all five in the modified Semont group),and three patients failed to complete treatment (all three in the Epley group). The sequelae at the 3rd day and one week after modified Semont maneuver were 27 and 9,while 41 and 15 in Epley group. The efficacy rates at the 3rd day and one week after modified Semont maneuver were 91.7% and 98.3%,and 91.9% and 96.8% in Epley group retrospectively. The sequelae and short-term effective rate of patients in modified Semont group was no difference when compared with that in Epley group (P>0.05).Conclusion:The chitosan nerve conduit combined with PRP has a certain effect on the repair of facial nerve defects and is expected to be applied to the repair of clinical facial nerve defects.

High-efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol based on reusable Ag nanoparticles/graphene-loading loofah sponge hybrid

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Au and Ag have shown many applications in the field of catalysis, sensing etc. due to their excellent photoelectric properties. But agglomeration and a low recovery rate are big problems for their applications. In this research, a novel Ag NPs/graphene (reduced graphene oxide)-loading loofah sponge (Ag NPs/RGO-LS) was synthesized through a one-step reduction method. Where the RGO is used as a nano-support with the high specific surface area and the high conductivity to prevent the agglomeration of Ag NPs and provide a conductive layer. The natural, green, low-cost and high-yield LS is designed as a macro-support to reduce the loss of Ag NPs during recycling. The as-prepared Ag NPs/RGO-LS is stable, uniform, and exhibits high efficiency and reusability in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) with a high rate constant of 1.893 min^-1 as well as an average conversion of 98% in 6 min during five cycles. The results have not only paved the way for the wide application of Ag NPs but also provide a new road for the application of other metal NPs.

[Incidence of fall related injury in people aged 50 and above and risk factors in 8 provinces in China: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and distribution characteristics of fall related injury in people aged ≥50 years in 8 provinces in China and related physiological, psychological and social risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from adults aged ≥50 years participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE) round 1 in China. Two-level hierarchical logistic model was used to identify the related factors for fall-related injury. All the models were stratified by living area (urban/rural). Results: Estimated incidence of fall related injury (road traffic injury was not included) was 3.2%. Ageing and multiple chronic conditions (OR=2.55, 95%CI: 1.41-4.64) was significantly associated with the incidence of fall related injury in urban area. In rural area, depression (OR=4.33, 95% CI: 2.52-7.42) and multiple chronic conditions (OR=2.46, 95%CI: 1.37-4.41) were associated with the incidence of fall related injury. Conclusions: This study estimated the incidence of fall related injury in adults aged ≥50 years in 8 provinces in China. A significant association between multiple chronic conditions and fall related injury were found in both urban and rural residents. Targeted measures should be taken for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in elderly population.

Facile preparation of surfactant-free Au NPs/RGO/Ni foam for degradation of 4-nitrophenol and detection of hydrogen peroxide

The application of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) often requires surface modification with chemical surfactants, which dramatically reduce the surface activity and increase the chemical contamination and cost of Au NPs. In this research, we have developed a novel Au NPs/reduced graphene oxide/Ni foam hybrid (Au NPs/RGO/NiF) by in situ reduction through ascorbic acid and replacement reaction. This method is green, facile and efficient. The Au NPs are free of chemical surfactants and are homogeneously distributed on the surface of the RGO/NiF. The as-prepared Au NPs/RGO/NiF hybrid is uniform, stable and exhibits not only a high reduction efficiency for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with a catalytic kinetic constant of up to 0.46 min^-1 (0.15 cm³ catalysis) but also a sensitive and selective detection of H₂O₂ with a detection limit of ∼1.60 μM.

[Standards and guidelines of radiation protection and safety in dental X-ray examinations]

With the rapid development of imaging technology, the application of dental imaging in diagnosis, treatment planning, intraoperative surgical navigation, monitoring of treatment or lesion development and assessment of treatment outcomes is playing an essential role in oral healthcare. The increased total number of dental X-ray examinations is accompanied by a relatively significant increase in collective dose to patients as well as to dental healthcare workers, which is harmful to human bodies to a certain degree. Some radiation protection standards and guidelines in dental radiology have been published in European countries, US, Canada and Australia, etc. Adherence to these standards and guidelines helps to achieve images with diagnostic quality and avoid unnecessary and repeated exposures. However, no radiation protection standard or guideline with regard to dental X-ray examinations has been put in force so far in mainland China. Therefore, a literature review on available radiation protection standards and guidelines was conducted to provide reference to the development of radiation protection standards or guidelines in mainland China.

[Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adults in Shandong province, 2013]

Objective: To understand the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adults in Shandong province in 2013. Methods: Adults aged ≥18 were selected through multistage clustering sampling in 19 counties and districts in Shandong province. Design-based methods were adopted to analyze the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among local residents. Results: A total of 11 270 adults aged 18-69 years were surveyed, the prevalence of hypertension was 27.9% (31.4% in males, 24.3% in females) in Shandong province. The awareness rate of hypertension was 37.4% (34.7% in males, 41.0% in females), and the treatment rate of hypertension was 26.6% (23.4% in males, 30.7% in females). The treatment control rate of hypertension was 26.7% (28.3% in males, 25.1% in females) and the control rate of hypertension was 7.1% (6.6% in males, 7.7% in females). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was high, but the awareness rate of hypertension, the treatment rate and the control rate of hypertension were low in adults in Shandong province. It is necessary to strengthen the health education about hypertension in young population, the prevention and control of hypertension in old population and those with low education level, the standardized management of hypertension cases and the reduction of risk factors for hypertension.

[Value of endoscopic ultrasound in early diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis]

Objective: To investigate the value of endoscopic ultrasound in the early diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 74 patients with liver cirrhosis who were not found to have esophageal or gastric varices by conventional endoscopic examination were enrolled. Endoscopic ultrasound was performed to evaluate its value in the early diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-parametric data between groups, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups; the Pearson simple correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. Results: Among the 74 patients with liver cirrhosis, 3(4.1%)were not found to have esophageal and gastric submucosal varices, peripheral varices, or perforating branches by endoscopic ultrasound. Among the 71 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent endoscopic ultrasound, 16(22.5%)had esophageal submucosal varices, and 22(31.0%)had gastric submucosal varices; 58 patients(81.7%)were found to have at least one type of esophageal peripheral varices. The numbers of patients detected to have paraesophageal varices, periesophageal varices, paragastric varices, and perigastric varices were 29(40.8%), 24(33.8%), 28(39.4%), and 22(31.0%), respectively, which were significantly different from the number in patients with chronic liver diseases(P < 0.05). Among the 71 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent endoscopic ultrasound, 20(28.2%)were found to have perforating branches with esophageal and gastric submucosal varices or peripheral varices, which showed a significant difference from the number in patients with chronic liver diseases(P < 0.05). In patients with liver cirrhosis, esophageal and gastric peripheral varices were associated with esophageal and gastric submucosal varices(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic ultrasound has a certain value in the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with liver cirrhosis.

[Retrospective study of partial superficial parotidectomy and superficial parotidectomy on superficial parotid benign tumor]

Objective:To compare the clinical effect between partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) and superficial parotidectomy (SP) through a retrospective analysis and to provide evidence for the benign tumor surgical strategy. Method:According to different surgical strategies performed, 168 patients with superficial parotid benign tumor were reviewed and divided into PSP group and SP group. Clinical data was compared between two groups from different aspects, including operation condition, complications, recurrence rate, as well as parotid function. SPSS 22.0 software was used in statistical analysis. Result:PSP group has an average operative incision length of (6.65±1.17)cm, and average operation time of (82.25±11.56)min, while SP group is (10.86±1.65)cm and (121.42±17.32)min. So, compared with the SP group, PSP has obvious advantages in operation conditions (P<0.01). Furthermore, PSP group also presents an advantage over SP group in occurrence of postoperative complications (P<0.05), while there is no significant difference between two groups in palindromia rate (P>0.05). As for the maintenance of parotid gland functions, PSP group could retain most of parotid functions, but no function would be retained in SP group. Statistical analysis confirms the significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with SP, in PSP there is declined complication incidence but no increased palindromia recurrence. However, PSP has an apparent advantage on decreased surgical incision length, downscaled operation scope, reduced operation time and retained original functions of gland. All these advantages present the reliability and feasibility of PSP in treating superficial parotid benign tumor.

[Research on the correlation and regulation of bone metabolism related biochemical indexes in different gestational ages]

Objective: To investigate the correlation and metabolic characteristics of the growth hormone (GH) and other bone metabolism related biochemical markers in pregnancy women serum. Methods: Determination of GH, 25 hydroxy vitamin D(25(OH)D), osteocalcin n-terminal fragments (N-MID), total propeptide of type 1 procollagen (TP1NP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in different gestation women serum, the experimental group involving 75 cases of early pregnancy women(11-14 weeks), 135 cases of pregnancy women(15-21 weeks), 62 cases of late pregnancy women(31-40 weeks) and 28 cases of postpartum women(1-3 days). All cases were selected from prenatal screening patients in hospital from February 2016 to February 2017. The control group involving 55 cases of physically healthy nulliparous. The indicators of GH, 25(OH)D, TPINP and N-MID were detected by electrochemiluminescence and ALP were detected by rate method. All data were processed by SPSS. Variance analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were employed. Results: Serum GH level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (4.54±2.26), (9.04±3.23), (20.16±4.89), (0.55±0.49)μg/L, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (F=270.037, P<0.01). Serum GH in each group of pregnant women were more higher than those in control group (all P<0.01), and there was statistical difference in different gestational stages(all P<0.01). Serum 25 (OH)D expression in early pregnancy, pregnancy and late pregnancy were (25.60±14.48), (27.10±12.05), (25.45±9.85)nmol/L. Compared with the control group(39.93±14.88)nmol/L, the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.01). Serum TP1NP level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (44.44±11.80), (48.41±20.87), (102.63±41.73), (54.73±24.07)μg/L, respectively. The difference was significantly significant (F=54.027, P<0.01) and TP1NP in late pregnancy group was obvious higher than in early pregnancy group, pregnancy group and control group apart(all P<0.01). Serum N-MID level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (5.91±2.64), (7.45±2.27), (17.24±6.47), (18.52±6.95)μg/L, and the difference was significantly significant(F=55.699, P<0.01). N-MID in early and middle pregnancy group were apparent lower than that in late pregnancy and control group (all P<0.01). Serum ALP level in early pregnancy, pregnancy, late pregnancy and control group were (49.74±10.14), (77.76±26.90), (168.34±45.15), (52.81±10.33) U/L, and the difference was significantly significant(F=180.349, P<0.01). However, there was noticeable difference in ALP level between late pregnancy and other pregnant group(P<0.01 or P<0.05). The serum GH, TP1NP and N-MID in postpartum women (1-3 days) were (1.44±0.99), (73.41±34.27), (12.10±5.64) μg/L, respectively. Compare with late pregnancy groups, the difference was significantly significant(all P<0.01). The content of GH in serum of 272 cases pregnant women was positively correlated with the concentration of TP1NP, N-MID and ALP, the gestational age and body weight of pregnant women(r=0.509, 0.720, 0.862, 0.827, 0.324, all P<0.01). The content of TP1NP, N-MID and ALP were positively correlated with gestational age, respectively(r=0.603, 0.722, 0.901, all P<0.01). Moreover, TP1NP expression was positively correlated with N-MID (r=0.849, P<0.01), and there was no correlation between other indexes. Conclusions: These findings have revealed that there are different metabolic character of the GH and bone metabolism related biochemical indexes during different pregnancy period. And there is a positive correlation between gestational age and the index of GH, N-MID, TP1NP, ALP, respectively. Finally, the bone metabolism is more active and Vitamin D deficiency is severe throughout pregnancy.

Biological mechanism of post-herpetic neuralgia: Evidence from multiple patho-psychophysiological measures

BACKGROUND

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which develops after the resolution of a herpes zoster eruption, is an exceptionally drug-resistant neuropathic pain. The unsatisfactory management of PHN partly results from the difficulty in dissecting out its contributing factors due to the complexity of PHN mechanism.

METHODS

Here, to elaborate our understanding of the PHN mechanism and to establish a basis for effective therapeutic strategies, we comprehensively investigated the contributions of multiple factors to PHN severity.

RESULTS

Based on the comparison of somatosensory detection thresholds (C, Aδ and Aβ fibre thresholds) between affected and unaffected sides, 16 PHN patients with significant sensory deficits and 13 PHN patients without significant sensory deficits were identified and assigned to different groups. The different extents of lesions in the nociceptive system between patients with and without sensory deficits were confirmed using laser-evoked brain responses. Moreover, patients with sensory deficits had more severe pain and psychological disorders, e.g. anxiety and depression. Importantly, chronic pain severity was significantly influenced by various psychophysiological factors (sleep disturbances, psychological disorders and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction) for patients with sensory deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the contribution of multiple patho-psychophysiological factors to PHN severity, which could help establish a basis for the development of a rational, patient-centred therapeutic strategy.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study revealed the contribution of multiple patho-psychophysiological factors to PHN severity, which expanded our understanding of the underlying PHN mechanism, and helped develop a rational, patient-centred therapeutic strategy targeting towards the corresponding etiology and psychophysiological disorders for individual patient.