[The value of acoustic parameters in the voice therapy for patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis]

Objective: To investigate the value of acoustic parameters in the voice therapy for patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP). Methods: From May 2015 to April 2018, 51 patients with UVCP and 59 healthy controls in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, were involved in this research retrospectively. The UVCP patients were diagnosed with stroboscopic laryngoscopy. The minimum glottal area (MGA) was calculated by KIPS software when the people were pronouncing/i:/. The fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer and NHR were detected by CSL4500 multiple acoustic voice analyzer. Results: MGA of UVCP patients was much higher than that of healthy control (male: 433.68±64.52 vs. 294.41±51.82, t=9.23, P=0.000; female: 498.80±73.42 vs. 302.03±76.54, t=13.21, P=0.000), which meaned vocal cord insufficiency.After voice therapy, MGA reduced significantly (male: 288.48±55.09, female: 258.22±57.17, t=24.41 and 31.22, P=0.000 vs. pre-therapy). MGA of untreated patients decreased in varying degrees. Compared with the voice therapy group, the MGA decreased in a significantly lower extent (24.25±22.91 vs. 188.31±54.37, t=8.97, P=0.000). The F0, Jitter, Shimmer and NHR raised significantly in UVCP patients group (P=0.000 vs. healthy control group), and they were reduced by voice therapy (all P<0.05). Each of the four acoustic parameters was relative with MGA, r=0.551, 0.867, 0.853 and 0.875 in turn, P=0.001, 0.000, 0.000, and 0.000. Conclusion: MGA and acoustic parameters can reflect the acoustic features of UVCP patients, which are useful tools in the UVCP assessment and voice therapy.

The invasive tree staghorn sumac affects soil N2 -fixing bacterial communities in north China

Soil N₂ -fixing bacterial communities (SNB) can enhance soil N availability and the invasiveness of invaders. Some invaders display different degrees of invasion across different climate regions. Given that bacterial communities may change with different climate regions, it is important to understand soil micro-ecological mechanisms driving the successful invasion of invaders across different climate regions. This study performed cross-site comparisons to comprehensively analyse effects of the invasive tree staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) on the structure of SNB. In north China, we selected three sites within two sampling regions (a warm temperate region and a cold temperate region). Staghorn sumac invasion did not significantly affect soil physicochemical properties and the diversity and richness of SNB. LEfSe analysis showed that numerous SNB taxa changed significantly during staghorn sumac invasion. This may be attributed in part to the selective effects of allelochemicals released by staghorn sumac via leaf litter and/or root exudates. Consequently, staghorn sumac invasion may alter the structure, rather than the diversity and richness, of SNB to facilitate its invasion process by establishing a favourable soil microenvironment in the invaded habitats. The number of species and richness of SNB under staghorn sumac invasion were significantly lower in the warm temperate region than in the cold temperate region. A possible reason for the increased diversity and richness of SNB under staghorn sumac invasion in the cold temperate region may be because staghorn sumac in the cold temperate region can provide more nutrients into the soil sub-ecosystem, presumably to support a higher diversity and richness of SNB via the nutritional requirements of SNB. The changed structure of SNB under staghorn sumac invasion, especially across different climate regions, may play an important role in its successful invasion across most regions of north China.

[Spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation (SPENCDI). Methods: The clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment and genetic analysis of a patient diagnosed with SPENCDI who was admitted to the Department of Pediatrics in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in October 2016 were analyzed. Then literature review was done after searching articles in PubMed and several Chinese databases with the key words "spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation" up to the date of November 2017. Results: A 12-year-old girl was admitted to local hospital for complaint of "recurrent fever over one month" in October 2016. She was diagnosed with type Ⅱ autoimmune hepatitis for abnormal liver function, elevated immunoglobulin G, positive anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibody and medium to severe interface hepatitis verified by liver biopsy. Systemic lupus erythematosus was also suspected based on positive antinuclear antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody, decreased complements, reduced white blood cells and hemoglobin. Methylprednisolone and azathioprine were started based on the diagnosis. However, she experienced mycoplasma pneumoniae and suspected fungal infections during the treatment. Detailed history revealed the history of developmental retardation since birth, and cerebral palsy diagnosed when she was 2 years old. She also underwent surgery at the age of eight for eversion of her right foot. Based on the abnormal findings of immune system, skeleton and nervous system, certain primary immunodeficiency disease was speculated. Gene sequencing was performed, which revealed compound heterozygous mutations in ACP5 gene (NM_001111035.2) (c.798dupC, p. S267Lfs*20, paternal; c.716G>A, p. G239D, maternal). With X-ray of the vertebrae showed multiple platyspondyly, the diagnosis was corrected as SPENCDI and type Ⅱ autoimmune hepatitis. Then she was treated with prednisone (60 mg/d) and mycophenolate mofetil (1.5 g/d). All symptoms resolved on 3-month follow-up, with normalized activity indexes of autoimmune hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. A total of 25 articles (1 Chinese, 24 English) were reviewed, with 74 SPENCDI patients reported. The most common manifestations were skeletal abnormalities (74/74, 100%), autoimmune diseases (47/74, 63.5%), dwarfism (45/74, 60.8%), and nervous system symptoms (25/74, 33.8%). A few patients with simple spondyloenchondrodysplasia were treated with growth hormone, and those who with autoimmune diseases were treated with immunosuppressants, all of whom were improved to certain extent. Conclusions: Vertebral and metaphyseal dysplasia, nervous system symptoms, and strong predisposition to autoimmune diseases are the hallmarks of SPENCDI. SPENCDI should be considered in dwarf with or without autoimmune diseases or nervous system symptoms.

[Correlation between fetal intracardiac echogenic foci and chromosome and heart function]

Objective: To study the relationship between the intracardiac echogenic foci and the abnormal chromosome and the changes of Cardiac function. Methods: A total of 2645 cases with the gestational age between 14 to 22 weeks were tested in the department of gynecology and obstetrics of the Second Hospital of Jilin University from Jan.2016 to Dec.2017.Seventy-nine of them existed the intracardiac echogenic foci, and the patient's imaging data in details were recorded.All of them have taken the non-invasive DNA examination.Fetal echocardiography was performed at 22-24 weeks.Karyotype analysis was performed using amniocentesis and umbilical cord blood puncture.Inducing labor was performed for fetuses that has been identified as a haploid or had a severely malformation during pregnancy.The other fetuses were followed up to the birth.Echocardiography was performed on neonates. Results: The detection rate of intracardiac echogenic focus was 3.0% in early pregnancy, 92% in the left ventricle, 4% in the right ventricle, and 4% in double ventricle.There were 5 cases of haploid fetus induced labor, 2 cases of induced labor due to fatal malformation.Fetal echocardiography revealed tricuspid regurgitation in 7 cases.One of them was induced labor in consideration of heart failure. Conclusions: 1.The risk of chromosomal abnormality in the fetus of isolated left intracardiac echogenic focus is lower.Non-invasive DNA examination has a high reliability that could be an important reference before an invasive antenatal diagnosis.2.A higher rate of fetal malformation will be found when the foci located in the right or double ventricle.3.The relationship between fetal intracardiac echogenic foci and fetal cardiac dysfunction needs to be further clarified.

Evaluation of coagulation disorders by thromboelastography in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

The coagulation status of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is quite complicated, and there are currently no simple efficient methods for its evaluation. We explored the feasibility of thromboelastography (TEG) for this purpose.

Methods

Paediatric SLE patients were divided into different groups based on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores. TEG parameters were compared between patients and healthy controls (HCs) and in patients by level of disease activity. Six patients treated with pulse methylprednisolone were also analysed before and after treatment.

Results

Thirty-nine children with SLE were enrolled, one of whom had bleeding and three of whom had thrombosis. The four TEG tracings of these four children were different. The TEG parameters of the patients (except the four children mentioned above) showed hypercoagulability, shortened R and K times, increased α-angle and maximum amplitude (MA), decreased LY30 and increased clot index (CI) compared with the parameters of the HCs ( P < 0.05). With respect to disease activity, patients with higher SLEDAI scores showed more obvious hypercoagulability with shortened R and K times and increased α-angle and CI ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between both the R time and K time and SLEDAI scores ( r = –0.435, P < 0.01 and r  =  –0.572, P  < 0.001, respectively) and a positive correlation between both α-angle and CI and SLEDAI scores ( r = 0.581, P  < 0.001 and r  =  0.544, P  < 0.01, respectively). No significant difference in coagulation status was found between pre- and post-pulse therapy.

Conclusions

Compared with the HCs, paediatric SLE patients showed hypercoagulability caused by increased coagulation and decreased fibrinolysis. These coagulation changes were associated with disease activity. TEG could be a potential tool for evaluating the coagulation status of children with SLE.

[Effect of sublingual dust mite drops on single or multiple allergens allergic rhinitis in children]

Objective:Evaluation of the efficacy of standardized dust mite drops in sublingual immunotherapy(SLIT) for allergic rhinitis in children.Method:A retrospective analysis of 174 children who received SLIT with standardized dermatophagoides farinae drops for 2 years.These patients had been divided into two groups:monoasensitized group(n=61) and polysensitized group(n=113).The total medication score(TMS),total nasal symptoms score(TNSS) and inflammatory factors were evaluated before and after SLIT treatment.Result:①After SLIT treatment for 2.0 year,the TNSS in the monosensitized group is(11.27±1.46) and(3.48±1.50),polyasensitized group is (11.54±1.50) and (3.59±1.56),there are significant difference of TNSS between two groups(P<0.01).But the improvements of the TNSS between the two groups have no significant difference(P>0.05),the monosensitized group is(7.68±3.23); polysensitized group is (8.14±2.56). ②Two groups of children with TMS before and after treatment were obviously improved, monosensitized group is (1.67±0.43) and (0.52±0.40),polysensitized group is(1.64±0.44) and (0.55±0.41). There are significant difference of TMS between two groups(P<0.01).But the improvements of the TMS between the two groups have no obvious difference(P>0.05),the monsensitized group is(1.16±0.61); polysensitized group is(1.28±0.55).③Specific IgG4 serum is increased after treatment(P<0.01).④After immunotherapy,the expression of IL4 and IL-17α is downregulated, IL-2 and TGF-β1 is up-regulated.Conclusion:①Dust mites under the SLIT,can significantly improve the monosensitized and polyasensitized allergic children nasal symptoms,reduce the drug use, and two groups have the equivalent effect.②Dust mite drops SLIT,can be used to the monosensitized and polyasensitized allergic children.③The rise of dust mites specific IgG4 can be used as immunotherapy effective predictors.④After immunotherapy, Thl/Th2 /Thl7 and Treg can be rebalanced.

The quantum-confined Stark effect in layered hybrid perovskites mediated by orientational polarizability of confined dipoles

The quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) is an established optical modulation mechanism, yet top-performing modulators harnessing it rely on costly fabrication processes. Here, we present large modulation amplitudes for solution-processed layered hybrid perovskites and a modulation mechanism related to the orientational polarizability of dipolar cations confined within these self-assembled quantum wells. We report an anomalous (blue-shifting) QCSE for layers that contain methylammonium cations, in contrast with cesium-containing layers that show normal (red-shifting) behavior. We attribute the blue-shifts to an extraordinary diminution in the exciton binding energy that arises from an augmented separation of the electron and hole wavefunctions caused by the orientational response of the dipolar cations. The absorption coefficient changes, realized by either the red- or blue-shifts, are the strongest among solution-processed materials at room temperature and are comparable to those exhibited in the highest-performing epitaxial compound semiconductor heterostructures.

MicroRNA-181c functions as a protective factor in a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide-induced cellular Parkinson's disease model via BCL2L11

OBJECTIVE

Parkinson is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. At present, many studies have pointed out that miRNAs play a very important role in Parkinson's development and process. MiR-181c has been shown to have a significant low expression in blood samples and brain tissues of Parkinson's patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium Iodide (MPP(+)) as a tool for constructing the Parkinson's cell model, using mir181c mimics to construct an experimental model of acquisition. The cell viability of PC12 was detected by MTT and CCK8. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 activity were analyzed. The apoptosis of PC12 was detected by flow cytometry (FCM), and luciferase was used to study the binding of target genes. The protein levels of BCL2L11were measured by Western-blot.

RESULTS

There was a significant low expression of mir181c in MPP(+)-morbid cells. PC12 cell viability was rescued by miR-181c overexpression. Flow cytometry showed that apoptosis in PC12 cells overexpressing miR-181c was significantly decreased. Also, ROS and caspase-3 activity were significantly decreased. Luciferase experiments showed that miR-181c may bind to the 3-'UTR side of BCL2L11 and inhibited its expression. By Western-blot, the BCL2L11 level was markedly decreased by miR-181c.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-181c could promote the cell viability and inhibit the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by MPP (+) by downregulating BCL2L11, which may play a protective role and provide a new target for PD drug resistance research.

[The role of autophagy in the invasion and metastasis of the squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck]

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the effects of autophagy on the metastasis of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (SCCHN) via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1. Method:Establish the EMT model induced by TGF-β1 in the SCCHN in time/concentration, and the expression of autophagy related protein microtubule associated protein 1 light chain3 (LC3) detected by western blot; Autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ), depressing autophagy, the expression of E-cadherin, cytokeratin, Vimentin and LC3 were examined by Western blot. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assay indicate the effects to metastasis for SCCHN. Result:Autophagy was activated within TGF-β1 induced EMT model in the SCCHN in time/concentration dependently. After autophagy was suppressed, the expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin increased while vimentin and the capacity of metastasis was reduced compared with control group. Conclusion:TGF-β1 induce EMT and Autophagy in the SCCHN. Autophagy could enhances metastasis in the SCCHN via EMT induced by TGF-β1.

[Clinical analysis of 12 patients with pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome with pulmonary embolism]

Objective: To identify the clinical and immunological characteristics of pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients with pulmonary embolism. Method: Among 47 pediatric APS patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the year of 2000 to 2015, 12 patients were diagnosed of pulmonary embolism, who were investigated and compared with APS patients without pulmonary embolism. Result: Twelve patients (among whom 6 cases were primary and the other 6 were secondary APS)had pulmonary embolism and all of them were non-shock type, which was the first presenting manifestation in 6 of them.Eight cases were misdiagnosed as infection, while 3 cases were missed.Among patients with pulmonary embolism, 10 patients suffered from deep vein thrombosis at the same time, mainly in lower extremities.2 cases had thrombotic recurrence, which happened only in primary APS patients, because of irregular monitoring of International Normalized Ratio, or not taking aspirin after quitting warfarin.Positive anticardiolipin (ACL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were found in 10 and 9 patients respectively.Four primary APS patients had positive anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). During follow-up of 3-100 months (median 23 months) of primary APS, no one had evolved manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.Primary APS was more often seen in males (M∶F 5∶1 vs. 0∶6) and the patients were much younger ((15±1) vs. (17±0) years old) than those with secondary APS.Besides that, no statistically significant difference was seen between primary and secondary APS (P all>0.05). Compared with APS patients without pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension was more common in patients suffered from pulmonary embolism (3/12 vs. 0, P<0.05). Conclusion: Pulmonary embolism can be the first symptom in pediatric APS patients and all of them are non-shock type, which tends to be misdiagnosed or missed. A majority of them suffer from deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities.Rethrombosis takes place when the anticoagulant therapy is irregular.Positive anti-nuclear antibodies can be seen in primary APS patients, but no manifestations of lupus come out during follow-up.There is no significant difference between primary APS and secondary APS.Pulmonary hypertension is more common in APS patients suffered from pulmonary embolism.

Discovery of natural mouse serum derived HIV-1 entry inhibitor(s)

Among rationally designed human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) inhibitors, diverse natural factors have showed as potent anti-HIV activity in human blood. We have discovered that the boiled supernatant of healthy mouse serum could suppress HIV-1 entry, and exhibited reduced inhibitory activity after trypsin digestion. Further analysis demonstrated that only the fraction containing 10-25 K proteins could inhibit HIV-1 mediated cell-cell fusion. These results suggest that the 10-25 K protein(s) is novel natural HIV-1 entry inhibitor(s). Our findings provide important information about novel natural HIV entry inhibitors in mouse serum.

3D spin-flop transition in enhanced 2D layered structure single crystalline TlCo2Se2

The enhanced 2D layered structure single crystalline TlCo2Se2 has been successfully fabricated, which exhibits field-induced 3D spin-flop phase transitions. In the case of the magnetic field parallel to the c-axis (B//c), the applied magnetic field induces the evolution of the noncollinear helical magnetic coupling into a ferromagnetic (FM) state with all the magnetization of the Co ion parallel to the c-axis. A striking variation of the field-induced strain within the ab-plane is noticed in the magnetic field region of 20-30 T. In the case of the magnetic field perpendicular to the c-axis (B  ⊥  c), the inter-layer helical antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling may transform to an initial canted AFM coupling, and then part of it transforms to an intermediate metamagnetic phase with the alignment of two-up-one-down Co magnetic moments and finally to an ultimate FM coupling in higher magnetic fields. The robust noncollinear AFM magnetic coupling is completely destroyed above 30 T. In combination with the measurements of magnetization, magnetoresistance and field-induced strain, a complete magnetic phase diagram of the TlCo2Se2 single crystal has been depicted, demonstrating complex magnetic structures even though the crystal geometry itself gives no indication of the magnetic frustration.

Hydroxyapatite substituted by transition metals: experiment and theory

Bioceramics are versatile materials for hard tissue engineering. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a widely studied biomaterial for bone grafting and tissue engineering applications. The crystal structure of HA allows for a wide range of substitutions, which allows for tailoring materials properties. Transition metals and lanthanides are of interest since substitution in HA can result in magnetic properties. In this study, experimental results were compared to theoretical calculations of HA substituted with a transition metal. Calculation of a 10 atomic percent substitution of a transition metal ion Mn(2+), Fe(2+), and Co(2+) substituted HA samples lead to magnetic moments of 5, 4, and 3 Bohr magnetons, respectively. Hydroxyapatite substituted by transition metals (MHA) was fabricated through an ion exchange procedure and characterized with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer, and results were compared to theoretical calculations. All the substitutions resulted in phase-pure M(2+)HA with lattice parameters and FTIR spectra in good agreement with calculations. Magnetic measurements revealed that the substitution of Mn(2+) has the greatest effect on the magnetic properties of HA followed by the substitution of Fe(2+) and then Co(2+). The present work underlines the power of synergistic theoretical-experimental work in guiding the rational design of materials.

Consumption of Chilies, but not Sweet Peppers, Is Positively Related to Handgrip Strength in an Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Chili consumption may have a beneficial effect on muscle strength in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of chili consumption and handgrip strength in adults.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study used baseline data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3 717 subjects were recruited to the study. Frequency of chili consumption during the previous month was assessed using a valid self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between muscle strength and frequency of chili consumption. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, significant relationships were observed between different categories of chili consumption and handgrip strength in males, the means (95% confidence interval) for handgrip strength across chili consumption categories were 44.7 (42.1, 47.2) for < one time/week; 45.5 (42.9, 48.1) for one time/week; and 45.8 (43.3, 48.4) for ≥ 2-3 times/week (P for trend < 0.01). Similar results were not observed with sweet pepper consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a positive correlation between frequency of chili consumption and muscle strength in adult males. Further studies are necessary in order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between chili consumption frequency and muscle strength.

Prolonged use of fondaparinux for perioperative bridging: a case report of a patient with mechanical heart valve and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

Current guidelines provide no recommendations on perioperative bridging for patients after mechanical heart valve replacement (MHVR) who also have a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We present a successful case of prolonged bridging with fondaparinux in a 69-year-old Chinese woman.

CASE SUMMARY

The patient presented to our department with the aim for radical resection of oesophageal cancer. Fondaparinux has been administered alone at 2·5 mg subcutaneously once daily for 24 days during the interruption of warfarin perioperatively. There were no signs or symptoms of thromboembolic or bleeding throughout and after her hospitalization.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Fondaparinux may offer an option for management of the patients with MHVR who cannot use heparin products, but further clinical investigations are warranted.

Microbial diversity on intravascular catheters from paediatric patients

Microorganisms play important roles in intravascular catheter (IVC)-related infections, which are the most serious complications in children with IVCs, leading to increased hospitalisation, intensive care admissions, extensive antibiotic treatment and mortality. A greater understanding of bacterial communities is needed in order to improve the management of infections. We describe here the systematic culture-independent evaluation of IVC bacteriology in IVC biofilms. Twenty-four IVC samples (six peripherally inserted central catheters, eight central venous catheters and ten arterial catheters) were collected from 24 paediatric patients aged 0 to 14 years old. Barcoded amplicon libraries produced from genes coding 16S rRNA and roll-plate culture methods were used to determine the microbial composition of these samples. From a total of 1,043,406 high-quality sequence reads, eight microbial phyla and 136 diverse microbial genera were detected, separated into 12,224 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Three phyla (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria) predominate the microorganism on the IVC surfaces, with Firmicutes representing nearly half of the OTUs found. Among the Firmicutes, Staphylococcus (15.0% of 16S rRNA reads), Streptococcus (9.6%) and Bacillus (6.1%) were the most common. Community composition did not appear to be affected by patients' age, gender, antibiotic treatment or IVC type. Differences in IVC microbiota were more likely associated with events arising from catheter dwell time, rather than the type of IVC used.