[Retracted] MicroRNA‑19b promotes the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8695.].

[Application and evaluation of artificial intelligence TPS-assisted cytologic screening system in urine exfoliative cytology]

Objective: To explore the application of manual screening collaborated with the Artificial Intelligence TPS-Assisted Cytologic Screening System in urinary exfoliative cytology and its clinical values. Methods: A total of 3 033 urine exfoliated cytology samples were collected at the Henan People's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Liquid-based thin-layer cytology was prepared. The slides were manually read under the microscope and digitally presented using a scanner. The intelligent identification and analysis were carried out using an artificial intelligence TPS assisted screening system. The Paris Report Classification System of Urinary Exfoliated Cytology 2022 was used as the evaluation standard. Atypical urothelial cells and even higher grade lesions were considered as positive when evaluating the recognition sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted screening systems and human-machine collaborative cytologic screening methods in urine exfoliative cytology. Among the collected cases, there were also 1 100 pathological tissue controls. Results: The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the AI-assisted cytologic screening system were 77.18%, 90.79% and 69.49%; those of human-machine coordination method were 92.89%, 99.63% and 89.09%, respectively. Compared with the histopathological results, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of manual reading were 79.82%, 74.20% and 95.80%, respectively, while those of AI-assisted cytologic screening system were 93.45%, 93.73% and 92.66%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of human-machine coordination method were 95.36%, 95.21% and 95.80%, respectively. Both cytological and histological controls showed that human-machine coordination review method had higher diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, and lower false negative rates. Conclusions: The artificial intelligence TPS assisted cytologic screening system has achieved acceptable accuracy in urine exfoliation cytologic screening. The combination of manual screening and artificial intelligence TPS assisted screening system can effectively improve the sensitivity and accuracy of cytologic screening and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.

[The moderating effect analysis of mindfulness on perceived stress and job burnout of medical staff]

Objective: To explore the moderating mechanism of mindfulness on perceived stress and job burnout of medical staff. Methods: From November 2020 to March 2022, 1626 medical staff were investigated by questionnaires. Chinese Version Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) were used to evaluate the perceived stress, three dimensions of job burnout[depersonalization (DP), emotional exhaustion (EE), personal accomplishment (PA) ], and mindfulness level of medical staff. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between mindfulness and perceived stress, job burnout of medical staff. And the SPSS PROCESS macro program was used to test the moderating effect of mindfulness on perceived stress and job burnout. Results: Among the 1626 medical staff, 57.38% had perceived stress with health risk (933/1626), and 63.84% (1038/1626) had job burnout, among them, with 618 (38.01%), 274 (16.85%), and 146 (8.98%) experiencing mild, moderate and severe job burnout, respectively. The scores of mindfulness among medical staff were significantly correlated with perceived stress and various dimensions of job burnout (EE, DP and PA) (r(s)=-0.155, -0.351, -0.315, 0.307, P<0.001). Mindfulness had a moderating effect between perceived stress and job burnout, which was achieved through three moderating pathways: perceived stress-mindfulness-EE, perceived stress-mindfulness-DP and perceived stress-mindfulness-PA (ΔR(2)=0.073, 0.06, 0.006, P<0.001) . Conclusion: Medical staff have a high level of job burnout, mindfulness plays a moderating role between perceived stress and job burnout. Specific measures can be taken to improve the level of mindfulness in medical staff, so as to prevent and alleviate job burnout of medical staff.

[Advances in basic research on choline and central nervous system development and related disorders]

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays an integral role in all stages of the life cycle, with increasing interest in the relationship between choline and neurodevelopment. Choline is a major component in the synthesis of phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and sphingolipids, and is an essential nutrient for methyl metabolism, acetylcholine synthesis and cell signaling. Choline plays an important role in neurogenesis and neural migration during fetal development, potentially influencing the development and prognosis of neurological disorders, but its mechanism of action is not yet clear. This article reviews the source and metabolism of choline, the effects and mechanism of choline on neurodevelopment and central nervous system related disorders.

[A cross-sectional survey and analysis of the pain status and its influencing factors in diabetic foot ulcer patients]

Objective: To investigate the pain status in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients and analyze its influencing factors. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional survey research method was used. From May 2021 to February 2022, DFU patients who were admitted to the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital and met the inclusion criteria were selected and investigated. The scores of the heaviest pain, the least pain, the average pain, and the current pain in pain degree and the total score and the scores of influence on patients' daily life, mood, walking ability, daily work, relationship with others, sleep, and life interest in pain-related effects and the total score of patients were evaluated by the brief pain inventory. A self-designed general data questionnaire was used to collect the data including patients' gender, age, education level, body mass index, self-care ability, diabetes course, wound Wagner grade, bacterial culture result of wound specimen, and the levels of glycated hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, and leukocyte count. Patients were classified according to general data, and the total scores of pain degree and pain-related effects were counted. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. The indicators with statistically significant differences in univariate analysis were selected for generalized linear model analysis to screen the independent risk factors of pain severity and pain-related effects in DFU patients. Results: A total of 44 questionnaires were sent out, and 42 valid questionnaires were collected, with effective recovery of 95.45%. The scores of the heaviest pain, the least pain, the average pain, and the current pain in DFU patients were 5 (0, 10), 2 (0, 6), 3 (0, 8), and 2 (0, 8), respectively, and the total score of the pain severity was 11 (0, 24); the scores of pain-related effects on patients' daily life, mood, walking ability, daily work, relationship with others, sleep, and life interest were 4 (0, 10), 4 (0, 10), 5 (0, 10), 5 (0, 10), 3 (0, 10), 4 (0, 10), and 4 (0, 10), respectively, and the total score of pain-related effects was 30 (0, 63). In 42 DFU patients, most patients were male, aged 39-87 (67±10) years, most patients had education level of junior high school, most patients had diabetes for more than 20 years, half of patients' wounds were Wagner grade 4, most patients had body mass index and leukocyte count within normal limits, most patients had partial dependence on self-care ability, the bacterial culture results of wound specimen in the vast majority of patients were positive, about half of the patients had abnormal level of albumin, and most patients had abnormal levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin. Univariate analysis of the above general data showed that total scores of pain severity among patients with different hemoglobin levels and leukocyte counts were statistically significant different (with Z values of -2.05 and -2.55, respectively, P<0.05), and the total scores of pain-related effects on patients with different hemoglobin levels, leukocyte counts, and bacterial culture results of wound specimen were statistically significant different (with Z values of -2.66, -2.02, and -2.12, respectively, P<0.05). Generalized linear model analysis showed that leukocyte count was an independent risk factor for pain severity and pain-related effects in 42 DFU patients (with 95% confidence intervals of 0.28-11.87 and 5.67-36.99, respectively, standardized regression coefficient values of 6.17 and 21.33, respectively, both P values <0.05). The bacterial culture result of wound specimen was an independent risk factor for pain-related effects in 42 DFU patients (with 95% confidence interval of 2.92-39.09, standardized regression coefficient value of 21.00, P<0.05). Conclusions: DFU patients often suffer pain, and the bacterial culture results of wound specimen and leukocyte count are the main factors affecting the pain of DFU patients.

[Evaluation considerations for using surrogate endpoints in anticancer clinical trials]

The prolongation of patient's overall survival is the accepted as gold standard to prove clinical values of anti-cancer drugs. However, if overall survival is taken as the primary endpoint in clinical trials for cancer types with a relatively good prognosis in the process of new anti-cancer drug research and development, the time to market the drugs will be prolonged due to the long follow-up time. In addition, overall survival is often interfered by confounding factors such as follow-up treatment. Therefore, regulatory agencies have established an accelerated review model using surrogate endpoints for the approval of new anti-cancer drugs, but there are still some problems in the use of surrogate endpoints in cancer clinical trials. From the perspective of new drug review, the authors expounds the key points of confirming and rationally using surrogate endpoints in clinical trials of anti-cancer drugs, which will improve the level of clinical trials of new anti-cancer drugs and accelerate the development of anti-tumor drugs.

[Basic immunization of vaccines is fundamental, and booster immunization is the guarantee: Booster immunization and its public health value]

Booster immunization is the following vaccination after a period of vaccine primary immunization schedule in order to maintain immunity against a certain pathogen. In this article, the immunological mechanism of booster immunization is elaborated, and the effectiveness and public health value of booster immunization for common vaccines is discussed. Subsequently, three hot issues of general concern in booster immunization are addressed, and the public health viewpoint that "Primary immunization of vaccines is fundamental, and booster immunization is the guarantee" is emphasized, so as to raise awareness of the importance and necessity of booster immunization as well as to provide scientific evidences for vaccine immunization practice.

[Effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on safety of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with cerebral infarction: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao (regaining consciousness and opening orifices) acupuncture on the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in patients with cerebral infarction.

METHODS

A total number of 142 patients of cerebral infarction undergoing rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group (71 cases) and a western medication group (71 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the western medication group, rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis was given. In the acupuncture-medication group, besides the intervention as the control group, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture was provided at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiquan (HT 1), etc. once daily. One treatment session contained 6 treatments and 1 session was required. Before and after treatment, the score of the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), the levels of the relevant indexes of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) (platelet [PLT], D-dimer and fibrinogen), the incidences of sICH and adverse effect were compared between groups. The efficacy was assessed in two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, NIHSS scores and the levels of D-dimer were reduced compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture-medication group were lower than the western medication group (P<0.05). The level of fibrinogen in the acupuncture-medication group was increased in comparison with that before treatment (P<0.05), and also higher than the western medication group (P<0.05). The incidence of sICH was 0% (0/71) in the acupuncture-medication group, lower than 8.6% (6/70) in the western medication group (P<0.05). The effective rate was 97.2% (69/71) in the acupuncture-medication group, higher than 87.1% (61/70) in the western medication group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse effect was 2.8% (2/71) in the acupuncture-medication group, lower than 12.9% (9/70) in the western medication group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture may improve the efficacy of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in the patients with cerebral infraction and decrease the incidences of sICH and adverse effect. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of fibrinogen and D-dimer levels.

[Rethinking the marketing strategy of anti-tumor drugs by single-arm trials supported]

Single-arm trial refers to a clinical trial design that does not set up parallel control group, adopts open design, and does not involve randomization and blind method. These features, on the one hand, speed up the process of clinical trials, significantly shorten the time to market and meet the needs of patients with advanced malignancies, but also lead to the uncertainty of single-arm clinical trials themselves. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration held a meeting of the oncologic drug advisory committee to discuss six tumor indications that have been accelerated approved, which once again triggered the discussion of single-arm trials. The basis of accelerated approval by single-arm trial is actually a compromise on the level of evidence-based medical evidence requirements after assessing the benefit risk. Therefore, the sponsor should strictly grasp the applicable conditions of single-arm trial in anti-tumor drugs and conduct single-arm trial scientifically. Post-marketing clinical trial should be implement as early as possible to ensure the benefit of patients. Based on the characteristics of single-arm trial, combined with two guidance relevant to single-arm trial issued by National Medical Products Administration recently, this article is supposed to propose and summarize the strategy of single-arm trial supporting the marketing of anti-tumor drugs.

[Clinical trials on intrathecal pemetrexed treated leptomeningeal metastases from solid tumors]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) treated for patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from solid tumors. Methods: Forty-seven patients receiving pemetrexed intrathecal chemotherapy in the First Hospital of Jilin University from 2017 to 2018 were selected. The study of pemetrexed intrathecal chemotherapy adopted the classical dose-climbing model and included 13 patients with meningeal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer who had relapsed and refractory after multiple previous treatments including intrathecal chemotherapy. Based on the dose climbing study, 34 patients with meningeal metastasis of solid tumor who did not receive intrathecal chemotherapy were enrolled in a clinical study using pemetrexed as the first-line intrathecal chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test were used for survival analysis, and Cox regression model was used for influencing factor analysis. Results: The dose climbing study showed that the maximum tolerated dose of pemetrexed intrathecal chemotherapy was 10 mg per single dose, and the recommended dosing regimen was 10 mg once or twice a week. The incidence of adverse reactions was 10 cases, including hematological adverse reactions (7 cases), transaminase elevation (2 cases), nerve root reactions (5 cases), fatigue and weight loss (1 case). The incidence of serious adverse reactions was 4, including grade 4-5 poor hematology (2 cases), grade 4 nerve root irritation (2 cases), and grade 4 elevated aminotransferase (1 case). In the dose climbing study, 4 patients were effectively treated and 7 were disease controlled. The survival time was ranged from 0.3 to 14.0 months and a median survival time was 3.8 months. The clinical study of pemetrexed intrathecal chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy showed that the treatment mode of 10 mg pemetrexed intrathecal chemotherapy once a week combined with synchronous involved area radiotherapy 40 Gy/4 weeks had a high safety and reactivity. The incidence of major adverse reactions was 52.9% (18/34), including hematologic adverse reactions (13 cases), transaminase elevation (10 cases), and nerve root reactions (4 cases). In study 2, the response rate was 67.6% (23/34), the disease control rate was 73.5% (25/34), the overall survival time was ranged from 0.3 to 16.6 months, the median survival time was 5.5 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 21.6%. Clinical response, improvement of neurological dysfunction, completion of concurrent therapy and subsequent systemic therapy were associated with the overall survival (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Pemetrexed is suitable for the intrathecal chemotherapy with a high safety and efficacy. The recommended administration regimen was IP at 10 mg on the schedule of once or twice per week. Hematological toxicity is the main factor affecting the implementation of IP. Vitamin supplement can effectively control the occurrence of hematological toxicity.

Effect of Potassium for Propylene Epoxidation on Cu2O(111) by Molecular Oxygen: A DFT Study

In the present work, spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations with a Hubbard U correction were employed to investigate the effect of potassium for propylene epoxidation on Cu2O(111) surface by...

[Acupuncture intervention prolongates thrombolysis time window by regulating cerebral cortex angiogenesis-related genes and proteins in cerebral infarction rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of acupuncture on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endostatin (Endostatin, ES) mRNAs and proteins (angiogenesis related factors) in the ischemic penumbra region in rats with cerebral infarction (CI), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in prolonging the time window of thrombolysis therapy for CI.

METHODS

A total of 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, medication (6 h thrombolysis) and acupuncture (Acupunct)+medication groups (n=12 in each group). The CI model was established using modified auto-thrombus method. Six hours after thrombolysis, recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA,10 mg/kg) was given to rats of the thrombolysis group through tail vein. Acupuncture was applied at "Shuigou"(CV26) and bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) 2 h after successful modeling, and the needles were retained for 30 minutes. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was monitored during modeling in each group, and the neurological deficit score (0-7 points) was given 2 h and 24 h after successful modeling according to Bederson's methods. The cerebral infarction volume was observed after triphenyltetrazole chloride (TTC) staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGF, bFGF and ES in the ischemic penumbra region of the right cerebral cortex were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR, separately.

RESULTS

The neurological deficit score at both 2 h and 24 h after modeling, percentage of cerebral infarction volume, and the expression levels of VEGF, bFGF and ES proteins and mRNAs in the model group were significantly higher than those of the sham operation group (P<0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score 24 h (not at 2 h) after modeling and percentage of cerebral infarction volume, and the expression levels of ES protein and mRNA in the Acupunct+medication group (not in the medication group) were notably lower (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expression levels of VEGF and bFGF proteins and mRNAs in the Acupunct +medication group (not in the medication group) were considerably higher (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant differences were found between medication and model groups in the CI percentage, VEGF, bFGF and ES proteins and mRNAs (P>0.05). The therapeutic effect of Acupunct +medication group was significantly superior to that of medication in lowering neurological deficit score, percentage of CI volume and expression of ES protein and mRNA and in up-regulating the expression of VEGF and bFGF proteins and mRNAs (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture and timely intervention can prolong the time window of thrombolysis in CI rats, which may be related to its function in up-regulating the expression of VEGF and bFGF mRNAs and proteins and in down-regulating the expression of ES mRNA and protein in ischemic cerebral cortex.

[Research progress of acupuncture and moxibustion on axon guidance cues]

Axon guidance cues includes Slit, Semaphorin, Ephrin and Netrin. They have the function of regulating the regeneration of axons and guiding the regenerated axons to the correct target. They can affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and participate in the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. The current research on the influence of acupuncture and moxibustion(mainly focusing on electroacupuncture) on axon guidance cues is limited to animal experiments. Electroacupuncture can treat diseases dominated by the nervous system by regulating the expression of axon guidance cues. This review summarizes the research progress of acupuncture and moxibustion on regulating axonal guidance cues, is hoped to provide references for the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating nervous system disease and ideas for acupuncture treatment of diseases related to axon guidance cues.

[Molecular epidemiological characterization of group A rotavirus in domestic sewage in Jinan from 2016 to 2018]

Objective: To understand the detection of group A rotavirus (RVA) in domestic sewage and its molecular epidemiological characteristics, and further explore the feasibility and necessity of RVA environmental surveillance. Methods: From 2016 to 2018, we collected domestic sewage samples monthly in Jinan city, and concentrated them via anion membrane adsorption-elution method. Then RNA extraction and RVA VP7 and VP4 coding region RT-PCR amplification were performed. After purification, TA cloning and sequencing, homology analysis and phylogenetic analysis were conducted on the obtained sequences. Results: RVA G gene was detected in 31 of the 36 sewage samples (86.1% detection rate); RVA P genotype was detected in 33 samples (91.7% detection rate). A total of 536 RVA sequences were obtained, of which 225 G-type sequences belonged to 6 genotypes, and the G9 accounted for 92.4% (208/225); 311 P-type sequences were obtained, which belonged to 4 genotypes. The dominant P[8] accounted for 50.1% (156/311), followed by P[4] with 41.8% (130/311). Phylogenetic analysis shows that there were multiple transmission chains circulating in the dominant genotypes G9 and P[8]. Conclusion: The genotype, homology, and phylogenetic characteristics of sequences obtained from domestic sewage in Jinan area were described, which further confirmeing that RVA environmental surveillance is not feasible but also necessary.

[Professor NI Guang-xia's clinical experience in treatment of wei syndrome with xingshen tongyang needling technique of acupuncture]

According to the effect of the spirit and yang qi in the treatment of wei syndrome and the theory as "acupoints of yangming meridians especially for treatment of wei syndrome", professor NI Guang-xia proposes the treatment principle of xingshen tongyang (regaining consciousness/spirit and promoting yang). Guided by this treatment principle, the theory of traditional meridians and acupoints is coordinated with the achievement of modern medicine research. Consequently, xingshen tongyang needling technique of acupuncture is suggested. In the treatment of wei syndrome, the predominated prescriptions are formed for regaining consciousness/spirit, i.e. Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Fengfu (GV 16) and Fengchi (GB 20) and for promoting yang circulation, i.e. Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36). The acupoint prescriptions are modified align with the individual cases. This treatment regimen effectively relieves the symptoms and delayed the progress of disease.

Selective Oxidation of Propylene on Cu2O(111) and Cu2O(110) Surfaces: A Systematically DFT Study

Density functional theory calculations with a Hubbard U correction were used to investigate the selective oxidation of propylene on Cu₂O(111) and Cu₂O(110) surfaces, and the mechanism for the selective oxidation of propylene was discussed. On both surfaces, acrolein can be generated by two H-stripping reactions in the allylic hydrogen stripping path, while propylene oxide (PO), propanal, and acetone can be created through the propylene oxametallacycle intermediates in the epoxidation path. Our calculation results indicated that Cu₂O has a high crystal plane-controlled phenomenon for the selective oxidation of propylene. It was found that the formations of propanal and acetone are unfavorable kinetically and acrolein is the main product on the (111) surface. On the (110) surface, the activation barrier of acrolein formation is too high to produce and PO becomes the favored product, which is different from the case of the (111) surface. Moreover, energetic span model analysis was carried out to discuss the selective oxidation of propylene on these two surfaces and confirm the above calculations. The present study can help people to design the proper crystal plane catalyst to get the target product of PO with high selectivity and activity in the selective oxidation of propylene.

[Exploration of xingnao tiaochang acupuncture therapy in treatment of Parkinson's disease on the base of brain-gut axis theory]

Based on the "brain-mind theory" of traditional Chinese medicine, the dysfunction of brain mind is the mechanism of the Parkinson's disease in pathogenesis. In modern medicine, the brain-gut axis theory believes that the impairment of intestinal flora is of the reciprocal causation with the cerebral pathological changes in Parkinson's disease. Hence, the theory of xingnao tiaochang (regaining consciousness and regulating intestine) is proposed in combination of the dysfunction of brain mind with the brain-gut axis, based on which, the treating principle and method are determined for regulating the brain and intestine. Separately, in view of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine, the treating principle and method of xingnao tiaochang were discussed, as well as the rationality of acupuncture and acupoint selection under its guidance so as to provide a more extensive approach to the clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Acclimation of copper absorption ability of Candida utilis

The use of inorganic copper in feed is hazardous. As probiotics of animals, Candida utilis can absorb copper ions and transform them to organic copper. This study aimed to domesticate the ability of C. utilis (CICC 32211) to absorb and transform copper ions. So, C. utilis (CICC 32211) was cultured in media with different concentrations of copper ions for 24, 48 and 72 h to identify the optimum copper ion concentration. C. utilis (CICC 32211) strains were domesticated for three generations, then the absorption and distribution of copper ions in the yeast cells were studied. We found that the optimum concentration of copper ions was 110 µg/mL. After 48 h, the number of yeast cells was low, but copper ion absorption efficiency was maximized (43.83%). Most of the enriched copper ions were distributed in the yeast cell wall (up to 30.58% when grown in the medium with 110 µg/mL copper ions), while the intracellular copper ion content was low (2.095%). High concentrations of copper ions affected the morphological structure, element content and distribution of yeast cells.

[Clinical research and drug review of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the most common cause of cancer mortality in China. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of lung cancers. The mutation rate of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is relatively high, accounts for 32%~38% of all NSCLC. During the last decade, the application of EGFR specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) significantly improved prognosis of NSCLC patients with sensitive EGFR mutations. Thus, the research and development of third generation EGFR-TKI have entered the period of rapid development. The fourth generation EGFR-TKI which targeting EGFR C797S has even begun clinical development in China. This review will discuss the clinical research and drug review of EGFR-TKI from the perspective of drug review.

[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.

[Clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance features of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients complicating with left ventricular apical aneurysm]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) patients complicating with left ventricular apical aneurysm (LVAA). Methods: CMR confirmed 25 ApHCM patients complicating with LVAA from January 2010 to December 2017 in Fuwai hospital were included in this study, and the baseline clinical data and CMR characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 pure ApHCM (hypertrophy limited at the apical segments) complicating with LVAA patients and 11 mixed ApHCM (predominantly apical hypertrophy along with thickening of contiguous non-apical left ventricular region) with LVAA patients. Results: In this patient cohort,age of 84% (21/25) patients ranged between 20-70 years old, and 68% (17/25) were male. There were 68% (17/25) patients with complaint of chest distress symptom, 56% (14/25) with complaint of chest pain, 32% (8/25) with complaint of palpitation,16% (4/25) with complaint of dyspnea, and 12% (3/25) presented as syncope. ST-T segment changes of electrocardiogram were observed in all patients, and giant negative T waves were detected in 80% patients (20/25). The rate of missed diagnosis by echocardiography for detecting ApHCM and LVAA was 16% (4/25) and 68% (17/25), respectively. CMR showed discrete thin-walled dyskinetic or akinetic segment of the most distal portion of the left ventricular chamber in ApHCM patients with LVAA. Transmural late gadolinium enhancement of the aneurysmal rim was detected in 76% (19/25) patients, and the maximum transverse dimension of aneurysm was bigger in patients with transmural late gadolinium enhancement than in patients without transmural late gadolinium enhancement ((22.0±10.8)mm vs. (11.7±4.0) mm, P=0.033). Conclusion: ApHCM with LVAA patients have distinct cardiac clinical features, and CMR is the most useful tool for the accurate and objective evaluation of this disease.

CeO2@SiO2 Core-Shell Nanostructure-Supported CuO as High-Temperature-Tolerant Catalysts for CO Oxidation

Supported CuO-CeO₂ catalysts have been extensively studied for their outstanding catalytic activity in CO oxidation. Unfortunately, they are prone to sintering and deactivation when exposed to high-temperature automotive exhausts. Herein, taking advantage of the heat-resistant SiO₂ microspheres, we fabricated a series of core-shell-structured yCuO- xCeO₂@SiO₂ ( x is the weight ratio of CeO₂-SiO₂ and y is the weight ratio of Cu-(CeO₂@SiO₂)) composite catalysts. All the small CeO₂ particles were bound to the SiO₂ spheres, forming an xCeO₂@SiO₂ structure, on the surface of which a certain amount of CuO was well-dispersed. The 5CuO-50CeO₂@SiO₂ catalyst exhibited good activity, with the full conversion of CO achieved at around 130 °C, and no obvious deactivation was observed in the stability test. Importantly, the interaction between CuO and CeO₂@SiO₂ enhanced its durability at high temperatures. Even at 800 °C and with a space velocity of 800 000 mL·g_cat^-1·h^-1, CO conversion could be maintained at 90%, which is prospectively applied in a real CO elimination system. The result of the temperature-programmed reduction in hydrogen demonstrated that this special core-shell-structured 5CuO-50CeO₂@SiO₂ catalyst improved the reduction ability of the CuO species. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy measurements further confirmed that CO molecules preferred to be adsorbed on Cu(I) species to form reactive CO-Cu(I) that enhanced the reactivity of the 5CuO-50CeO₂@SiO₂ catalyst.

[Dose-response relationship between maternal hemoglobin concentration and preterm birth, in pregnant women]

Objective: To investigate the dose-response relationship between hemoglobin concentration and preterm birth, during pregnancy. Methods: With Zhuang ethnicity, a total of 12 780 pregnant women and their infants that admitted to Wuming、Pingguo、Jingxi、Debao、Longan and Tiandong hospitals, were recruited, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from January 2015 to December 2017. Non-conditional logistic regression method was used to analyze the effect of anemia on preterm birth during pregnancy. Dose-response relationship between hemoglobin concentration and preterm birth was explored, using the restrictive cubic spline model. Results: After excluding 2 053 pregnant women with hypertension or aged 35 years and over, results from the non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of preterm birth in the anemia group was 1.29 times (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.04-1.59, P=0.019) of the non-anemia group in the first trimester. Data from the restricted cubic sample showed that there appeared nonlinear "L" dose-response relationship between hemoglobin concentration and preterm birth in the first trimester and "U" shape in the third trimester (non-linearity test P<0.001). Conclusion: There appeared nonlinear dose-response relationship between the hemoglobin concentration and preterm birth, both in the first and third trimesters.

[Effect of preoperative intervention of electroacupuncture at Baliao point on postoperative complications of procedure for prolapsed and hemorrhoids]

OBJECTIVE

To explore effective treatments that can alleviate postoperative complications in patients with procedure for prolapsed and hemorrhoids (PPH).

METHODS

Sixty patients with pre-mixed hemorrhoids PPH were randomly divided into a simple operation group and a preoperative electroacupuncture intervention group, 30 cases in each group. PPH routine treatment was given in the simple operation group. Electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at Baliao point 30 min before PPH in the preoperative electroacupuncture intervention group, and EA was applied at Ciliao (BL 32) and Xialiao (BL 34) for 30 min. The scores of anus pendant, pain degree and persistent time and first urination time were compared within 24 h after operation between the two groups.

RESULTS

The scores of anal pendant and pain degree in the 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, the persistent time of anal pendant and pain degree within 24 h and first urination time were better in the preoperative electroacupuncture intervention group than those in the simple operation group, and there were statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture at Baliao point 30 min before PPH can not only decrease the degrees of anal pendant and pain in the 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, but also shorten the persistent time of anal pendant and pain within 24 h after surgery and promote the first urination.

Acupuncture therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose

Fibromyalgia (FM) can cause chronic widespread pain and seriously affect the quality of patient lives. Acupuncture therapy is widely used for pain management. However, the effect of acupuncture on FM is still uncertain. The aim of this review was to determine the effect and safety of acupuncture therapy on the pain intensity and quality of life in patients with FM.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for FM published before May 2018. A meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan 5.3 software, and GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence.

Results

We identified 12 RCTs that compared acupuncture therapy to sham acupuncture or conventional medication. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture was significantly better than sham acupuncture for relieving pain (MD =−1.04, 95% CI [−1.70, –0.38], P=0.002, I²=78%) and improving the quality of life (MD =−13.39, 95% CI [−21.69, –5.10], P=0.002, I²=82%), with low- to moderate-quality evidence in the short term. At follow-up in the long term, the effect of acupuncture was also superior to that of sham acupuncture. No serious adverse events were found during acupuncture.

Conclusion

Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with FM, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of FM.

[Effect of Acupuncture Plus Moxibustion on Immune Function in Patients with Bra-chiocephalic Takayasu Arteritis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the influence of acupuncture and moxibustion on humoral immunity and cellular immunity related indexes in patients with bra-chiocephalic Takayasu arteritis (BCTA), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in the treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TA).

METHODS

A total of 31 BCTA patients (9 men and 22 women at age of 16-70 years) were treated by manual acupuncture stimulation of main acupoint Renying(ST 9)and auxillary acupoints as Jiquan (HT 1), Chize (LU 5), Fengchi (GB 20), bilateral Xinshu (BL15), Feishu (BL 13) and Geshu (BL 17), Jingming (BL 1), etc. according to clinical symptoms, with the needles retained for 20 min. Additionally, moxibustion was applied to Taiyuan (LU 9), BL 15, BL 13 and BL 17. The treatment was conducted twice daily for 4 weeks. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, C_{3 ,} C₄ contents, and CD 3^＋， CD 4^＋， CD 8^＋ T lymphocytes contents were assayed by using immue turbidimetry and cell counting.

RESULTS

Before the treatment and in these 31 BCTA patients, an abnormal increase was found in serum IgG content in 10 cases, IgM in 3 cases, IgE in 3 cases, C₃ in 11 cases, CD 4^＋ in 6 cases, and CD 8^＋ in 9 cases, and an abnormal decrease was found in serum CD 3^＋ level in 11 cases, CD 4^＋ in 7 cases, as well as CD 8^＋ in 4 cases. After the treatment, the increased levels of IgG, IgM, C_3, CD 4^＋ and CD 8^＋ in patients with abnormally higher values were considerably down-regulated (P<0.05), the decreased levels of CD 3^＋， CD 4^＋ and CD 8^＋ in patients with abnormally lower values were evidently up-regulated (P<0.05). No significant changes were found in IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, C₃ and C_4, CD 3^＋ and CD 8^＋ in patients with normal values of these indexes after the treatment (P>0.05). The CD 4^＋ level in patients with normal value was significantly deun-regulated after the treatment (P<0.05), but still in the range of normal value.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture plus moxibustion can regulate some of the abnormally elevated and lowered humoral immunity and cellular immunity related indexes in BCTA patients, possibly having a favorable role in the treatment of BCTA.

MicroRNA-19b promotes the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway

Local and systemic metastasis is the main reason for the poor survival rate of patients with ovarian cancer (OC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are short non-coding RNAs that serve critical roles in the initiation and progression of OC. The present study demonstrated that expression of miR-19b was significantly increased in OC tissues and cell lines. Analysis of clinicopathological features revealed that the increased expression of miR-19b was associated with advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and lymphatic metastasis of OC patients. Loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that the silencing of miR-19b reduced the migration and invasion of OVCAR-3 cells; contrarily, the overexpression of miR-19b facilitated the migration and invasion of CAOV-3 cells. Furthermore, miR-19b regulated the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and the activity of the PTEN/RAC serine/threonine-protein kinase pathway in vitro. Notably, the results of dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that PTEN was a direct downstream target of miR-19b in OC. Taken together, the results of the current study demonstrated that miR-19b serves an oncogenic role in the progression of OC, and could potentially act as a biomarker and therapeutic target for OC patients.

Variation of nanoparticle fraction and compositions in two-stage double peaks aging precipitation of Al-Zn-Mg alloy

Atom probe tomography (APT) coupling high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to analyze the fraction and compositions of different nanoparticles in two-stage double peaks aging process of Al-Zn-Mg alloy. Al content is found to be closely related to the size of nanoparticles and it can be greater than ~ 50.0 at. % in the nanoparticle with the equivalent radius under ~ 3.0 nm. Correspondingly, Al content of the nanoparticle, with the equivalent radius over ~ 5.0 nm, is measured under ~ 40.0 at. %. Evolution from Guinier-Preston (G.P.) zone to η phase is a growing process where Mg and Zn atoms enter the nanoparticle, therefore rejecting Al atoms. G.P. zones can take up a number fraction of ~ 85.0 and ~ 22.7% of nanoparticles in the first and second peak-aged samples, respectively, and even in the over-aged (T73) sample, they can still be found. As aging time increases, fraction of η' phases monotonically rises to the peak value (~ 54.5%) in the second peak-aged state and then drops, which is significant for the second hardness peak and directly proves their function as the transitional medium. In T73 state, ~ 63.3% nanoparticles compose of η phases, which were measured to still contain ~ 10.2 to ~ 36.4 at. % Al atoms.

[Clinical exploratory application of robotic resection of tumor in segment Ⅷ: a report for 7 cases]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and security of robotic resection of tumor in segment Ⅷ primarily. Methods: The clinicopathologic data of 7 patients who underwent robotic resection of tumor in segment Ⅷ using daVinci robotic system in the Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgical Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2016 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The lesion size, the tumor malignance degree mean operation time, intraoperative blood loss and the rate of conversion to laparotomy, postoperative hospital stay, mobidity and motality of all the 7 patients were collected. Results: All the 7 operations were successfully performed with radical resection.The mean tumor diameter was (4.6±1.2)cm. The mean operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were(120.7±21.7)min, (100±106.7)ml, and(7.3±1.8)days respectively.All the patients were discharged successfully with no severe complications. Conclusions: According to our experiences, as a new operationmodel of minimally invasive surgery, robotic resection of tumor in segment Ⅷ has manyadvantages in laparoscopic like less trauma, less intraoperative bleeding, light postoperative pain, shorter postoperative hospital stay and so on. There are some certain advantages in exposure of Ⅷ segment under robotic surgery system. Robotic surgery system is safe and feasible for tumorresection of segmentⅧ, andhas clinical promoting value and application prospect.

Circulating regulatory B cell subsets in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

This study analyzed the populations of three different subsets of regulatory B cells (Bregs) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) and explored the relationship between the changes in these subsets of Bregs and the severity of NMOSD. A total of 22 patients with relapsed NMOSDs before treatment were recruited in our study, along with 20 age and gender-matched healthy controls, from May 2015 to March 2016. The percentages and numbers for three different subsets of Bregs including the CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi, CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺, and CD19⁺CD5⁺CD1d^hi populations were evaluated in parallel by flow cytometry. Afterwards, correlations between the change of three different subsets of Bregs and disease severity were analyzed. We found significantly lower percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD5⁺CD1d^hi Bregs in NMOSDs patients than in healthy individuals. In contrast, the CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs population was significantly higher in NMOSDs patients than in healthy individuals. However, the three different Bregs subsets showed no significant correlation with expanded disability status scale (EDSS) or annualized relapse rate (ARR). Our findings suggest that the subsets of Bregs may play complex roles in the pathogenesis of NMOSDs and are not correlated with clinical disease severity. Further insights into the potential role of subsets of Bregs could increase our basic knowledge of NMOSDs pathogenesis.

[Prospective evaluation on ventilator-associated events: a cohort study from eight intensive care units]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of ventilator associated events (VAEs) in intensive care units (ICUs) among adult patients, and to evaluate the correlation between VAEs and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP).

METHODS

A prospective 3-month cohort study (January 2015 to March 2015) was carried out. VAEs were divided into three groups: with ventilator-associated condition (VAC), with infection related ventilator-associated complication (IVAC) and with possible VAP (PVAP). Sensitivity and specificity of VAEs were evaluated and compared to the traditional VAP. Kappa test was applied to judge the consistency of VAC and VAP.

RESULTS

During Jan. 2015 and Mar. 2015, 1 014 patients were admitted to 8 ICUs, with 7 977 patients per day. In total, 197 patients used the mechanical ventilation installation, with, a total number of 3 152 ventilator-days. Finally, 1 214 ventilation days in the VAC group and 1 938 ventilation days in the non-VAC group) that were available for final analysis. 46 VAC cases were identified including 22 classified as IVAC (14.59 and 6.98 per 1 000 ventilation days, respectively). Length of ICU stay and duration on mechanical ventilation for VAC patients were both significantly longer than those for non-VAC patients (P<0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of the VAC criteria for the detection of VAP were 36.92% and 83.33%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The VAEs surveillance paradigms could be applied to monitor patients on the use of mechanical ventilation installation. However, sensitivity and specificity of VAC were under pool for the diagnosis of VAP. However, automatically surveillance programs was relied on the improvement of auto-information systems.

Obvious emphysema on computed tomography during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predicts a poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

Emphysematous change on computed tomography (CT) during the stable phase of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reported to correlate with COPD prognosis. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is associated with a high risk of mortality and a poor prognosis.

AIMS

This study aims to study the relationship between prognosis and emphysematous changes on CT during an AECOPD.

METHODS

Histories were recorded, and CT acquired for 106 patients who visited the emergency department for an AECOPD. Emphysematous change was quantified by measuring the percentage of low-attenuation areas (LAA%) in the entire lung on CT images with a threshold of -950 Hounsfield units. Other factors that could influence AECOPD prognosis were also recorded on admission and analysed. At follow ups conducted in 1 year, patient survival, the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, and performance status (PS) were evaluated, and a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was completed.

RESULTS

The 1-year follow up was completed by 103 of 106 patients. The median LAA% was significantly higher in non-survivors (11%, n = 16) than in survivors (5.69%, n = 87) (P = 0.006) at the 1-year follow up. LAA% was significantly correlated with mMRC grade (r = 0.285, P = 0.008), PS (r = 0.397, P < 0.001) and CAT score (r = 0.27, P = 0.017) at the 3-month follow up, and with mMRC grade (r = 0.405, P < 0.001) and PS (r = 0.377, P < 0.001) at the 1-year follow up. LAA% > 7.5% was a significant predictor of 1-year mortality, higher mMRC and PS at the 3-month and 1-year follow ups, after adjustment for other prognostic predictors.

CONCLUSION

Obvious emphysematous changes on CT (LAA% > 7.5%) during an AECOPD predicts a poor prognosis independent of other known indicators.

Concentration and characteristics of dissolved carbon in the Sanjiang Plain influenced by long-term land reclamation from marsh

Since the 1960s, the marshes in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China, which are an important reservoir for dissolved carbon, have undergone long-term reclamation to farmland, resulting in elevated marsh loss and degradation on a large scale. This study compared the concentrations of dissolved carbon, as well as the chemical characteristics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), in natural marshes, a degraded marsh, and drainage ditches sampled during the growing seasons between 2008 and 2010 to clarify the temporal-spatial variability of the dissolved carbon in the fluvial system influenced by the long-term reclamation. The results show that the average concentrations of total dissolved carbon (TDC) and DOC are considerably greater in the natural marshes than in the degraded marsh and drainage ditches. The average DOC concentration for the natural marshes, approximately 35.53 ± 5.15 mg L(-1), is approximately 2.39 times that in the degraded marsh (14.84 ± 4.21 mg L(-1)) and 2.77 times the average value in the ditches (12.84 ± 4.49 mg L(-1)). The dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) exhibits increased trends in the drainage ditches compared with the natural marshes, whereas the hydrophobic fraction of DOC is present at lower concentrations in the degraded marsh and ditches. Fluorescence indices also indicate that the DOC in the degraded marsh and ditches has a simpler humification structure. In total, the long-term reclamation has led to great variability in the DOC concentration and chemical characteristics in the fluvial system. Changes in the DOC production potential and hydrological regimes due to sustained reclamation are deemed the predominant causes of this effect. The continuously decreased DOC concentration and high variability of DOC in the surface fluvial systems are inevitable if reclamation continues in the Sanjiang Plain. More importantly, the presence of tyrosine and tryptophan-like substances in the ditches indicates that there has been extensive agricultural organic pollution in the fluvial systems. This pollution could lead to more unexpected impacts on the downriver aquatic system. To avoid a destructive ecological crisis in the future, adjustment of the reclamation policy and agricultural management measures in the Sanjiang Plain is urgently needed.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates MAPK and Akt1 expression and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Wnt/β-catenin, Ras/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways form a complex network and play important roles during HCC genesis and development. To study their relationship and the influence on cell growth, the siRNA directed against β-catenin was transfected into HCC HepG2 cells. β-catenin mRNA and protein levels were measured respectively at various times by RT-PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, HCC cell growth was measured by MTT assay. Finally, MAPK family and Akt1 protein levels were also measured by Western blot. After the transfection, β-catenin mRNA levels were markedly inhibited at 24 h and increased gradually at 48, 72 and 96 h; β-catenin protein levels decreased gradually at 24, 48 and 72 h and slightly increased at 96 h. HCC cell growth was inhibited from 24-72 h, but this inhibition decreased at 96 h. ERK1/2 (p42/p44 MAPK), JNK/SAPK, p38 MAPK, and Akt1 protein levels showed no change following transfection, while their phosphorylated protein levels showed changes. Thus, siRNA directed against β-catenin markedly decreased β-catenin gene expression and inhibited cell growth. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway might regulate Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways through regulation of the phosphorylation state of ERK1/2, JNK/SAPK and Akt1 protein in HCC HepG2 cells. These pathways might compensate for the inhibitory effect of β-catenin, thereby affecting tumor cell growth and others downstream factors.

Effects of disulfide bridges glycoprotein E1 on fusogenic activity of Rubella virus

Rubella virus (RUBV) infects cells via an acid-triggered membrane fusion process. RUBV virions contain two cysteine-rich glycoproteins, E2 and E1. The latter is believed to be involved in the membrane fusion. Using a recombinant plasmid containing RUBV E1 and E2, 11 of total 20 cysteines present in the ectodomain of wild type E1 were mutated to test their role in the fusion via the formation of disulfide bridges. The recombinant plasmids containing mutated E1 (Cys2-Cys20) or wild type (wt) E1 were expressed in BHK-21 cells. Their fusogenic and hemadsorption activities in addition to a potential of cell surface expression of E1 and E2 were assayed. The results showed that the fusogenic activity was lost in all tested mutants, while the hemadsorption activity and cell surface expression potential were affected differently in individual mutants. Since only the Cys5 and Cys8 mutations led to a reduction of both hemadsorption and cell surface expression, we assume that these mutations prevented the formation of the disulfide bridge, what led to a misfolding of E1 and consequently to a failure of recognition of E1 by E2. In conclusion, the disulfide bridges disrupted in all the tested mutants appear essential for the cell fusion, while only the disulfide bridge C(5)-C(8) seems to be crucial for the transport of E1 and E2 in the cell.

Exposure to and actions against passive smoking in non-smoking pregnant women in Guangzhou, China

BACKGROUND

The objective was to describe the extent of passive smoking exposure and preventive actions against passive smoking in non-smoking pregnant women and to analyze factors associated with preventive actions.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey on 1449 never-smoking pregnant women who made their first prenatal visit to the Women and Children's Hospital of Guangzhou, China during 1996-97.

RESULTS

60.2% (95% Confidence Interval 57.7%-62.7%) of the never-smoking pregnant women had a husband who currently smoked. Women with smoking husbands (n=872) were more exposed to ETS than those with non-smoking husbands (n=577) at home (71% vs. 33%), in public places (77% vs. 66%) and at work (60% vs. 50% of working women), and they took less actions against passive smoking in public places. Women with better education and knowledge on smoking and passive smoking had stronger preventive actions.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-smoking pregnant women in China are often exposed to passive smoking and their preventive actions are weak. Passive smoking is an important obstetric and public health problem in developing countries and deserves urgent international attention.

FTIR fiber optics and FT-Raman spectroscopic studies for the diagnosis of cancer

The authors' preliminary investigation has shown that FTIR spectroscopy in conjunction with fiber optics can reflect differences between normal and malignant tissues. Further studies are being conducted to determine the applicability of the technique to cancer diagnosis.

Biological effects of rare earth protein complexes: influence of lanthanide ions Eu3+, Tb3+ on secondary structure of calmodulins

The secondary structure of four kinds of calmodulins (CaMs; i.e., Brassica campestris pollen CaM, bovine brain CaM, earthworm calcium binding protein, and earthworm new calcium binding protein) in thin films are determined by the FTIR resolution enhanced technique and curve fitting. The variation in the secondary structure of CaM upon its binding with Ca2+, Eu3+, and Tb3+, the assay of phosphodiesterase enzyme, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis are also investigated. The effect of lanthanide ions on the conformation of CaM are described.

Effect of (-)-stepholidine on serum prolactin level of female rats

AIM

To study the effect of (-)-stepholidine (SPD) on serum prolactin (PRL) level and elucidate its pharmacological action on dopamine D2 receptors.

METHOD

After i.p. administration of dopamine receptor agonist, antagonist, or SPD, the serum PRL levels were determined by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

SPD (24 mg.kg-1, i.p.) caused a rapid rise in serum PRL level, lasting more than 1 h. SPD 0.2-40 mg.kg-1 raised serum PRL level in a dose-dependent manner with ED50 of 3.7 mg.kg-1 (95% confidence limits, 2.6-4.3 mg.kg-1) and PRL maximal level of 448 +/- 64 micrograms.L-1. Pergolide 2 mg.kg-1 i.p. caused a decrease (P < 0.01 vs saline) of PRL level, which was partially attenuated by SPD of 5 mg.kg-1 and completely abolished by 10 mg.kg-1.

CONCLUSION

SPD is a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist.

Disposition and metabolism of diphenyl ether in rats

After i.p. administration of [14C]diphenyl ether (5 mg/kg) to rats, radioactivity was detected rapidly in all organs and tissues. After intragastric administration of [14C]diphenyl ether (10 mg/kg) to rats, unchanged diphenyl ether in the blood was at max. concn. within 15 h and decreased linearly with time, with a biological half-life of about 1.5 h. More than 90% of the intragastrically administered dose was excreted in urine and faeces within three days; greater than 80% dose was in the urine. From g.l.c. and mass-spectral data, it was shown that rats metabolized diphenyl ether to its 2-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy, 4,4'-dihydroxy, 4-methoxy-monohydroxy and 4-methoxy-dihydroxy derivatives.

Metabolic disposition and irreversible binding of 1-phenylcyclohexene in rats

The metabolic disposition of 1-[14C]phenylcyclohexene ([14C]PC) was examined in rats after ip or iv drug administration. Radioactivity, which was accumulated by various organs, peaked within 30 min after ip administration of [14C]PC (0.21 mg/kg). A significant amount of this radioactivity was not extractable by repeated methanol extractions, indicating irreversible binding of [14C]PC metabolite(s) to tissue proteins. Following iv administration of [14C]PC (0.42 mg/kg), [14C]PC concentrations in blood declined biphasically with time; the blood elimination half-life of [14C]PC is 77 min. About 83% of the dose given was excreted in urine and feces within 54 hr of administration. About 35% of the dose was excreted in the bile in 1 hr. At least four [14C]PC metabolites were detected in the urine or bile. The bulk of the urinary radioactivity was composed of metabolites since less than 6% of [14C]PC given was excreted unchanged in the urine.