[Analysis on the quality control of suspected occupational disease from the characteristics of applicants diagnosed with noise deafness]

Objective: To analyze the audiology and occupational health data of applicants diagnosed of occupational noise deafness, and to explore the influencing factors in the diagnosis of suspected occupational noise deafness. Methods: In May 2022, the information of patients diagnosed with occupational noise deafness in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 was collected, and the occupational health data of their working environment, clinical audiological examination results and diagnosis basis of occupational noise deafness were collected and analyzed. Multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to analyze independent risk factors for the diagnosis of occupational noise deafness. Results: A total of 129 subjects were included, all of which were suspected cases of occupational noise deafness found in various occupational health examination institutions. Eight cases (6.20%) were diagnosed as occupational noise deafness, and 121 cases (93.80%) were non-occupational noise deafness. After hearing examination, only 27.27% (24/88) of the patients' audiological changes were consistent with the starting point of occupational noise deafness diagnosis. Further analysis of the noise intensity in the workplace showed that 16 patients were identified as non-occupational noise deafness because the noise intensity of the working environment was less than 85 dB. Logistic regression analysis showed that the working hours were more than 8 hours (OR=9.274, 95%CI: 1.388-61.950, P=0.022) and the noise intensity of the working environment (OR=1.189, 95%CI: 1.059-1.334, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of occupational noise deafness. Conclusion: The exclusion rate of suspected occupational noise deafness found in occupational health examination is higher after adequate rest. The test results of working environment noise intensity provided by the employer can help to determine occupational noise deafness.

[A case of delirium caused by carbamate insecticide poisoning treated with penehyclidine hydrochloride]

The incidence of carbamate insecticide poisoning has increased gradually in recent years, and anticholinergic drugs are the specific antidotes. In 2020, the Peking University Third Hospital admitted a patient with carbamate insecticide poisoning, whose main clinical manifestations were dizziness, vomiting and blurred vision. During the treatment with penehyclidine hydrochloride, the patient developed delirium. This paper retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and treatment process of the patient to improve people's understanding of the side effects of penhyclidine hydrochloride in the treatment of insecticide poisoning.

Protective effects of equol on the cartilage and subchondral bone in ovariectomized rats with osteoarthritis

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of equol (EQ) on osteoporotic osteoarthritis (OP OA).

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six 12-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, OP OA group, and EQ group (n=12). OP OA was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) combined with ovariectomy (OVX). EQ was orally administrated (10 μg/g/day) after the operation for 12 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated by gross pathology and histopathologic evaluation. The underlying mechanism was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining.

Results

EQ effectively retarded cartilage degeneration, decreased the levels of matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMP-13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5), nuclear factor-kappa B P65 (NF-κB P65) and caspase-3, and increased the levels of collagen type II (Col-II), Col-I, aggrecan (AGG), and inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα) in the cartilage. In addition, EQ increased bone mineral density, improved the microstructural parameters of the subchondral bone (SB), and decreased the number of osteoclasts.

Conclusion

EQ exerted a chondroprotective effect on OP OA in rats, associated with inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and chondrocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, EQ showed an osteoprotective effect on SB via inhibiting osteoclastic activities.

[Effects of acute phosgene exposure on kidney in rats]

Objective: To investigate the changes in kidney and its mechanism during the development of acute phosgene exposure in rats. Methods: Rats were randomized into 2 groups: control and phosgene group (including 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after exposed to phosgene) , 6 rats in each group. Rats in control group were exposed to air for 5 min, while rats in phosgene group were exposed to 8.33 mg/L phosgene for 5 min. The blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after phosgene exposure. The blood creatinine (Cr) , urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood gas analysis were detected. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed to observe the expression levels of 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase. Results: The arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation index of rats in the phosgene group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 3, 6 and 12 h after exposure (P<0.01) . The lowest points were reached at 6 h, which were (58.67±7.89) mmHg and (202.30±27.20) mmHg, respectively. The Cr and BUN of rats in the phosgene group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, and the renal organ coefficients were significantly higher than those in the control group at 3, 6 and 12 h (P<0.01) . HE staining showed that there were more erythrocytes in the glomeruli of rats in the phosgene group, the volume of renal tubular epithelial cells increased, and the cytoplasm was loose and lightly stained. The damage was most obvious at 6 h. The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive expressions of 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase in the kidney tissue of the phosgene group increased. Conclusion: Hypoxemia and oxidative stress caused by phosgene poisoning may be the cause of renal damage in rats.

[Investigation of the relationship between occupational gasoline exposure and metabolic syndrome]

Objective: To explore the correlation between occupational gasoline exposure and metabolic syndrome (MS) . Methods: In September 2019, a total of 147 occupational gasoline exposure workers from a oil sales company in Beijing were selected as the observation group by using cluster sampling method, 158 people without gasoline exposure from the company were selected as the control group. Occupational health examination were performed to measure body mass, blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) , triglycerides (TG) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and other data. General demographic characteristics, occupational history, past medical history and personal history were analyzed either. Results: The levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, FPG, TG and BMI in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . The detection rates of MS, obesity and hypertension in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . There were no significant differences in age, gender, working age, drinking, smoking, marital status, HDL-C level, detection rates of abnormal TG and HDL-C between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05) . The odds ratio (OR) of MS in the observation group was 1.988 times that in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Occupational gasoline exposure is associated with the increasing detection rate of MS.

[Multimodality navigation for liver resection of complicated alveolar echinococcosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of multimodality navigation for liver resection in the treatment of complicated alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Methods: From October 2019 to February 2020, the clinical data and perioperative results of patients with AE treated by surgery in our department were retrospectively studied. Hepatic parenchyma disconnection plane and liver resection were navigated and performed with three-dimensional reconstruction and HITACHI real-time multi-image fusion interventional navigation system (RVS). Results: All of six patients were successful performed radical liver resection without mortality. The operation time was (301±106)min and the median blood loss was 200 ml. Two patients needed blood transfusion intraoperative (33.33%). The postoperative hospital stay was (10.8±2.8) day, and the cost of hospitalization was (82 584±995.61) yuan. Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ complication occurred in one patient. Conclusions: Multimodality navigation might provide precise intraoperative navigation of the surgical plane and effectively assist liver resection for the treatment of complicated AE.

[Correlational analysis of alternation of clinical features of intrahepatic lymphocyte subsets with HBV virology and liver fibrosis in HBV-Tg composite CCl(4) mice model]

Objective: To observe the alteration of clinical features of intrahepatic lymphocyte subsets in C57BL/6N-TG (1.28HBV)/Vst hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice composite carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) with intraperitoneal injection under the background of hepatitis B to induce liver fibrosis mice model, and analyze their correlation with serum HBV DNA and liver tissue hydroxyproline (Hyp) content. Methods: HBV-Tg mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10% CCl(4) to induce the rapid formation of hepatic fibrosis. Serum HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg levels and liver tissue HBsAg expressional conditions were used to evaluate the virological characteristics of mice model. The degree of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in mice were observed by HE, Sirius Red staining and liver tissue hydroxyproline (Hyp) content. Intrahepatic T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, CD4+T lymphocyte, CD8+T lymphocyte, natural killer (NK) cell and natural killer T (NKT) cells distribution were observed by flow cytometry. One-way analysis of variance was used for intergroup data comparison, and LSD was used for pairwise comparison. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the above lymphocyte subsets and serum HBV DNA and liver tissue Hyp content. Results: Serum HBsAg, HBeAg and liver tissue HBsAg had equal positive expression in the HBV-Tg composite CCl(4) mice model group, and the serum HBV DNA load was > 1 × 10(6) IU / ml. Compared with the wild-type control group, liver tissue Hyp content of the composite model group was significantly higher [(196.39 ± 38.14) μg /g and (347.67 ± 59.53) μ g/g, P < 0.01). The degree of inflammation and fibrosis in liver tissues was aggravated, and the proportion of all intrahepatic CD4+T, NK and NKT cells was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), while the proportion of CD8+T lymphocytes (30.58% ± 2.89% vs. 46.50% ± 2.24%, P < 0.01) and B lymphocytes (28.82% ± 2.24% vs. 37.10% ± 8.59%, P < 0.05) was significantly increased. Serum HBV DNA level was positively correlated with the proportion of intrahepatic T lymphocytes (r = 0.413, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the proportion of NK cells (r = -0.419, P < 0.05). Liver tissue Hyp content was negatively correlated with the proportion of all CD4+T lymphocytes (r = -0.871), NK cells (r = -0.716), and NKT cells (r = -0.876) (all P < 0.01), and positively correlated with the proportion of all CD8 + T lymphocytes (r = 0.852), and B lymphocytes (r = 0.593) (all P < 0.01). Conclusion: HBV-Tg composite CCl4 mice model can induce positive HBV virological indicators, liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice model of hepatitis B coexisting with fibrosis. This model has the features of immune disorder of liver lymphocyte similar to human disease, and the immune disorder of intrahepatic lymphocytes is correlated with HBV viral load and liver fibrosis degree.

[Association between self-rated health and risk of cardiovascular disease among middle-aged and elderly Chinese]

Objective: To analyze the association between the self-rated health (SRH) status and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among the middle-aged and eldly Chinese. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which enrolled 21 133 participants by using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling from 150 counties/districts of 28 provinces in China from 2011 to 2012. A total of 11 701 participants were included in the study. Basic information and SRH were obtained in the baseline survey via questionnaires. Information of CVD was self-reported during the follow-up. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to analyze the association between the baseline SRH and risk of CVD. Subgroup analyses were performed by age, sex and body mass index (BMI), and their interactions with SRH for risk of CVD were examined by using the likelihood ratio test. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of the association. Results: Participants were (57.9±9.7) years old, and men accounted for 48.1% (5 626). SRH was reported as the excellent, very good, good, fair and poor among 4.2% (n=487), 13.5% (n=1 583), 33.6% (n=3 932), 35.4% (n=4 147) and 13.3% (n=1 552), respectively. During 42 104 person-years of followed up, 590 cases of CVD were identified. Cox regression analyses showed that compared with the excellent/very good SRH, the HR (95%CI) of CVD risk for the good, fair and poor SRH was 1.36 (1.02-1.80), 1.66 (1.26-2.19) and 1.89 (1.38-2.59), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that compared with the excellent/very good SRH, HR (95%CI) of CVD risk for poor SRH in the group of 45-59 years old, equal to or over 75 years old, men, women and normal BMI were 2.00 (1.32-3.04), 3.87 (1.04-14.46), 1.76 (1.07-2.91), 1.92 (1.27-2.91) and 2.30 (1.42-3.72), respectively. There were no interactions between age, sex, BMI and SRH (P>0.05). Conclusion: SRH is associated with risk of CVD among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. The CVD risk for good, fair and poor SRH is higher than that for excellent/very good SRH.

[Reduction of the atlantoaxial dislocation associated with basilar invagination through single-stage posterior approach: using Xuanwu occipital-cervical reduction surgical suite]

Objective: To examine the effect of posterior reduction in atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) associated with basilar invagination(BI) using Xuanwu occipital-cervical fusion system in single stage. Methods: Thirty-seven AAD accompanied with BI cases treated at Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical Universiy and the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospective analyzed. There were 15 males and 22 females with age of (42.3±12.3)years (range: 18-69 yars). All the cases had congenital osseous abnormalities, such as assimilation of atlas and abnormal cervical fusion. Anterior tissue was released through posterior route followed by cage implantation into facet joint and occipital-cervical fixation with cantilever technique. The clinical results were evaluated using Japanese Orthopedic Association scale(JOA) and the main radiological measurements including anterior atlantodental interval (ADI),the distance of odontoid tip above Chamberlain line,clivus-canal angle (CCA) and the length of syrinx were collected.The preoperative and postoperative JOA score and radiological measurements were compared by paired t-test. Results: The mean JOA score of the patients increased from 10.5 to 14.4 at the one-year follow-up(t=14.3,P=0.00).Complete reduction of AAD and BI was achieved in 34 patients.The mean clivus-canal angle improved from 118.0 degrees preoperative to 143.7 degrees postoperative(t=6.2,P=0.00). Shrinkage of the syrinx was observed 1 week after surgery in 24 patients, and 6 months in 31 patients. Twenty-eight patients achieved bone fusion 6 months after surgery. All the patients achieved bone fusion 12 months after surgery. One-side vertebral artery occlusion was diagnosed in 1 case postoperatively for transient dizziness, and relieved in 2 weeks. Two patients developed moderate neck pain after surgery, and relieved in 1 month. No implant failure, spacer subsidence or infection was observed. Conclusions: The treatment of AAD associated with BI using Xuanwu occipital-cervical fusion system from posterior approach in single stage is effective and safe. Cage implantation intraarticularly and fixation with cantilever technique achieve complete reduction in most cases.

[Comparing the immunogenicity and safety of sequential inoculation of sIPV followed by bOPV (Ⅰ+Ⅲ) in different dosage forms]

Objective: To compare the safety and immunogenicity of two different sequential schedules of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine made from Sabin strain (sIPV) followed by typeⅠ+Ⅲ bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) in Drug Candy (DC) form or liquid dosage form). Methods: This randomized, blinded, single center, parallel-group controlled trial was done from September 2015 to June 2016 in Liuzhou, Guangxi province. Healthy infants aged ≥2 months were eligible for enrollment and divided into 1sIPV+2bOPV or 2sIPV+1bOPV sequential schedules. According to the bOPV dosage form each sequential schedules, the subjects again were divided into drug candy(DC) form or liquid dosage form group, being 1sIPV+bOPV (DC)/1sIPV+2bOPV(liquid)/2sIPV+1bOPV(DC)/2sIPV+1bOPV(liquid). According to 0, 28, 56 d immunization schedule, Each group were given 3 doses. We recorded adverse events during the clinical trial (399 participants who receive at least one dose). 28 days post-Dose 3, we receive a total of 350 blood samples (excluding the quitters or subjects against trial plan), using cell culture trace against polio virus neutralization test Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ neutralizing antibody (GMT), calculating the antibody positive rate.PolioⅠ,Ⅱand Ⅲ antibody titers were assessed by virus-neutralizing antibody assay and the seroconversion (4-fold increase in titer) from pre-Dose 1 to 28 days post-Dose 3 was calculated (total 350 samples) . Results: During the vaccination, the incidence of AEs in 1sIPV+2bOPV(DC), 1sIPV+2bOPV (liquid), 2sIPV+1bOPV(DC), 2sIPV+1bOPV (liquid) group were 79%, 76%, 80% and 74% (χ(2)=1.23, P=0.747) , respectively. The severe AEs in groups were 6%, 5%, 6% and 4% (χ(2)=0.57, P=0.903) , respectively, and none was considered to be vaccination related. 28 days after 3(rd) vaccination, the seroconversion rates in 1sIPV+2bOPV (DC), 1sIPV+2bOPV (liquid), 2sIPV+1bOPV (DC), 2sIPV+1bOPV (liquid) group, were 99%, 100%, 99% and 99% (χ(2)=0.94, P=0.815) , respectively, for type Ⅰ poliovirus; and 47%, 57%, 80%, 79% (χ(2)=31.56, P<0.001) , respectively, for type Ⅱ; and were 100%, 99%, 100%, 99% (χ(2)=2.02, P=0.568) , respectively, for type Ⅲ. In each group, the GMT of antibody against poliovirus typeⅠ were 4 539.68, 6 243.43, 6 819.53 and 7 916.29 (F=25.87, P<0.001) , respectively; Type Ⅱ were 12.98, 10.54, 63.75 and 84.21 (F=8.68, P=0.034) , respectively; Type Ⅲ were 1 172.55, 1 416.03, 2 648.89 and 3 250.75 (F=14.50, P=0.002) , respectively. Conclusion: On the same sequential schedules, there was no significant difference between the dosage forms, all of them showed good safety and immunogenicity. In the same dosage forms with different sequential schedules, the seroconversion rate was higher in 2 dose sIPV group than the 1 dose sIPV group, especially at the neutralizing antibody GMT level against polio type Ⅱ and Ⅲ after vaccination.

[Forensic Investigation in Han Population by SiFa™ 23 Plex Kit （Beta Version）]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the performance of SiFa™ 23 Plex Kit （beta version） and its population genetics of STR loci in Han population.

METHODS

Genotyping was performed for 1 000 unrelated healthy Han individuals by the kit. The efficiency of the kit was tested, and the frequency data and population genetics parameter information of STR loci were analysed statistically.

RESULTS

The minimum amplification system could be 6.25 μL. In 25 μL standard reaction system, a satisfied genotyping profiles could be obtained with the DNA content as low as 125 pg. Among the 1 000 individuals, 267 alleles were detected by 21 autosomal STR loci of the kit, which conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Fifteen and eleven alleles were observed at the newly added STR loci D1S1656 and D10S1248, respectively, which showed a high polymorphism information content.

CONCLUSIONS

SiFa™ 23 Plex Kit （beta version） is excellent in testing blood samples. Its accuracy, repeatability and sensitivity can satisfy the need of forensic practice, which makes it be applied to forensic-related case work and DNA database establishment.

[Correlation of liver stiffness measured by FibroTouch and FibroScan with Ishak fibrosis score in patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To investigate the correlation of liver stiffness measured by FibroTouch (FT) and FibroScan (FS) with Ishak fibrosis score in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: A total of 313 patients with chronic hepatitis B who visited Department of Liver Cirrhosis in Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2014 to May 2016 were enrolled. All the patients underwent liver biopsy, and FT and FS were used to determine liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Serum biochemical parameters were measured, and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in a multi-parameter model of liver fibrosis and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index were calculated. The consistency between the results of four noninvasive examinations and Ishak fibrosis score was compared. The t-test was used for comparison of LSM determined by FT and FS. Pearson correlation analysis was used investigate the correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS; Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and Knodell score with LSM determined by FT and FS; the correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS and fibrosis stage was analyzed by partial correlation analysis adjusted by Knodell score for liver inflammatory activity; Spearman correlation analysis was used for APRI, FIB-4, and fibrosis stage. Based on the Ishak fibrosis score, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the values of four noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Results: There was no significant difference in LSM measured by FT and FS in all patients (15.75±9.42 kPa vs 15.42±10.52 kPa, P > 0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between them (r = 0.858, P < 0.01); serum ALT and AST levels and liver inflammatory activity were correlated with LSM determined by FT and FS. There was a significant positive correlation between LSM determined by FT and FS and fibrosis stage (r = 0.501 and 0.526, both P < 0.001), and APRI and FIB-4 were also positively correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.236 and 0.218, both P < 0.001). Based on the Ishak fibrosis score, in the diagnosis of fibrosis stages F3, F4, F5, and F6, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.915/0.856/0.839/0.816 for FT, 0.933/0.883/0.849/0.856 for FS, 0.618/0.630/0.608/0.638 for APRI, and 0.614/0.624/0.595/0.649 for FIB-4, and FT and FS had a significantly larger areas under the ROC curve than APRI and FIB-4. Conclusion: LSM determined by FT or FS has a good correlation with the Ishak fibrosis score, so FT and FS have a significantly better diagnostic performance for liver fibrosis than APRI and FIB-4.

[The lesser omentum approach for laparoscopic pancreatic enucleation]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and strategy of the lesser omentum approach for laparoscopic pancreatic enucleation. Methods: Between June 2011 and October 2013, 6 laparoscopic pancreatic enucleations were performed by lesser omentum approach.The average age was 42 years, including 1 male and 5 female.The preoperation diagnosis of 6 cases were pancreatic islet cell tumors determined by abdominal CT/MRI, ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography.The tumors of 3 cases located in pancreatic neck, 2 tumors located in neck and body of pancreas, and 1 tumor located in pancreatic body.Their biggest tumor diameter were 0.8-2.5 cm. Results: Among the 6 cases, all laparoscopic pancreatic enucleations were successfully performed.None of the patients were converted to open operation.Eestimated blood loss was (26.7±18.6)ml, operating time was (82.5±19.4)minutes, and postoperative length of stay was (5.17±1.17)days.Additionally, postoperative complication included grade A pancreatic fistula in 1 case.After 36-64 months followed-up, there was no tumor recurrence and clinical symptom disappeared. Conclusion: For the islet cell tumors located in pancreatic neck and body, the lesser omentumapproach may contribute to good surgical view and operative space, which can make pancreatectomy safer and easier for clinical application.

[Effects of vacuum sealing drainage technique in acute and chronic suppurative tenosynovitis of hand]

Objective: To investigate the effects of vacuum sealing drainage technique in acute and chronic suppurative tenosynovitis of hand. Methods: A total of 9 cases acute and chronic suppurative tenosynovitis patients from January 2013 to April 2015 in Puai Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively reviewed. There were 6 males and 3 females, aging from 27 to 65 years, the average age was 55 years. There were 3 cases of index finger, 3 cases of middle finger, 2 cases of ring finger, 1 case include three fingers. The infection causes included stabbing with fishbone in 3 cases, stabbing with animal bone fragments in 3 cases, wound by sawdust in 3 cases, meat grinder injury in 1 case, multiple fingers crush injury postoperative infection of garbage truck in 1 case. Bacterial infection included 2 cases with Staphylococcus aureus, 2 cases with Staphylococcus epidermidis, 1 case with normal Escherichia coli, 1 case with mixed infection of Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca and Staphylococcus, 1 case with Bauman Acinetobacter bacillus, 1 case with Proteus mirabilis and 1 case of no growth of pathogenic bacteria culture. After thorough debridement, vacuum sealing drainage was used to observe the characteristics of irrigation fluid, the formation of cavity inflammation, the prognosis of infection and the recovery of finger function. Results: Seven patients with suppurative tenosynovitis were treated for 7 to 14 days, replaced the vacuum sealing drainage dressing once; 1 patient was an illustration of the finger tip defect flap infected patients after 21 days of treatment, replaced the vacuum sealing drainage dressing twice, 1 patient was an illustration of the central refers to trauma, postoperative infection patients 28 d, replaced three times in the VSD. The follow-up time was 3 to 12 months (mean 8.2 months), 7 patients without tendon necrosis, secondary suture with no infection, 2 cases of traumatic surgery of patients with infection, tendon necrosis was removed, the infection has been effectively controlled, secondary suture with no infection. There were 6 cases were good and 3 cases were poor in the evaluation of postoperative finger function. Conclusion: Thoroughly debridement after vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of suppurative tenosynovitis of hand has satisfactory curative effect.

[Comparison of MPure-12 Automatic Nucleic Acid Purification and Chelex-100 Method]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the forensic application value of MPure-12 automatic nucleic acid purification （MPure-12 Method） for DNA extraction by extracting and typing DNA from bloodstains and various kinds of biological samples with different DNA contents.

METHODS

Nine types of biological samples, such as bloodstains, semen stains, and saliva were collected. DNA were extracted using MPure-12 method and Chelex-100 method, followed by PCR amplification and electrophoresis for obtaining STR-profiles.

RESULTS

The samples such as hair root, chutty, butt, muscular tissue, saliva stain, bloodstain and semen stain were typed successfully by MPure-12 method. Partial alleles were lacked in the samples of saliva, and the genotyping of contact swabs was unsatisfactory. Additional, all of the bloodstains （20 μL, 15 μL, 10 μL, 5 μL, 1 μL） showed good typing results using Chelex-100 method. But the loss of alleles occurred in 1 μL blood volume by MPure-12 method.

CONCLUSIONS

MPure-12 method is suitable for DNA extraction of a certain concentration blood samples．Chelex-100 method may be better for the extraction of trace blood samples．This instrument used in nucleic acid extraction has the advantages of simplicity of operator, rapidity, high extraction efficiency, high rate of reportable STR-profiles and lower man-made pollution.

[microRNA-98 and microRNA-143 in nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas and its clinical significance]

Objective:To investigate the role and clinical significance of the expression of microRNA-98(miRNA-98)and microRNA-143(miRNA-143)in development and progression of nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas.Method:The expression miRNA-98 and miRNA-143 was detected by Real time PCR metheod in the 53 nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas and 50 nasal polyp tissues and 20 cases of normal muscosa.The expression of miRNA-98 was analyzed in nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas with different clinicopathogical parameters.Result:The expression of miRNA-98 in nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas was obvious higher than that in inflammation of the nasal polyp tissues and normal muscosa,which had statistical significant difference(P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between miRNA-98 expression and TNM staging ,lymph node metastasis;but not pathological grade.The expression of miRNA-143 in nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas was obvious lower than that in nasal polyp tissues and normal muscosa,which had statistical significant difference(P<0.05).Conculusion:miRNA-98 highly expressed in nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas,miRNA-143 lowly expressed in nasal and paranasal sinus carcinomas.

[Oxidative damage related to PM2.5 exposure in human embryonic stem cell-derived fibroblasts]

OBJECTIVE

To study the oxidative damage of PM2.5 in human embryonic stem cells (EBf-H9 cells), and to provide a theoretical basis for revealing the adverse health effects of PM2.5 and the potential mechanisms, and also to provide a new alternative cell model for PM2.5 risk assessment.

METHODS

EBf-H9 cells were cultured with 0.00 (the constrast group) 3.91, 7.81, 15.63, 31.25, 62.50, 125.00 μg/cm(2) of PM2.5. CCK-8 kit was used to determine the survival rate of cells exposed to PM2.5 for 6 h. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the total ROS content of cells exposed to PM2.5 for 1 h. The activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the content of lipid peroxides such as malondialdehyde (MDA) in cells exposed to PM2.5 for 6 h were detected by using the commercial kits. ANOVA model analyzed the statistical significance from the different concentration group.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity results showed that the cell survival rate was decreased gradually with the increase of the concentrations of PM2.5, and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 83.01 μg/cm(2). When the exposure concentration was 3.91, 7.81, 15.63, 31.25, 62.5 μg/cm(2), after exposure of PM2.5 1 h, the ROS florescence was 27.12±0.21, 54.03±0.50, 60.93±0.08, 61.36±1.00, 68.21±0.93, 78.27±1.26 (compared to control group 27.12±0.21, all P level<0.01). After exposure of PM2.5 6 h, the activities of T-SOD was (9.78±0.28), (8.59±0.22), (8.90±0.33), (7.46±0.71), (4.21±0.17) U/mg protein (F=98.881, compared to control group (11.77±0.63) U/mg protein, all P level<0.01). The activities of GSH-Px was (181.59±3.65), (153.33±1.69), (168.74±2.22), (81.56±0.56), (48.62±2.13) U/mg protein (compared to control group (273.90±6.50) mU/mg protein, all P level<0.01). And the content of MDA was (0.38±0.03), (0.43±0.09), (0.47±0.09), (0.65±0.10), (0.70±0.12) nmol/mg protein (compared to control group (0.27±0.02) nmol/mg protein, all P level<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PM2.5 exposure can decrease EBf-H9 cells viability, and improve the levels of lipid peroxidation. It may be due to induce EBf-H9 cells to increase the production of ROS and to make the cells appear oxidative stress, which lead to oxidative damage to cells. The present study reveals the mode of action of PM2.5 in terms of oxidative damage to EBf-H9 cells. It is also indicated that the cells may be a new alternative cell model for PM2.5 risk assessment.

Influence of the c.1517G>C genetic variant in the XRCC1 gene on pancreatic cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population

We investigated the influence of the c.1517G>C genetic variant in the X-ray repair complementing group 1 gene (XRCC1) on pancreatic cancer (PC) susceptibility in Chinese patients. A total of 390 PC patients and 392 controls were enrolled in this case-control study. The genotypes of c.1517G>C genetic variants were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Our findings suggested that the allele and genotype frequencies in PC patients were significantly different from those in cancer-free controls. The CC genotype was associated with an increased risk of PC compared to the wild-type GG genotype (odds ratio=2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.43-4.13, X2=11.19, P=0.001). The C allele may contribute to the development of PC (C vs G, odds ratio=1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.64, X2=6.25, P=0.012). Results from this study indicate that the c.1517G>C genetic variant of the XRCC1 gene is significantly associated with PC susceptibility in the Chinese population.

Norcantharidin inhibits tumor growth and vasculogenic mimicry of human gallbladder carcinomas by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor blood supply in some highly aggressive malignant tumors. Recently, we reported VM existed in gallbladder carcinomas (GBCs) and the formation of the special passage through the activation of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. GBC is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with disappointing treatments and a poor prognosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) has shown to have multiple antitumor activities against GBCs, etc; however the exact mechanism is not thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we firstly investigated the anti-VM activity of NCTD as a VM inhibitor for GBCs and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In vitro and in vivo experiments to determine the effects of NCTD on proliferation, invasion, migration, VM formation, hemodynamic and tumor growth of GBC-SD cells and xenografts were respectively done by proliferation, invasion, migration assays, H&E staining and CD31-PAS double stainings, optic/electron microscopy, tumor assay, and dynamic micro-MRA. Further, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting and RT-PCR were respectively used to examine expression of VM signaling-related markers PI3-K, MMP-2, MT1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 in GBC-SD cells and xenografts in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

After treatment with NCTD, proliferation, invasion, migration of GBC-SD cells were inhibited; GBC-SD cells and xenografts were unable to form VM-like structures; tumor center-VM region of the xenografts exhibited a decreased signal in intensity; then cell or xenograft growth was inhibited. Whereas all of untreated GBC-SD cells and xenografts formed VM-like structures with the same conditions; the xenograft center-VM region exhibited a gradually increased signal; and facilitated cell or xenograft growth. Furthermore, expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP products from sections/supernates of 3-D matrices and the xenografts, and expression of PI3-K, MMP-2, MM1-MMP and Ln-5γ2 proteins/mRNAs of the xenografts were all decreased in NCTD or TIMP-2 group; (all P < 0.01, vs. control group); NCTD down-regulated expression of these VM signaling-related markers in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

NCTD inhibited tumor growth and VM of human GBCs in vitro and in vivo by suppression of the PI3-K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 signaling pathway. It is firstly concluded that NCTD may be a potential anti-VM agent for human GBCs.

Genotyping of urinary samples stored with EDTA for forensic applications

Individual identification of urinary samples is necessary when sample switching or handling are suspected during a judicial process. To improve the rate of successful genotyping of urinary samples, we examined the stability of DNA in urinary samples stored for up to 30 days. Urinary samples from 20 healthy individuals (10 males and 10 females) were stored at -80°C with different concentrations of EDTA (0, 10 and 40 mM). Urinary DNA was extracted at days 0, 3, 9, and 30 after collection. The Quantifiler Human DNA Quantification Kit was used for measuring DNA concentration. Twenty STR loci were co-amplified using amelogenin-specific PCR with the Goldeneye 20A Kit. Significant differences in DNA concentration were observed between samples from females and males. In the case of female urinary DNA preservation with 10 and 40 mM EDTA the mean detection rate reached 0.95 after up to 30 days; for the male urinary samples, the mean detection rate of urinary DNA preserved with 40 mM EDTA was significantly higher than with 10 mM. We concluded that 40 mM EDTA is the best concentration for preservation of the DNA in urinary samples.

Norcantharidin inhibits growth of human gallbladder carcinoma xenografted tumors in nude mice by inducing apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle in vivo

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder carcinoma, a lethal malignant neoplasm with poor prognosis, has dismal results of surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy. We previously reported that norcantharidin (NCTD) is useful against growth, proliferation, and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro. In this study, we further studied the inhibitory effect of NCTD on the growth of xenografted tumors of human gallbladder carcinoma in nude mice in vivo and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The tumor xenograft model of human gallbladder carcinoma in nude mice in vivo was established with subcutaneous GBC-SD cells. The experimental mice were randomly divided into control, 5-FU, NCTD, and NCTD+5-FU groups which were given different treatments. Tumor growth in terms of size, growth curve, and inhibitory rate was evaluated. Cell cycle, apoptosis, and morphological changes of the xenografted tumors were assessed by flow cytometry and light/electron microscopy. The expression of the cell cycle-related proteins cyclin-D1 and p27 as well as the apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax, and survivin were determined by the streptavidin-biotin complex (SABC) method and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

NCTD inhibited the growth of the xenografted tumors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Tumor volume decreased (5.61+/-0.39 vs. 9.78+/-0.61 cm3, P=0.000) with an increased tumor inhibitory rate (42.63% vs. 0%, P=0.012) in the NTCD group compared with the control group. The apoptosis rate increased (15.08+/-1.49% vs. 5.49+/-0.59%, P=0.0001) along with a decreased percentage of cells in S phase (43.47+/-2.83% vs. 69.85+/-1.96%, P=0.0001) in the NTCD group compared with the control group. The morphological changes of apoptosis such as nuclear shrinkage, chromatin aggregation, chromosome condensation, and typical apoptosis bodies in the xenografted tumor cells induced by NCTD were observed by light and electron microscopy. The expression of cyclin-D1, Bcl-2 and survivin proteins/mRNAs decreased significantly, with increased expression of p27 and Bax proteins/mRNAs in the NCTD group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

NCTD inhibits the growth of xenografted tumors of human gallbladder carcinoma in nude mice by inducing apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle in vivo.

High quality InAs quantum dots grown on patterned Si with a GaAs buffer layer

Ordered and dense InAs quantum dots grown on patterned Si(100) with a thin GaAs buffer layer have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. {111} faceted InAs quantum dots with good crystallinity were observed on top of the underlying GaAs buffer layer. It was revealed that the GaAs buffer layer and the lateral expansion of InAs have played key roles in releasing the misfit strain between InAs and Si and suppressing the formation of lattice defects in InAs quantum dots. These results suggest a possible pathway for the strain relaxation in the formation of quantum dots.

Inhibitory effect of norcantharidin on the growth of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder carcinoma is a lethal malignant neoplasm with dismal surgical results. Unfortunately, the adjuvant therapies for gallbladder carcinoma such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also disappointing. We reported that norcantharidin (NCTD), a demethylated form of cantharidin, which is an active ingredient of the Chinese medicine Mylabris, was used against human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells. In the present study, we further studied the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of NCTD on growth of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro.

METHODS

Human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells were grown in cell culture and divided into a NCTD group and a control group. The inhibitory effect of NCTD on growth of GBC-SD cells was investigated by evaluation of proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and morphological changes of the cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay. The induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The morphological changes of the cells were observed by light- and electron-microscopy. To elucidate the anticancer mechanism of NCTD, expression of the proliferation-related gene proteins PCNA, Ki-67, cyclin-D1 and p27 and the apoptosis-related gene proteins Bcl-2, Bax and Survivin were determined by the streptavidin-biotin complex method and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

NCTD inhibited the proliferation of GBC-SD cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 56.18 microg/ml at 48 hours. The flow cytometric profiles revealed that NCTD (at the IC50 for 48 hours) significantly increased the proportion of cells in G2/M phase and significantly decreased the proportion of cells in S phase, with a significantly increased rate of cell apoptosis. After treatment with the 48-hour IC50 dose of NCTD, cell shrinkage, vacuolar cytoplasm, membrane budding, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, chromosome condensation and chromatin aggregation in some GBC-SD cells were observed by light-microscopy; decreased microvilli, Golgiosome atrophy, mitochondrial swelling, nuclear shrinkage, chromosome condensation and typical apoptosis bodies were seen by electron-microscopy, and the morphological changes of apoptosis occurred in GBC-SD cells. The expression of PCNA, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 proteins decreased significantly; the Pix or relative levels of PCNA mRNA, cyclin-D1 mRNA, Bcl-2 mRNA and Survivin mRNA decreased significantly, whereas the Pix or relative levels of p27 mRNA and Bax mRNA increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

NCTD inhibits the growth of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro. Its anticancer mechanism may correlate with inhibition of cell proliferation, arrest of the cell cycle, blockage of DNA synthesis, influence on cell metabolism, induction of cell apoptosis and influence on expression of the proliferation-related genes PCNA, Ki-67, cyclin-D1 and p27, and the apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2, Bax and Survivin in human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells.

Effect of norcantharidin on proliferation and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of norcantharidin on proliferation and invasion of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro and its anticancer mechanism.

METHODS: Human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells were cultured by cell culture technique. The growth and the invasiveness of GBC-SD cells in vitro were evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and by the Matrigel experiment and the crossing-river test. Expression of PCNA, Ki-67, MMP₂ and TIMP₂ proteins of GBC-SD cells was determined by streptavidin–biotin complex method.

RESULTS: In vitro norcantharidin inhibited the growth and proliferation of GBC-SD cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with the IC₅₀ value of 56.18 μg/mL at 48 h. Norcantharidin began to inhibit the invasion of GBC-SD cells at the concentration of 5 μg/mL, and the invasive action of GBC-SD cells was inhibited completely and their crossing-river time was prolonged significantly at 40 μg/mL. After treatment with norcantharidin, the expression of PCNA, Ki-67, and MMP₂ was significantly decreased. With the increase in TIMP₂ expression, the MMP₂ to TIMP₂ ratio was decreased significantly (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Norcantharidin inhibits the proliferation and growth of human gallbladder carcinoma cells in vitro at relatively low concentrations by inhibiting PCNA and Ki-67 expression. Its anti-invasive activity may be the result of decrease in MMP₂ to TIMP₂ ratio and reduced cell motility.

Influence of norcantharidin on proliferation, proliferation-related gene proteins proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder carcinoma is a highly lethal and aggressive disease with early metastasis, strong invasion and poor prognosis. Most patients with this disease are at the advanced and un-resectable stage and should be considered for palliative treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, reports of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for gallbladder carcinoma are disappointing. We investigated the influence of norcantharidin (NCTD) on proliferation, proliferation-related gene proteins PCNA and Ki-67 of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro.

METHODS

GBC-SD cell lines of human gallbladder carcinoma were cultured by the cell culture technique. The experiment was divided into NCTD group and control group. The tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay was used to evaluate cell growth. The streptavidin-biotin complex method was used to determine the expressions of proliferation-related gene proteins PCNA and Ki-67 of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells.

RESULTS

NCTD inhibited the growth and proliferation of GBC-SD cells from 10 mg/L or after 6 hours in a dose-and time-dependent manner, with the IC50 value of 56.18 microg/ml at 48 hours. After treatment with NCTD, the expression of PCNA (0.932+/-0.031 vs. 0.318+/-0.023, P<0.001) and Ki-67 (0.964+/-0.092 vs. 0.297+/-0.018, P<0.001) proteins were decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

NCTD inhibits the proliferation of human gallbladder carcinoma GBC-SD cells in vitro and the expression of their proliferation-related gene proteins PCNA and Ki-67.

[Effects of perming, combing and stretching on hair keratins]

OBJECTIVE

Research of the hair damage due to perming, combing and stretching can be of important value for forensic hair individual identification.

METHODS

The normal human hairs were treated with perming combing and stretching, and the keratins of the damage hair were analysed by using SDS-PAGGE and laser densimeter.

RESULTS

Perming, combing and stretching brought about hair damage; The keratins of the damage hair were obviously reduced at the rang of molecular weight of 67,000-43,000 dalton.

CONCLUSION

The loss of the damage hair keratins were increased with the degree of the hair damage.

Toxic effects of six plant oils alone and in combination with controlled atmosphere on Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)

Six plant essential oils alone as repellent and fumigant, and in combination with the controlled atmosphere against Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel were assessed in the laboratory. These essential oils were extracted from the leaves of six source plants: Citrus tangerina Tanaka, Citrus aurantium L., Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, Pinus sylvestris L., Cupressus funebris End]., and Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. The repellency test indicated that L. bostrychophila adults were repelled by filter paper strips treated with six essential oils. Of these essential oils, the C. funebris oil was most effective followed by that of F. sylvestris, C. tangerina, C. bergamia, and E. citriodora. The average repellency of the C. aurantium oil against L. bostrychophila adults was significantly lower than other five test oils by day 14. These essential oils had a high level of toxicity in the fumigation assay against L. bostrychophila adults at both 10 and 20 ppm. When combined with two controlled atmosphere treatments (12% CO2 + 9% O2, and 10% CO2 + 5% O2, balanced N2), the toxicity of plant oils was enhanced significantly.

[The predomination of rotavirus G3 serotype among children with diarrhea in Lulong County in 1998]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiology of rotavirus diarrhea among children in rural population.

METHODS

120 stool specimens collected from children with diarrhea during the winter of 1998 in Lulong County, Hebei Province were examined for rotavirus by PAGE and ELISA and for serotype by ELISA and PCR.

RESULTS

Rotavirus was detected in children aged between 2-24 months. The positive rate of rotavirus was 39.2% and the ratio of male to female was 1-1.47. All rotavirus RNA profiles were long pattern. The distribution of rotavirus serotypes was type 3(61.7%), followed by type 1(36.2%), and type 4(6.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology of rotavirus diarrhea during 1998 rotavirus season in Lulong County was similar to that of other regions in China, but rotavirus serotype G3 was a prevalent strain in Lulong County, which was uncommon and different from the predominant G1 in other places throughout China.

[Personal identification using multiplex PCR and fluorescent detection of STR and Amelogenin locus]

Nine tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) locus of D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820 and one Amelogenin loci were analyzed using multiplex PCR with fluorescent-labeled primers following capillary electrophoresis. This method is simple, accurate, sensitive and very useful for personal identification.