Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of imaging diagnisis of congenital pulmonary agenesis and hypoplasia in children.Methods:The 13 cases of congenital pulmonary agenesis and hypoplasia were veritfied by bronchcscopy and operation or pathology the characteristics of the X-ray,CT and bronchography were analysed.Results:the X-ray features included:(1)capacity decreased and density increased of diseased lung;(2)small hilar pulmonis;(3)mediastinum shifted to the affected side.Conclusion:Radiography is a good procedure in diagnosis of the most cases of congenital pulmonary agenesis and hypoplasia.

Objective To explore the role of body fat distribution in the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma.Methods Totally 125 patients with stable asthma were recruited and were divided into non-obese group (n =51),peripheral obesity group (n =34) and central obesity group (n =40) according to body mass index and waist circumference.The FEV1％,FVC,FEV1/FVC ratio,IL-6,and hs-CRP levels in peripheral blood,eosinophil and neutrophil percentage in induced sputum,as well as exhaled NO levels were determined,and asthma control test (ACT) scores were calculated.Both one-way analysis of variance and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analysis.Results The values of FVC in the central obesity group and the non-obese group were [3.98 (3.99) ±0.99] L and [4.51 (4.51) ±1.00] L,while the levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP in peripheral circulation and the percentage of neutrophils in induced sputum were [33.63 (33.28) ± 14.04] ng/L and [21.22 (21.33)±11.23] ng/L,[2.12 (2.15) ±0.73] mg/L and [0.92 (0.91) ±0.61] mg/L,52.58 (52.81) ± 14.14 and 45.41 (45.34) ± 12.84,respectively (all P ＜ 0.05).After adjusting for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) doses,the ACT scores were also significantly higher in central obesity group (22.10 ± 1.68 vs.23.01 ± 1.62) (P ＜ 0.05).Only the hs-CRP level was found significantly higher in peripheral obesity group than in non-obese group [(1.54±0.68) mg/Lvs.(0.91 ±0.61) mg/L] (P＜0.05).Conclusion Central obesity may play the leading role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma.

Objective To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization with low concentration of n-butyl cyanoacrylate(NBCA) in rabbit VX2 liver tumor models. MethodsTwenty-four rabbits were implanted with VX2 hepatic tumors into the left hepatic lobes, and were scanned with CT to measure the volume of the tumor after 14 days. They were randomly divided into three groups with 8 rabbits assigned to each group. Transarterial embolization was conducted with physiological saline in control group A, with pure Lipiodol in group B, with 2.5% NBCA in group C. Hepatic toxicity was evaluated by blood biochemical analysis of the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). One week later, the volumes of the tumors were measured by CT again. Tumor growth rate was the ratio of tumor's volume at 7th day after embolization to the tumors' volume before embolization. The survival periods of the rabbits of the three groups after treatment were also recorded. The data of ALT and AST mean values from each group were analyzed with repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tumor growth rates and survival periods were analyzed by using one-way ANOVA. Results All animal models were successfully established and underwent interventional catheterization. Both ALT and AST mean values of the rabbits in group A, B and C at each time point before and after embolization were significantly different (ALT F=10.508, 16.443, 19.828, respectively; AST F=23.696, 23.334, 15.594, respectively)(P＜0.05). ALT in group A, B, C were (49.4±13.5), (115.2±48.8), (124.7±49.4)U/L, while AST in group A, B, C were (52.3±12.0), (128.3±50.1), (137.0±66.9)U/L 4 days after embolization. The ALT and AST mean values were significantly elevated 4 days after embolization in group B and group C compared with those before embolization and those of group A 4 days after treatment(P＜0.05). However, the ALT and AST mean values showed no statistically significant difference in all the groups before embolization and 7 days after embolization. On the other hand, the growth rates of the tumors differed significantly among the three groups(F=110.865, P=0.000). The group C showed significantly lower tumor growth rate (0.839±0.144)% than the group A(2.978±0.547)%(P=0.000), but no significantly different tumor growth rate compared with group B(0.871±0.0725)%( P=0.845). Consequently, the survival period of the animals in group C(38.9±4.0) days was significantly longer than that in group A(32.1±3.1)days (P=0.006), while it was not significantly different from that in group B(36.9±4.8)days(P=0.366). ConclusionsTransarterial embolization with low concentration of NBCA was feasible and safe. It could be a new option of treatment for HCC and might have potential further clinical value.

Plant protein-protein interaction networks have not been identified by large-scale experiments.In order to better understand the protein interactions in rice,the Predicted Rice Interactome Network (PRIN; http://bis.zju.edu.cn/prin/) presented 76,585 predicted interactions involving 5,049 rice proteins.After mapping genomic features of rice (GO annotation,subcellular localization prediction,and gene expression),we found that a well-annotated and biologically significant network is rich enough to capture many significant functional linkages within higher-order biological systems,such as pathways and biological processes.Furthermore,we took MADS-box domain-containing proteins and circadian rhythm signaling pathways as examples to demonstrate that functional protein complexes and biological pathways could be effectively expanded in our predicted network.The expanded molecular network in PRIN has considerably improved the capability of these analyses to integrate existing knowledge and provide novel insights into the function and coordination of genes and gene networks.

In this study the poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) hydrogel elastomer was prepared by freezing-thawing method. The influences of percentage of poly (vinyl alcohol) in hydrogel, pH of solution and swelling temperature upon the swelling characteristic of PVA-hydrogel prosthetic nucleus material were studied. Its micropores were observed using SEM, and the swelling dynamics was further discussed. The experimental results showed that the poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel was a kind of network with a lot of micropores, the pore size was related with the PVA content. The maximum swelling ratio decreases when the percentage of PVA in hydrogel, the pH of solution and the swelling temperature were enhanced. The swelling process was described by the equation of swelling dynamics equation. The swelling rate was greatly influenced by the PVA content, the pH of solution and the dimension of hydrogel sample.
Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Hydrogels ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Implants, Experimental ; Intervertebral Disc ; Polyvinyl Alcohol ; chemistry ; Prostheses and Implants ; standards

The purpose of this study is to characterize the stress relax properties of PVA-H prosthetic nucleus via the four-parameter linear viscoelastic model and to analyze the influence of swelling ratio and initial PVA content upon the properties of dissipating compressive stress. The four-parameter linear viscoelastic model can simulate the viscoelastic property of prosthetic nucleus well (corr > 0.99) and be more effective than the three parameter linear viscoelastic model. From the parameters of this model we have obtained the following results: the prosthetic nucleus of higher water content can dissipate compressive stress more quickly than that of lower water content can do, but the quantity of stress relax can not be influenced by water content; the higher the initial PVA content,the slower and smaller the dissipation of compressive stress;the relax time of prosthetic nucleus is similar to that of human nucleus.
Compressive Strength ; Elasticity ; Intervertebral Disc ; physiology ; Linear Models ; Models, Biological ; Polyvinyl Alcohol ; chemistry ; Prostheses and Implants ; Viscosity ; Weight-Bearing ; physiology

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 249 patients with malignant biliary obstruction who were admitted to Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, and underwent PTBS from March 2016 to February 2020, and according to the presence or absence of postoperative hyperamylasemia or acute pancreatitis, the patients were divided into two groups to analyze incidence rate, severity, and related risk factors. The t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for the factors with P＜0.1 in the univariate analysis to investigate independent risk factors for hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after PTBS. ResultsAfter PTBS, 55 patients (221%) patients had abnormally elevated serum amylase, among whom 26 (10.4%) were diagnosed with hyperamylasemia and 29 (11.7%) were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. All patients with acute pancreatitis had mild manifestations. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ≤60 years (odds ratio ［OR］=2.2, 95% confidence interval ［CI］: 1.07-4.52, P=0033), iodine-125 seed strand implantation (OR=2.8, 95%CI: 1.21-6.45, P=0.016), biliary stent placement across the papilla (OR=6.3, 95%CI: 2.85-1405, P＜0.001), and visualization of the pancreatic duct during surgery (OR=13.9, 95%CI: 5.64-3403, P＜0.001) were risk factors for hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after PTBS. ConclusionHyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis are relatively common complications after PTBS. Age ≤60 years, iodine-125 seed strand implantation, biliary stent placement across the papilla, and visualization of the pancreatic duct during surgery are independence risk factors for hyperamylasemia and acute pancreatitis after PTBS.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and pathogenic variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). METHODS: Clinical data of 8 patients from the pedigree was collected, including physical examination and X-ray images of head, face, spine, limbs, and mouth. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 affected members for the extraction of genomic DNA. The proband and other 3 patients were subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of the other 2 affected members from the pedigree. RESULTS: This pedigree has included 22 members (8 affected) from four generations. Genetic testing revealed that the proband has harbored a novel pathogenic variant of the RUNX2 gene [NM_001024630: c.1268_1277del (p.P425Afs*56)], which was inherited from her mother and carried by all affected members in the pedigree. The same variant was not detected among the unaffected members, suggesting co-segregation with the phenotype. CONCLUSION The c.1268_1277del (p.P425Afs*56) variant of the RUNX2 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of CCD in this pedigree. Genetic testing has facilitated the definite diagnosis and enabled prenatal diagnosis.
Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Cleidocranial Dysplasia/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/genetics* ; Phenotype ; China ; Mutation

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of adenomatous colorectal polyps in advanced stage.Methods:Retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 400 hospitalized patients with colorectal polypectomy and pathological diagnosis of adenomatous polyps (Aps) were selected from December 2020 to December 2022 in Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Longgang), of which 107 patients with progressive adenomas and 293 patients with common adenomas were selected. General information of patients (name, gender, age, BMI), history of smoking, alcohol consumption, history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus, and results of 13C urea breath test were collected to analyze the risk factors for the development of adenomas in patients with progressive adenomas and their syndromic characteristics. Results:The distribution of male patients with advanced adenoma was significantly higher than that of common adenoma patients [70.09% (75/107) vs. 57.34% (168/293), P=0.021], and the ages were [(52.25±9.81) years vs. (48.41±10.23) years, P=0.001], BMI [(24.37±3.19) kg/m 2vs. (23.38±3.25) kg/m 2, P=0.007] significantly higher than those of ordinary adenoma patients. Intestinal damp-heat syndrome was the common witness type in both advanced and common adenomas, and the distribution of intestinal damp-heat syndrome in advanced adenomas was significantly higher than that in common adenomas [43.0% (46/107) vs. 32.1% (94/293); χ2=4.10, P=0.043]. The distribution of patients with alcohol drinking history in advanced adenomas was significantly higher than that in common adenomas [61.7% (66/107) vs. 39.3% (115/293); χ2=15.92, P<0.001]. The distribution of diabetic patients with advanced adenoma was significantly higher than that of common adenoma patients [29.9% (32/107) vs. 14.7% (43/293); χ2=19.94, P<0.001]. The infection rate of Hp in advanced adenoma patients was significantly higher than that in common adenoma patients [66.4% (71/107) vs. 44.7% (131/293); χ2=14.69, P<0.001]. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, BMI, male, intestinal damp-heat syndrome, drinking history, diabetes history and Hp infection were risk factors for the development of patients with progressive adenomas ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Intestinal damp-heat syndrome is the key syndrome in patients with progressive adenoma, and age, BMI, male, history of alcohol consumption, history of diabetes mellitus and Hp infection are the risk factors for its development.

Objective:To investigate a cluster epidemic of COVID-19 after a mass gathering activity in Ningbo of Zhejiang province and analyze the transmission chain and status of infection cases of different generations.Methods:The tracking of all the close contacts of the first COVID-19 case and epidemiological investigation were conducted on January 29, 2020 after a cluster epidemic of COVID-19 related with a Buddhism rally on January 19 (the 1.19 rally) in Ningbo occurred. The swabs of nose/throat of the cases and close contacts were collected and tested for nucleic acids by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR.Results:From January 26 to February 20, 2020, a total of 67 COVID-19 cases and 15 asymptomatic infection cases related with the 1.19 rally were reported in Ningbo. The initial case was the infection source who infected 29 second generation cases and 4 asymptomatic infection cases, in whom 23 second generation cases and 3 asymptomatic infection cases once took bus with the initial case, the attack rate was 33.82% (23/68) and the infection rate was 38.24% (26/68). The risks of suffering from COVID-19 and being infected were 28.91 times and 26.01 times higher in rally participants taking bus with initial case compared with those taking no bus with initial case. In this epidemic, 37 third+generation cases and 11 related asymptomatic infection cases occurred, the attack rate was 2.88% (37/1 283) and the infection rate was 4.76% (48/1 008). The main transmission routes included vehicle sharing and family transmission.Conclusion:It was a cluster epidemic of COVID-19 caused by a super spreader in a massive rally. The epidemic has been under effective control.