At present,radiofrequency ablation (RFA),as a minimally-invasive and effective therapeutic means,is widely employed for the treatment of hepatic tumors.This technique is especially suitable for the patients with liver tumor who are unwilling to accept surgery or who cannot undergo surgery.In the past 20 years,great development and progress have been achieved in RFA technology.As a main therapeutic tool,the property of the radiofrequency electrode needle has great influence on the curative effect.This paper aims to make a comprehensive summary about the radiofrequency electrode needles that are currently used in clinical practice or are still in the research and development stage,focusing on the following special radiofrequency electrode needles,including multiple-point expandable electrode needle,perfusion electrode needle,internal cooling electrode needle and bipolar electrode needle.The properties and distinguishing features of these radiofrequency electrode needles will be discussed,and their advantages and disadvantages will be compared.In order to improve the curative effect of RFA for hepatic tumors,further research is suggested.

AIM: To culture astrocytes from human donor eyes in order to understand the function of astrocytes in remodelling events in the glaucomatous optic nerve head (ONH).METHODS: Primary cultures were prepared by explantation of human ONH tissue in order to get astrocytes. Laminar criborsa (LC) cells were prepared concurrently for comparison. Astrocyte cultures could be separated from LC cells by selecting medium.Similar procedures were used for LC.RESULTS: Primary ceils grew from human optic nerve head explants 4-8 weeks after explantation. Astrocytes had different morphologies and growth characteristics from LC cells. Type 1B astrocyte cells could grow in medium without FBS. Purified cultures were obtained by second passage and could be harvested by third to fifth passage, which were prepared to use for further study, including being characterized by positive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) staining.CONCLUSION: Precise dissection of fragment is the most important step to get clear explants for primary culture. Economic and rapid method could be useful to select cells by different mediums, which will help us to get more purified cells for further study.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi resources in rhizosphere of Chaenomeles speciosa in Xuancheng, Anhui province.

METHODRoots were stained with acid fuchsin and then mounted and observed under a microscope; Spores were extracted from the rhizosphere soil using wet-sieving method.

RESULTC. speciosa could be colonized and formed typical arbuscular mycorrhizas with AM fingi. 18 species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were identified, belonging to four genera, 11 species of Glomus, 3 species of Acaulospora, 3 species of Scutellospora and 1 species of Entrophospora. Glomus were the dominant AM fungi in the rhizosphere.

CONCLUSIONThe resources of AM fungi in rhiszophere of C. speciosa were very abundant. Fungi from Glomus were possible the dominant AMF in the rhizosphere.

China ; Mycorrhizae ; classification ; Plant Roots ; microbiology ; Rosaceae ; microbiology

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics and prevention of urinary tract infections in chronic renal failure(CRF) patients.METHODS An analysis of pathogens and clinical characteristics of 96 hospitalized patients with CRF complicating urinary tract infections was performed.RESULTS Among CRF patients complicating urinary system infections,the most common pathogens were Escherichia coli(51.03%),Klebsiella pneumoniae(12.50%),Staphylococcus epidermidis(11.46),etc.There were no significant difference between symptom group and non-symptom group.But they were obviously more among senile patients over 60 years old in the asymptomatic group,accounted for 67.50% and significantly higher than that in symptomatic group(39.29%,P

5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)is a monoamine neurotransmitter,which plays a key role in regulating gastroin-testinal motility,antioxidation and immunomodulation.Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is characterized by repetitive epi-sodes of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract,and its pathogenesis hasn't been illustrated completely.In recent years,the role of 5-HT in the development of IBD has drawn attention gradually.Therefore,this article reviews the advances of 5-HT in the pathogenesis of IBD and focuses on the pathways of autophagy,oxidative stress,inflammatory reaction,endoplasmic reticu-lum stress and gut microbiota through which 5-HT causes IBD,with the hope of providing insights for identifying novel prognos-tic biomarkers and exploring new therapies.

Purpose: Emerging evidence from animal models suggests that intermittent hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Despite their biological plausibility, human epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to delineate this relationship. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for eligible studies from inception until June 6, 2021. Two reviewers selected randomized trials or observational studies reporting the association between OSA and breast cancer incidence compared with those without OSA. Two reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We pooled the maximally covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) using a random-effects inverse varianceweighted meta-analysis and performed pre-specified subgroup analyses. Results: We included six studies out of 1,707 records, comprising a combined cohort of 5,165,200 patients. All studies used the International Classification of Diseases codes to classify OSA and breast cancer. OSA patients had a 36% increased breast cancer risk (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.80; N = 6, I 2 = 96%) compared to those without OSA. Most studies adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and hypertension. Subgroup analyses for studies with (1) multivariate adjustment and (2) at least five years of follow-up yielded HRs of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.98–1.87; N = 5, I 2 = 96%) and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14–2.18; N = 4; I 2 = 90%), respectively. One Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal relationship, with a two-fold increase in the odds of breast cancer in patients with OSA. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggested that OSA is a risk factor for breast cancer. Future studies should explore the dose-response relationship between OSA and breast cancer, and whether treatment may mitigate breast cancer risk or progression.

Objective:To explore the rehabilitation effect of multi-factor intervention based on the Finnish model of prevention of cognitive impairment in the elderly on patients with cognitive impairment after first-episode stroke, and to provide reference for rehabilitation nursing of cognitive impairment after stroke.Methods:The quasi-experiment research scheme was adopted and convenience sampling method was used to select participants with first-episode stroke cognitive impairment hospitalized in the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University Airport Site. The 50 patients admitted from January to June 2022 were selected as the control group, and 50 patients admitted from July to December 2022 were selected as the intervention group. The control group received routine rehabilitation nursing and health education, and the intervention group received the Finnish model of prevention of cognitive impairment in the elderly on patients before discharge on the basis of the control group. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Health Education Compliance Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients were used to evaluate the changes of overall cognitive function and rehabilitation compliance before intervention, 3 and 6 months after intervention.Results:The final control group included 49 cases, including 35 males and 14 females, aged (64.67 ± 7.47) years old; the intervention group included 50 cases, 32 males and 18 females, aged (66.68 ± 8.75) years old. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in overall cognitive function and compliance of rehabilitation score ( P>0.05). At 3 and 6 months after intervention, the overall cognitive function score, the total score on compliance of rehabilitation, dimension scores of diet compliance, exercise rehabilitation compliance and health behavior compliance of the intervention group were (26.36±2.36) , (125.96 ± 13.80) , (23.30 ± 5.26) , (27.72 ± 4.46) , (43.66 ± 6.80) and (27.26 ± 3.71) , (152.44 ± 9.06) , (30.12 ± 6.42) , (33.32 ± 3.02) , (52.36 ± 4.70) , respectively. They were higher than the control group (24.04 ± 4.50) , (116.67 ± 10.26) , (19.31 ± 3.95) , (25.29 ± 3.45) , (40.59 ± 4.33) and (24.27 ± 4.33) , (138.92 ± 16.71) , (24.20 ± 4.48) , (30.00 ± 5.53) , (47.65 ± 8.03) , and the differences had statistical significance ( t values were -5.31- -2.67, all P<0.05). According to the variance analysis of repeated measurement, intergroup and time factor, the interaction between groups and time had significant impact on general cognitive function score, the total score of rehabilitation compliance, the dimension scores of diet, exercise rehabilitation and health behavior compliance ( Fgroup values were 8.33-18.08, Ftime values were 135.71-944.69, Finteraction values were 5.46-27.30, all P<0.05) . Time factor had significant impact on patient medication adherence score ( Ftime=206.23, P<0.05) . Conclusions:Multi-factor intervention based on the Finnish model of prevention of cognitive impairment in the elderly can improve the overall cognitive function and rehabilitation compliance of patients with cognitive impairment after first-episode stroke.

OBJECTIVETo calculate the actual expenditures in a county of Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province, China by using the method of National AIDS Spending Assessment (NASA) in 2010.

METHODSData were collected through NASA data collection form based on adapted NASA classification in the county of Dehong prefecture from October to December, 2011, and complemented by semi-structured interview with 16 well trained programmatic and financial representatives in 8 spending units. Data were entered in Resource Tracking Software (RTS) V 2009.3.0, and SPSS 13.0 was used for data processing and analysis.

RESULTSThe NASA estimations showed that the county spent a total of ¥16 235 954 on HIV/AIDS in 2010. Public funds constituted 96.3% of the total expenditure (¥15 630 937), followed by Global Fund which accounted for 3.0% (¥484 585) and private sources which accounted for 0.7% (¥120 432). Findings based on NASA categories showed that AIDS spendings were mainly on 4 areas, and expenditure on Care & Treatment was ¥12 401 382 (76.4% of total expenditure), followed by Prevention which accounted for 14.3% (¥2 325 707), Program Management & Administration which accounted for 7.8% (¥1 268 523) and human resources which accounted for 1.5% (¥240 342). The most beneficial population group was People Living with HIV (PLHIV), accounting for 84.7% of total expenditure. (¥13 753 428), followed by 4.8% for high risk population, including female sex workers and their partners (¥297 333), injection drug users and their partners (¥293 143), men having sex with men and their partners (¥185 136) and 1.5% (¥241 429) for the general population.

CONCLUSIONThe local funds for HIV/AIDS in this county was insufficient. The local government should increase corresponding funds based on central government funding. Care and treatment was the first spending priority in the county and the investment of prevention services needs to be increased. Prevention and treatment and care should be combined to ensure the effectiveness of comprehensive prevention and treatment of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; economics ; prevention & control ; China ; Financing, Government ; economics ; Health Expenditures ; Humans ; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care) ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo comprehensive evaluate the rationality of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) expenditure through the analysis of AIDS expenditure circumstances based on the application of National AIDS Spending Assessment in Dehong prefecture in 2010.

METHODSDemographic and economic indicators of Mang City, Yingjiang, Longchuan, Ruili City, Lianghe and Wanting zone in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province were collected from the reports issued by Dehong Statistical Bureau of 2010, and HIV/AIDS epidemic indicators were collected from the annual report of national AIDS prevention and control data.NASA method was used to analyze the actual spending and demand index was used to calculate the demand of AIDS funding in these counties (cities). The correlations between HIV/AIDS expenditures and demographic, economic and HIV/AIDS epidemic index were analyzed, respectively, as well as the correlation between the expenditures of AIDS prevention and control and proportion of major transmission approaches.

RESULTSIn 2010, the actual expenditures on HIV/AIDS in the 5 counties (cities) of Dehong prefecture was ¥28 752 772, the population was 1 211 400, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was ¥11 693. The intervention expenditures in injection drug users, sexually transmitted people, and prevention of mother to child transmission in Ruili county were ¥130 345, ¥71 484 and ¥164 100, the proportions of HIV transmission in these groups were 23.9% (49/205), 73.7% (151/205), and 0.5% (1/205), respectively; and in Lianghe county was ¥141 665, ¥257 142, and ¥99 961, and the proportions of HIV transmission were 17.1% (6/35), 80.0% (28/35) and 0.0% (0/35), respectively. The intervention expenditures in Ruili and Lianghe counties were positive related to the proportion of corresponding people with HIV infection (both r values were 0.99, all P values < 0.05). In the other 4 counties (cities) and the development zone, no correlations. The expenditures of government departments, international projects, domestic research programs and personal and family pays (r value were 0.94, 0.83, 0.99 and 0.88, respectively, all P values < 0.05) were positive related to the number.Except the personal and family pays, other sources of expenditures were all positive related to the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases (r values were 0.94, 0.89 and 0.81, respectively, all P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPopulation and HIV/AIDS epidemic index were considered as factors in AIDS spending. The expenditures corresponded with the demand of different areas basically.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; economics ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; China ; epidemiology ; Health Expenditures ; Humans

Objective: To study the effect of oral metformin on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 364 patients with gastric cancer admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University from January 2013 to December 2017 were collected.The patients were divided into metformin group (31 cases), non-metformin group (35 cases) and non-diabetic group (298 cases) according to whether they were diabetes or treated with metformin.The mortality and survival of the three groups were compared. Results: The mortality rate was 12.9%(4/31) in the metformin group, 74.3%(26/35) in the non-metformin group, 52.0%(155/298) in the non-diabetic group, and the mortality rate in the metformin group was lower than that in the other two groups, the differences were statistically significant(χ²=10.081, P=0.001; χ²=7.681, P=0.006), and the metformin group had the lowest mortality rate.There was no statistically significant difference between the non-metformin group and the non-diabetic group (χ²=1.665, P=0.197). The survival time of the metformin group, non-metformin group and non-diabetic group were (29.017±16.254) months, (9.692±10.355) months and (16.748±8.526)months, respectively.The survival time of the metformin group was longer than that of the non-metformin group (t=5.827, P=0.000) and the non-diabetic group (t=6.843, P=0.000), and the survival time of the non-diabetic group was longer than that of the non-metformin group (t=4.523, P=0.000), and the overall survival of patients in the metformin group was prolonged.Clinical staging, treatment of gastric cancer, alcohol consumption and oral metformin treatment were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Conclusion Oral metformin can improve the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer and prolong the life of patients.