There are eight forms of vitamin E in human blood, including α-, β-, γ-, δ-tocopherols and α-, β-, γ-, δ-tocotrienols. As the most abundant and active form of vitamin E, α-tocopherol is widely accepted as a reliable indicator for nutritional assessment of body vitamin E status across the world. Considering that different vitamin E forms have diverse biological activities, separation and detection of different vitamin E forms in human blood facilitates the understanding of the association between vitamin E and diseases. In this review, the advances in sample-pretreatment techniques and detection techniques for vitamin E in human blood were presented. Currently, the sample-pretreatment techniques include solid-phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, dispersive liquid-phase microextraction, supported liquid extraction and direct protein precipitation; the detection techniques include automatic biochemical analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography mass spectrometry. This review summarizes the characteristics and scope of above-mentioned techniques used for detection of vitamin E in human blood, so as to provide insights into the selection of an appropriate method for inspection technicians.

Objective:To investigate the value of left ventricular opacification (LVO) for measuring left ventricular (LV) remodeling parameters in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.Methods:Sixty-nine STEMI patients in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from April 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled. The apical four-chamber, three-chamber and two-chamber views of LV were collected with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced modes. According to the endocardium display in the unenhanced mode, all patients were divided into two groups: excellent image quality group ( n=23) and poor image quality group ( n=46). The endocardial segment display rate and mural thrombus diagnosis rate were compared between the two groups, and the improvement of LV overall image quality and LV apex display were evaluated in the poor image quality group.LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV), LV end systolic volume (LVESV), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced modes, respectively. The differences and repeatability of LV remodeling measurements of LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF and GLS in each group were compared with unenhanced and contrast-enhanced modes, and the feasibility and accuracy of GLS in contrast-enhanced mode were evaluated. Results:①Regardless of the image quality in the unenhanced mode, the display rate of endocardial segment in the contrast-enhanced mode was higher than that in the unenhanced mode (all P<0.05). ②For the poor image quality group, the overall image quality of LV and the display of LV apex were significantly improved in the contrast-enhanced mode (all P<0.05). ③For the poor image quality group, LVESV in contrast-enhanced mode was higher, while LVEF and GLS were lower than those in the unenhanced mode (all P<0.05). ④The correlation between GLS measured in contrast-enhanced and unenhanced mode was 0.912, and most of the measurements in the two modes were within the consistency threshold. For the poor image quality group, compared with GLS measured in the unenhanced mode, the correlation between GLS and LVEF measured in the contrast-enhanced mode was higher (0.731 vs 0.709). ⑤For the excellent image quality group, the interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of most parameters were increased slightly in the contrast-enhanced mode, especially among interobservers. For the poor image quality group, the intra- and inter-observers′ ICC of LV remodeling mearsurements were increased significantly in the contrast-enhanced mode. Conclusions:LVO can more clearly display the LV structure of STEMI patients and obtain more repeatable LV remodeling measurements such as LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF and GLS, especially for patients with poor image quality.

Basic Requirements of Teaching Basic Courses of Computer in Universities proposed pro-moting reforms to universities' computer basic education, whose core was to cultivate the students' computational thinking ability, infiltrating the essential thinking method of computational science in content and design of the course. Tianjin Medical University distinguished different levels of students according to a proficiency test, implemented graded teaching, introduced MATLAB in the course of program design, and performed modular teaching according to the students' specialties. All courses implemented small class teaching to strengthen the students' ability to apply computational thinking and computer technology to medical practice and introduced network-based test, in order to provide ideas for the teaching reform of computer basic courses in medical col-leges and universities.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Liangxue Huoxue decoction on intestinal flora, intestinal barrier and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis signaling pathway in mice model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods:The model of AKI was established by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), sepsis group (CLP group) and sepsis+Liangxue Huoxue decoction (CLP+LXHX group), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in Sham group only underwent laparotomy. Two hours before model establishment, mice in CLP+LXHX group were treated with Liangxue Huoxue decoction (6 g/kg) by gavage; mice in Sham group and CLP group were given equal volume of normal saline by gavages. After 24 hours of modeling, all mice were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the colon and kidney tissues and fresh feces in the colon were taken. The pathological changes of kidney and colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining under light microscope. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect inflammatory factors (interleukins, IL-1β and IL-18) in renal tissue. The expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were detected by Western blotting. The changes of intestinal flora in mice were detected by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing.Results:Compared with the Sham group, the inflammatory cell infiltration of the kidney tissue was increased and the kidney became vacuolated in CLP group, the mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-18, and the protein expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were significantly increased in CLP group, the species richness of intestinal microflora decreased significantly, the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Escherichia-Shigella increased significantly, and the relative abundance of Ileibacterium, Alloprevotella, Lachnospiraceae, Klebsiella and Parasutterella increased significantly in CLP group. Compared with CLP group, Liangxue Huoxue decoction can significantly reduce the pathological changes of kidney and colon tissue, reduce the pathological score (1.75±0.43 vs. 3.50±0.50 for kidney tissue, 1.25±0.43 vs. 4.50±0.50 for colon tissue, both P < 0.05), improve the composition of intestinal flora, reduce the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Escherichia-Shigella, and significantly increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. In addition, Liangxue Huoxue decoction can significantly reduce mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 in kidney tissue [IL-1β mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.59±0.05 vs. 4.61±0.88, IL-18 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.69±0.17 vs. 2.86±0.63, both P < 0.05] and the protein expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD (NLRP3/GAPDH: 0.71±0.04 vs. 0.89±0.01, caspase-1/GAPDH: 1.04±0.04 vs. 1.48±0.04, GSDMD/GAPDH: 0.90±0.01 vs. 1.41±0.02, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Liangxue Huoxue decoction has obvious protective effect on AKI induced by sepsis. It can improve intestinal barrier by regulating intestinal flora, thereby inhibiting the activation of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in kidney tissue and reducing the expression of proptosis-related inflammatory factors.

Objective:To explore the biological behavior of small tumor (≤1.0 cm) breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis as the first symptom, and to provide a powerful reference for clinical accurate treatment.Methods:The clinical, pathological and follow-up data of 60 breast cancer patients with small tumor and axillary lymph node metastasis as the first symptom admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from 2017 to 2019 were analyzed retrospectively (study group). Meanwhile, non-small tumor with negative lymph node (control group A), non-small tumor with positive lymph node (control group B) and small tumor with negative lymph node (control group C) were included as control groups. Selected estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(Her-2) and Ki67 to compare and analyze the difference between primary lesions and axillary lymph node metastasis, and made a comprehensive analysis with the follow-up data.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the four indexes in primary lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes between the study group and the control group ( P>0.05). The expression of HER-2 in control group B, study group, control group C, control group A showed a decreasing trend. In the study group, there were 19 cases with >3 axillary lymph node metastasis, the positive rate of HER-2 was 11/19, and 37 cases with 3 lymph node metastasis, the positive rate of HER-2 was 21.6%(8/37), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the expression of ER, PR and Ki67 ( P>0.05). In control group B, there was no significant difference between the groups with >3 axillary lymph node metastasis and 3 groups ( P>0.05). Combined with the follow-up data, in the study group with >3 lymph node metastasis, there were 4 cases with distant metastasis and Ki67 expression rate was 4/4, while there were 13 cases with no distant metastasis and Ki67 expression rate was 5/13, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The expressions of ER, PR, Her-2 and Ki67 in primary breast cancer including small tumor and axillary lymph node metastasis are consistent. In most cases, the overall condition can be evaluated by biological indicators of primary disease, but some patients do have inconsistencies, which should arouse the attention of clinicians for comprehensive condition evaluation. Her-2 positive expression seems to be related to axillary lymph node metastasis as a whole, especially in small tumor breast cancer with T≤1.0 cm. For patients with axillary lymph node metastasis and invasive ductal carcinoma with primary lesion ≤1.0 cm, the high expression of Ki67 seems to indicate that distant metastasis is more likely to occur in the longer term.

Accompanied by the rapid improvement of clinical diagnosis and treatment technology and the needs of scientific research, the training of higher professional talents represented by breast surgery postgraduates is facing many challenges. Based on the above background, this study puts forward the new teaching mode combining online and offline, involving evidence-based medicine guidelines, strengthening the aesthetic concept and humanistic teaching quality into the breast surgery teaching system to improve the teaching concept and teaching mode. Through the intuitive information teaching means and clinical case analysis, the students' independent learning and thinking ability can be cultivated. Finally, we look forward to improving the scientific research level and the cultivation of breast surgeons with outstanding comprehensive ability and medical humanistic quality from the optimization of teaching modes.

Fibroblasts are stromal cells widely distributed in tissues and organs throughout the body.Fibroblasts are involved in the synthesis and remodelling of the extracellular matrix.Fibroblasts participate in physiopathological processes such as tissue damage repair,inflammatory responses and immune regulation.Large numbers of activated fibroblasts have been found in fibrosis,autoimmune diseases and tumor lesions.Activated fibroblasts participate in tissue fibrosis and influence the tumor microenvi-ronment mainly by secreting collagen and fibronectin.They also secrete a variety of inflammatory and growth factors that play an immunomodulatory role in autoimmunity and tumors.In recent years,it has been found that modulating fibroblast activation can effectively delay the development of these diseases,and that targeting fibroblast activation biomarkers can assess the development and treatment of these diseases.Therefore,the use of fibroblast-targeted drugs and therapeutic tools is expected to achieve new breakthroughs in the clinical management of fibrosis,autoimmune diseases and tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the composition and metabolites of gut microbiota in septic rats by fecal 16s rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics, and to preliminarily explore the effect and potential mechanism of gut microbiota and its metabolites on inflammatory response and multiple organ damage in sepsis. METHODS: Ten males healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham operated group (Sham group) and sepsis model group (CLP group) using a random number table method, with 5 rats in each group. A rat sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) method. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after modeling, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung and kidney tissues, and the pathological scores were evaluated. Fecal samples were collected, and 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics were used to screen microbiota, metabolites and potential signal pathways that may play an important role in disease outcomes. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to jointly analyze the gut microbiota and non-targeted metabolism. RESULTS: Compared with the Sham group, the degree of pathological damage to lung and kidney tissues in the CLP group was significantly increased (lung tissue score: 3.60±0.80 vs. 0.00±0.00, kidney tissue score: 2.40±0.80 vs. 0.00±0.00, both P < 0.01), the level of IL-6 and TNF-α in peripheral blood significantly increased [TNF-α (ng/L): 248.12±55.98 vs. 143.28±36.57, IL-6 (ng/L): 260.26±39.47 vs. 116.01±26.43, both P < 0.05], the species diversity of intestinal flora of rats in the CLP group was significantly reduced, the relative abundance of Morganella, Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella were significantly increased, and the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Ruminococcus, Romboutsia and Roseburia were significantly reduced. In addition, the biosynthesis and bile secretion of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in the gut microbiota of the CLP group were significantly increased, while the biosynthesis of secondary bile acids was significantly reduced. There was a significant correlation between differential metabolites and differential microbiota. CONCLUSIONS Sepsis can cause significant changes in the characteristics of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in rats, which provides a basis for translational research to seek new targets for the treatment of sepsis.
Rats ; Male ; Animals ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Interleukin-6 ; Rats, Wistar ; Sepsis

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Objective: To investigate the influences of cardiovascular risk factors on left ventricular wall motion function in patients treated with epirubicin chemotherapy by layer-specific two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI). Methods: Sixty-four female patients with breast cancer treated with epirubicin and 36 controls from June 2018 to March 2019 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were included. According to the numbers of cardiovascular risk factors, the patients were divided into group A (without cardiovascular risk factors, 31 cases), group B (single cardiovascular risk factor, 20 cases), and group C (multiple cardiovascular risk factors, 13 cases). All patients underwent echocardiography before and after epirubicin respectively. Global longitudinal strain, circumferential strain, radial strain (GLS, GCS, GRS), endocardial and epicardial layers of GLS and GCS (endoGLS, epiGLS, endoGCS, epiGCS) were obtained by EchoPAC software analysis. The differences of GLS, EndoGLS, EpiGLS, GCS, EndoGCS, EpiGCS and GRS before and after chemotheraphy were calculated as ΔGLS, ΔEndoGLS, ΔEpiGLS, ΔGCS, ΔEndoGCS, ΔEpiGCS and ΔGRS. Results: Compared with before chemotherapy, GLS, EndoGLS, EpiGLS, GCS, EndoGCS, EpiGCS and GRS were significantly reduced in group A, B and C after chemotherapy (all P<0.05). ΔEndoGLS and ΔEndoGCS showed an increasing trend in groups A, B and C, with statistical significance (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that after chemotherapy with epirubicin, the numbers of cardiovascular risk factors were significantly correlated with strain parameters, and the correlation coefficient of EndoGLS was relatively higher (r=-0.582, P<0.001). Conclusions Layer-specific imaging can reliably detect the influences of cardiovascular risk factors on the left ventricular wall motion function in breast cancer patients treated with epirubicin. Parameters reflecting the endocardial longitudinal systolic function are sensitive indicators for the early detectin of myocardial damage and toxicity by epirubicin in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.