Objective To explore the significance in judging the different clinical stages of relapsing polychondritis (RP) patients through examining the changes of aggrecanase and metabolic fragments of aggrecan.MethodsIn comparison with the control group (20 cases),40 patients were divided into the stable stage group (22 cases) and the active stage group (18 cases).The aggrecanase-generated neoeptitopes in cartilage matrix were analysed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot(WB) respectively.The mRNA and protein levels of aggrecanase-1,2 expressed in cartilage cells were measured by real-time reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and WB respectively.The difference of these results among these three groups was analyzed accordingly.ResultsThe expression of aggrecanase-1,2 in mRNA level was measured by real-time RT-PCR.The values of aggrecanase-1,2 mRNA 2 -ΔΔC1 were 1.00 ± 0.26 and 1.00 ± 0.27 in control group,1.47 ± 0.11 and 1.57 ± 0.13 in stable stage group,2.09 ±0.12 and 2.09 ± 0.19 in active stage group respectively.By one-way ANOVA analysis,the difference between every two groups was statistically significant (F was 299.113 and 459.013,P ＜ 0.01 ).In comparison with control group,aggrecanase-1,2 increased significantly in both stable and active stage group (P ＜ 0.01 ) and aggrecanase-1,2 increased more significantly in active stage group than in stable stage group (P ＜ 0.01 ).The results from WB analysis indicated that aggrecanase-1,2 could not be detected in control group,and they were detectable in stable stage group and increased in active stage group at the relative molecular of 68 000 Da or 73 000 Da respectively.The aggrecanase-generated neoeptitopes were analyzed by WB as well.The results indicated that NITEGE and ARGSV could be detected in stable stage group and increased in active stage group at the relative molecular of 70 000 Da or 48 000 Da respectively,but there were no signals in control group.Similar with the previous WB results,no signals of NITEGE or ARGSV eptitopes were detected in normal cartilage matrix ( no red staining) by use of immunohistochemical staining.However,in stable stage group and active stage group,these eptitopes were apparently detected (obviously red staining).ConclusionWith the progression of the RP,the activity of the aggrecanase is enhanced,and the degradation of the aggrecan is increased,associated with the severity of the disease.

Objective To investigate the effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) on the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in intestinal mucosa of mice with sepsis.Methods Thirty-six male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group and UHF group,n =12 in each group.Model of intestinal injury in sepsis was induced by CLP.In sham group,the mice were exposed without ligation of cecum.In UFH group,the mice were treated intravenously with 8 U of UFH via the tail vein half an hour before the operation and 12 hours after the surgery respectively.Six mice in each group were randomly chosen at 4 hours and 24 hours after operation to collect inferior vena venous blood samples and terminalileum tissues.The serum levels of interleukins (IL-1 β,IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The serum level of D-lactate was determined by colorimetry.Pathological changes of ileum tissue and Chiu score were observed after hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining.The HO-1 expression was detected immunohistochemically.Results In sham group,no significant changes in the serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-6,TNF-α and D-lactate were observed.Twenty-four hours after the operation,the structure of intestinal mucosa was basically normal without obvious pathology change and no HO-1 positive cells were found.The serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-6,TNF-α,and D-lactate in CLP group were gradually increased,and they were significantly increased as compared with sham group [IL-1 β (ng/L):40.87±2.88 vs.22.60±2.05 at 4 hours,113.73±3.96 vs.22.07±2.74 at 24 hours;IL-6 (ng/L):63.89±3.26 vs.44.89±3.38 at 4 hours,176.56±5.45 vs.45.76±4.02 at 24 hours;TNF-α (ng/L):194.62± 14.13 vs.152.05±6.22 at 4 hours,599.62± 10.20 vs.155.90± 14.18 at 24 hours;D-lactate (mmol/L):0.24± 0.02 vs.0.19 ± 0.01 at 4 hours,0.33 ± 0.04 vs.0.20 ± 0.02 at 24 hours,all P ＜ 0.05].Twenty-four hours after the operation,edema and inflammation in ileal mucosa,intestinal villi structural damage were observed,the Chiu score was significantly higher than those in the sham group [4.5 (3.0-5.0) vs.0 (0-1.0),P ＜ 0.05],and a small amount of HO-1 positive cells were localized in the intestinal mucosa.Compared with CLP group,the serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-6,TNF-α,and D-lactate of UFH group were significantly decreased [IL-1 β (ng/L):31.53 ± 2.90 vs.40.87 ± 2.88 at 4 hours,61.13 ± 2.80 vs.113.73 ± 3.96 at 24 hours;IL-6 (ng/L):51.16 ± 5.68 vs.63.89 ± 3.26 at 4 hours,81.16 ± 4.54 vs.176.56 ± 5.45 at 24 hours;TNF-α (ng/L):171.76± 5.60 vs.194.62± 14.13 at 4 hours,328.48 ± 10.79 vs.599.62± 10.20 at 24 hours;D-lactate (mmol/L):0.21 ±0.01 vs.0.24±0.02 at 4 hours,0.24±0.02 vs.0.33±0.04 at 24 hours,all P ＜ 0.05].Twenty-four hours after the operation,intestinal injury was ameliorated,the Chiu score was significantly lower [1.5 (1.0-5.0) vs.4.5 (3.0-5.0),P ＜ 0.05],and HO-1 positive cells in the intestinal mucosa was remarkably increased.Conclusion UFH can enhance the expression of HO-1 in intestinal mucosa,reduce the release of inflammatory factors,ameliorate the intestinal inflammatory response,and thus play a protective role in intestinal tissue in mice with sepsis.

Objective:Use the droplet digital PCR (ddRCR) technology to establish, optimize and evaluate the method of EGFR-T790M mutation detection.Methods:The relevant probes and primers were designed for EGFR-T790M mutations. The ddPCR reaction system was established, the optimal annealing temperature was set and the basic performance of the method was tested. On this basis, from January 2019 to October 2019, 72 cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples from NSCLC patients were collected from Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, and clinically verified. The consistency of the gene mutation detections with Bole ddPCR products was analyzed using Kappa test.Results:The ddPCR reaction system was established and optimized. Linear evaluation showed the R2 value was greater than 0.99. Using ddPCR, the blank detection limit was determined to be the numbers of mutant droplets≥2, with excellent specificity. For the sensitivity analysis, the lower limit of mutation detection was determined to be at least 0.05%. In the repeatability and inter-assay precision tests, the results had a coefficient of variation( CV)<20%. The relative deviation of the results was within the range of±10% for the accuracy analysis. Using the established T790M mutation detection method, 72 samples from the NSCLC patients were tested for genetic mutation in cfDNA, and the overall agreement with the Bole ddPCR products was 91.67% (66/72, Kappa=0.749; P<0.001). Conclusion:Using ddPCR, the method of EGFR-T790M mutation detection for NSCLC was successfully established.

Purpose To compare the CTPA image quality by using contrast agent with different concentration at different injection rate so as to provide suitable contrast agent injection for patients.Materials and Methods A total of 346 patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism who required to undergo CTPA examination were randomly assigned to high (370 mgI/ml) and low (320 mgI/ml) concentration groups,and each group was further divided into six subgroups with different velocity (3.0,3.2,3.4,3.6,3.8 and 4.0 ml/s).The CT value of the main pulmonary artery,right pulmonary upper lobe artery and right lung under leaf posterior basal segmental artery was measured.Results In the high concentration group,there were no significant differences in pulmonary artery average CT value,noise,single to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) among the subgroups with different velocity (P＞0.05).In the low concentration group,the difference was not statistically significant in pulmonary artery average CT value (P＞0.05) among the subgroups with different velocity;however,the noise,SNR and CNR of 3.0 ml/s subgroup had significant differences compared with other subgroups (P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in average CT value of pulmonary artery between the subgroups with the same velocity in the two concentration groups (P＞0.05).In addition,except that the noise,SNR and CNR of 3.0 ml/s subgroup showed significant differences with other subgroups either in high concentration group or in low concentration group (P＜0.05),there were no significant differences in the above-mentioned parameters among other subgroups with the same velocity in both groups (P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with high concentration contrast agent,the image obtained by using low concentration contrast agent shows no difference in pulmonary artery average CT value but with low iodine flow and iodine flow rate,which can reduce the risks of contrast media induced nephropathy (CIN) and contrast agent extravasation.

OBJECTIVETo detect expression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), and glutathione S-transferase (GST-pi), and to evaluate its clinical significance in neuroblastoma (NB).

METHODSSP immunohistochemical technique was used to investigate expression of P-gp, MRP, and GST-pi in 70 cases of NB.

RESULTSThe frequency of expression of P-gp, MRP, and GST-pi was 61.4%, 38.6%, and 51.4%, respectively. The coexpression rate of P-gp and MRP, P-gp and GST-pi, MRP and GST-pi, P-gp, MRP and GST-pi was 32.9%, 35.7%, 27.1%, and 24.3%, respectively. Significant positive correlation was observed between P-gp and MRP expression (P = 0.001), and between MRP and GST-pi expression (P = 0.012), but no correlation was found between P-gp and GST-pi expression. The expression of P-gp and MRP was higher in tumors from patients over 1 year old compared with those less than 1 year old at diagnosis (P = 0.01, 0.018, respectively). MRP expression was higher in tumors from the metastatic than the non metastatic groups (P = 0.015). All tested proteins showed significant relationship to the differentiation of the tumor (P = 0.006, 0.000, 0.019, respectively), but no correlation was found to the stage of NB or sex of the patients. MRP expression was significantly related to the reduction of both median survival time and the two-year cumulative survival (P = 0.02). In contrast, P-gp and GST-pi expression had no correlation with survival.

CONCLUSIONSThe intrinsic multidrug resistance of NB involves the combined effects of P-gp, MRP, and GST-pi. MRP expression may be an important parameter in predicting the prognosis of patients with NB.

ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; biosynthesis ; Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Glutathione S-Transferase pi ; Glutathione Transferase ; biosynthesis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infant ; Isoenzymes ; biosynthesis ; Male ; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Neuroblastoma ; metabolism ; mortality ; Survival Rate

Objective: To understand and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of dental caries in children and its effects on jaw function, so as to prevent occurrence of abnormality of jaw function. Methods: In October 2020, 860 cases of children from 5 kindergartens and 3 primary schools in Beijing were selected by adopting the convenience sampling method. All of them received oral examination, and the questionnaire according to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey standard, including demographic information, eating habits, oral hygiene habits, oral health care,etc. The epidemiological characteristics of dental caries in children and its effects on jaw function were analyzed. Results: A total of 190 children had dental caries, with a dental caries incidence rate of 22.09%. Dental caries in children s deciduous teeth or permanent teeth was related to age, residence, parents education level,whethe to eat before going to bed, whether eating sweet food, tooth brushing age, daily brushing frequency, whether parents have assisted tooth brushing, whether regular oral examination, whether parents have received oral health guidance( χ 2= 5.04 ,4.70，75.37，7.91，12.03，9.30，7.64，255.47，253.27，11.38, P <0.05). Compared with the noncaries group[(81.52±3.16， 80.54± 1.52，1.92±0.25，31.52±1.62，33.63±3.41，50.72±1.68)°], the sella nasion A point(SNA), sella nasion B point(SNB),A point nasion B point(ANB),frankfot horizontal mandibular plane angle(FH MP),skull nasion mandibular plane angle(SN MP),anteriors relationship palataplane mandibular(Ptm ANS) decreased in the dental caries group[(78.62±2.11，79.35±1.02，1.68±0.32，30.69±0.45，32.15±3.02，48.62±1.21)°](t=78.62,79.35,10.94, 30.69, 32.15, 48.62, P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of caries in children was high and jaw structure abnormalities and dysfunction. It is suggested that caries prevention and control work should be carried out early to strengthen the prevention and control of oral disease education work.

Objective To summarize the experiences of diagnosing and treating acute pancreatitis (AP) after kidney transplantation .Methods From September 2007 to December 2017 , clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 12 AP patients after kidney transplantation .Results They were diagnosed as AP within 72 h after an onset of abdominal pain .Among 4 recurrent cases within 1 week post-transplantation ,the curative interventions included non-operative therapy (n=2) and peripancreatic puncture & drainage (n=2) .AP occurred at 1 year post-transplantation (n=8) . Three cases were cured non-surgically while another 5 cases underwent surgery . The procedures included laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( n = 1 ) , endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for cholelithiasis (n=1) and peripancreatic puncture & drainage (n= 2) .One patient died after surgical debridement for adjacent pancreatic tissue .Conclusions After kidney transplantation , the occurrence of AP may be associated with immunosuppressants interfering with triglyceride metabolism and pancreatic microcirculation .For those with cholelithiasis-related pancreatitis ,surgical removal of precipitating factor is required .Mini-invasive puncture and drainage are preferred for severe non-gallstone pancreatitis while surgery is performed whenever necessary .

Objective: To investigate the ethical decision-making process of breaking confidentiality when counselors dealing with self-inflicted injury and suicide issues in college situation. Methods: A semi-structural interview was addressed to 10 counselors from 7 college counseling centers in Beijing, among whom with (10 ± 8) years of experience on average in this field. Content analysis method was used to transcription of the interviewing data. Results: Totally 8 counselors had received ethical training more or less, and attached great importance to ethical codes. There were still some conflicts between school regulations and confidentiality rules in 7 university counseling centers. Different counselors varied greatly in decision-making on breaking confidentiality when facing college students' self-inflicted injury and suicide. Faced with conflicts between college demands and confidentiality principles, counselors could take the professional standpoint and consider more of the interests of students. Conclusion: The decision-making process on self-inflicted injury and suicide confidentiality breakthrough needs to be standardized. College's attention and support to the counseling work should be strengthen and enhance ethical awareness.

Autoimmune liver diseases （ALD） are a group of chronic inflammatory liver diseases mediated by autoimmune response and can progress to liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， and even liver failure. Early diagnosis， early treatment， and dynamic follow-up of liver fibrosis in ALD may help to improve the prognosis of the disease and even reverse early-stage liver cirrhosis. Due to the limitations and potential risks of liver biopsy， the search for noninvasive techniques has become a research hotspot in the field of liver fibrosis. This article reviews the recent research advances in serum markers and imaging techniques for liver fibrosis in ALD and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each detection method and their development trends.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum markers β amyloid (Aβ), tau and thyroid hormone levels and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. Methods A total of 214 patients with acute cerebral infarction were enrolled. The baseline data and serological indicators were collected and the cognitive function of patients was evaluated. All patients were divided into cognitive impairment group and normal group based on follow-up results. The differences of Aβ1-42, tau protein and thyroxine levels between the two groups and their relationship with disease progression were analyzed. The Cox regression analysis and ROC curve were used to compare the above parameters to predict the development of PSCI. Results The total protein level of Tau (210.6 ±98.9 pg/mL) was higher and Aβ1-42 (426.1 ±123.5 pg/mL) and triiodothyronine (T3) (1.43 ±0.57 nmol/L), free thyroxine (FT4) (13.15±2.23 pmol/L) was significantly lower in the cognitive impairment group than in the normal group (P<0.05). Tau protein (r=-0.457), Aβ1-42 (r=0.348), T3 (r=0.211), and FT4 (r=0.306) were all associated with disease progression (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that Aβ1-42 and T3 were important influencing factors in the occurrence of PSCI. The area under the curve of Aβ1-42 combined with T3 was 0.841. The specificity and the sensitivity were 74.8% and 85.3%, respectively, with a diagnostic cutoff value of 0.572. Conclusion Aβ1-42 and T3 levels in the acute phase of cerebral infarction may predict the progression of PSCI.