Objective To evaluate the value of gemstone spectral imaging (GSI)and multi artifact reduction system(MARs)in re-ducing metallic implants artifacts,and find the best monochromatic images.Methods Twenty-one patients with metal implants in our hospital receievd GSI examination ,MARS reconstruction and polychromatic images(140 kVp).Eleven groups of monochromatic and MARS images were obtained from 40 keV to 140 keV every interval of 10 keV by the special GSI viewer ,respetively.Subjective image quality of two methods were assessed by 3 radiologists in consensus.For every patient one group monochromatic images and blend enery images were selected two heaviest artifacts level and no artifacts level,the CT value and the standard deviations(SD)value of the region of interest(ROI)were meatured of artifacts.Contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and artifacts index(AI)were also caculated and were analyzed with paired-t test.Results There was significant statistical differences of CNR between energy spectral images and blend energy images in energy level of 40 to 120 keV(P <0.05),while there was no difference in energy level of 130 to 140 keV (P >0.05),and the optimal CNR was acquired at the energy level of 70 keV(CNR=8.75±3.28).The value of AI for two mehtods has no difference in energy level scope 40 to 60 keV(P >0.05),there was significant statistical differences of AI between energy spectral images and blend energy images in energy level of 70 to 140 keV(P <0.05),and the lowest of AI(AI=26.95±9.64)was ac-quired at 1 10 keV images.Conclusion The energy spectral CT possess superiority in decreasing the artifacts and will provide high image quality in the metal implants.Gemstone spectral CT has great significance for postoperative patients with metal implants in imaging diagnosis.

The derivatization towards the hydroxyl groups of steroid environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals,such as estrone(E1),17β-estradiol(E2),estriol(E3) and 17α-ethynylestradoil( EE2),with A,O-bis (trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide ( BSTFA ) as derivatization reagent followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) was studied. The effects of the amount of BSTFA,derivatization temperature and time on the derivatization of target compounds,as well as the stability of steroid derivatives,calibration curves,instrumental quantification limits were investigated. The cleavage mechanism of steroid derivatives characteristic fragment ions was also interpreted. The results showed that better derivatization results were obtained when the amount of BSTFA was 25 μL for 100 μL steroids standard mix solution at 0.01 g/L;it is unnecessary to heating in the derivatization,better results were obtained when the steroids were derivatized with BSTFA at room temperature (20℃) for 10 min. The derivatives of target compounds were stable because their relative response factors(RRFs) had no observable change when deposited at -20℃ for 48 h. Under the optimal conditions,good linear correlation was obtained and the instrumental quantification limit was 0. 3μg/L for E1 and E2,while it was 5μg/L for EE2 and E3.

A simple, rapid and sensitive colorimetric reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was developed for rapid detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The method employed six primers that recognized sequences of a nucleocapsid gene for amplification of nucleic acids under isothermal conditions at 63 degrees C for 60 min. Products were detected through a LA-320c Loopamp Turbidimeter (real-time RT-LAMP) or visual inspection of color change by pre-addition of Hydroxynaphthol Blue dye (visual RT-LAMP). Specificity of RT-LAMP was validated by detection of several human coronaviruses and common respiratory viruses. MERS-CoV real-time RT-LAMP had a linear correlation (R2) of 0.995 at 10(3)-10(6) copies. The limit of detection of real-time RT-LAMP, visual RT-LAMP and quantitative real-time PCR was 500, 1000 and 100 copies/reaction, respectively. The established RT-LAMP assay was demonstrated to be a rapid screening tool for MERS-CoV infection, and could be suitable in resource-limited clinical sites and for field studies.
Coronavirus Infections ; virology ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; Humans ; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods ; Reverse Transcription

Aim:To obtain recombinant human proinsulin C-peptide,a novel expression vector pEDCC was constructed to facilitate the expression and purification of C-peptide. Methods:Gene fragments encoding a truncated asparaginase fragment mutant,native C-peptide,a hinge fragment of human IgG1,an extra acid-labile dipeptide and a basic-amino-acid-riched octopeptide were introduced in turn into plasmid pET28a. The fusion protein ansB-C-hinge-DPKRKRKKSRNGSGR-C-peptide was expressed effectively as inclusion bodies after induced by lactose and partially purified by means of washing and ethanol fractionation. After being hydrolyzed,the polypeptide PKRKRKKSRNGSGR-C-peptide was liberated from the fusion partner. The N-terminal tetradecapeptide extension of C-peptide was subsequently cleaved by trypsin and removed by DE52 column. Results:The nucleotides sequence of plasmid pEDCC was confirmed to be identical with that of designed fusion protein. Recombinant human proinsulin C-peptide was obtained with high purity after purification. Conclusion:Employing truncated asparaginase as the fusion partner and basic-amino-acid-riched octopeptide to modulate isoelectric point is an effective approach to produce recombinant human proinsulin C-peptide.

[Objective] To establish the quality standard for Guanxin Qiwei Tablet. [Methods] Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae, Rhizoma Kaempferiae and Fructus Choerospondiatis in Guanxin Qiwei Tablet were identified by TLC. TanshinoneⅡA content was determined by HPLC.[Results] Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae, Rhizoma Kaempferiae and Fructus Choerospondiatis can be identified by TLC, the spot being clear without the interference of negative control. A good linearity was in the range of 0.022-0.154 ?g, the average recovery of tanshinone ⅡA was 97.9%, and RSD was 1.22%. [Conclusion] This method is simple and can be used to evaluate the quality of Guanxin Qiwei Tablet.

Objective To study the efficacy and safety of rociverine combined with tamsulosin in treatment of overactive bladder after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).Methods 93 cases of overactive bladder patients who received TURP were collected.They were given rociverine tablets 10 mg 3 times a day and tamsulosin 0.2 mg once a day for 7 to 10 days.The efficacy and safety of treatment were assessed by changes before and after treatment in subjective indicators of overactive bladder syndrome score(OABSS),the international prostate symptom score(IPSS) and quality of life score(QOL) and objective indicators including daily frequency of micturition,urgency,urgency incontinence,nocturia,voiding volumes,combining with the adverse drug reaction incidence.Results The average treating time for the 93 cases was (5 ± 3) days.The average score of OABSS reduced 8.12(P ＜0.01,and each score≤ 4).The average score of IPSS reduced 16.69(P ＜0.01).The average score of QOL reduced 2.18 (P ＜ 0.01).There was statistical difference in objective indicators of patients between before and after treatment(P ＜ O.05).The adverse drug reaction incidence was 2.1％ (2 cases with thirsty symptom).Conclusion Rociverine tablets combined with tamsulosin in treatment of patients with overactive bladder after TURP are effective and safe.

Objective:This study aimed to establish an eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost) model that can predict the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients after laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) surgery.Methods:A total of 440 patients with primary HCC who received LH treatment for the first time from January 2013 to September 2016 in Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University were selected as the research objects. The diagnosis method was pathological diagnosis. Research objects were divided into training group ( n=88) and verification group ( n=352) at a ratio of 2∶8 by random number table method. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the recurrence-free survival curve, and the Log-rank test was used to compare the survival of the two groups; the training group was used to establish the COX regression model and the XGBoost model to screen independent predictors of recurrence after LH; receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive abilities of the two models, and conducted internal verification in the verification group; Hosmer and Lemeshow Test was used to evaluate the calibration of the two models, and P>0.05 was used as a good fit between the model and the actual situation. Results:Both the COX regression model and the XGBoost model screened out tumor thrombus, low degree of differentiation, tumor microvascular infiltration (MVI), number of tumors, large tumors, and positive hepatitis B surface antigen were independent predictors of tumor recurrence( HR=2.477, 0.769, 1.786, 1.905, 1.544, 1.805; 95% CI: 1.465-4.251, 0.619-0.819, 1.263-2.546, 1.354-2.704, 1.272-1.816, 1.055-2.555). The XGboost model scores were 32 points, 29 points, 24 points, 18 points, 16 points, 11 points, respectively. In the training group, the area under the curve (AUC) of the COX regression model and XGBoost model for predicting recurrence were 0.746 (0.730-0.762) and 0.802 (0.785-0.818), respectively. The XGBoost model had strong predictive ability and was confirmed in the validation cohort. Conclusions:This study had established and verified the XGBoost model that can predict the recurrence of HCC patients after receiving LH for the first time. It can be used in clinics to assist doctors in formulating personalized postoperative monitoring programs for patients. Early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment of tumors and strengthening of postoperative follow-up are important measures to improve the prognosis of patients.

Given the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the risks of spread to other regions, a rapid, sensitive and simple method for the detection of the Ebola virus (EBOV) is of great significance for the prevention and control of Ebola. We developed a simple colorimetric isothermal multiple self-matching initiated amplification (IMSA) for rapid detection of the Zaire subtype of the Ebola virus (EBOV-Z). This method employed six primers that recognized seven sites of the EBOV-Z nucleoprotein gene for amplification of nucleic acids under isothermal conditions at 63 degrees C for 1 h. Amplification products were detected through visual inspection of color change by pre-addition of hydroxyl naphthol blue dye. Relative sensitivity was validated by detection of serial tenfold dilutions of virus-like particles containing the partial EBOV-Z nucleoprotein gene and mock clinical sample. Specificity of IMSA was validated by detection of the plasma of 30 healthy volunteers, the dengue virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. IMSA had comparable sensitivity to Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and cross-reaction with human plasma or other viruses was not observed. Reverse transcription-isothermal multiple self-matching initiated amplification (RT-IMSA) was also evaluated and compared in parallel with the commercial RT-qPCR kit for detection of EBOV-suspected samples of human blood in Sierra Leone. Sensitivity and specificity of the RT-IMSA was 91.4% and 100%, respectively. These data suggest that RT-IMSA is a valuable tool for the detection of the EBOV with the distinct advantages of simplicity and low cost compared with RT-qPCR.
Colorimetry ; methods ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; Ebolavirus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola ; diagnosis ; virology ; Humans ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; methods

Objective To investigate the effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of S100A4 expression on the inva?sion and migration of SNB19 glioma cells. Methods The S100A4 expression was knockdowned using S100A4 siRNA in SNB19 glioma cells. Glioma cells were assigned into control group,siRNA-negative control treated group (siRNA-NC) and siRNA-S100A4 group. RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of S100A4, respectively. The wound-healing assay and transwell invasion assay were used to determine the ability of migration and invasion of SNB19 glioma cells, respectively. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), matrix metallopro?teinase 2 (MMP-2) and E-cadherin proteins were evaluated by using western blot. Moreover, the morphology of lamellipo?dia of glioma cells were examined by using inverted phase-contrast microscopy. Results The mRNA and protein expres?sion levels of S100A4 was obviously down-regulated after transfection of S100A4 siRNA. Compared with control group, the mRNA expression levels of S100A4 in siRNA-NC group and siRNA-S100A4 group were 0.97±0.07 and 0.21±0.04,respectively(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of S100A4 in control, siRNA-NC and siRNA-S100A4 groups were 78.12%±2.63%, 77.16%±3.00%and 37.95%±2.71%, respectively(P<0.01). The migration and invasiveness capability were decreased up to 46% and 55% in the siRNA-S100A4 group compared with the control group(P<0.01). The pro?tein expression levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were inhibited up to 62% and 68%(P<0.01)whereas the expression of E-cadherin was increased up to 154%(P<0.01)in the siRNA-S100A4 group. The lamellipodia became smaller or unex?tended in siRNA-S100A4-treated SNB19 glioma cells. Conclusion S100A4 plays an important role in the invasion and migration of glioma cells, suggesting that S100A4 might be a potential candidate for anti-glioma strategy to prevent the invasion and migration of glioma cells.

Objective:To analyze the individual iodine nutrition status and its influencing factors among students aged 8 to 15 in Dongtai City, Jiangsu Province.Methods:From May to August 2021, a total of 905 students aged 8 to 15 were selected as survey subjects in Dongtai City based on the sampling method in the "National Monitoring Plan for Iodine Deficiency Disorders" (2016 version). Salt samples from students' homes were collected for salt iodine testing. Urine samples of students were collected for urinary iodine and creatinine testing. The creatinine correction method was used to estimate individual 24 h urinary iodine excretion and calculate iodine intake. At the same time, basic information (age, gender, height, weight, etc.) and consumption frequency of iodine rich foods (seafood, eggs, meat, milk, solid snacks) of students were collected through questionnaires and actual measurements.Results:The coverage rate of iodized salt in Dongtai City was 98.2% (889/905), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 97.9% (870/889), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 96.1% (870/905). The median estimated 24 h urinary iodine excretion was 179.7 μg/d. The median estimated iodine intake was 195.4 μg/d, the constituent ratio of estimated iodine intake < recommended nutrient intake (RNI) was 16.2% (147/905), RNI-tolerable upper intake level (UL) was 63.4% (574/905), and > UL was 20.3% (184/905). The medians estimated 24 h urinary iodine excretion of students aged 8-10, 11-13 and 14-15 were 157.4, 193.0 and 236.5 μg/d, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( H = 55.42, P < 0.001). The median estimated 24 h urinary iodine excretion of boys was higher than that of girls (222.6 vs 148.6 μg/d), and the median estimated 24 h urinary iodine excretion of urban students was higher than that of township students (215.6 vs 162.7 μg/d), the differences were statistically significant ( Z = - 8.41, - 5.66, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the median estimated 24 h urinary iodine excretion between students with different body mass index (weight loss, overweight, obesity, normal; H = 56.15, P < 0.001) and iodine rich foods consumption frequencies (seafood, meat, milk, eggs, solid snacks; H = 23.15, 21.20, 60.77, 20.01, 24.47, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Iodine deficiency or excess exists in students aged 8-15 in Dongtai City, and girls aged 8-10 who are physically emaciated are the focus of attention for iodine deficiency.