Objective:This study aims to explore the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in patients and the screening value of serological indicators for HEV infection patients.Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted on 97 440 cases of anti-HEV IgM and IgG simultaneously tested in two Beijing hospitals from January 1, 2018 to August 31, 2023. Among them, there were 61 005 males and 36 435 females, with an average age of 51.65±13.05 years old. According to the positivity of anti HEV specific antibodies, they were divided into anti-HEV IgM positive group (3 588 cases), anti-HEV IgG positive group (18 083 cases), and anti-HEV antibody negative group (78 892 cases). Results of HEV RNA, liver function, AFP, PIVKA-Ⅱ and PT were collected, and their basic clinical information were recorded. The prevalence of HEV infection in patients, as well as the relationship between the positivity of anti-HEV specific antibodies and the patient′s age group, HEV RNA, and clinical characteristics were analyzed.Results:Among 97 440 patients who tested anti-HEV IgM and IgG simultaneously, the positivity rate of anti-HEV IgM was 3.68% (3 588/97 440), and was 18.56% for anti-HEV IgG (18 083/97 440). The overall positivity rates of anti-HEV IgM in two Beijing hospitals from 2018 to 2023 were 2.51%, 2.53%, 3.02%, 4.59%, 5.72%, and 4.26% ( χ2=1 401.73, P<0.001), while the positivity rates of anti-HEV IgG were 12.56%, 12.32%, 12.85%, 22.65%, 27.42%, and 26.66% ( χ2=1 058.29, P<0.001). These rates showed a gradual increase until 2023 when a decline was observed. The positivity rates of anti-HEV IgM (2.28%, 3.60%, 4.47%) ( χ2=89.62, P<0.001) and IgG (4.71%, 17.86%, 25.94%) ( χ2=2 017.32, P<0.001) increased with age in patients who aged 1-30, >30-60, and over 60 years old. The age and ALB values of patients in the anti-HEV IgM positive group were lower than the IgG-positive group, while the proportion of males, TBIL, ALT, AFP and PT values were higher than the IgG-positive group, and the differences were statistically significance ( P<0.05). Furthermore, patients in both the anti-HEV IgM and IgG positive groups had higher age, male proportion, TBIL, ALT, AFP, PIVKA-Ⅱ, and PT values than the anti-HEV negative group. Additionally, both groups had lower ALB values than the anti-HEV negative group, all of which were statistically significant ( P<0.05). 2 162 HEV infected patients were grouped based on HEV RNA positivity. The proportion of anti-HEV IgM single positive, IgG single positive, IgM+IgG double positive, and antibody negative patients in the HEV RNA positive group were 5.42% (18/332), 3.62% (12/332), 90.36% (300/332), and 0.60% (2/332), respectively. Among them, the proportion of anti-HEV IgM+IgG double positive patients in the HEV RNA positive group was higher than that in the HEV RNA negative group ( χ2=302.87, P<0.001), while the proportion of anti-HEV IgG single positive ( χ2=174.36, P<0.001) and anti-HEV antibody negative patients ( χ2=59.28, P<0.001) were lower than that in the HEV RNA negative group, both of which were statistically significant ( P<0.001). In addition, the positive rates of HEV RNA in anti-HEV IgM positive, IgG positive, and antibody negative patients were 29.23% (318/1 088), 17.59% (312/1 774), and 0.65% (2/306), respectively. Conclusion:The HEV infection rate among patients declined in 2023. HEV infection is age-related, with older individuals being more susceptible. Abnormal liver function and jaundice were commonly observed during HEV infection. It is crucial to note that the absence of anti-HEV specific antibodies cannot rule out HEV infection; therefore, additional testing for HEV RNA and/or HEV Ag is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Objective To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the hyperacusis scale and estimate its applicability in the Chinese population.Methods The patients admitted to the Department of Oto-laryngology of Xijing Hospital from June 2017 to December 2017 were surveyed.A total of 300 questionnaires were sent out and 293 valid questionnaires were collected with effective response rate of 97.67％.All participants comple-ted a basic information survey,pure tone audiometry and fill in the Chinese version of the hyperacusis scale.The re-liability and validity of this scale were evaluated.Results Among the 293 respondents,243(82.93％)were compli-cated with tinnitus.A total of 181 cases(61.77％)were subjectively diagnosed with hyperacusis through question-naire survey.According to the scale evaluation,174 cases(59.39％)were diagnosed with hyperacusis,and the Kappa value of conformity test of the two methods was 0.81(P＜0.001).Reliability analysis indicated a Cronbach'sα coefficient of 0.93 for the entire scale.Each dimension had a Cronbach's α coefficient＞0.60.The split-half relia-bility coefficient for the entire scale was 0.86,and for each dimension,it was＞0.60.Exploratory factor analysis of validity suggested that 25 items could be grouped under 4 factors,such as functional part,social part,emotional part and harmonic sensitivity part.These factors had eigenvalues greater than 1,accounting for 59.42％of the total variance.Post-rotation,the 25 items were distributed across the 4 components,with each item having a factor load-ing＞0.40.Confirmatory factor analysis of validity showed model fit parameters as:x2/df=1.98,GFI=0.91,AGFI=0.83,CFI=0.92,TLI=0.89,RMSEA=0.08.Each item had a standardized factor loading＞0.40.Con-clusion The Chinese version of the hyperacusis scale demonstrated strong reliability and validity,making it suitable for use among the Chinese population.

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and related factors affecting the severity of acute tinnitus in patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 319 patients with acute tinni-tus.All patients had detailed case history,including basic patient information,tinnitus location,course of disease,acoustic characteristics of tinnitus,hearing loss,combined headache,dizziness,aural fallness,earache and other symptoms,as well as accompanying clinical diseases.All patients completed the tinnitus handicap inventory(THI),generalized anxiety disorder(GAD-7),patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9),pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),hyperacusis questionnaire(HQ),type D personality scale-14(DS-14),etc.The mild tinnitus group was determined based on a THI score of ≤36.The moderate tinnitus group was determined based on a THI score of 38～56.The severe to extremely severe tinnitus group was determinded based on THI 56～100.THI grouping was used as the dependent variable and the above factors as independent variables.The correlation between each factor and the severity of acute tinnitus was analyzed using ordered multinomial logistic regression.Results Among 319 patients with acute tinnitus,158(49.5％)were in the mild tinnitus group,and 72(22.6％)were in the moderate tinnitus group,and 89(27.9％)were in severe to extremely severe tinnitus group.Ordered multinomial logistic re-gression analysis found that hyperacusis(OR=3.921),anxiety(OR=2.495),depression(OR=2.921),and D-type personality(OR=0.349)were associated with the severity of acute tinnitus(P＜0.05),with more serere tin-nitus in these patients.Conclusion Hyperacusis,anxiety,depression,and D-type personality may be factors that affect the severity of acute tinnitus,so high attention should be paid when treating patients with acute tinnitus.

Objective:To investigate whether astaxanthin (AST) down-regulates dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) through activating the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) signaling pathway, thereby attenuating contrast-induced acute kidney injury.Methods:Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 160-180 g were randomly divided into five groups: sham surgery group (Sham group), contrast medium injury group (CM group), astaxanthin-intervention group (AST+CM group), SIRT1 inhibitor Ex527 intervention group (Ex527+CM group), and astaxanthin combined with Ex527 intervention group (AST+Ex527+CM group). After 72 hours of modeling, heart blood was removed and kidney tissues were collected for follow-up testing. Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and oxidative stress-related indexes total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by biochemistry; hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the kidney; mitochondrial morphology and number were observed by transmission electron microscopy; reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by ROS staining in frozen sections; TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptosis level. The expression levels of SIRT1, p53, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), Drp1 and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blotting.Results:(1) Compared with the CM group, Scr and BUN level were significantly lower, T-SOD level was higher and MDA level was lower in the AST+CM group, while T-SOD level decreased and MDA level increased after the combination of Ex527 (all P<0.05). (2) ROS expression was lower in the AST+CM group compared to the CM group and higher after the combination of Ex527 (both P<0.05). (3) The number of apoptotic cells was significantly reduced in the AST+CM group compared to the CM group and increased after the combination of Ex527 (both P<0.05). (4) The protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α and Bcl-2 were increased and the protein expression levels of p53, Drp1 and Bax were decreased (all P<0.05) in the AST+CM group compared with the CM group, and the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α and Bcl-2 were decreased and the protein expression levels of p53, Drp1 and Bax were increased when Ex527 was combined (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Astaxanthin can inhibit Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission by activating the SIRT1 pathway, thereby reducing contrast-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

【Objective】 To explore the safety of RhD-positive red blood cells (RBCs) immunization schedules in RhD-negative volunteers, so as to facilitate the development of domestic anti-D immunoglobulin. 【Methods】 From January 2018 to April 2020, 23 RhD negative volunteers with informed consent were enrolled and divided into initial immunization group and booster immunization group. The initial immunization included first immunization, second immunization and third immunization. Four groups, i. e. 3 cases of 20 mL, 8 of 30 mL, 6 of 40 mL, and 6 of 50 mL, were involved in initial immunization. After the initial immunization response, booster immunizations were performed every 3 months. According to the anti-D titer before each immunization, the booster immunization doses were set to 0.5, 1 and 2 mL. Whole blood samples of 5mL/ person (time) were collected 24 h and 1 week after each infusion, and the blood routine, liver, kidney and blood coagulation function and anti-D titer were detected. The differences of detection (index) values at 24 h and 1 week after the first immunization and booster immunization in each (dose) group were compared. 【Results】 No statistically significant differences were observed in hemolysis index values (all within the range of medical reference values) 24 h or 1 week after initial immunization among RhD positive RBCs of 20, 30, 40 and 50mL(P>0.05). The differences between the hemolysis index values and the basic values before the immune response (all within the range of medical reference values) after 0.5 or 1 mL booster immunizations were also not statistically different (P>0.05). However, the differences (μmol/L)between total bilirubin levels and the basic values before the immune response (1.55±1.87, 6.29±2.66) were significantly different after 2 mL booster immunization (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 No risks affecting the safety of RhD negative volunteers was found in the immunization schedule proposed in this study.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of hydrogen-rich water on rat cognitive dysfunction induced by ionizing radiation.Methods A total of 20 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups with the ramdom number table method: control group(C),hydrogen-rich water group(HRW),irradiation group(IR)and hydrogen-rich water intervention group(HRW+IR),with 5 rats in each group.The spatial memory ability of rats was tested by a morris water maze.The expression of apoptosis-related genes was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The changes of glutathione(GSH),8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine(8-OHdG)and malondialdehyde(MDA)and SOD were also measured.Results The escape latency(F＝6.003,P＜0.05)and the swimming distances(F＝3.850,P＜0.05)of rats in four different groups had statistically significant differences.Compared with the IR group,the escape latency of the HRW+IR group was significantly decreased at 3,4,5 d after irradiation(P＜0.05),and the swimming distance of this group became much longer(P＜0.05).The levels of GSH,8-OHdG and MDA in these four groups had statistically significant differences(F＝6.450,5.033,4.113,P＜0.05).Compared with IR group,the concentration of GSH was increased(P＜0.05),but MDA and 8-OHdG decreased(P＜0.05)in the brain tissue of HRW+IR group,and the expressions of caspase-3,caspase-9 and bax genes were reduced(t＝2.956,3.087,5.246,P＜0.05),while the expression of bcl-2 gene was enhanced(t ＝-3.640,P ＜0.05)in the HRW+IR group.Conclusions Hydrogen-rich water attenuates the oxidative damage of ionizing radiation by neutralizing oxyhydrogen free radicals and thus protects brain from radiation damage.

Objective To investigate the usage of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs),epileptic seizures,pregnancy outcomes and infant feeding practices among pregnant women with epilepsy,and provide scientific evidence for eugenics.Methods The clinical characteristics of 350 pregnant women with epilepsy from Shaanxi Provincial Epilepsy & Pregnancy Register from October 2012 to July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.Results A total of 350 patients with 376 pregnancies were included in the final analysis.Among 376 pregnancies,272 pregnancies (72.3％) were under the treatment of AEDs.Of them,246 pregnancies (90.4％) were on monotherapy,26 (9.6％) on polytherapy.Only patients during 179 pregnancies (47.6％) took folic acid in the first trimester.Seizure frequency increased in patients during 123 pregnancies (32.7％),of whom patients during 43 pregnancies (35.0％) did not use AEDs.Although other patients during 80 pregnancies (65.0％) took AEDs,regular pharmacokinetic monitoring was absent.A total of 170 pregnancies (45.2％) attained seizure-free.Seizure frequency decreased in 42 pregnancies (11.2％) and remained unchanged in 24 pregnancies (6.4％).The rates of cesarean section and natural delivery were 43.8％ (158/361) and 56.2％ (203/361),respectively.Totally 4.5％ (17/376) pregnancies had adverse pregnancy outcome,and 1.9％ (7/376) had fetal malformations.The most common congenital malformation was heart malformation,which was observed in two offspring.One offspring developed dysostosis,one developed chromosome abnormality,and another developed cerebellum deformity.In addition,one twin developed conjoined deformities.Breastfeeding rate was 52.6％ (190/361).Conclusions In Shaanxi province,AEDs compliance,pharmacokinetic monitoring and usage rate of folic acid still need to be improved in pregnant women with epilepsy.Clinical trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR-OOC-16009277

Objective To study the effects of musk on the expressions of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the rat model of skull bone defect.Methods We constructed the bone defect model by dental drilling into the full skull of 300 SD rats (150 males and 150 females).The model animals were divided with completely random method into model group and drug group,with 150 in each.The two groups were further divided according to drug administration time into 7,14 and 28 d groups,respectively,with 50 in each.The drug group received perfusion of natural musk every day (4.2 mg/100 g) while the model group received perfusion of normal saline of the same volume every day.FGF-2 mRNA and EGF mRNA expressions in skull bone defect were determined using Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR method.Results EGF mRNA expression at 7 d and 14 d was higher in the drug group than in the model group,but with no significant difference.EGF mRNA expression at 28 d decreased to the lowest level,with a significant difference (P＜0.05).FGF-2 mRNA expression in the drug group reached the highest at 7 d,with a significant difference (P＜0.05),and decreased at 14 and 28 d without significant difference.Conclusion Musk administered at different time points can effectively promote the healing rate of the bone defect area of the rat skull,and the mechanism of this repair is mainly related to the increased FGF-2 mRNA expression and the decreased EGF mRNA expression.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the correlation between skeletal muscle mass and age among check-up adults.

METHODSThe study objects were those who aged 18-87 years old and came to a city hospital of Qiqihar for health examination from December, 2013 to September, 2014, excepted those with coronary heart disease, infectious disease, endocrine system disease, hypertension, anemia, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease and those carrying with heart pacemaker. A total of 1 836 respondents were finally enrolled into analysis. Appendicular Skeletal Muscle (ASM) was measured by a Body Composition Analyzer, and relative skeletal muscle index (RSMI) was calculated. The relationship among ASM, RSMI and age was assessed by linear regression analysis. The difference of height, weight, BMI, waist-hip-ratio (WHR), total muscle mass and percentage of body fat between genders were tested by t-test. The difference of ASM and total skeletal muscle mass between genders and among age groups was tested by multi-factor variance analysis. The difference of the muscle decline between genders was compared by Chi-square test.

RESULTSThe total muscle mass in males was (52.22 ± 6.65) kg, which was significantly higher than that in females ((38.05 ± 4.39) kg) (t=28.20, P<0.001). ASM in 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-87 years was (24.64 ± 3.23), (24.00 ± 3.12), (24.35 ± 3.03), (23.33 ± 2.97), (22.54 ± 2.91) and (21.40 ± 3.36) kg (F=16.12, P<0.001) in males, respectively, and (16.48 ± 3.14), (16.72 ± 1.93), (16.75 ± 1.93), (16.84 ± 2.28), (16.52 ± 2.35) and(14.70 ± 2.37)kg (F=4.38, P=0.001) in females, respectively. ASM in males ((23.72 ± 3.16) kg) was higher than that in females ((16.65 ± 2.25) kg) (t=55.97, P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and ASM in males after 50 years old, the regression equation was y=28.31-0.09x (P<0.001). While a negative correlation between age and ASM in females occurred after 60 years old, the regression equation was y=27.69-0.18x (P<0.001). The prevalence of low ASM was 16.85% (124/736) in females, which was significantly higher than that in males (8.73%, 96/1 100) (χ(2)=27.57, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONA negative correlation was found between age and ASM in males after 50 years old and in females after 60 years old. The prevalence of low RSMI in females was significantly higher than that in males.

Adipose Tissue ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Body Composition ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle, Skeletal ; physiology ; Prevalence ; Young Adult

Objective To look for more serum biomarkers supporting the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy ( MSA) and providing more evidence for early treatment.Methods All patients and healthy controls were enrolled from January 2011 to March 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University.Demographic features and biochemical examination results were collected.The t test was used to compare the lipid levels between MSA patients and controls.LSD-t test was used to compare the lipid levels among subtypes of MSA patients.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors.The relevance between lipid levels and onset age, disease duration and Hoehn & Yahr stage was calculated by Spearman correlation coefficients.Results Participants included 195 MSA patients and 195 age-and gender-matched controls with no neurological diseases.The levels of total cholesterol ((4.33 ±0.90) mmol/L), triglyceride ((1.27 ±0.71) mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein (LDL;(2.70 ±0.76) mmol/L) were significantly lower in patients than in controls ((4.52 ±0.85), (1.47 ± 0.86), (2.85 ±0.71) mmol/L ,t=2.056,2.528 and 2.149 respectively, all P<0.05).The levels of total cholesterol ((4.28 ±0.96) mmol/L) and triglyceride ((1.20 ±0.64) mmol/L) were significantly lower in MSA-P patients than in control group ((4.52 ±0.85), (1.47 ±0.86) mmol/L;LSD-t=1.983, 2.566, both P<0.05).After adjusting for age, gender and histories, the odds ratio ( OR) was 0.31 (95%CI 0.15-0.65, P =0.002 ) for MSA patients in the highest quartile of triglyceride and 0.38 (95%CI 0.17 -0.83,P=0.016) for those in the highest quartile of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), compared with the lowest quartiles.And HDL level was in a significantly positive correlation with onset age (r=0.15, P=0.039).Conclusion Our data suggest that triglyceride and HDL may be associated with the prevalence of MSA, and the lower levels of HDL, the earlier onset of MSA.