Objective A new occipital bone removal technology was applied to improve the success rate of brain removal.Methods The skull was sawed based on the traditional brain removal technology,and part of the occipital bone was removed downward centered in external occipital protuberance to the foramen magnum,then exposed the telencephalon,cerebellum and posterior medulla oblongata.After that,removed the tentorium cerebelli and cut down the medulla oblongata and the related cranial nerves at the skull base,then removed the brain tissues.Results The removed brain tissues had structurally intact telencephalon,cerebellum and brain stem,clear vessels in the cerebral sulci,and relatively intact optic chiasm,olfactory tracts and vertebro-basilar arteries.Conclusion Brain removal through a fenestration on the external occipital protuberance can effectively preserve the integrity of brain specimens,and improve the success rate of brain removal,which is of great significance for central nervous system teaching and improvement of human brain tissue repositories.

Objective A new occipital bone removal technology was applied to improve the success rate of brain removal.Methods The skull was sawed based on the traditional brain removal technology,and part of the occipital bone was removed downward centered in external occipital protuberance to the foramen magnum,then exposed the telencephalon,cerebellum and posterior medulla oblongata.After that,removed the tentorium cerebelli and cut down the medulla oblongata and the related cranial nerves at the skull base,then removed the brain tissues.Results The removed brain tissues had structurally intact telencephalon,cerebellum and brain stem,clear vessels in the cerebral sulci,and relatively intact optic chiasm,olfactory tracts and vertebro-basilar arteries.Conclusion Brain removal through a fenestration on the external occipital protuberance can effectively preserve the integrity of brain specimens,and improve the success rate of brain removal,which is of great significance for central nervous system teaching and improvement of human brain tissue repositories.

Chemical cleaning and disinfection are crucial steps for eliminating infection in root canal treatment.However,irrigant selection or irrigation procedures are far from clear.The vapor lock effect in the apical region has yet to be solved,impeding irrigation efficacy and resulting in residual infections and compromised treatment outcomes.Additionally,ambiguous clinical indications for root canal medication and non-standardized dressing protocols must be clarified.Inappropriate intracanal medication may present side effects and jeopardize the therapeutic outcomes.Indeed,clinicians have been aware of these concerns for years.Based on the current evidence of studies,this article reviews the properties of various irrigants and intracanal medicaments and elucidates their effectiveness and interactions.The evolution of different kinetic irrigation methods,their effects,limitations,the paradigm shift,current indications,and effective operational procedures regarding intracanal medication are also discussed.This expert consensus aims to establish the clinical operation guidelines for root canal irrigation and a position statement on intracanal medication,thus facilitating a better understanding of infection control,standardizing clinical practice,and ultimately improving the success of endodontic therapy.

Objective:To investigate the predictive role of dynamic changes of plasma biomarkers in patients with viral and mycoplasma community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).Methods:From January 2020 to June 2020, 141 patients with viral and mycoplasma CAP in People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region were enrolled. Pneumonia severity index (PSI) scores [grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ(PSI score ≤ 70), grade Ⅲ (PSI score 71-90) and grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ(PSI score ≥ 91)], serum amyloid A (SAA), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cell (WBC) on the 1 day after admission were compared between the different pathogens (viral and mycoplasma) or different disease severity. The change in level of SAA, hs-CRP on the third day (Δ 3 d = 1 d-3 d) were compared among different disease outcome groups (patients were divided into improved group, stable group and exacerbation group based on PSI scores or lung CT images on the third day). The change in the level of SAA, hs-CRP on the seventh day (Δ 7 d = 1 d-7 d) were compared among different disease prognosis groups (patients were divided into survival group and death group based on 28-day survival data). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were drawn to evaluate the value of SAA in the evaluation of disease and prediction prognosis. Results:The level of SAA in mycoplasma group (43 cases) was significantly higher than that in virus group (98 cases) on the 1 day after admission. There were no significant differences in other plasma biomarkers between the two groups. The more severe the illness, the higher the SAA level on the 1 day after admission. The trends of other plasma biomarkers in the two groups were consistent with SAA. The levels of SAA in the patients with exacerbation of the virus group and mycoplasma group (12 cases, 9 cases) were significantly higher than those of the improved group (57 cases, 26 cases) and the stable group (29 cases, 8 cases). SAA increased gradually in the exacerbation group, decreased gradually in the improved group, and slightly increased in the stable group. ΔSAA 3 d were differences among three groups. The change trend of hs-CPR was consistent with SAA. The level of SAA in the death group was higher than that in the survival group on the seventh day. SAA increased in the death group and decreased in survival group with time from hospital admission. There were differences according to ΔSAA 7 d between death group and survival group. The change trend of hs-CPR was consistent with SAA. ROC curve showed that the value of SAA was better than hs-CRP in assessing the severity of patients on admission day, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) was respectively 0.777 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.669-0.886], 0.729 (95% CI was 0.628-0.830). The value of ΔSAA 3 d was better than SAA on the third day predicting disease trends, and AUC was respectively 0.979 (95% CI was 0.921-1.000), 0.850 (95% CI was 0.660-1.000). hs-CRP on the third day and Δhs-CRP 3 d had no predictive value. Both SAA on the seventh day and ΔSAA 7 d have predictive value for prognosis. AUC was respectively 0.954 (95% CI was 0.898-0.993) and 0.890 (95% CI was 0.689-1.000). SAA on the seventh day and ΔSAA 7 d were better than hs-CRP on the seventh day. Δhs-CRP 7 d have no predictive value. Conclusions:SAA is a sensitive and valuable indicator for CAP patients with viruses and mycoplasma. Dynamic monitoring of SAA can evaluate the patient's progression, prognosis, and assist diagnosis and treatment.

When this paper was first published the following ethical statement was omitted in error: This study was carried out in strict accordance with the recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Arthritis, Gouty ; Foot ; Humans ; Tendons/surgery*

Objective:To investigate the correlations of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)with inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate 3-kinase C(ITPKC)and phospholipase C-like 1 protein(PLCL1)single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the Han elderly population in Ningxia.Methods:A case-control study was conducted.A total of 250 elderly patients with stable COPD were enrolled and divided into the COPD-related pulmonary hypertension(PH)group(n=103)and the COPD non-PH group(n=147). During the same period, 127 healthy elderly Han subjects were included as the control group.The ITPKC gene SNPs and the PLCL1 gene SNP were detected, and differences in alleles and genotype frequencies were compared between the groups.Results:The allele and genotype frequency distributions of rs2288450 and rs9789480 showed statistical differences between the COPD group and the control group(χ 2=6.09, 5.18, 30.14 and 32.89, P=0.048, 0.020, <0.001, <0.001). There was no difference in the allele and genotype frequency distributions of the ITPKC gene SNPs rs2290692 and rs17713068 between the control group and the COPD group(all P>0.05). The allele and genotype frequency distributions of rs9789480 showed differences between the COPD non-PH group and the COPD-PH group(χ 2=94.50 and 72.76, both P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the allele and genotype frequency distributions of rs2290692, rs17713068, rs2288450 between the COPD-PH group and the COPD non-PH group(all P>0.05). Conclusions:The ITPKC gene SNP rs2288450 CA and AA genotypes and A allele can reduce the incidence of COPD and may be a protective factor for COPD in the elderly.The PLCL1 gene SNP rs9789480 CA and AA genotypes and A allele can reduce the incidence of COPD and COPD-PH and may be a protective factor for COPD and COPD-PH in the elderly.

Objective To observe the levels of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen sulfide(H2S) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate?reduced (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) and cystathionine?γ?lyase (CSE) in lung tissue of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods (1) A total of 60 patients with AECOPD admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Ningxia Hui People′s Hospital from November 2015 to December 2016 were recruited. According to the results of pulmonary function and echocardiography, the participants were divided into AECOPD?related pulmonary hypertension (PH) group(A) and AECOPD non?PH group (B).Other 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group (C).Serum ROS and H2S of group A, B and C were detected by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).(2)The lung tissues of patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer from November 2012 to April 2017 were collected, who were divided into COPD?related PH group (D), COPD non?PH group (E) and negative control (F). The expression of NOX4 and CSE protein in lung tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and the thickness of pulmonary arteriole wall was measured. Results (1)The serum ROS level in group A was higher than group B and C which were (613.52±69.66)IU/ml,(565.76±71.33)IU/ml, (294.63±60.39)IU/ml, respectively with that in group B higher than that in group C (P<0.05). Serum H2S level in group A was lower than group B and C, with that in group B lower than group C [(18.59±5.50) nmol/ml, (20.49±4.97) nmol/ml, (38.03±4.43) nmol/ml, respectively P<0.05]. ROS level was positively correlated with pulmonary systolic pressure (PASP) (r=0.59, P<0.05), H2S level was negatively correlated with PASP(r=-0.62, P<0.05).(2)The lung tissue expression of NOX4 in group D was higher than group E and F (P<0.05), which were 0.08±0.01,0.06±0.01,0.03±0.01, respectively,while the level of NOX4 in group E was higher than group F (P<0.05). The expression of CSE between group D, E and F were all significantly different (P<0.05),which were 0.03±0.01, 0.07±0.02,0.12±0.02, respectively.(3)Smooth muscle thickness of pulmonary arterioles as a percentage of vascular diameter (WT%) between group D, E and F was all different(P<0.05), which were (40.58±6.63)%,(36.87±5.60)%,(31.27±6.24)%, respectively; so was smooth muscle area of pulmonary arterioles as a percentage of total vascular area(WA% ) with (32.33 ± 6.27)% , (30.20±5.28)%, (25.20±4.31)%, respectively (P<0.05). (4)The expression of NOX4 was positively correlated with WT% and WA% , r was 0.81 and 0.66, respectively (P<0.05). The expression of CSE was negatively correlated with WT% and WA%, r was-0.55 and-0.39 respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions NOX4/ROS and CSE/H2S signaling pathways may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD related PH.

Objective: To observe the levels of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen sulfide(H₂S) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-reduced (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) in lung tissue of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: (1) A total of 60 patients with AECOPD admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Ningxia Hui People′s Hospital from November 2015 to December 2016 were recruited. According to the results of pulmonary function and echocardiography, the participants were divided into AECOPD-related pulmonary hypertension (PH) group(A) and AECOPD non-PH group (B).Other 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group (C).Serum ROS and H₂S of group A, B and C were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).(2)The lung tissues of patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer from November 2012 to April 2017 were collected, who were divided into COPD-related PH group (D), COPD non-PH group (E) and negative control (F). The expression of NOX4 and CSE protein in lung tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and the thickness of pulmonary arteriole wall was measured. Results: (1)The serum ROS level in group A was higher than group B and C which were (613.52±69.66)IU/ml,(565.76±71.33)IU/ml, (294.63±60.39)IU/ml, respectively with that in group B higher than that in group C (P<0.05). Serum H₂S level in group A was lower than group B and C, with that in group B lower than group C [(18.59±5.50) nmol/ml, (20.49±4.97) nmol/ml, (38.03±4.43) nmol/ml, respectively P<0.05]. ROS level was positively correlated with pulmonary systolic pressure (PASP) (r=0.59, P<0.05), H₂S level was negatively correlated with PASP(r=-0.62, P<0.05).(2)The lung tissue expression of NOX4 in group D was higher than group E and F (P<0.05), which were 0.08±0.01,0.06±0.01,0.03±0.01, respectively,while the level of NOX4 in group E was higher than group F (P<0.05). The expression of CSE between group D, E and F were all significantly different (P<0.05),which were 0.03±0.01, 0.07±0.02,0.12±0.02, respectively.(3)Smooth muscle thickness of pulmonary arterioles as a percentage of vascular diameter (WT%) between group D, E and F was all different(P<0.05), which were (40.58±6.63)%,(36.87±5.60)%,(31.27±6.24)%, respectively; so was smooth muscle area of pulmonary arterioles as a percentage of total vascular area(WA%) with (32.33±6.27)%, (30.20±5.28)%, (25.20±4.31)%, respectively (P<0.05). (4)The expression of NOX4 was positively correlated with WT% and WA%, r was 0.81 and 0.66, respectively (P<0.05). The expression of CSE was negatively correlated with WT% and WA%, r was -0.55 and -0.39 respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions NOX4/ROS and CSE/H₂S signaling pathways may play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD related PH.

This paper describes a bioassay method for the determination of ansamitocin titers. A fungal strain sensitive to ansamitocin was classified to the genus Trichoderma based on phylogenetic analysis of its ITS sequence, and designated as Trichoderma CPCC 400749. PDA plates of Trichoderma CPCC 400749 were prepared to assay ansamitocin titers of Actinosynnema pretiosum ATCC 31565. The titers were consistent with those determined by HPLC. The bioassay method may have the potential use in high-throughput screening for Actinosynnema pretiosum mutants with improved ansamitocin titers.