Objective To explore the application value of low-flow rate and-contrast injection scheme for pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography(CTA)in the elderly patients.Methods Sixty elderly patients undergoing pulmonary artery CTA in some hospital from April 2020 to January 2023 were selected and divided into a control group(30 cases)and an experimental group(30 cases)according to the contrast agent injection schemes.A conventional contrast injection scheme was used for the control group,and an optimized contrast injection scheme with low flow rate and low contrast dose was designed for the experimental group.The two gorups were observed and subjectively scored in terms of the degree of pulmonary artery enhancement,the display of pulmonary artery trunks and branches and the sharpness of image vessel edges,and objectively evaluated for the degree of contrast sclerosis artifacts in the superior vena cava and the enhancement CT values of the pulmonary artery trunks and the left and the right pulmonary veins.The extravasation of the contrast agent was recorded for the patients in the 2 groups.SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results The two groups had no significant differences in score pulmonary artery CTA image quality(P＞0.05);the experimental group had the socre of contrast sclerosis artifacts in the superior vena cava statistically lower than that of the control group(P＜0.05).The two groups had no obvious differences in the CT values of the pulmonary artery trunks and the left and the right pulmonary veins(P＞0.05).There were no patients with the extravasation of the contrast agent found in the experimental group,while there one case with severe extravasation and 4 cases with mild or moderate extravasation in the control group.Conclusion Low-flow rate and-contrast injection scheme for pulmonary artery CTA of the elderly patients contributes to avoiding contrast agent extrava-sation while ensuring image quality,enhancing patient experience and safety.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(10):66-70]

Analyzing polysorbate 20(PS20)composition and the impact of each component on stability and safety is crucial due to formulation variations and individual tolerance.The similar structures and polarities of PS20 components make accurate separation,identification,and quantification challenging.In this work,a high-resolution quantitative method was developed using single-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)with charged aerosol detection(CAD)to separate 18 key components with multiple esters.The separated components were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chro-matography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS)with an identical gradient as the HPLC-CAD analysis.The polysorbate compound database and library were expanded over 7-time compared to the commercial database.The method investigated differences in PS20 samples from various origins and grades for different dosage forms to evaluate the composition-process relationship.UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 1329 to 1511 compounds in 4 batches of PS20 from different sources.The method observed the impact of 4 degradation conditions on peak components,identifying stable components and their tendencies to change.HPLC-CAD and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS results provided insights into fingerprint differences,distinguishing quasi products.

Obｊective To investigate the protective mechanism of tricholoma matsutake polysaccharides(TMP) against 1-methy-4-pehnyl-pyridine ion (MPP

ObjectiveHuman Ku70 protein mainly involves the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB) through its DNA-binding properties, and it is recently reported having an RNA-binding ability. This paper is to explore whether Ku70 has RNA helicase activity and affects miRNA maturation. MethodsRNAs bound to Ku protein were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) and bioinfomatic anaylsis. The expression relationship between Ku protein and miRNAs was verified by Western blot (WB) and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. Binding ability of Ku protein to the RNAs was tested by biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. RNA helicase activity of Ku protein was identified with EMSA assay. The effect of Ku70 regulated miR-124 on neuronal differentiation was performed by morphology analysis, WB and immunofluorescence assays with or without Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ResultsWe revealed that the Ku70 protein had RNA helicase activity and affected miRNA maturation. Deficiency of Ku70 led to the up-regulation of a large number of mature miRNAs, especially neuronal specific miRNAs like miR-124. The knockdown of Ku70 promoted neuronal differentiation in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and SH-SY5Y cells by boosting miR-124 maturation. Importantly, ZIKV infection reduced the expression of Ku70 whereas increased expression of miR-124 in hNPCs, and led to morphologically neuronal differentiation. ConclusionOur study revealed a novel function of Ku70 as an RNA helicase and regulating miRNA maturation. The reduced expression of Ku70 with ZIKV infection increased the expression of miR-124 and led to the premature differentiation of embryonic neural progenitor cells, which might be one of the causes of microcephaly.

This data article describes the"Typical Regional Activity Patterns"(TRAP)dataset,which is based on the Tackling Key Problems in Air Pollution Control Program.In order to explore the interaction between air pollution and physical activity,we collected activity patterns of 9,221 residents with different occupations and lifestyles for three consecutive days in typical regions(Jinan and Baoding)where air pollutant concentrations were higher than those in neighboring areas.The TRAP dataset consists of two aspects of information:demographic indicators(personal information,occupation,personal habits,and living situation)and physical activity pattern data(activity location and intensity);additionally,the exposure measures of physical activity patterns are included,which data users can match to various endpoints for their specific purpose.This dataset provides evidence for exploring the attributes of activity patterns of residents in northern China and for interdisciplinary researchers to develop strategies and measures for health education and health promotion.

AIM: To explore the optimal concentration of endoplasmic reticulum stress immunohistochemical(IHC)staining antibody in mouse retinitis pigmentosa(RP)model, which provides the corresponding index detection method for studying the pathogenesis and intervention measures of RP.METHODS: Clean male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea(MNU, 60mg/kg)to prepare RP mouse model. Electroretinogram(ERG)and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining were performed on 7d after modeling to verify the successful modeling. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins(IRE1, ATF6, PERK, GRP78, Caspase-12)was detected by IHC staining.RESULTS: The following proteins, including IRE1, ATF6, PERK, GRP78 and Caspase-12, were positively expressed in retina of RP mouse. The optimal concentrations of the above proteins were as follows: IRE1 antibody concentration was 1:1000, ATF6 antibody concentration was 1:500 and 1:1000(with no difference in positive expression, P>0.05), PERK antibody concentration was 1:1500, GRP78 antibody concentration was 1:200 and Caspase-12 antibody concentration was 1:100, the proteins were well expressed at the above concentrations, and the positive expressions of corresponding proteins were different from those of other antibody concentrations(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The optimal concentrations for IHC staining in different proteins of mouse RP models were as follows: the concentrations of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein antibodies were 1:1000 in IRE1, 1:500 and 1:1000 in ATF6, 1:1500 in PERK, 1:200 in GRP78, and 1:100 in Caspase-12.

High myopia is a state of refractive error with myopia over -6.00D. High myopia is typically accompanied by multiple fundus lesions, thus making patients with high myopia suffer from varying degrees of impairment in visual function. As an emerging auxiliary way in ophthalmology, optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)can efficiently and non-invasively obtain microvascular stratified images of the retina and choroid and quantitatively analyze blood flow signals. Since the advent of OCTA, there have been numerous studies observing fundus changes in those with high myopia through OCTA. In this paper, some studies in which OCTA is applied to obtain retinal and choroidal thickness from patients with high myopia are reviewed, with a view to revealing the correlation between high myopia and the parameters such as retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, vessel density and the area of the foveal avascular zone and providing novel ideas to deeply investigate the mechanism of high myopia and delay the occurrence and development of high myopia.

To explore the digital manufacturing process of distal extension removable partial denture. From November 2021 to December 2022, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with free-ending situation were selected from the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Three-dimensional model of the relationship between alveolar ridge and jaw position was obtained by intraoral scanning technique. After routine design, manufacturing and try-in of metal framework for removable partial denture, the metal framework was located in the mouth and scanned again to obtain the composite model of dentition, alveolar ridge and metal framework. The free-end modified model is obtained by merging the digital model of free-end alveolar ridge with the virtual model with the metal framework. The three-dimensional model of artificial dentition, and base plate was designed on the free-end modified model, and the resin model were made by digital milling technology. The removable partial denture was made by accurately positioning the artificial dentition and base plate, bonding metal framework with injection resin, grinding and polishing the artificial dentition and resin base. Compared with the design data after clinical trial, the results showed that there was an error of 0.4-1.0 mm and an error of 0.03-0.10 mm in the connection between the resin base of artificial dentition and the connecting rod of the in-place bolt and the connection between artificial dentition and resin base. After denturen delivery, only 2 patients needed grinding adjustment in follow-up visit due to tenderness, and the rest patients did not find any discomfort. The digital fabrication process of removable partial denture used in this study can basically solve the problems of digital fabrication of free-end modified model and assembly of artificial dentition with resin base and metal framework.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are mediators of the aging process. The purpose of this work was to analyze the miRNA expression profiles of spermatozoa from men of different ages with normal fertility. Twenty-seven donors were divided into three groups by age (Group A, n = 8, age: 20-30 years; Group B, n = 10, age: 31-40 years; and Group C, n = 9, age: 41-55 years) for high-throughput sequencing analysis. Samples from 65 individuals (22, 22, and 21 in Groups A, B, and C, respectively) were used for validation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A total of 2160 miRNAs were detected: 1223 were known, 937 were newly discovered and unnamed, of which 191 were expressed in all donors. A total of 7, 5, and 17 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) were found in Group A vs B, Group B vs C, and Group A vs C comparisons, respectively. Twenty-two miRNAs were statistically correlated with age. Twelve miRNAs were identified as age-associated miRNAs, including hsa-miR-127-3p, mmu-miR-5100_L+2R-1, efu-miR-9226_L-2_1ss22GA, cgr-miR-1260_L+1, hsa-miR-652-3p_R+1, pal-miR-9993a-3p_L+2R-1, hsa-miR-7977_1ss6AG, hsa-miR-106b-3p_R-1, hsa-miR-186-5p, PC-3p-59611_111, hsa-miR-93-3p_R+1, and aeca-mir-8986a-p5_1ss1GA. There were 9165 target genes of age-associated miRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the target genes identified revealed enrichment of protein binding, membrane, cell cycle, and so on. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of age-related miRNAs for target genes revealed 139 enriched pathways, such as signaling pathways regulating stem cell pluripotency, metabolic pathways, and the Hippo signaling pathway. This suggests that miRNAs play a key role in male fertility changes with increasing age and provides new evidence for the study of the mechanism of age-related male fertility decline.
Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Profiling