Objective : To investigate the mechanisms of bromodomain-containing protein 4(BRD4) in TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar type II epithelial cells. Methods : MLE-12 cells were stimulated with different concentrations(5 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml) of TGF-β1 for 48 h to establish an EMT cell model. The cells were pretreated with 50 nmol/L BRD4 inhibitor JQ-1, 100 μmol/L high mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1)inhibitor glycyrrhizin acid(GA), and 3 μg/ml rHMGB1. The experimental groups were divided as follows: control group, TGF-β1 group, JQ-1 group, JQ-1+TGF-β1 group, GA group, GA+TGF-β1 group, and JQ-1+TGF-β1+rHMGB1 group. The effect of JQ-1 on cell viability was examined using cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The protein expression levels of CDH1, ZO-1, Vimentin, α-SMA, BRD4, HMGB1, TGF-β1, Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 were detected by Western blot. The cell migration ability was detected by a scratch test. Results : Compared with the control group, the levels of Vimentin and α-SMA in the TGF-β1 group increased, and the levels of CDH1 and ZO-1 protein decreased, suggesting that the EMT model was successfully established. In this model, the expression of BRD4 and HMGB1 significantly increased. Different concentrations of JQ-1 could inhibit the cell viability of MLE-12 in a concentration-dependent manner. Both JQ-1 and GA could effectively alleviate TGF-β1-induced EMT, and reduce the increase in HMGB1 expression and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway caused by TGF-β1. Moreover, rHMGB1 treatment could reduce the effects of JQ-1 on EMT and the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Additionally, both JQ-1 and glycyrrhizin could effectively decrease TGF-β1-induced cell migration, whereas rHMGB1 could alleviate the inhibitory effect of JQ-1 on the rate of cell migration. Conclusion BRD4 can regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar type II epithelial cells via HMGB1/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling cascade, and BRD4 may be a potential target for inhibition of pulmonary fibrosis.

Background Silicosis is an occupational disease mainly characterized by pulmonary progressive fibrosis induced by the accumulation of free silica (SiO₂) in the lungs due to long-term exposure to SiO₂ dust. It has been shown that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are increased in the lung tissues of silicotic mice after 28 d SiO₂ exposure, but it is unclear how the levels of NETs change throughout entire progression of silicosis in mice. Objective To observe the levels of NETs and pathological changes in the lungs of silicotic mice after different duration of SiO₂ exposure, and to confirm the possible role and significance of NETsin the development of SiO₂-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods A total of 28 SPF male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, and a model group, and the model group was subdivided into, a 2 d model group, a 7 d model group, and a 28 d model group, with 7 mice in each group. The mice in the model groups were given intratracheal instillation with 10 mg SiO₂ suspension (50 μL), and the mice in the control group were received same volume of saline. Mice were sacrificed and samples were collected at designed time points. The pathological changes of lung tissues of mice were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Van Gieson (VG) staining. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the NETs markers citrullination histone H3 (CitH3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the percentage of NETs-positive cells was calculated. PicoGreen fluorescent dye kit was used to detect the content of extracelluar DNA (ex-DNA) in mouse BALF, and the expression levels of fibrosis-related proteins α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN) and NETs marker CitH3 in lung tissues of mice were detected by Western blot (WB). Results Compared with the control group, inflammatory cells accumulation, alveolar wall thickening, and collagen deposition were obviously observed in the lungs of the silicosis model groups, and a large number of silicone nodules were recorded in the lung tissues in the 28 d group. Compared with the control group, the expressions of α-SMA and FN in the lung tissue of the 28 d group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The percentages of NETs in BALF increased significantly in the 2 d and the 7 d model group, then decreased in the 28 d model group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group (7.434±0.258) ng·mL⁻¹, the ex-DNA levels in BALF of mice in the 2 d [(35.110±6.331) ng·mL⁻¹], the 7 d [(39.491±6.948) ng·mL⁻¹], and the 28 d [(23.360±4.809) ng·mL⁻¹] model groups were increased (P<0.05), and the increase of ex-DNA in the 2 d and the 7 d model groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). In comparison with the control group, the protein level of CitH3 was significantly increased in the lung tissues of mice in the 7 d model group (P<0.05). Conclusion The content of NETs increases significantly and reaches a peak in the early inflammatory stage of silicosis, and decreases as the disease progresses to the fibrotic stage, suggesting that NETs may play a role in early stage of silicosis.

Objective To investigate whether an association existed between elevated serum β2-microglobulin levels and post stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI).Methods A total of 140 patients with ischemic stroke in Wenzhou People's Hospital during December 2022 to December 2023 were prospectively were enrolled including 73 patients in the PSCI group and 67 patients in the non-post stroke cognitive impairment(PSNCI)group.Serum β2-microglobulin and other biochemical indicators were measured within 24 hours after admission.PSCI was assessed using the mini-mental state examination(MMSE)score with a threshold of≥27 points serving as the diagnostic criterion.Results The age,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score at admission,proportion of low education level,proportion of multiple or large area infarction and serum β2-microglobulin level in the PSCI group were higher than those in the PSNCI group.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age,NIHSS score at admission,multiple or large area infarction and serum β2-microglobulin level were risk factors for PSCI,and education level was a protective factor for PSCI.Conclusion The increase of β2-microglobulin level is a risk factor for cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke.The detection of β2-microglobulin level in stroke patients may realize the early detection of PSCI.

【Objective】 To monitor the positive rates of IgM and IgG antibodies and the changes in S/CO values over time in voluntary blood donors infected with SARS-CoV-2 after recovery, in order to provide theoretical basis and data support for ensuring clinical blood safety. 【Methods】 A total of 54 platelet donors who met the inclusion criteria were selected for this study, and 359 blood samples (plasma) from T1 to T7 (at 7 time points, spanning 14 to 15 weeks) were continuously monitored for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies using fully automated chemi-luminescence method. 【Results】 Among 359 blood samples (plasma) from 54 donors, 349 were with valid test results.Eleven donors were tested positive for IgM, with a positive rate of 20.37%, and IgM antibody S/CO value gradually increased during T1-T3, but gradually decreased during T4-T7. Fifty-four donors were tested positive for IgG, with the positive rate of 100%, and the S/CO value of IgG antibody gradually decreased over time. During the period of T1 -T7, there was no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody S/CO value between gender (male/female) or age group (18-39 years old /40-60 years old). 【Conclusion】 The positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody in platelet donors after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection was 100% during 2-14 weeks, and the IgG S/CO value gradually decreases over time. The long-term dynamic changes of SARS-CoV-2 serologically specific IgG and IgM antibodies in blood donors are worthy of further study.

【Objective】 To evaluate the associations of total fat and fatty acid consumption with the risk of hypertension among rural residents in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province. 【Methods】 A cross-sectional survey on dietary status with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was conducted among rural residents aged between 18 and 80 years old in Hanzhong of Shaanxi. Multivariate log-binomial regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to explore the associations of dietary total fat, saturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acids with hypertension and as well as association between dose and response. 【Results】 A total of 2241 individuals were included, with 774 males and 1467 females. Monounsaturated fatty acid accounted for 51.9% of total dietary fat intake, while the other two fatty acids for 48.1%. The intake of dietary fat and any fatty acid in men was significantly in men higher than in women (P<0.001). Results of multivariable log-binomial regression indicated that after adjustment of energy, socio-demographic and lifestyles, the risk of hypertension reduced significantly in Q4 group, compared with that in Q1 (PR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92; P-trend: 0.022) in females. A nonlinear dose-response relationship between monounsaturated fatty acids and hypertension was detected by restricted cubic spline in women (Pnon-linear<0.01). No association was observed of total fat, saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid with hypertension regardless of the gender. 【Conclusion】 In women, increased consumption of monounsaturated fats might play a positive role in reducing the risk of hypertension. Further research is warranted to verify the rationality of causal inference and break-point.

Objective To understand the current situation of pressure steam sterilization in medical institutions in Xi'an city,and provide reference for the monitoring and quality control of pressure steam sterilization.Methods Central sterile supply departments(CSSDs) in medical institutions in Xi'an in 2012-2014 were investigated.Physical,chemical,and biological monitoring methods were used to evaluate the pressure steam sterilizers.Results A total of 135 medical institutions in Xi' an were monitored,including 40 tertiary medical institutions and 95 secondary and below medical institutions.A total of 540 specimens were collected,454 were qualified,overall qualified rate was 84.07 ％.Qualified rate of monitoring result of pressure steam sterilization of tertiary medical institutions was higher than secondary and below medical institutions(93.13 ％ vs 80.26 ％,x2 =13.91,P＜0.01).Qualified rates of chemical PCD and biological test pack of tertiary as well as secondary and below medical institutions were 100％ and ＞90％ respectively.The qualified rate of recoded temperature in secondary and below medical institutions was 88.42 ％,but actually measured temperature was 38.95 ％,which was significantly lower than 72.50 ％ of tertiary medical institutions(x2 =12.68,P＜0.01).The rates of the measured temperature＞ 134℃ of pressure steam sterilizer in each year were all low,but measured temperature＜132℃ was about 50.00 ％,difference between actually measured temperature and recorded temperature was-4℃-1 ℃,difference between-2.5 ℃-0.5℃ accounted for 80.00％,the main unqualified temperature was 130℃-131 ℃,accounting for 82.61 ％.Conclusion Efficacy of pressure steam sterilization is different in different levels of medical institutions in Xi'an,physical monitoring measures are not standardized,the supervision of physical parameters in key sectors should be strengthened to ensure the sterilization quality of medical institutions and reduce the occurrence of iatrogenic infection.

PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) has become a global issue for a large part of the general population. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been used extensively to treat persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). Although systematic reviews have confirmed the effectiveness of SLIT for the treatment of AR, a considerable number of studies using extracts of house dust mites (HDMs) for immunotherapy found no consensus on basic treatment parameters and questioned the efficacy of SLIT. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated SLIT for PAR by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library database searches were performed for RCTs on the treatment of PAR by SLIT that assessed clinical outcomes related to efficacy through May 2016. Descriptive and quantitative information was abstracted. An analysis was performed with standardized mean differences (SMDs) under a fixed or random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 metric. RESULTS: In total, 25 studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis for symptom scores and 15 studies for medication scores. SLIT was significantly different from the controls for symptom scores (SMD=1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.74 to 0.73; P<0.001). For medication scores, significant differences for SLIT were also observed versus the controls (SMD=-1.39; 95% CI=-1.90 to -0.88; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicates that SLIT provided significant symptom relief and reduced the need for medications in PAR. In this study, significant evidence was obtained despite heterogeneity with regard to the use of mite extract. Specifically, the mite extract used was provided by the patients with PAR. Furthermore, to confirm both the objective outcomes and the effective doses of HDM allergen extracts, experimental data should be obtained from large high-quality population-based studies.
Consensus ; Dust* ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Mites ; Population Characteristics ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis, Allergic* ; Sublingual Immunotherapy*

Objective To investigate the current status of hand hygiene(HH) among health care workers(HCWs) in clinical laboratories in medical institutions in Xi'an City.Methods HH status of HCWs in clinical laboratories in medical institutions in Xi'an was performed random on-the-spot sampling and monitoring.Results A total of 240 HH specimens of HCWs in clinical laboratories in 80 medical institutions in Xi'an City were collected, 127 detected results were qualified, the total qualified rate was 52.92%.The qualified rates of medical institutions were as follows: municipal hospitals 62.67%,workers' hospitals 55.95%,private hospitals 40.74%;comprehensive medical institutions 67.68%,specialized medical institutions 42.55%;tertiary medical institutions 79.63%(n=43),secondary and below medical institutions 45.16%(n=84),there were significant differences in HH qualified rate among HCWs in different types of medical institutions(all P<0.01).Of different HH detection items, detection rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 0.83% and 8.33% respectively.There were significant differences in HH compliance rates among HCWs of all age groups(χ2=9.103,P<0.05), HCWs aged≥50 years had the highest qualified rate of HH(71.43%), followed by those aged<30 years (67.82%),HCWs in 40~ year age group had the lowest HH qualified rate (39.66%).Conclusion The qualified rate of HH of HCWs in clinical laboratory of medical institutions in Xi'an City is low, it is necessary to enhance the procaution awareness of HCWs in clinical laboratories, strengthen quality control of HH, strictly implement standard hand-washing procedures to reduce occurrence of HAI.

OBJECTIVE To study on the influence of human papilloma virus(HPV) type on the clinical course of juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis(JORRP).METHODS Fresh tumor specimens of 38 patients were collected and the HPV type of the specimens was detected by flow fluorescent hybridization method.According to the results,children were divided into HPV6 and HPVll positive groups.The clinical data of the two groups were compared.RESULTS Among 38 children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis,21(55.2％) were infected with HPV6,14(36.8％) were infected with HPVll,and 3(7.9％) were negative for HPV 6 or HPV 11.The proportion of aggressive cases in HPV6 and HPV11 groups were similar.The age of onset,preoperative clinical symptom score,number of anatomic locations,anatomic Derkay/Coltrera score and Dikkers score were significant different between the two groups (P=0.002,0.040,0.023,0.001,0.005,respectively).CONCLUSION JORRP patients with HPV11 infection had the features of smaller onset age,more severe clinical symptoms and broader invasion compared with HPV6 infection.

Clinical data of 62 cases of tracheobronchial foreign bodies with pulmonary atelectasis admitted in Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children′s Hospital during January 2007 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed .There were 40 boys and 22 girls aged 9 months to 10 years, and the symptom onset ranged from 6 hours to 4 months prior to medical intervention .The foreign bodies were vegetables in 55 (88.71%), pieces of meat in 3 (4.84%) and chemical product in 4 cases (6.45%). Sixty patients recovered after medical intervention , 1 died preoperatively and 1 died of severe reexpansion pulmonary edema ( RPE) .The foreign bodies were successfully removed with rigid bronchoscopy in a single attempt in 47 children (77.05%), 1 child (1.64%) required two attempts to completely remove the foreign bodies;10 children ( 16.39%) were treated with fiberoptic bronchoscopy;3 children ( 4.92%) received thoracotomy , in which 1 child ( 1.64%) received a lobectomy due to pulmonary atelectasis and lung consolidation during operation .Conclusion Foreign bodies combined with pulmonary atelectasis in children are likely to be misdiagnosed , which led to severe adverse events . RPE is a serious postoperative complication of children receiving rigid bronchoscopy as a treatment , especially those diagnosed with tracheobronchial foreign bodies combined with pulmonary atelectasis .