Objective To investigate the predictive value of atherosclerotic index of plasma(AIP)for the risk of coronary heart disease(CHD)in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in 299 patients with NAFLD.Based on presence or absence of CHD,the patients were divided into NAFLD with CHD group(n=177)and NAFLD group(n=122).Clinical data were collected from both groups,and AIP was calculat-ed.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the independent risk factors for CHD in patients with NAFLD.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evalu-ate the predictive value of AIP for the risk of CHD in patients with NAFLD.Results The NAFLD with CHD group had a higher proportion of males,smokers,and higher levels of alanine aminotrans-ferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),triglycerides(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT),uric acid(UA),and AIP than the NAFLD group.The NAFLD with CHD group also had lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)than the NAFLD group(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that males(OR=2.548,95％CI,1.402 to 4.632,P=0.002),high levels of AST(OR=1.038,95％CI,1.002 to 1.077,P=0.041),high levels of LDL-C(OR=1.811,95％CI,1.242 to 2.640,P=0.002),and high AIP(OR=16.117,95％CI,1.874 to 138.609,P=0.011)were independent risk factors for CHD in patients with NAFLD(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that AIP had an area under the curve of 0.746(95％CI,0.688 to 0.804)for pre-dicting CHD in patients with NAFLD,with a sensitivity of 76.3％and a specificity of 73.0％.Conclusion AIP is an independent influencing factor for CHD in patients with NAFLD and has certain predictive value for the risk of CHD in these patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Buzhong Yulin Decoction （补中愈淋汤） in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection. MethodsThe mouse models of recurrent urinary tract infection were established by uropathogenic Escherichia coli （UPEC） strain UTI89 by bladder perfusion， and the successful mouse models were randomly divided into a model group， an antibiotic group， and a low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction group， with six mice in each group. In addition， 5 C57BL/6 mice without modelling were taken as blank group. The low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of decoction by gavage， with concentrations of 1.3 g/ml and 5.2 g/ml， respectively； the antibiotic group received 0.1 ml/10 g of levofloxacin hydrochloride solution with 5 mg/ml by gavage； the blank and model groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage. Each group was gavaged once a day for 7 consecutive days. The total number of urine marks， the number of central urine marks， and the total urine volume of the urine marks were observed by the urine marking test； HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the bladder of mice； serum levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin 1β （IL-1β）， interleukin 6 （IL-6） and tumour necrosis factor α （TNF-α） were detected by ELISA； the morphology of the epithelial cells of bladder was observed by scanning electron microscopy； immunofluorescence assay to detect bladder tissue anti-UroPlakin 3A protein level and UPEC bacterial load； the spread plate method to detect urinary bacterial load and bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells； RT-PCR method to detect Ras-related protein Rab-11A （RAB11A） and Ras-related protein Rab-27B （RAB27B） mRNA level in bladder tissue； immunoblotting to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain3 （LC3） and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the bladder epithelial cell layers were lost and showed abnormal morphology in mice of the model group； bladder tissue UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA levels reduced， the total number of urine marks， the number of central urine marks， bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load， urinary bacterial load， bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells， serum IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， and LC3 and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the bladder epithelial cell layers were intact and the morphology of epithelial cells were regular in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups； the average surface area of bladder epithelial cells reduced， the levels of UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA in bladder tissues elevated， and total number of urine marks， the number of central urine marks， bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load， urinary bacterial load， bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells， serum IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all reduced （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， but LC3 protein levels showed no statistically significant （P＞0.05）. In the antibiotic group， the bladder epithelial cells were partially missing and the morphology of epithelial cells was abnormal. Compared with the antibiotic group， the average surface area of the bladder epithelial cells in the mice increased in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups， the bacterial load of the bladder epithelial cells decreased， and the P62 protein level of the bladder tissue decreased （P＜0.05）. When comparing between the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups， the differences in each index were not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. ConclusionBuzhong Yulin Decoction may prevent and treat recurrent urinary tract infection by repairing the bladder mucosal barrier， increasing RAB11A and RAB27B level and enhancing autophagy in bladder tissues， thereby facilitating bacterial clearance from bladder epithelial cells and reducing the bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells.

To report the first case of cutaneous chronic active Epstein-Barr virus disease manifesting as persistent erythema multiforme in China. The 12-year-old female patient presented with recurrent erythema and blisters all over the body, accompanied by oral erosions for more than 5 months. Skin examination showed dark erythema scattered on the right upper eyelid and cheeks, as well as erosions and blisters arising in the dark erythema on the lower jaw; broad bean- to pigeon egg-sized blisters with clear fluids arising in erythema were scattered on the back, buttocks, and limbs, and some manifested as atypical targetoid lesions; there was a mung bean-sized erosion on the mucosa of the lower lip and the right buccal region each; the patient also presented with moon face and multiple striae atrophicae on the lower limbs. Histopathological examination of the skin lesions on the lower limb revealed basket-weave hyperkeratosis, epidermal necrosis, liquefaction degeneration of basal cells with subepidermal blister formation, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration in the superficial dermis; direct immunofluorescence assay showed negative staining for IgG, IgM, IgA, and complement C3 among epidermal cells and at the basement membrane zone; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed negative staining for serum antibodies against desmoglein 1/3 (Dsg1/3), BP180, and type Ⅶ collagen; immunohistochemical examination demonstrated partial positive staining for CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD56, granzyme B, and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA, positive staining for Ki67 (> 70%), but negative staining for CD20. The Epstein-Barr virus DNA level was measured to be 1.97 × 10 6 IU/ml in whole blood samples and 2.65 × 10 7 IU/ml in blister fluid samples. No mutation sites with functional significance were identified by whole-exome sequencing. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of cutaneous chronic active Epstein-Barr virus disease manifesting as persistent erythema multiforme was made. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone at a dose of 40 mg/d, intravenous drips of ganciclovir at 200 mg twice daily, etc., and discharged after improvement.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Yudantong decoction in mice with α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis, as well as its targets and mechanism based on intestinal flora and intestinal barrier function. Methods A total of 24 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, Yudantong decoction group (YDTF group), and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the model group, the YDTF group, and the UDCA group were given ANIT 35 mg/kg/day by gavage on days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13, and those in the YDTF group and the UDCA group were given Yudantong decoction or UDCA by gavage for 15 consecutive days; related samples were collected on day 16. Liver histopathology was observed, and liver function parameters were measured; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and FXR in the liver, and flow cytometry was used to measure the percentages of CD11b + , CD86 + , and CD45 + immune cells in the liver; 16S rDNA sequencing and information analysis were performed for fecal microorganisms; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression of the intestinal FXR/NLRP3 pathway, and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the protein expression of intestinal E-cadherin and occludin. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data with homogeneity of variance between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Welch test was used for comparison of data with heterogeneity of variance between multiple groups, and the Games-Howell test was used for further comparison between two groups. Results HE staining showed that the model group had partial hepatocyte fatty degeneration, massive necrosis of hepatocytes in hepatic lobules, damage of lobular structure, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration, and the YDTF group and the UDCA group had alleviation of hepatocyte fatty degeneration and hepatocyte necrosis in hepatic lobules, with a reduction in inflammatory cells. Compared with the control group, the model group had significantly higher serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), and total bile acid (TBA) (all P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the YDTF group had significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, TBil, DBil, and TBA (all P < 0.05), and the UDCA group had significant reductions in the serum levels of GGT, TBil, DBil, and TBA (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had significant increases in the levels of caspase-1 and IL-1β and a significant reduction in the expression of FXR in the liver (all P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the YDTF group had significant reductions in the levels of caspase-1 and IL-1β in the liver and the UDCA group had a significant reduction in the level of IL-1β in the liver, and both the YDTF group and the UDCA group had a significant increase in the expression level of FXR in the liver (all P < 0.05). The model group had a significant change in the composition of intestinal flora compared with the control group ( P < 0.05); there was a significant difference in the structure of intestinal flora between the YDTF group and the model group ( P < 0.05), and there was also a significant difference in the composition of intestinal flora between the UDCA group and the control/model groups ( P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant increase in the abundance of intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila and a significant reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus johnsonii (both P < 0.05); compared with the model group, both the YDTF group and the UDCA group had a significant reduction in the abundance of intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila , and the YDTF group had a significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus murinus , while the UDCA group had significant increases in the abundance of Lactobacillus murinus and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant reduction in the protein expression of intestinal FXR, a significant increase in the protein expression of intestinal NLRP3, and significant reductions in the expression of intestinal E-cadherin and occludin (all P < 0.05); compared with the model group, both the YDTF group and the UDCA group had a significant increase in the protein expression of intestinal FXR, a significant reduction in the protein expression of intestinal NLRP3, and significant increases in the expression of intestinal E-cadherin and occludin (all P < 0.05). Conclusion Yudantong decoction can alleviate liver injury in mice with ANIT-induced cholestasis, possibly by improving intestinal flora and enhancing intestinal barrier function.

Objective:To investigate the change in 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) levels in hospitalized newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between baseline and vitamin D supplementation, and to explore the effect of different levels of vitamin D on the complications.Method:A prospective study was conducted on the newborns admitted to NICU at Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University within 72 h after birth from January 2021 to January 2022. Vitamin D supplementation was initiated after the detection of basal 25-OHD levels within 72 h after birth. Serum 25-OHD levels were measured after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of supplementation. Newborns were categorized into four groups according to the basal 25-OHD level: sufficient, insufficient, deficient, and severely deficient groups. The analysis of variants, independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact probability method were employed to evaluate the differences in basal 25-OHD levels among newborns with different clinical conditions and gestational ages, as well as the variation in 25-OHD levels before and after supplementation among the four groups. Furthermore, differences in the morbidity and mortality among different basal status groups were analyzed. Result:(1) During the study period, 626 cases met the inclusion criteria, and after excluding seven cases, 619 infants were ultimately included in the study with serum 25-OHD level within 72 h being (21.8±10.1) ng/ml. There were 134 cases (21.6%) in the sufficient group, 208 cases (33.6%) in the insufficient group, 186 cases (30.0%) in the deficient group, and 91 cases (14.7%) in the severe deficient group. (2) No statistically significant differences were observed in the basal 25-OHD levels regardless of the genders, gestational age, birth month, number of fetuses or small for gestational age (all P>0.05). (3) Among all infants, 158 cases continued to supplement vitamin D for two weeks, 64 cases continued for four weeks, and 13 cases continued for six weeks, with all of them discharged within eight weeks. Compared with the basal 25-OHD levels, there were no statistically significant differences in the serum 25-OHD levels among the sufficient, insufficient, deficient, and severely deficient groups after two weeks of supplementation [(37.1±9.3) vs. (36.8±4.9) ng/ml, (24.7±7.2) vs. (24.7±2.9) ng/ml, (16.0±7.6) vs. (15.4±2.9) ng/ml, (8.1±5.6) vs. (7.6±1.4) ng/ml; t=0.18, 0.04, 0.65 and 0.48, respectively; all P>0.05]. After four weeks of supplementation, however, the serum 25-OHD levels in the four groups were higher than those before supplementation [(40.0±5.2) vs. (35.8±3.9) ng/ml, (29.7±6.4) vs. (24.5±2.9) ng/ml, (20.3±7.1) vs. (15.6±3.0) ng/ml, (14.9±7.3) vs. (6.5±2.3) ng/ml; t=2.13, 2.66, 5.08 and 7.64, respectively; all P<0.05]. (4) The incidence of hypocalcemia [23.1% (21/91) vs. 9.7% (18/186)] and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome [15.4% (14/91) vs. 3.2% (6/186)] were higher in the severely deficient group than those in the deficient group ( χ2=9.07 and 13.49, both P<0.008). No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of neonatal sepsis, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and mortality among the four groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The insufficiency of 25-OHD levels and vitamin D deficiency were prevalent in NICU neonates. Vitamin D status did not significantly differ among newborns with varying gestational ages. A prolonged period of sustained vitamin D supplementation may be required to elevate the serum 25-OHD level. The incidence of hypocalcemia and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome are higher in newborns with severe vitamin D deficiency.

Objective:To compare the dosimetric difference between 3D-printed multi-channel applicator and conventional vaginal single-channel applicator for brachytherapy, aiming to provide guidance for patients receiving brachytherapy after cervical cancer surgery.Methods:From January 2019 to November 2020, 25 cervical cancer patients complicated with VAIN Ⅲ receiving 192Ir high-dose-rate brachytherapy after cervical cancer surgery were selected. Each patient was located by CT scanning with 3D-printed multi-channel applicator and conventional vaginal single-channel applicator, and corresponding plan and evaluation were carried out. The dose volume histogram (DVH) was obtained by inverse dose optimization algorithm. The dosimetric differences of high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV), bladder and rectum during brachytherapy were compared with those of source applicators. The optimal treatment plan was selected. Results:D 90%, D 100%, V 100% and V 150% of the plans designed by 3D-printed individual multi-channel applicator had no significant differences compared with those designed by conventional single-channel applicator (all P>0.05). The bladder and rectal D 2cm 3 designed by 3D-printed multi-channel applicator were significantly lower than those using conventional single-channel applicator, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The multi-channel individual applicator target made by 3D-printing technology has good conformal property, properly protects the bladder and rectum and possesses treatment advantages over conventional single-channel applicator.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive pest native to America and has recently become an invasive insect pest in China. Because of its rapid spread and great risks in China, understanding of FAW genetic background and pesticide resistance is urgent and essential to develop effective management strategies. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of a male FAW (SFynMstLFR) and compared re-sequencing results of the populations from America, Africa, and China. Strain identification of 163 individuals collected from America, Africa and China showed that both C and R strains were found in the American populations, while only C strain was found in the Chinese and African populations. Moreover, population genomics analysis showed that populations from Africa and China have close relationship with significantly genetic differentiation from American populations. Taken together, FAWs invaded into China were most likely originated from Africa. Comparative genomics analysis displayed that the cytochrome p450 gene family is extremely expanded to 425 members in FAW, of which 283 genes are specific to FAW. Treatments of Chinese populations with twenty-three pesticides showed the variant patterns of transcriptome profiles, and several detoxification genes such as AOX, UGT and GST specially responded to the pesticides. These findings will be useful in developing effective strategies for management of FAW in China and other invaded areas.
Animals ; China ; Genomics ; Humans ; Male ; Pesticides ; Spodoptera/genetics* ; Transcriptome

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of long-term mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and to explore the predictive value of echocardiography.Methods:A total of 109 APE patients admitted in First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between December 2010 and November 2014 were enrolled in this study. APE was diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or ventilation-perfusion pulmonary scintigraphy. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters and clinical parameters within 48 h of onset were collected. All the patients were treated with standard anticoagulation, thrombolysis, or thrombectomy. Regular follow-up was carried out, with the average follow-up period of (7.20±1.04) years. The patients were divided into survival group and fatal group according to their follow-up results. The echocardiographic parameters and primary biochemical laboratory parameters within 48 h after onset were compared between the survival group and the fatal group by t test or χ 2 test. Cox regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors of long-term prognosis of patients with APE. Survival analysis was performed in patients with echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) enlargement and/or dysfunction and without RV enlargement and/or dysfunction by Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival curves were plotted. The comparison between the two groups was performed by log-rank test. Results:The average follow-up period was (7.20±1.04) years. Fourteen patients were lost in the follow-up, and 95 patients were included in the final analysis, among whom 58 survived and 37 died with a fatality rate of 39.0%. Cox regression analysis showed that age ( HR=2.32, 95% CI:1.31-4.13, P=0.004), malignancy ( HR=6.49, 95% CI:2.32-18.14, P<0.001), right atrial (RA)/left atrial (LA) area ratio ( HR=2.01, 95% CI:1.16-3.48, P=0.013), RV enlargement and/or dysfunction ( HR=5.90, 95% CI: 1.45-23.94, P=0.013), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score ( HR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.04-2.96, P=0.035), low oxygen saturation ( HR=1.70, 95% CI:1.14-2.53, P=0.009) were independent risk factors associated with long-term mortality in patients with APE. Kaplan Meier survival curve analysis showed that the cumulative survival rates of patients with RV enlargement and/or dysfunction at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years were 92.8%, 66.7%, 59.4% and 52.2% respectively, and those without RV enlargement and/or dysfunction were 96.2%, 92.3%, 84.6% and 84.6%,respectively (log rank test, P=0.006). Conclusions:Patients with APE have high long-term mortality. Early echocardiographic RV enlargement and/or dysfunction, RA/LA area ratio, age, malignant tumor, CCI score and low oxygen saturation are independent risk factors related to long-term mortality in patients with APE. Ultrasound evaluation of patients with RV enlargement and/or dysfunction has a certain value in predicting long-term mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: To verify a rare allele of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and analyze its inheritance and 3D molecular structure. METHODS: PCR-sequence-based typing, PCR-single strand oligonucleotide polymorphism and single allele-specific sequencing were carried out to characterize the rare HLA-C allele and its transmission in the family. Its protein structure was modeled by using SWISS-MODEL, Phyre2 and FATCAT software. RESULTS: Analysis indicated that the rare allele (HLA-C*08:84) has transmitted from the proband's mother and has differed from HLA-C*08:01 by a single base (g.512G>C), resulting in substitution of an amino acid (p.Trp147Ser). Modeling of the 3D structure of the encoded protein indicated that the amino acid residue variation is located at the alpha 2 helix, which participates the formation of pocket F. Modeling of the structures of C*08:84, C*08:01, C*08:02, C*08:03 and C*08:22 has suggested significant variation in the peptide binding regions of the backbone, with root mean square errors being 1.70 nm, 1.79 nm, 0.71 nm and 1.70 nm, respectively. CONCLUSION A rare HLA-C*08:84 allele has been identified, and its clinical significance has been analyzed.
Alleles ; Base Sequence ; HLA-B Antigens/genetics* ; HLA-C Antigens/genetics* ; Humans ; Molecular Structure ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective:To explore the relationship between the lipid accumulation product index (LAP) and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis in different gender groups.Methods:The data of 2 740 employees of Dalian municipal government and institutions, including 1 583 males and 1 157 females, who had underwent physical examination in Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated of Dalian Medical University from January to June 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The general data, laboratory indexes and carotid ultrasound data of the population were collected, and the body mass index (BMI) and LAP value were calculated. According to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), the subjects were divided into carotid atherosclerosis group (IMT ≥ 1.0 mm) and carotid normal group (IMT<1.0 mm). The clinical indicators between the two groups were compared. Independent risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis were analyzed by binary Logistic regression, and the cutoff point for predicting carotid atherosclerosis by LAP was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The age, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), LAP, BMI, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), systemic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the male and female population carotid atherosclerosis groups were significantly higher than those in the normal group ( P<0.05). The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting age, BMI, HC, WC, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, TC and LDL-C, the risk of carotid arteriosclerosis still increased 1.316 times with each quartile interval of LAP in women ( OR= 1.316, 95% CI 1.063 to 1.629, P = 0.012). In men, after adjusting for these factors, the independent effect of LAP on the risk of carotid atherosclerosis disappeared. In women, the area under curve (AUC) of LAP in predicting carotid atherosclerosis was 0.713, significantly higher than that of BMI (AUC 0.614) and WC (AUC 0.654), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). But there was no significant difference among the three indexes in the male population in predicting carotid atherosclerosis. According to ROC curve, the best cut-off value of LAP for predicting carotid atherosclerosis was 32.13 cm·mmol/L in men and 33.70 cm·mmol/L in women. Conclusions:LAP is an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis in female population, and its predictive ability for carotid atherosclerosis is higher than that of body mass index and waist circumference. LAP ≥ 33.70 cm·mmol/L can be used as the best cut-off value for screening carotid atherosclerosis in female population.