⁶³Ni is predominantly generated through neutron activation in nuclear reactors and is classified as a pure beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of 101.1 a. During decay, ⁶³Ni emits a beta ray with an energy of 65.87 keV. ⁶³Ni can be used in the manufacture of beta radiation sources, which are utilized as reference and working sources for beta activity measurement and beta energy response calibration. Additionally, it is used in electron capture detectors for chromatography, ionization sources in electron tubes, and electron capture probes in gas chromatography. These instruments have extensive applications in food safety, public health and epidemic prevention, soil pollution monitoring, and security. ⁶³Ni is an artificial radionuclide not commonly found in the natural environment under normal conditions. However, the ⁶³Ni generated during routine operations of nuclear power plants, as well as residual materials and wastes contaminated with ⁶³Ni during plant decommissioning, may be released into the environment through liquid effluents or solid wastes. This can pose potential radiation risks to both the public and the environment. Hence, it is necessary to monitor the activity concentration of ⁶³Ni. Currently, reports on this subject are limited in China, and there is a lack of established standards for the determination of ⁶³Ni in nuclear power plants. This article reviews the global literature on the pretreatment and purification measurement processes of ⁶³Ni. The merits and demerits are summarized for pretreatment methods such as acid leaching, mixed acid digestion, ashing acid leaching/dissolution, and alkali fusion, and for separation and purification methods like solvent extraction, precipitation, and extraction chromatography. The article also highlights the advantages of measurement using liquid scintillation counters. This review provides a reference for the establishment of the determination method of ⁶³Ni in liquid effluents and solid wastes from nuclear power plants.

BACKGROUND: The achievement of an optimal return to sport (RTS) has remained a key goal after sports-related injuries, with the ongoing debate on the effectiveness of different surgical approaches for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. This study aims to assess clinical outcomes and RTS across various surgical methods, such as anatomical single-bundle reconstruction (ASBR), central-axial single-bundle reconstruction (CASBR), and double-bundle reconstruction (DBR). METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted, comprising 191 patients who underwent ACL rupture. These patients were divided into three groups based on the ACL reconstruction techniques they received (ASBR, CASBR, DBR). Over the 2-year follow-up period, the study assessed RTS through four single-hop tests, isokinetic extension tests, and limb asymmetry indices. Postoperative graft status was determined using the signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ), while knee function was evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (IKDC-2000) score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and degree of knee laxity. A binary logistic regression model was developed to forecast the factors influencing ideal RTS. RESULTS: DBR (67.63%) and CASBR (58.00%) exhibited higher RTS passing rates compared to ASBR (30.39%; χ2 = 19.57, P <0.05). Quadriceps strength symmetry in the lower limbs was identified as the key determinant of RTS ( χ2 = 17.08, P <0.05). The RTS rate was influenced by SNQs of the graft's tibial site (odds ratio: 0.544) and quadriceps strength of the reconstructed knee joint at 60°/s (odds ratio: 6.346). Notably, the DBR group showed enhanced knee stability, evidenced by superior results in the Lachman test ( χ2 = 13.49, P <0.01), objective IKDC-2000 ( χ2 = 27.02, P = 0.002), and anterior instability test ( χ2 = 9.46, P <0.01). Furthermore, DBR demonstrated superior clinical outcomes based on the Lysholm score (DBR: 89.57 ± 7.72, CASBR: 83.00 ± 12.71, ASBR: 83.21 ± 11.95; F = 10.452, P <0.01) and IKDC-2000 score (DBR: 90.95 ± 7.00, CASBR: 84.64 ± 12.68, ASBR: 83.63 ± 11.41; F = 11.78, P <0.01). CONCLUSION: For patients with ACL rupture, more ideal RTS rate and clinical outcomes were shown in the DBR group than in the ASBR and CASBR groups. Autograft status and quadriceps strength are postively related to RTS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05400460).
Humans ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Return to Sport ; Adolescent ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences of plasma valine level between autistic and healthy children, and to explore the relationship between plasma valine level and developmental quotient in children with autism. METHODS: In this study, a total of 29 autistic children and 30 typically developing children of the same age range were recruited as the autistic group and the control group. The childhood autism rating scale (CARS) was used to assess autistic core symptoms and severity in the autistic children. Children's developmental quotient was evaluated by Gesell developmental schedules (GDS), and plasma valine level was measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The correlation between plasma valine level and developmental quotient scores in the autistic group was analyzed. RESULTS: The plasma level of valine in the autism group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Children in the autism group got significantly lower scores in the adaption, gross motor, fine motor, language function and personal/social function subscales in GDS than in the control group (P < 0.000 1). Plasma valine level in the autism group showed significant positive correlations with scores of the fine motor (r=0.441, P < 0.05) and personal/social function (r=0.437, P < 0.05) subscales in GDS, but showed no significant correlations with scores of the adaption, gross motor and language function subscales in GDS (P>0.05). According to the criteria of CARS, children in the autism group were subdivided into the mild to moderate subgroup and the severe subgroup based on the severity of the autistic symptoms. Compared with children in the mild to moderate subgroup, children in the severe subgroup got significantly lower scores in the adaption, fine motor, language function and personal/social function subscales in GDS (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two subgroups in gross motor scores and plasma valine level (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The level of valine in plasma of autistic children is relatively lower, and there is a certain relationship between plasma valine level and the fine movement and personal/social function among children with autism.
Humans ; Autistic Disorder/physiopathology* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Valine/blood* ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Case-Control Studies

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths globally.Advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have transformed cancer treatment,but their use in lung cancer has led to more side effects.This study examined if past pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)affects ICIs'effectiveness and safety in lung cancer treatment.We reviewed lung cancer patients treated with ICIs at Beijing Chest Hospital from January 2019 to August 2022.We compared outcomes and side effects between patients with and without prior TB.Of 116 patients(40 with TB history,76 without),prior TB didn't reduce treatment effectiveness but did increase severe side effects.Notably,older patients(≥65 years)faced a higher risk of severe side effects.Detailed cases of two patients with severe side effects underscored TB as a risk factor in lung cancer patients receiving ICIs,stressing the need for careful monitoring and personalized care.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of tubastatin A (TubA) on pyroptosis during brain injury after cardiac arrest and resuscitation in swine.Methods:Twenty-two conventional male white swine, weighing 34-39 kg, aged 4-6 months, were divided into 3 groups using a random number table: sham operation group (group S, n=6), cardiac arrest-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA-CPR) group ( n=8) and CA-CPR+ TubA group ( n=8). The swine model of CA-CPR was established by 9 min of cardiac arrest and 6 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in CA-CPR group and CA-CPR+ TubA group. TubA 4.5 mg/kg (in 50 ml of normal saline) was infused over 1 h via the femoral vein starting from 5 min after resuscitation in CA-CPR+ TubA group. Before developing the model and at 1, 2, 4 and 24 h after resuscitation (T 0-4), blood samples were collected from the femoral vein for determination of the concentrations of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S100β protein in serum (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Neurological deficit score (NDS) was evaluated at T 4. The animals were then sacrificed, and their brain cortex tissues were harvested to measure the expression of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, gasdermin E (GSDME) and GSDME N-terminal (N-GSDME) (by Western blot) and contents of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with group S, the serum concentrations of NSE and S100β were significantly increased at T 1-4, NDS was increased at T 4, the expression of HDAC6, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, GSDME and N-GSDME in brain cortex was up-regulated, and the contents of HMGB1, IL-1β and IL-18 were increased in CA-CPR and CA-CPR+ TubA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group CA-CPR, the serum concentrations of NSE and S100β were significantly decreased at T 3, 4, NDS was decreased at T 4, the expression of HDAC6, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, GSDME and N-GSDME in brain cortex was down-regulated, and the contents of HMGB1, IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased in group CA-CPR+ TubA ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which TubA alleviates brain injury after cardiac arrest and resuscitation may be related to inhibition of pyroptosis in swine.

Objective:To investigate the clinical experience of different types of femoral perforator flaps in the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects.Methods:From January 2018 to January 2021, 573 patients with oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects reconstructed by femoral perforator flap were collected in the Department of Maxillofacial Oncology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University (age range of 21-76 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.23∶1). According to the type of perforator flap, the patients were divided into ALT group, AMT group, TFL flap group and free muscle flap group. The incidence of postoperative complications, wound healing time and drainage volume in femoral area were compared among the 4 groups.Results:The ALT flap was used in 527 cases: 22 flaps had vascular crisis, 14 flaps had infection, 8 flaps had necrosis, 519 flaps survived; the mean healing time of the wound was (14.50±3.19) days, and the mean drainage volume was (49.9±21.3) ml. 28 cases were repaired with AMT flap: 2 flaps had vascular crisis and 1 had infection. All the flaps survived; the mean healing time of the wound was (14.18±2.75) days, and the mean drainage volume was (50.3±23.0) ml. 11 cases were repaired by TFL flap: 1 flap had vascular crisis and 1 had infection. All the flaps survived. The mean healing time of the wound was (14.09±2.66) days, and the mean drainage volume was (54.1±25.0) ml. 7 cases were repaired by free muscle flap survived without vascular crisis, infection and other postoperative complications; the mean healing time of the wound was 14.14±1.86, and the mean postoperative drainage volume was (49.9±21.1) ml. There was no significant difference in complication rate (flap necrosis, vascular crisis, infection, etc.) and repair effect among 573 patients with different flap types. The postoperative follow-up was conducted for 6-24 months, and the donor area was smooth and good in appearance, without obvious scar or functional influence. The repair effect of the affected area was satisfactory.Conclusions:Although there is a certain proportion of perforator vessel variation in the femoral perforator flap, the flap can be designed freely according to different types of variation. The thigh perforator flap has an essential application value in the repair of oral and maxillofacial head and neck defects.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of mixed reality (MR) in the standardized resident training on oral and maxillofacial-head and neck tumor surgery.Methods:Twenty resident doctors, who received standardized training in the department of maxillofacial oncology of our hospital, were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The MR teaching method was used in the experimental group, while the traditional teaching method was used in the control group. The teaching effect was evaluated by theoretical and operational tests and a questionnaire survey. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 24.0 software. Statistical comparisons were performed by the Students' t-test or the Wilcoxon rank correlation test. Results:The theoretical test results showed that the scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (85.30±3.59 vs. 80.20±5.63, t = 2.41, P = 0.027). The operational test results showed that the scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (89.20±5.07 vs. 82.30±6.36, t = 2.68, P = 0.015). The questionnaire survey results showed that the MR teaching helped to easily acquire the knowledge of head and neck anatomy and operation skills. Besides, the doctors in the experimental group were more active and glad to communicate with others than those in the control group. In addition, the MR teaching method improved the learning interest of doctors. The doctors in the experimental group were more satisfied with the teaching effect than those in the control group, and they recommended that the MR teaching method be used in clinical training and teaching on oral and maxillofacial-head and neck tumor surgery. Conclusion:MR teaching can help doctors understand and master the knowledge of head and neck anatomy and operation skills and improve their learning interest, achieving a good teaching effect, so it has important application value in the standardized resident training on oral and maxillofacial-head and neck tumor surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of tubastatin A (TubA), a specific inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), on renal and intestinal injuries after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in swine. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy male white swine were divided into Sham group (n = 6), CPR model group (n = 10) and TubA intervention group (n = 9) using a random number table. The porcine model of CPR was reproduced by 9-minute cardiac arrest induced by electrical stimulation via right ventricle followed by 6-minute CPR. The animals in the Sham group only underwent the regular operation including endotracheal intubation, catheterization, and anesthetic monitoring. At 5 minutes after successful resuscitation, a dose of 4.5 mg/kg of TubA was infused via the femoral vein within 1 hour in the TubA intervention group. The same volume of normal saline was infused in the Sham and CPR model groups. Venous samples were collected before modeling and 1, 2, 4, 24 hours after resuscitation, and the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay (ELISA). At 24 hours after resuscitation, the upper pole of left kidney and terminal ileum were harvested to detect cell apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and the expression levels of receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: After resuscitation, renal dysfunction and intestinal mucous injury were observed in the CPR model and TubA intervention groups when compared with the Sham group, which was indicated by significantly increased levels of SCr, BUN, I-FABP and DAO in serum. However, the serum levels of SCr and DAO starting 1 hour after resuscitation, the serum levels of BUN starting 2 hours after resuscitation, and the serum levels of I-FABP starting 4 hours after resuscitation were significantly decreased in the TubA intervention group when compared with the CPR model group [1-hour SCr (μmol/L): 87±6 vs. 122±7, 1-hour DAO (kU/L): 8.1±1.2 vs. 10.3±0.8, 2-hour BUN (mmol/L): 12.3±1.2 vs. 14.7±1.3, 4-hour I-FABP (ng/L): 661±39 vs. 751±38, all P < 0.05]. The detection of tissue samples indicated that cell apoptosis and necroptosis in the kidney and intestine at 24 hours after resuscitation were significantly greater in the CPR model and TubA intervention groups when compared with the Sham group, which were indicated by significantly increased apoptotic index and markedly elevated expression levels of RIP3 and MLKL. Nevertheless, compared with the CPR model group, renal and intestinal apoptotic indexes at 24 hours after resuscitation in the TubA intervention group were significantly decreased [renal apoptosis index: (21.4±4.6)% vs. (55.2±9.5)%, intestinal apoptosis index: (21.3±4.5)% vs. (50.9±7.0)%, both P < 0.05], and the expression levels of RIP3 and MLKL were significantly reduced [renal tissue: RIP3 protein (RIP3/GAPDH) was 1.11±0.07 vs. 1.39±0.17, MLKL protein (MLKL/GAPDH) was 1.20±0.14 vs. 1.51±0.26; intestinal tissue: RIP3 protein (RIP3/GAPDH) was 1.24±0.18 vs. 1.69±0.28, MLKL protein (MLKL/GAPDH) was 1.38±0.15 vs. 1.80±0.26, all P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS TubA has the protective effect on alleviating post-resuscitation renal dysfunction and intestinal mucous injury, and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of cell apoptosis and necroptosis.
Male ; Animals ; Swine ; Abdominal Injuries ; Apoptosis ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Kidney Diseases

Abstract OBJECTIVE To clarify the resource status and diversity of endemic medicinal plants in Shaanxi province. METHODS The species specificity, species composition, faunal composition, family and genus types, medicinal value and endangerment degree of endemic medicinal plants in Shaanxi province were studied by literature review.RESULTS There were 713 species of 331 genera and 101 families endemic to Chinese medicinal plants in the study area. Fifteen species were naturally distributed only in Shaanxi province, and the remaining 698 species were also naturally distributed in other provinces of China. Among the 713 species, 233 species(69 families, 159 genera) were not collected from the fourth resource census in Shaanxi province. There were 11 species of pteridophytes in 7 families and 11 genera, 14 species of gymnosperms in 4 families and 10 genera, 627 species of dicotyledons in 82 families and 278 genera, and 59 species of monocots in 8 families and 32 genera. The endemic life forms of medicinal plants in the study area were mostly herbaceous, followed by shrubs and trees, and semi-shrubs and epiphytes accounted for the least. There were 9 families with ≥ 20 species and 4 families with ≥ 10 species in the study area. The 90 families belonging to the endemic species of medicinal plants in Shaanxi province were divided into 13 distribution types and 9 variations, and the tropical distribution(2-7 categories) had a total of 34 families. There were 5 endemic species of medicinal plants in the study area under the national class I key protection, and 14 species under the national class II key protection. There were 26 species of plants under local key protection in Shaanxi province. There were 21 plants that could be used as original plants for medicinal materials included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(2020 edition). CONCLUSION The endemic species of medicinal plants in Shaanxi province are rich in resources and have good medicinal value. However, the growing environment of some plants is harsh and human damage is serious. Multiple protection measures should be taken to maintain the species diversity and sustainable development of resources in the study area.

Prostate cancer with refractory hyponatremia is rare. A patient was admitted with urinary retention, who developed weakness, apathy, and altered mental status during hospitalization, and was diagnosed with severe hyponatremia. After multidisciplinary consultations with departments such as endocrinology and neurology, the patient was diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). The patient received serum PSA test and prostate MRI examination, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer by prostate biopsy. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was successfully performed. Results: The patients took tolvaptan orally before operation to maintain normal serum sodium. One month after radical prostatectomy, the symptoms of fatigue and anorexia disappeared, and serum sodium returned to normal without tolvaptan taking and sodium supplementation. No tumor recurrence or hyponatremia relapse observed during the 6-month follow-up.