BackgroundPerceived discrimination has been identified as a main risk factor for depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Chronic Illness Rejection and Discrimination Scale （CIRDS） is a measure for assessing perceived discrimination in individuals with chronic disease. However， the Chinese version of CIRDS for maintenance hemodialysis patients has not yet been established. ObjectiveTo translate CIRDS into Chinese version and evaluate its reliability and validity in maintenance hemodialysis patients， so as to provide an effective tool for assessing the perceived discrimination among maintenance hemodialysis patients. MethodsThe Brislin's model for translation， back-translation， cross-cultural adaptation and pre-experimentation was utilized to develop a Chinese version of CIRDS. A coherent of 250 maintenance hemodialysis patients attending Taihe Hospital Affiliated to Hubei Medical College， from July to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The formal scale was refined by employing item analysis， exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The validity of the scale was evaluated using content validity and construct validity. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach's α coefficient， test-retest reliability and split-half reliability. ResultsThe Chinese version of CIRDS consisted of 11 items， including 2 factors （perceived discrimination and perceived rejection）. The scale-level content validity index （S-CVI） value was 0.898 and the item-level content validity index （I-CVI） values ranged from 0.875 to 1.000. Two common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis and explained 65.41% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis also indicated that the model provided a good fit for the data. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.910， with Cronbach's α coefficients of 0.835 and 0.912 for the perceived discrimination and perceived rejection， respectively. The split-half reliability of the scale was 0.803， and the test-retest reliability was 0.920. ConclusionThe Chinese version of CIRDS has excellent reliability and validity， which can be used to evaluate the perceived discrimination in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with above 80% of cases be non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), among which lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) occupies a significant proportion. Although comprehensive cancer therapies have considerably improved the overall survival of patients, patients with advanced LUSC have a poorer prognosis. Therefore, there is a need for a biomarker to predict the progress of advanced LUSC in order to improve prognosis through early diagnosis. Previous studies have shown that miRNAs are differentially expressed in lung cancer tissues and play roles as potential oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The aim of this study is to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between early-stage and advanced-stage LUSC, and to establish a set of miRNAs that can predict the progress of advanced LUSC. METHODS: Clinical data and miRNA-related data of LUSC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatic methods were applied to analyze the data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and various online tools were used to predict target genes, with subsequent analysis of the potential biological mechanisms of these genes. RESULTS: A total of 58 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between the experiment group and the control group. Seven miRNAs were selected for potential construction of a miRNA biomarker through LASSO regression, and based on the area under the curve (AUC) values of each miRNA, four of these miRNAs (miR-377-3p, miR-4779, miR-6803-5p, miR-3960) were ultimately chosen as biomarkers for predicting advanced LUSC. The AUC under the ROC curve for the combined four miRNAs was 0.865. Enrichment analysis showed that these target genes were involved in several pathways, including cancer-related pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, serine/threonine kinase, and tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS The combined use of miR-377-3p, miR-4779, miR-6803-5p and miR-3960 provides a good predictive ability for the progress of advanced LUSC patients, with an AUC of 0.865.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Lung Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Male ; Female ; Prognosis ; ROC Curve ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND:The gluteus medius not only abducts the hip joint,but also plays an important role in limiting the external movement of the femoral head.At present,there is a lack of research on the correlation between gluteus medius status and non-traumatic femoral head necrosis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between the gluteus medius width ratio and the medial space ratio of the hip joint and the progression of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis,and to explore the effect of gluteus medius atrophy on the surface and necrotic zone stress of the femoral head necrosis through finite element analysis. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of unilateral non-traumatic femoral head necrosis patients admitted to Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine was performed.All patients were followed up for an average of more than 2 years.They were divided into a collapsed group and a non-collapsed group based on whether there was collapse of the femoral head during the follow-up.Medial space ratio,gluteus medius width ratio,Sharp angle,gluteus medius length ratio,and gluteus medius activation angle were measured and calculated.The differences in these indicators were compared between the two groups.At the first visit and follow-up at 3,6,12,and 24 months,the medial space ratio and gluteus medius width ratio were measured and calculated to explore the changes of these two indicators in the course of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.In addition,using three-dimensional finite element analysis,a Japanese Investigation Committee classification C1 type femoral head necrosis model was constructed based on CT data.At the same time,based on MRI data,a model of the gluteus medius muscle was constructed and divided into a gluteus medius muscle atrophy group(gluteus medius width ratio:74%-76%)and a gluteus medius muscle normal group(gluteus medius width ratio:94%-96%).Each group constructed 10 models,with 6 degrees of freedom of the distal femur constrained to zero.600 N pressures were applied along the Z-axis to the upper surface of the sacrum.The stress distribution,maximum stress values on the surface and necrotic area of the femoral head,and the maximum displacement of the necrotic area were compared between two groups of models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 153 patients(67 males and 86 females)with 153 hips were included in this study.(2)At the 24-hour follow-up,the medial space ratio of the collapsed group was significantly higher than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).The gluteus medius width ratio of the collapsed group was significantly lower than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in Sharp angle,gluteus medius activation angle,and gluteus medius length ratio between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Since the follow-up time exceeded 3 months,the gluteus medius width ratio of the collapsed group was lower than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).Since the follow-up time exceeded 12 months,the medial space ratio of the collapsed group was higher than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).(4)Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between follow-up time and medial space ratio in the collapsed group(P<0.05),and a significant negative correlation between follow-up time and gluteus medius width ratio(P<0.05).The regression coefficient of gluteus medius width ratio was larger than that of medial space ratio.(5)The group with middle gluteal muscle atrophy showed significant stress concentration on the surface of the femoral head,and the stress zone was significantly located on the outside.The maximum stress on the surface of the femoral head in the group with middle gluteal muscle atrophy was significantly greater than that in the group with normal middle gluteal muscle(P<0.05).There was significant stress concentration in the necrotic area of the middle gluteal muscle atrophy group,and the maximum stress was located at the edge of the necrotic area.The maximum stress and maximum displacement in the necrotic area of the middle gluteal muscle atrophy group were significantly greater than those of the normal group(P<0.05).(6)It is indicated that gluteus medius width ratio is an effective indicator for evaluating changes in gluteal muscle atrophy.In the progression of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis,atrophy of the gluteus medius muscle first occurs,followed by widening of the medial hip joint space.The mechanical mechanism may be that the atrophy of the gluteus medius muscle affects the stability of the hip joint,leading to external displacement of the femoral head,and increasing stress and displacement on the surface and necrotic area of the femoral head.

To analyze the infection of chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) in female infertility and male infertility population, and to explore the correlation between CT and NG infection and infertility. A case-control study was conducted to retrospectively analyze the specimens submitted by patients from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2021 to December 2022. The results showed that a total of 32 184 specimens were collected, and the positive rates of CT were 4.41% (1 419/32 184), and positive rats of NG were 1.42% (457/32 184). In the infertility group ( n=3 366), 2 987 were females and 379 were males. In the control group ( n=3 366), 2 509 were females and 857 were males. The CT positive rate of the infertility group was 13.61% (458/3 366), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 3.30% (111/3 366), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.245, P<0.05), and the NG positive rate of the infertility group was 6.36% (214/3 366), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 0.89% (30/3 366), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.011, P<0.05). A total of 23 992 female genital tract swab specimens were collected, including 2 987 in the infertility group and 2 509 in the control group, and the positive rate of CT in the female infertility subgroup was 10.41% (311/2 987), which was significantly higher than that in the control group 3.75% (94/2 509), the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.132, P<0.05), and the NG positive rate of 8.73% (261/2 987) in the female infertility subgroup was significantly higher than that in the control group 0.40% (10/2 509), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.242, P<0.05). A total of 8 192 male urine samples were collected, including 379 in the infertility group and 857 in the control group, and the CT positive rate of the male infertility subgroup was 13.72% (52/379), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 3.38% (29/857), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.267, P<0.05), and the positive rate of NG in the male infertility subgroup was 12.66% (48/379), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 0.93% (8/857), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.166, P<0.05). Among the 2 987 female specimens in the infertility group, 1 034 were in the primary infertility subgroup and 1 953 were in the secondary infertility subgroup, and the positive rates of CT were 7.93% (82/1 034) and 15.72% (307/1 953), respectively, and the positive rates of NG were 3.87% (40/1 034) and 8.65% (169/1 953) respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=0.185, P>0.05) and ( χ2=0.002, P>0.05). In conclusion, the infection rate of genital tract CT and NG is high in the infertility population, CT and NG are recommended as routine examination indicators for eugenics and infertility screening.

To analyze the infection of chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) in female infertility and male infertility population, and to explore the correlation between CT and NG infection and infertility. A case-control study was conducted to retrospectively analyze the specimens submitted by patients from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2021 to December 2022. The results showed that a total of 32 184 specimens were collected, and the positive rates of CT were 4.41% (1 419/32 184), and positive rats of NG were 1.42% (457/32 184). In the infertility group ( n=3 366), 2 987 were females and 379 were males. In the control group ( n=3 366), 2 509 were females and 857 were males. The CT positive rate of the infertility group was 13.61% (458/3 366), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 3.30% (111/3 366), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.245, P<0.05), and the NG positive rate of the infertility group was 6.36% (214/3 366), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 0.89% (30/3 366), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.011, P<0.05). A total of 23 992 female genital tract swab specimens were collected, including 2 987 in the infertility group and 2 509 in the control group, and the positive rate of CT in the female infertility subgroup was 10.41% (311/2 987), which was significantly higher than that in the control group 3.75% (94/2 509), the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.132, P<0.05), and the NG positive rate of 8.73% (261/2 987) in the female infertility subgroup was significantly higher than that in the control group 0.40% (10/2 509), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.242, P<0.05). A total of 8 192 male urine samples were collected, including 379 in the infertility group and 857 in the control group, and the CT positive rate of the male infertility subgroup was 13.72% (52/379), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 3.38% (29/857), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.267, P<0.05), and the positive rate of NG in the male infertility subgroup was 12.66% (48/379), which was significantly higher than that of the control group 0.93% (8/857), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=4.166, P<0.05). Among the 2 987 female specimens in the infertility group, 1 034 were in the primary infertility subgroup and 1 953 were in the secondary infertility subgroup, and the positive rates of CT were 7.93% (82/1 034) and 15.72% (307/1 953), respectively, and the positive rates of NG were 3.87% (40/1 034) and 8.65% (169/1 953) respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=0.185, P>0.05) and ( χ2=0.002, P>0.05). In conclusion, the infection rate of genital tract CT and NG is high in the infertility population, CT and NG are recommended as routine examination indicators for eugenics and infertility screening.

Objective:Based on the specific cleavage and non-specific "trans-cleavage" activities of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein(CRISPR/Cas13), we established a visually amplification-free rapid detection technique of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. This technique is easily processed with a low detection limit and good specificity.Methods:According to the 2019-nCoV gene sequence, specific CRISPR RNAs were screened and designed by bioinformatics analysis, and then synthesized as universal signal-strained RNA transcription targets in vitro to establish and optimize the reaction system. Moreover, the 2019-nCoV pseudoviral nucleic acid was used as a standard substance to evaluate the detection limit. A total of 65 positive samples were collected from various 2019-nCoV variants, while 48 negative samples included other clinically common respiratory pathogens, such as influenza A virus, influenza B virus, human parainfluenza virus, Klebsiella pneumonia, etc. All samples were tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR, and the method established in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of the newly established method were analyzed and evaluated. Results:With the newly established technique, the detection time for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid could be minimized to 6 minutes. In addition, the detection limit was 14 copies/μl when assisted by the displaying instrument, whereas it increased to 28 copies/μl with the naked eye. This technique had a sensitivity and specificity of 98.5% (66/67) and 100% (46/46) respectively, showing no statistically significant difference compared to the gold standard qPCR( P=1). Conclusions:This study has successfully established a CRISPR/Cas13a-based visually rapid detection technique for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. This technique offers the advantages of a simple process, convenient operation, low environmental operating requirements, a detection limit close to qPCR, and a strong potential for on-site testing applications.

Objective:To combine ultrasound and clinical characteristics for predicting the treatment time of strontium 90( 90Sr) radioisotope applicator therapy for pathological scars when the therapeutic effect meets the clinical effective criteria. Methods:From September 2022 to October 2023, 48 patients (90 lesions) with pathological scars who underwent 90Sr radioisotope applicator therapy at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University were prospectively collected. The clinically effective criteria of 90Sr radioisotope applicator therapy for pathological scars were defined as a reduction of the superficial height of the scar higher than 50%. All lesions were divided into short period treatment group (2 months, 38 lesions) and long period treatment group (>2 months, 52 lesions) according to the duration of treatment when the therapeutic effect met the clinical criteria. Univariate comparative analyses of ultrasound and clinical characteristics between the two groups were performed. The statistically significant variates were used to build a multivariate logistic regression model for analyzing the independent predictors of the treatment time of 90Sr radioisotope applicator therapy for pathological scars. Results:Family history, blood flow signal, disease duration, age, and scar Young′s modulus were independent predictors of the effective treatment time of 90Sr radioisotope applicator therapy for pathological scars (all P<0.05). By using the selected variables, a predictive model was developed, area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.886 (95% CI=0.817-0.955, P<0.001), and the calibration curve showed that the model was well calibrated(χ 2=5.668, P=0.684). Conclusions:The multivariate logistic regression model with family history, blood flow signal, disease duration, age, and scar Young′s modulus could be used to predict the treatment time of 90Sr radioisotope applicator therapy for pathologic scars, which can help to guide the design of treatment plan, reduce unnecessary radiation damage, and improve patient compliance.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer represents the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most main subtype. More than half of NSCLC patients have already developed distant metastasis (DM) at the time of diagnosis and have a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to find new biomarkers for predicting NSCLC DM in order to guide subsequent treatment and thus improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Numerous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in lung cancer tissues and play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. The aim of this study is to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma tissues with DM group compared to those with non-distant metastasis (NDM) group, and to construct a miRNA signature for predicting DM of lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We first obtained miRNA and clinical data for patients with lung adenocarcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis, which included different R packages, Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and a range of online analysis tools, was performed to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 12 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between the DM and NDM groups, and 8 miRNAs (miR-377-5p, miR-381-5p, miR-490-5p, miR-519d-5p, miR-3136-5p, miR-320e, miR-2355-5p, miR-6784-5p) were screened for constructing a miRNA signature. The efficacy of this miRNA signature in predicting DM was good with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.831. Logistic regression analysis showed that this miRNA signature was an independent risk factor for DM of lung adenocarcinoma. Next, target genes of the eight miRNAs were predicted, and enrichment analysis showed that these target genes were enriched in a variety of pathways, including pathways in cancer, herpes simplex virus I infection, PI3K-Akt pathway, MAPK pathway, Ras pathway, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This miRNA signature has good efficacy in predicting DM of lung adenocarcinoma and has the potential to be a predictor of DM of lung adenocarcinoma.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Male ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*

Objective:Currently,traditional cervical cancer screening methods,such as high-risk human papillomavirus testing and liquid based cytology(LBC),still possess limitations.This study aims to identify new diagnostic biomarkers to achieve the goal of"precision screening"via exploring the clinical value of DNA methylation[ΔCtP:paired box gene 1(PAX1)and ΔCtJ:junctional adhesion molecule 3(JAM3)]detection in cervical exfoliated cells for the diagnosis of high-grade cervical lesions. Methods:A total of 136 patients who underwent gynecological examinations in the vaginal room of the Department of Gynecology at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2021 to June 2022 were retrospectively studied.Among them,122 patients had non-high-grade cervical lesions,and 14 patients had high-grade cervical lesions.The variables included general information(age,body mass index,and menopause status),LBC,high-risk human papillomavirus,cervical tissue pathology,vaginal examination results,and the ΔCt values of JAM3 and PAX1 gene methylation.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting the diagnosis of high-grade cervical lesions,followed by correlation analysis and construction of a conditional inference tree model. Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that the methylation ΔCt values of PAX1 and JAM3 genes and LBC detection results were statistically significant between the high-grade cervical lesions group and the non-high-grade cervical lesions group(all P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between cervical pathological changes and ΔCtP(r=-0.36,P<0.001),ΔCtJ(r=-0.448,P<0.001),LBC(r=-0.305,P<0.001),or bacterial diversity(r=-0.183,P=0.037).The conditional inference tree showed that when ΔCtJ>10.13,all of patients had non-high-grade cervical lesions,while ΔCtP>6.22,the number of non-high-grade lesions accounted for 97.5%(117/120),and high-grade lesions accounted for only 2.5%(3/120).When ΔCtJ>8.61 and LBC were atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance or negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy(NILM),105(99.1%)patients were non-high-grade cervical lesions,only 1(0.9%)patient was high-grade lesion.When the results of LBC were high-grade lesions,only 9 patients'histopathological examination was the high-grade lesions and 3 non-high-grade lesions.When LBC indicated low-grade lesions,atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance,no intraepithelial lesions,and ΔCtP>6.22,117(97.5%)of patients'histopathological examination was the non-high-grade lesions. Conclusion:The JAM3/PAX1 gene methylation test can be used independently for the stratified diagnosis of high-grade/non-high-grade cervical lesions in women with high-risk human papillomavirus infection,independent of the cytological results of cervical excision.The JAM3/PAX1 gene methylation test can also be used in combination with LBC to make up for the shortcomings of low sensitivity of LBC.In addition,the application of methylation kit in large-scale cervical cancer screening in the future will be good to the detection of more patients with high-grade cervical lesions,and achieve early screening and early treatment for cervical lesions/cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that often causes hospital infections. With the abuse of antibiotics, the resistance of S. epidermidis gradually increases, and drug repurposing has become a research hotspot in the treating of refractory drug-resistant bacterial infections. This study aims to study the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of simeprevir, an antiviral hepatitis drug, on S. epidermidis in vitro. METHODS: The micro-dilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of simeprevir against S. epidermidis. Crystal violet staining assay was used to detect the biofilm inhibitory effect of simeprevir. The antimicrobial activity of simeprevir against S. epidermidis and its biofilm were explored by SYTO9/PI fluorescent staining. The combined effect between simeprevir and gentamycin was assessed by checkerboard assay and was confirmed by time-inhibition assay. RESULTS: Simeprevir showed significant antimicrobial effects against S. epidermidis type strains and clinical isolates with the MIC and MBC at 2-16 μg/mL and 4-32 μg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial effects of simeprevir were confirmed by SYTO9/PI staining. Simeprevir at MIC could significantly inhibit and break the biofilm on cover slides. Similarly, simeprevir also significantly inhibit the biofilm formation on the surface of urine catheters either in TSB [from (0.700±0.020) to (0.050±0.004)] (t=54.03, P<0.001), or horse serum [from (1.00±0.02) to (0.13±0.01)] (t=82.78, P<0.001). Synergistic antimicrobial effect was found between simeprevir and gentamycin against S. epidermidis with the fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.5. CONCLUSIONS Simeprevir shows antimicrobial effect and anti-biofilm activities against S. epidermidis.
Humans ; Simeprevir ; Antiviral Agents ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Cross Infection ; Gentamicins