Background Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the role of amino acids in PAH-induced MS remains unclear. Objective To explore the impact of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS among coking workers, and to determine potential modifying effect of amino acid on this relationship. Methods Unmatched nested case-control design was adopted and the baseline surveys of coking workers were conducted in two plants in Taiyuan in 2017 and 2019, followed by a 4-year follow-up. The cohort comprised 667 coking workers. A total of 362 participants were included in the study, with 84 newly diagnosed cases of MS identified as the case group and 278 as the control group. Urinary levels of 11 PAH metabolites and plasma levels of 17 amino acids were measured by ultrasensitive performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between individual PAH metabolites and MS. Stratified by the median concentration of amino acids, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was employed to assess the mixed effects of PAHs on MS. Due to the skewed data distribution, all PAH metabolites and amino acids in the analysis were converted by natural logarithm ln (expressed as lnv). Results The median age of the 362 participants was 37 years, and 83.2% were male. Compared to the control group, the case group exhibited higher concentrations of urinary 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OHPhe), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPhe), and hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPhe) (P=0.005, P=0.049, and P=0.004, respectively), as well as elevated levels of plasma branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and aromatic amino acid (AAA) (P<0.05). After being adjusted for confounding factors, for every unit increase in lnv_2-OHPhe in urine, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.57 (1.11, 2.26), and for every unit increase in lnv_OHPhe, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.82 (1.16, 2.90). Tyrosine, leucine, and AAA all presented a significant nonlinear correlation with MS. At low levels, tyrosine, leucine, and AAA did not significantly increase the risk of MS, but at high levels, they increased the risk of MS. In the low amino acid concentration group, as well as in the low BCAA and low AAA concentration groups, it was found that compared to the PAH metabolite levels at the 50th percentile (P₅₀), the log-odds of MS when the PAH metabolite levels was at the 75th percentile (P₇₅) were 0.158 (95%CI: 0.150, 0.166), 0.218 (95%CI: 0.209, 0.227), and 0.262 (95% CI: 0.241, 0.282), respectively, However, no correlation between PAHs and MS was found in the high amino acid concentration group. Conclusion Amino acids modify the effect of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS. In individuals with low plasma amino acid levels, the risk of developing MS increases with higher concentrations of mixed PAH exposure. This effect is partly due to the low concentrations of BCAA and AAA.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Rougan Huaxian particle on hepatic fibrosis.Methods SD rats were divided into normal group,model group,normal saline control group,Rougan Huaxian particle low,middle,high dose group,Rougan Huaxian particle middle dose+3-MA group.Liver fibrosis model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4.Rougan Huaxian particle was administered with low,middle and high dose(2.5 mg·kg-1,5 mg·kg-1,10 mg·kg-1)and 3-MA(15 mg·kg-1)respectively.The expression of miR-135a,FOXO1,PINK1,Parkin,LC3 II,Smad2,p-Smad2,TGF-β1,NF-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65,α-SMA,Collagen I,Collagen III,TNF-α and the content of ROS were detected by Real-time PCR,Western Blot and ELISA.Results The expression of miR-135a,α-SMA,Collagen I,Collagen III,p-Smad2,TGF-β1,p-NF-κB p65,TNF-α and ROS in model group were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),and the expression of FOXO1,PINK1,Parkin,LC3 II were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05).The middle and high dose of Rougan Huaxian particle could significantly inhibit the expression of miR-135a,α-SMA,Collagen I,Collagen III,p-Smad2,TGF-β1,p-NF-κb p65,TNF-α and ROS,and up-regulate the expression of FOXO1,PINK1,Parkin,LC3 II(P<0.05).The expression of miR-135a,α-SMA,Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,p-Smad2,TGF-β1,p-NF-κB p65 and TNF-α and the production of ROS were significantly inhibited in the medium and high dose groups.Up-regulated expression of FOXO1,PINK1,Parkin and LC3Ⅱ(P<0.05).The effect of Rougan Huaxian Particle in middle dose group was stronger than that in low dose group(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between middle and high dose groups.Mitophagy inhibitor(3-MA)could significantly inhibit the efficacy of rougan Huaxian particle(P<0.05).Conclusion Ruugan Huaxian granules can inhibit liver fibrosis,and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of miR-135a expression,activation of FOXO1/PINK1 pathway,promotion of mitochondrial autophagy,inhibition of oxidative stress response,and inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2 activation.

Objective To construct the triple pre-rehabilitation program for the patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy to provide a theoretical basis for the preoperative management of this operation mode.Methods The raft plan was formed by the literature research and group discussion,then the experts were invited to conduct the two rounds of expert consultation,and the final draft of the plan was finally formed.Results The draft plan included the 3 first-level items,9 second-level items and 28 third-level items.The questionnaire recovery rate of the two rounds of expert correspondence was 100%,and the authority coef-ficients were 0.88 and 0.93,respectively.The mean importance and feasibility scores of each item in the two rounds of expert consultation were ≥3.5,and the coefficient of variation was<0.25.The first draft of the final formation plan included the 3 first-level items,9 second-level items and 31 third-level items.Conclusion This program has ne-cessity,scientificity and feasibility.Clarifying the specific contents and scope of preoperative management of this operation mode could provide a theoretical basis for medical staff to carry out pre-rehabilitation.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of visualized precise lung expansion for determining the intersegmental plane in thoracoscopic segmentectomy.Methods:Sixty-four American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients, regardless of gender, aged 33-77 yr, with body mass index of 16-34 kg/m 2, undergoing elective thoracoscopic segmentectomy under general anesthesia, were included. They were preoperatively reconstructed with 3D CT bronchovascularization to reconstruct the pulmonary vasculature, bronchus, and the virtual intersegmental planes of the lungs. The patients were divided into 2 groups ( n=32 each) using a random number table method: visualized precise lung expansion group (group V) and modified expansion and atrophy group (group E). Group V used visualized precision lung expansion to determine the intersegmental planes, and group E used the modified expansion and atrophy method to determine the intersegmental planes. The intraoperative intersegmental plane determination time, target segmental bronchus identification and treatment time, anesthesia time, operation time, postoperative air leakage, pulmonary atelectasis, fever, occurrence of lung infection, postoperative 24 h drainage volume, drain removal time and hospitalization time were recorded in the two groups. Results:Compared with group E, the intersegmental plane determination time, target segment bronchial identification and treatment time, anesthesia time and operation time were significantly shortened in group V( P<0.05).There were no significant differences between groups in the 24 h postoperative drainage volume, drain removal time, hospitalization time or incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with the modified expansion and atrophy method, visualized precise lung expansion can effectively shorten the intersegmental plane determination time in thoracoscopic segmentectomy.

Humans ; Vaccines, Inactivated ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; Vaccination ; Viral Vaccines ; Immunity ; Antibodies, Viral

Chronic diabetic wound remains a critical challenge suffering from the complicated negative microenvironments, such as high-glucose, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypoxia and malnutrition. Unfortunately, few strategies have been developed to ameliorate the multiple microenvironments simultaneously. In this study, Chlorella sp. (Chlorella) hydrogels were prepared against diabetic wounds. In vitro experiments demonstrated that living Chlorella could produce dissolved oxygen by photosynthesis, actively consume glucose and deplete ROS with the inherent antioxidants, during the daytime. At night, Chlorella was inactivated in situ by chlorine dioxide with human-body harmless concentration to utilize its abundant contents. It was verified in vitro that the inactivated-Chlorella could supply nutrition, relieve inflammation and terminate the oxygen-consumption of Chlorella-respiration. The advantages of living Chlorella and its contents were integrated ingeniously. The abovementioned functions were proven to accelerate cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in vitro. Then, streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were employed for further validation. The in vivo outcomes confirmed that Chlorella could ameliorate the undesirable microenvironments, including hypoxia, high-glucose, excessive-ROS and chronic inflammation, thereby synergistically promoting tissue regeneration. Given the results above, Chlorella is considered as a tailor-made therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing.

Background::Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is a vascular complication after kidney transplantation associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin for preventing TRAS.Methods::After kidney transplantation, patients were enrolled from January 2018 to December 2020 in Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. A total of 351 enrolled recipients were randomized to an aspirin group with low-dose intake of aspirin in addition to standard treatment ( n = 178), or a control group with only standard treatment ( n = 173). The patients was initially diagnosed as TRAS (id-TRAS) by Doppler ultrasound, and confirmed cases were diagnosed by DSA (c-TRAS). Results::In the aspirin and control groups, 15.7% (28/178) and 22.0% (38/173) of the recipients developed id-TRAS, respectively, with no statistical difference. However, for c-TRAS, the difference of incidence and cumulative incidence was statistically significant. The incidence of c-TRAS was lower in the aspirin group compared with the control group (2.8% [5/178] vs. 11.6% [20/173], P = 0.001). Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression model identified the cumulative incidence and hazard ratio (HR) of TRAS over time in two groups, showing that recipients treated with aspirin had a significantly lower risk of c-TRAS than those who were not treated (log-rank P = 0.001, HR = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.62). The levels of platelet aggregation rate ( P < 0.001), cholesterol ( P = 0.028), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( P = 0.003) in the aspirin group were decreased compared with the control group in the third-month post-transplantation. For the incidence of adverse events, there was no statistical difference. Conclusion::Clinical application of low-dose aspirin after renal transplant could prevent the development of TRAS with no significant increase in adverse effects.Trial Registration::Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04260828.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length (CL) in the first and second trimester on spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnant women.Methods:This study retrospectively recruited 2 254 singleton pregnancies without severe comorbidities at Peking University First Hospital from January 2019 to June 2019. CL was measured for all subjects using transvaginal ultrasound in the first (11-13 +6 weeks) and second trimester (21-23 +6 weeks). Differences in CL between women with preterm (preterm group) and full-term delivery (full-term group) as well as the CL during the first and second trimester were compared. The independent risk factors for preterm birth and the predictive value of CL in the first and second trimester for spontaneous preterm birth were also explored. Fisher's exact test, t-test, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis, etc, were adopted for statistical analysis. Results:(1) For the 2 254 subjects, CL measured in the first trimester and second trimester were (36.1±4.2) mm (22.4-52.6 mm) and (36.9±5.3) mm (2.9-59.7 mm), respectively. The incidence of short cervix in the first trimester and second trimester were 0.31% (7/2 254) and 1.46% (33/2 254), respectively. When CL was ≤25.0 mm ( OR=43.92, 95% CI:6.83-282.49) or >25.0-≤30.3 mm ( OR=6.59, 95% CI:1.97-22.0) in the first trimester, the risk of short cervix increased in the second trimester (both P<0.05). (2) The total incidence of preterm delivery was 3.06% (69/2 254). CL and the incidence of short cervix did not differ significantly in the first trimester between the preterm and full-term group [(35.2±4.5) and (36.1±4.1) mm, t=－1.78, P=0.076; 1.5% (1/69) and 0.3% (6/2 185), χ 2=2.98, P=0.084]. Compared with the full-term group, CL was shorter and the incidence of short cervix was higher in the second trimester in the preterm group [(33.6±6.7) vs (37.0±5.2) mm, t=－5.12;8.7% (6/69) vs 1.2% (27/2 185), χ 2=25.80, P<0.001]. (3) Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥35 years ( OR=2.05, 95% CI:1.22-3.46), history of spontaneous preterm birth ( OR=25.25, 95% CI:5.01-127.28), conception assisted by reproductive technology ( OR=10.39, 95% CI:2.39-50.33), and short cervix during the second trimester were independent risk factors for premature delivery. (4) There was no significant difference in the risk of preterm delivery when comparing to those with CL≤25.0 mm, >25.0-≤30.3 mm, >30.3-≤33.0 mm, >33.0-≤35.7 mm, >35.7-≤38.7 mm women with CL>38.7 mm during the first trimester (all P>0.05). The risk of premature delivery was relatively increased for those with CL≤25.0 mm,>25.0-≤29.5 mm, >29.5-≤33.6 mm, >33.6~≤36.8 mm, >36.8~≤40.1 mm during the second trimester compared to those with CL>40.1 mm [ OR (95% CI):17.64 (4.99-62.32), 6.89 (2.11-22.55), 3.58 (1.34-9.59), 4.04 (1.58-10.32), 3.34 (1.28-8.67), respectively , all P<0.05]. (5) When CL≤25.0 mm and ≤29.5 mm in the second trimester were used as the cut-off value, the prediction of preterm delivery was with a sensitivity of 8.70% and 17.39%, specificity of 98.80% and 95.29%, positive predictive value of 18.20% and 10.43%, negative predictive value of 97.16% and 97.34%, and the accuracy rate of 96.01% and 92.90%, respectively. Conclusions:There were no significant differences in CL and the incidence of short cervix during the first trimester among women with preterm or full-term delivery. CL in the first trimester is not an independent risk factor for preterm birth, but the risk of short cervix in the second trimester is increased when CL≤30.3 mm in the first trimester. The shorter the cervix during the second trimester, the greater the risk of preterm birth.

Objective:To analyze the prevalence of malnutrition among human immunodeficiency virus-exposed uninfected (HEU) children and to identify the associated factors in Hunan Province.Methods:All children born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected mothers retrieved from Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus Management (IPMTCT) in Hunan Province between July 2013 and June 2019 were included. Information including maternal demographic characteristic, maternal comorbidities/complications, anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy, anti-retroviral prophylaxis for children, birth weight, and disease during follow-up was collected. The length and weight of children at one, three, six, nine, 12 and 18 months of follow-up time points were detected, and the prevalences of stunting, underweight, wasting and malnutrition among HEU children were evaluated. The generalized estimating equation was used to fit the logistic regression model to analyze the associated factors for malnutrition.Results:A total of 656 HEU children were finally included. The prevalences of stunting, underweight, wasting, and malnutrition among HEU children were highest at one month of age, which were 11.9%(78/656), 9.1%(60/656), 7.0%(45/656) and 21.0%(138/656), respectively. Maternal comorbidities/complications (adjusted odds ratio (a OR)=2.30, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.48 to 3.58), mono/dual anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy (a OR=2.38, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.68), birth weight <2 500 g (a OR=2.66, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.21) and disease during follow-up (a OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.70) were the risk factors for malnutrition among HEU children (all P<0.050). Both taking zidovudine (a OR=0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94) and nevirapine (a OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.52) for anti-retroviral prophylaxis were the protective factors for malnutrition among HEU children (both P<0.050). Conclusions:The prevalence of malnutrition among HEU children is high. The prevalence of malnutrition is affected by maternal comorbidities/complications, anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy, and birth weight, diseases during follow-up and anti-retroviral prophylaxis for children.

Objective:To investigate the application and effect of personalized teaching mode based on Xuexitong learning platform in physiology.Methods:Four parallel classes from the nursing specialty were randomized into two groups, of which the class 1 and class 2 were taken as the experimental group, and the class 3 and class 4 were taken as the control group, with 102 students in both groups. The students number of these two groups is both 102. The experimental group adopted the personalized teaching mode based on Xuexitong learning platform, with the features of preparation before the class, the teaching in class and testing after class; while the control group adopted the traditional teaching mode. The final results of students from the two groups were compared, and questionnaires were send out. The data were processed by SPSS 22.0 software and analyzed by rank-sum test.Results:The final scores of the students from the experimental group were better than those of the control group ( P<0.001). The experimental group was significantly better than the control group in improvement of self-learning, teamwork, personality development and medical literacy ( P<0.05). And there was no significant difference in the recognition of language expression ability between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The personalized teaching based on Xuexitong learning platform can play an important role in developing the personalities of students and improving the educational effect of teaching students in accordance with their aptitude, which has a popularization significance in the teaching of physiology.