Objective:The aim of the present study was to re-evaluate the diagnostic value and optimal cutoff point of captopril challenge test (CCT) in diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA).Methods:This is a retrospective study. All patients with a high risk for PA underwent screening test, and then proceeded to CCT and fludrocortisone suppression test (FST) on different days. The FST was used as a reference standard for PA. The plasma renin concentration (PRC) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were measured with an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. Random number method was performed in the patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA), in order to make the proportion of the analyzed UPA in PA was 35%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to compare diagnostic accuracy.Results:A total of 543 patients with 400 PA patients and 143 essential hypertension (EH) patients were enrolled. The diagnostic value of post-CCT PAC was significantly higher than that of the post-CCT plasma aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR), and that of the PAC suppression percentage, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC ROC) was 0.86 (0.83, 0.89) for PAC, 0.78 (0.74, 0.82) for ARR, and 0.62 (0.56, 0.67) for the PAC suppression percentage (all P<0.01), respectively. The optimal cutoff point of post-CCT PAC for PA was 110 ng/L, in which the sensitivity and specificity were 73.25% and 79.02%, respectively. The diagnostic efficiency of post-CCT PAC was not improved either in combination with PAC suppression percentage or in combination with post-CCT ARR. Conclusions:CCT is a useful test for the confirmation of PA. PAC level of 110 ng/L at 2 h after 50 mg of captopril is recommended as an optimal cutoff point for the diagnosis of PA.

Objective:To explore the application of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in low-energy X-ray intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), analyze its potential risks in IORT, and preliminarily explore the feasibility of FMEA in optimizing IORT management and reducing the occurrence of potential risks.Methods:An FMEA working group was established by the IORT team (1 radiologist, 1 radiology physicist, 2 surgeons, and 2 nurses) to apply the FMEA methodology to conduct a systematic risk assessment. The process modules were established, the potential failure modes and causes for each module were analyzed, the severity (SR), frequency of occurrence (OR) and likelihood of detection (DR) of failure modes were scored and the risk priority number (RPN) was calculated: RPN= SR × OR × DR. The possible errors and potential clinical impact of each part of the radiotherapy process were prospectively analyzed and understood, the causes and current measures were analyzed for each failure mode and preventive measures were proposed and risk management measures were taken accordingly.Results:The IORT process was divided into 8 modules with 14 failure modes. The highest OR value was unsatisfactory target area confirmation (7 points), the highest SR value was equipment failure to discharge the beam (10 points), the highest DR value was wrong key entry after dose calculation (7 points), the highest RPN values were unsatisfactory target area confirmation (210 points) and ineffective protection of endangered organs (180 points). Weaknesses were corrected according to priorities, workflows were optimized and more effective management methods were developed.Conclusion:FMEA is an effective method of IORT management and contributes to reducing the occurrence of potential risks.

Objective:To investigated the clinical, biochemical, and immunohistological characteristics of patients with aldosterone producing adenoma(APA)and different gene mutations.Methods:The clinical and biochemical data of 206 patients with APA who received unilateral adrenalectomy were collected. Sanger sequencing was used to identify the mutation in the hot-point of KCNJ5 and other genes. The tumor samples were stained by 11β-hydroxylase(CYP11B1)and aldosterone synthase(CYP11B2), which was quantified by McCarty′s H-score system.Results:The gene mutations were identified in 166 out of 206(80.6%)patients with APA, of which 158 cases were KCNJ5 mutation, 2 ATP1A1 mutation, 5 ATP2B3 mutation, and 1 CTNNB1 mutation. Age, duration of hypertension, and serum potassium in APA patients with genetic mutant were significantly lower than those without genetic mutation( P<0.05) while the proportion of female, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, aldosterone/renin ratio(ARR), and plasma aldosterone concentration(PAC)post saline infusion test(SIT)were significantly higher( P<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that age, duration of hypertension, systolic blood pressure, and proportion of left ventricular hypertrophy in APA patients with ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 mutations were significantly higher than those with KCNJ5 mutation( P<0.05)while the PAC post SIT and tumor diameter were significantly lower( P<0.05). The positive rates of CYP11B2 in APA with different mutations were not significantly different. The H-score of CYP11B1 was significantly higher [160.0(127.5, 193.5) vs 80.0(27.5, 152.3), P=0.020] and the H-score of CYP11B2 was significantly lower [155.0(123.0, 190.0) vs 240.0(140.0, 270.0), P<0.01] in APA with KCNJ5 mutation compared with those with ATPase mutation. Conclusion:The types of genetic mutation are closely correlated with the clinical, biochemical, and immunohistological phenotypes in patients with APA.

Objective:Aimed to investigate the value of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in adrenal venous blood sampling (AVS).Methods:Patients who diagnosed as primary aldosteronism (PA) and completed successful bilateral cannulation judged by selection index (SI) for routine and(or) ACTH stimulation AVS were enrolled. The lateralization index(LI) was calculated to compare the effect of ACTH stimulation on AVS cannulation success rate and lateralization judgment.Results:A total of 73 patients with PA were enrolled in the study, of whom 28 were confirmed as aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) after unilateral adrenalectomy. Cortisol and aldosterone in peripheral and adrenal veins were significantly increased after ACTH stimulation. The left SI was increased from 6.5(3.0-13.6) to 26.8 (16.9-40.3) ( P<0.01) and the right SI from 20.8(4.8-34.8) to 57.6(35.7-80.9) ( P<0.01) after ACTH stimulation. There was no significant difference on LI before and after ACTH stimulation [7.7(2.3-19.6) vs 5.6(1.9-14.6), P=0.14]. The success rates of left and right adrenal cannulation were increased by 15% and 10% respectively after ACTH stimulation. For 57 patients who were determined in successful cannulation by both routine and ACTH stimulation AVS, 27 patients were determined to have lateralization by both AVS methods, 21 patients were determined to have bilateralization, and the consistency of lateralization by both AVS methods was 84%(48/57). Among the 28 patients who were confirmed to be APA after unilateral adrenalectomy, the correct rate of lateralization by both AVS methods was 89% (25/28). Conclusion:ACTH stimulation is able to improve the success rate of bilateral adrenal vein cannulation, and is helpful to judge AVS results. For patients with successful cannulation, there is no significant difference in lateralization judgment for routine and ACTH stimulation AVS.

Objective:Based on the current medical environment, to learn about cognition status of doctor-patient relationship among medical students and analyze causes of the tension between doctors and patients.Methods:Using the self-designed questionnaire "Clinical Medical Students' Cognition Survey on Occupational Status and Doctor-Patient Relationship", a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 527 medical students from 5-year and 7-year clinical program in Batch 2014 in a medical university in Heilongjiang Province. The survey mainly analyzed the causes of the tension between doctors and patients from the level of medical staff, patients and their families, hospitals and society. SPSS 22.0 was used for descriptive statistics and chi-square test.Results:The results showed that 93.7% of the medical students believed that the current doctor-patient relationship was not harmonious. There were cognitive differences among medical students in different gender ( P=0.029), first contact clinical grade ( P=0.003) and professional identity ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Medical students have a poor evaluation towards the current doctor-patient relationship. In order to construct harmonious doctor-patient relationship in the future, we can try to take measures such as carrying out relevant courses of doctor-patient communication, improving the medical students' communication skills and enhancing their professional identity.

2-Haloacid dehalogenases (EC 3.8.1.X) catalyze the hydrolytic dehalogenation of 2-haloacids, releasing halogen ions and producing corresponding 2-hydroxyacids. The enzymes not only degrade xenobiotic halogenated pollutants, but also show wide substrate profile and astonishing efficiency for enantiomer resolution, making them valuable in environmental protection and the green synthesis of optically pure chiral compounds. A variety of 2-haloacid dehalogenases have been biochemically characterized so far. Further studies have been made in protein crystal structures and catalytic mechanisms. Here, we review the recent progresses of 2-haloacid dehalogenases in their source, protein structures, reaction mechanisms, catalytic properties and application. We also suggest further research directions for 2-haloacid dehalogenase.
Catalysis ; Halogenation ; Hydrolases ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Hydrolysis ; Research ; trends ; Substrate Specificity

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation biofeedback in children with different types of urinary incontinence.Methods:A total of 20 children with stress urinary incontinence admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from October 2010 and June 2019 were enrolled in this study and treated by electrical stimulation biofeedback twice a week, with 5 weeks as a course of treatment.There were 12 males and 8 females aged 2.5-7.0.Nine cases developed urinary incontinence after spina bifida operation, 6 cases developed urinary incontinence after high anal atresia operation and 5 cases were non-neurogenic urinary incontinence.The frequency of involuntary urination, urinary volume and the voltage of pelvic floor muscles were compared before and after treatment.Results:After 1 course of treatment, 10 cases (50.00%) of urinary incontinence were cured, 4 cases (20.00%) were effective, and 6 cases (30.00%) were ineffective.Among the 6 patients developing urinary incontinence after high anal atresia operation, 5 cases (83.33%) were cured and 1 case (16.67%) was effective.Of 9 cases developing urinary incontinence after spina bifida operation, 3 cases (33.33%) were effective.All 5 cases with non-neurogenic urinary incontinence (100.00%) were cured.The voltage of pelvic floor muscles was increased from (20.36±3.92) μV before electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy to (36.44±7.57) μV after treatment, and the difference was statistical significance ( t=10.68, P<0.05). Conclusions:Electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy is effective for children with urinary incontinence.

Objective:To explore the proportion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in primary aldosteronism (PA) in Chinese population and compare the clinical characteristics between PA patients with OSA and those without.Methods:A total of 96 patients diagnosed with PA from September 2015 to November 2018 were recruited in this study. OSA was screened by cardio-respiratory polygraphy. According to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), the patients were divided into PA with OSA group (AHI ≥5 times) and PA without OSA group (AHI<5 times).Results:Among all patients (96), 69 (71.9%) were with OSA, among them 22 patients (22.9%) were with mild OSA, 17 patients (17.7%) were with moderate OSA and 30 patients (31.3%) were with severe OSA. Compared with the patients without OSA, the patients with OSA were elder, and had higher levels of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), creatinine (CR) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ( P<0.05), but lower concentrations of plasma aldosterone (PAC), supine aldosterone renin concentration ratio(ARR) and the PAC after the diagnosis test ( P<0.05). Spearman correlation analyses showed that BMI, WC, HC, CR and HbA1c were positively correlated with AHI ( P<0.05), while high-density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), supine-PAC and saline infusion test(SIT)-post PAC were negatively correlated with AHI ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The proportion of OSA in PA patients is relatively high (71.9%). Metabolic abnormalities are more common in PA patients with OSA, indicating that screening for OSA should be carried out routinely in PA patients.

Bile acids( BAs),the major constituents of bile,are also known to be potential biomarkers of various diseases,especially liver disease. The systematic analysis of BAs is believed to be of great importance towards the clarification of the effective material basis for bile-type medicines,and the diagnosis and therapy of related diseases as well. As a part of systematic study on bile-type medicine ongoing in our group,this study lays emphasis on the isomer discrimination,and the improvement of analytical method of BAs. Further,this method was subsequently applied to elucidate in depth the chemical profile of BAs in yak bile. Regarding isomer discrimination for BAs,we constructed relative response-collision energy curves( RRCECs) by high performance liquid chromatographyion trap-time of flight-mass spectrometry( HPLC-IT-TOF-MS) in combination with high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry( HPLC-Qtrap-MS). As a result,both the optimum collision energy( OCE) and CE_(50) exhibited great correlations with structural characteristics,thus enabling the isomer distinguishing,such as unconjugated BAs,glycine-conjugated BAs,and taurine-conjugated BAs. According to information provided by mass spectrometry,the comparison of OCE and CE_(50),retention time matching,combined with reference substances and database retrieval,a total of 30 bile acid derivatives were observed and identified in yak bile. The newly developed method could serve as a feasible tool for the in-depth characterization of BAs in bile and biological samples.
Animals ; Bile ; chemistry ; Bile Acids and Salts ; chemistry ; Cattle ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Mass Spectrometry ; Taurine

Objective: To evaluate the consistency of different methods for detecting aldosterone concentration in blood and to establish a reference interval of serum aldosterone concentration by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS). Methods: Concentrations of blood aldosterone were measured by LC-MS/MS, chemiluminescent assays (Diasorin, Domestic A and B systems) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 138 healthy adults, 67 patients with essential hypertension and 23 patients with primary aldosteronism. Results: Aldosterone concentrations measured by various methods were quiet different(P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficient were 0.776(P<0.01) between CLIA (Diasorin) and LC-MS/MS, 0.805(P<0.01) between CLIA (Domestic A) and LC-MS/MS, 0.058(P>0.05) between CLIA(Domestic B) and LC-MS/MS, 0.338(P<0.01) as well as between RIA and LC-MS/MS. Bland-Altman analysis for the measurements showed poor consistency among methods for aldosterone concentrations. The reference interval was 15.2-222.2 pg/ml for serum aldosterone concentrations by LC-MS/MS. Conclusions There are significant differences of blood aldosterone concentrations determined by different methods. Clinically, a specified reference interval might be needed while using different methods.