Objective:To translate the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment of voice scale（URICA-Voice） into Chinese and test its reliability and validity. Methods:The URICA-Voice scale was converted into Chinese by literal translation, cultural adjustment, expert consultation, pre-investigation, and back translation. Convenience sampling was used to recruit patients at four speech therapy centers from February to May 2022. Then the Chinese version of the scale was distributed to them, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested after data collection. Cronbach ɑ was used to evaluate the reliability. The critical ratio method and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for item analysis. Item-level content validity, scale-level content validity, and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the validity of the scale. Results:A total of 247 valid questionnaires were collected. ①Item analysis: the critical ratios between a high-score and low-score groups of 32 items were all statistically significant（P<0.01） and all the critical ratios were above 3.00. The Pearson correlation between 32 items and the total score was significant（P<0.01）. ②Validity analysis: I-CVI=1.00, S-CVI/Ave=1.00, χ²/df=2.30, RMSEA=0.07. Except for item 9 and 23, the standardized factor loading coefficients of other items were all above 0.50. AVE of the four dimensions of the scale was all above 0.50, and the combined reliability of the four dimensions was all above 0.70. The correlation coefficients between dimensions were less than the square root of the AVE of the dimension itself. ③Reliability analysis: the Cronbach ɑ of the whole scale was 0.94, and the Cronbach ɑ of the four dimensions were 0.88, 0.92, 0.94, and 0.88 respectively. Conclusion:The Chinese version of URICA-Voice has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a specific measurement tool for evaluating the compliance of voice training in China.
Humans ; China ; Language ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Voice

Objective: To investigate the effects of calcium supplementation during the pregnancy and early infancy stage on body mass index (BMI) and gut microbiota in the infants. Methods: A total of 1 752 healthy pregnant women and their infants (breast feeding) in two maternal and child health care hospitals of Beijing were chosen as the subjects in this study from May to October 2016. Questionnaires were used to obtain the general information and supplementation of calcium and vitamin D in mothers and their infants. The body length and weight of infants at birth and 6 months were recorded to calculate the BMI. The random number table method was used to randomly select 40 infants from each group for gut microbiota analysis (If less than 40 infants were all included in this study, 23 infants in the pregnancy and early infancy would be all treated with calcium supplements. There were 6 infants who was not added calcium during the pregnancy but added in the early infancy). Then it was compared that the effects of calcium supplementation during the pregnancy and early infancy on the BMI and gut microbiota composition of infants were determined at birth and 6 months. Results: Compared to the group with no calcium supplementation during the pregnancy ((12.76±1.23), (17.68±0.76)kg/m²), the BMI of infants at birth and 6 months in the group with calcium supplementation during the pregnancy ((13.51±0.47), (17.91±0.23)kg/m²) were significantly higher(P<0.05). In the group with maternal calcium supplementation, the BMI at 6 months ((18.63±0.52)kg/m²), BMI increment ((5.71±0.54)kg/m²) and the content of lactobacillus (21.04%±3.68%) in the only calcium supplementation subgroup in the early infancy were higher than those in only vitamin D supplementation subgroup ((17.69±0.89) kg/m², (4.17±1.01) kg/m² and 12.28%±3.86%) (P<0.05). In the group without maternal calcium supplementation, the content of lactobacillus (20.15%±4.87%) in the only calcium supplementation subgroup were also higher than those in only vitamin D supplementation subgroup (14.64%±3.71%) (P<0.05). Conclusion Appropriate calcium supplementation during the pregnancy is good for the growth and development of the fetus. Calcium supplementation in the early infancy could increase the BMI of infants, and promote the growth of intestinal lactobacillus.

The penetrating moxibustion technique is proposed based on experience of the ancients and clinical practice for many years. From the aspects of definition, action characteristics and technique at different parts, the advantage and application experience of penetrating moxibustion have been discussed. The adequate dose of moxibustion is necessary in penetrating moxibustion; in addition, moxibustion sensation should be penetrating; therefore, with a temperature of 43℃ for more than 20 min, sweating, flushing, speckle appearing after penetrating moxibustion. Due to individual differences of age, gender and constitution factors, the effects of penetrating moxibustion are different, in clinical practice the body reaction and patient's feelings should be deliberately focused on other than does or sore and blister of moxibustion. The technique is common used in the abdomen, waist and knee joint, etc.

CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Embryo, Mammalian ; Gene Editing ; methods ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 ; genetics ; Zygote

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture combined with 40-min penetration moxibustion and 60-min penetration moxibustion at back-points for insomnia of insufficiency of heart and spleen type.

METHODSSixty patients of insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type were randomly assigned into a 40-min group and a 60-min group. The two groups were treated with acupuncture at Jueyinshu (BL 14), Xinshu (BL 15), Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), Shendao (GV 11) and Zhiyang (GV 9). With moxibustion box, the penetration moxibustion was applied at the back until sweating and redness on the back. The moxibustion was given for 40 min in the 40-min group and 60 min in the 60-min group. The treatment was given once a day, five days per week. Each session was consisted of 5 treatments, with an interval of 2 days between session and totally 4 consecutive weeks were provided. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), TCM symptom scale were observed and recorded before and after treatment in the two groups. The even temperature at raising period, effective period, reducing period, as well as minimum high temperature, comfortable temperature, minimum cold temperature and medication status were compared; also the effect was compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 96.6% (28/29) in the 60-min group, which was higher than 89.3% (25/28) in the 40-min group (<0.05). Compared before treatment, the total score of PSQI and sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, daytime dysfunction as well as the total TCM symptom score and its drowsiress in the morning, palpitation, amnesia, appetite were reduced after treatment in the 40-min group (all<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were reduced after treatment in the 60-min group (all<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each score of PSQI as well as total score and each score of TCM symptom scale were significantly different between the two groups (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture combined with penetration moxibustion can improve the symptomsof insomnia with insufficiency of heart and spleen type, which is more significant in the 60-min group, indicating prolonged time of penetration moxibustion can improve sleep latency.

Objective To investigate the effects of nimotuzumab on radiosensitivity of ECA?109 and TE?13 esophageal carcinoma cell lines and explore its possible mechanism. Methods The ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were divided into control group, irradiation group, medicine group, and combined group ( irradiation + medicine) . In the combined group, ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were treated with nimotuzumab for 24 h before irradiation, and the cells were collected 2 h after irradiation. The radiosensitizing effects of nimotuzumab on ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were evaluated by clone formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of EGFR, p?EGFR, DNA?PKcs, p?DNA?PKcs and γH2AX. Results The values of Dq( quasithreshold dose) , D0( mean lethal dose) and SF2(surviving fraction at 2 Gy) of ECA?109 and TE?13 cells in the combined group were significantly lower than those of the radiation group ( for ECA?109 cells, 1. 11 vs. 1. 72, 1. 40 vs. 2. 14, 0. 42 vs. 0. 66, respectively;for TE?13 cells, 0.41 vs. 0.46, 0.43 vs. 0.65, 0.40 vs. 0.71, respectively ( all P<0.05) . The sensitivity enhancement ratio (SER) of ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were 1.35 and 1.43, respectively. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of ECA?109 and TE?13 cells in the combined group were significantly higher than those of the radiation group [ for ECA?109 cells, ( 41. 31 ± 1. 52)% vs. ( 9. 54 ± 0.52)%;for TE?13 cells, (46.28±0.28)% vs. (11.32±0.31)%, both P<0.01]. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of EGFR and DNA?PKcs were not significantly different in all groups ( all P>0.05) . Compared with those of the control group, p?EGFR and p?DNA?PKcs of the radiation group were significantly higher in both cell lines ( P<0.05) , and theγH2AX levels in the radiation group and medicine group were significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05) . Compared with those of the radiation group and medicine group, p?EGFR and p?DNA?PKcs protein expression in the combined group were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while γH2AX protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions Nimotuzumab can enhance the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer ECA?109 and TE?13 cells. The potential mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation and down?regulation of DNA damage repair proteins. The radiosensitizing effect of nimotuzumab is greater on poorly differentiated esophageal cancer cells.

Objective To investigate the effects of nimotuzumab on radiosensitivity of ECA?109 and TE?13 esophageal carcinoma cell lines and explore its possible mechanism. Methods The ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were divided into control group, irradiation group, medicine group, and combined group ( irradiation + medicine) . In the combined group, ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were treated with nimotuzumab for 24 h before irradiation, and the cells were collected 2 h after irradiation. The radiosensitizing effects of nimotuzumab on ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were evaluated by clone formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of EGFR, p?EGFR, DNA?PKcs, p?DNA?PKcs and γH2AX. Results The values of Dq( quasithreshold dose) , D0( mean lethal dose) and SF2(surviving fraction at 2 Gy) of ECA?109 and TE?13 cells in the combined group were significantly lower than those of the radiation group ( for ECA?109 cells, 1. 11 vs. 1. 72, 1. 40 vs. 2. 14, 0. 42 vs. 0. 66, respectively;for TE?13 cells, 0.41 vs. 0.46, 0.43 vs. 0.65, 0.40 vs. 0.71, respectively ( all P<0.05) . The sensitivity enhancement ratio (SER) of ECA?109 and TE?13 cells were 1.35 and 1.43, respectively. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of ECA?109 and TE?13 cells in the combined group were significantly higher than those of the radiation group [ for ECA?109 cells, ( 41. 31 ± 1. 52)% vs. ( 9. 54 ± 0.52)%;for TE?13 cells, (46.28±0.28)% vs. (11.32±0.31)%, both P<0.01]. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of EGFR and DNA?PKcs were not significantly different in all groups ( all P>0.05) . Compared with those of the control group, p?EGFR and p?DNA?PKcs of the radiation group were significantly higher in both cell lines ( P<0.05) , and theγH2AX levels in the radiation group and medicine group were significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05) . Compared with those of the radiation group and medicine group, p?EGFR and p?DNA?PKcs protein expression in the combined group were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while γH2AX protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions Nimotuzumab can enhance the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer ECA?109 and TE?13 cells. The potential mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation and down?regulation of DNA damage repair proteins. The radiosensitizing effect of nimotuzumab is greater on poorly differentiated esophageal cancer cells.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of thyroid nodule and its relationship with thyroid function in a group of middle-aged to elderly individuals.Methods A cross-sectional,stratified,and cluster random sampling study was performed in 1 721 subjects (average age 71.4 years,from 40 to 108 years).All subjects underwent ultrasound thyroid scan,and the prevalence of thyroid nodule and its size,quantity,property,and distribution were age-stratified and analyzed.The relationship between nodule existence and thyroid function was assessed in subjects who randomly accepted TSH,FT4,and FT3 tests.Results The prevalence of thyroid nodule reached to 76.6％.The incidence of nodule increased with age (x2 =92.08,P＜0.01),and was more common in female (87.4％ vs 75.5％,P =0.001).In patients with thyroid nodule,the prevalence of solitary nodule was 25％,compared with 75％ of multiple nodules,which increased with age (x2 =78.55,P＜0.01).The prevalence of small nodule reached to 68.2％,compared with 31.8％ of large nodules,which also increased with age (x2 =36.82,P＜0.01).As to the property of nodule,solid nodule was the most common form (72.3 ％),cyst-solid nodule accounted for 26.6％,and detection rate of cyst nodule was only 2.1％,and there was no significant difference among the different age groups (x2 =14.22,P=0.076).884 among the total subjects underwent thyroid function test,multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the reduction of TSH was the only independent predicting factor of thyroid nodule (P =0.005).Conclusions The prevalence of thyroid nodules was considerably high according to the examing of ultrasonographic image,especially in the elderly.The incidence of thyroid nodule,especially multiple nodules or larger nodule,increased with age and solid nodule was the most common finding.

Objective To observe efficacy and safety of long-term Statins treatment in elderly patients aged over 80 years,and to provide clinical evidence for the rational use of Statins.Methods 224 patients aged 80 years and over were divided into two groups:Statin group given Statins (n=107),and control group not given Statin (n=117).The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC),lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were measured,and liver and renal function,alanine aminotransferase (ALT),creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were tested.Results Pretreatment levels of TC and LDL-C levels were (4.6 ± 1.0) and (2.6 ± 0.8) mmol/L and were decreased to (4.3±0.9) and (2.4±0.6) mmol/L after 1 year treatment (t=3.535,3.448,both P＜0.05).The target rate in statin group for LDL C was 35.5 ％ in patients at very high risk.There were no significant differences in levels of ALT,CK and eGFR between pre-and post-treatment in both two groups [(20.2±9.2) U/L vs.(21.4±12.1) U/L,(86.5±53.9) U/L vs.(86.6±67.5) U/Land (53.1±17.3) ml/min vs.(51.9±18.0) ml/min,all P＞0.05].Compared with pre-treatment,1 year treatment showed that glucose level was increased [(5.9± 1.0) mmol/L vs.(6.0± 1.0) mmol/L,t=2.287,P＜0.05].Conclusions Long-term Statin treatment in elderly patients is safe and effective.We should correctly administer statin drugs,and closely monitor the safety indicators.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of OLGA (Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment) system in pathological assessment of gastric mucosa from Chinese patients.Methods Endoscopic and pathological data of patients,who underwent the endoscopic examination of upper gastrointestinal tract from 2007 to 2012,were analyzed.Using the Sydney protocol,we graded atrophy and staged the Helicobacter pylori infection status in gastric biopsies from 108 patients with dyspepsia.We applied the OLGA system to assess the relationship between OLGA staging and grading and dysplasia/cancer,and the relationship between OLGA grading and Helicobacter pylori infection.Results Two cases of early gastric adenocarcinoma were detected at stage Ⅱ and Ⅳ,respectively.The detection rates of precancerous lesions (including intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia) in cases clustered in stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ were significantly higher than those in stages 0-Ⅱ (intestinal metaplasia:100.0％ VS 65.3％,P ＜0.001 ;dysplasia:77.8％ VS 13.9％,P ＜0.001,respectively),and there were significant differences between OLGA staging and the degree of dysplasia (r =0.671,P ＜0.001).In the subjects at stage 0-Ⅱ,we observed only 10 cases (13.9％) of mild dysplasia.The difference in rate of Helicobacter pylori infection was significant at different OLGA grade (P ＜ 0.001),and the correlation between OLGA grading and infection degree of Helicobacter pylori was significant (r =0.586,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion Precancerous lesions and gastric adenocarcinoma tend to be discovered in patients clustered at high-risk (Ⅲ-Ⅳ) OLGA stages.OLGA staging of dysplasia can effectively differentiate the risks of gastric cancer.The OLGA grading system is consistently associated with the Helicobacter pylori infection.