Objective:To establish a prediction model for symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (SRP) after radiotherapy for thoracic cancer based on a longitudinal cohort and dose interval variations.Methods:Clinical data of 587 patients who received thoracic radiotherapy in Department of Radiotherapy of Yunnan Cancer Hospital from July 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The National Cancer Institute common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 5.0 was used to grade radiation pneumonitis, and clinical factors, traditional independent dosimetric characteristics and dose interval variation characteristics were collected. Features used to predict the occurrence of SRP were screened using genetic algorithms and analyzed the correlation between the selected features and SRP occurrence. Predictive models for SRP occurrence were established using the selected features and evaluated, and the optimal predictive model was visualized using a column chart.Results:The incidence of SRP was 35.94%. Five clinical factors, seven independent dosimetric features and six dose interval variation features were screened out by genetic algorithms to effectively predict the occurrence of SRP. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of clinical factors combined with traditional independent dosimetric factors and dose interval variation factors was 76%. The AUC of clinical factors combined with traditional independent dosimetric factors and that of clinical factors combined with dose interval variation factors was 69% and 67%, respectively. The addition of the characteristics of dose interval variation factors significantly improved the effectiveness of the prediction model.Conclusions:The supplement of the characteristics of dose interval variation factors can significantly improve the performance of the SRP prediction model for thoracic tumors after radiotherapy. The SRP prediction model based on dose interval variations can effectively predict the occurrence of SRP.

Abstract: Objective　To master the condition of cockroach population distribution, seasonal dynamics, cockroach density for different habitat, and to provide a basis for developing cockroach control strategies. Methods　Six types of surveillance sites, including residential areas, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and farm product markets, were set up in 14 cities in Liaoning to monitor cockroaches using the sticky-trap method. The cockroach surveillance data from vector surveillance sites in fourteen cities of Liaoning Province in 2021 were collected and statistically analyzed using Excel 2010 and SPSS 23.0 software. The density and species composition of cockroaches were analyzed, and the density difference and seasonal dynamics trend of cockroaches in different habitats were compared. Results　A total of 3 031 cockroaches were captured in 2021, of which Blattella germanica accounted for 94.66% (2 869/3 031) and was the dominant population. The total density of cockroaches was 0.230 0 cockroaches per sheet (3 031/13 234) and the total infestation rate of cockroaches was 5.59% (562/10 052). The density and infestation rate of cockroaches in different habitats were in the order of farm product markets, restaurants, and hotels and the difference in infestation rate between habitats was statistically significant (χ2=168.327, P<0.05). The seasonal dynamics trend of cockroach density and disoperation rate showed a unimodal curve, and the peaks were distributed in July. The seasonal dynamics of cockroach density and disoperation rate in different habitats showed a unimodal curve in the habitats of farm product markets, supermarkets, hotels, hospitals and residential areas all, while the habitats of restaurants were close to a double peak curve. Conclusions　B. germanica is the dominant species of cockroaches in Liaoning Province in 2021. Compared with 2020 the density and disoperation rate of cockroach in 2021 showed a slight downward trend, and the seasonal dynamics trend of cockroach density and disoperation rate showed a unimodal curve. The farm product markets are the key places for cockroach prevention and control. According to the seasonal fluctuation trends in cockroach density and infestation rate in different habitats, comprehensive prevention and control measures should be taken before the peak periods to reduce cockroach density and control diseases.

The structure and diversity of the intestinal flora in rats exposed to high altitude hypoxia was investigated. Animal experiments strictly follow the regulations of Medical Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Qinghai University, School of Medicine. SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a moderate altitude hypoxia group, and a high altitude hypoxia group. The pH value of the feces was measured and histopathological changes in the small intestine were determined by HE staining, and the intestinal flora were characterized by 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing technology on the 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 30th day of hypoxia exposure. Compared with the control group, the fecal pH value of rats in the moderate altitude hypoxia group and the high altitude hypoxia group was decreased significantly. The lamina propria and submucosa capillaries were slightly dilated and congested on the 3rd day in the moderate altitude hypoxia group. In the high altitude hypoxia group the submembrane capillaries were dilated and congested, the lamina propria of the mucosa showed mild edema, and the lymphatic vessels were dilated on the 7th day. The composition and diversity of intestinal flora in these rats changed significantly with prolonged exposure to the high altitude hypoxic environment. A total of 35 phyla, 87 classes, 205 orders, 337 families, 638 genera, and 256 species were annotated in the three groups of rats, including Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Ruminococcaceae, Akkermansia, and Lactobacillus_murinus. Compared with the control group, the intestinal flora of the hypoxic groups showed the most significant changes by the 15th day. There were 9 microbiota of gut microorganisms with relative abundance in the moderate altitude hypoxia group, of which Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group bacteria was the most common, there were 19 different microbiota of gut microorganisms with higher relative abundance in the high altitude hypoxia group, of which Ruminococcaceae bacteria was the most common. The results of this study indicate significant changes in the intestinal flora with high altitude hypoxia, and establish a foundation for further research on the initiation and development of diseases and drug metabolism in high altitude hypoxia.

Objective: To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) combined with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on intestinal crypt epithelial cells (IEC-6) of rats with hypoxia stress. Methods: (1) The routinely cultured IEC-6 of rats were collected and divided into normoxia blank group, normoxia KGF group, normoxia HIF-1α group, and normoxia combine group, according to the random number table, and then the previous mediums were respectively replaced with dulbecco′s modified eagle medium (DMEM), medium with 0.5 ng/mL KGF, medium with 10.0 ng/mL HIF-1α, and medium with 0.5 ng/mL KGF and 30.0 ng/mL HIF-1α. And the cells were cultured in cell incubator with oxygen volume fraction of 21% for 24 hours. (2) Another batch of routinely cultured IEC-6 were collected and divided into normoxia control group, hypoxia control group, hypoxia KGF group, hypoxia HIF-1α group, and hypoxia combine group, according to the random number table. The previous mediums were replaced with DMEM, DMEM, medium with 0.5 ng/mL KGF, medium with 10.0 ng/mL HIF-1α, and medium with 0.5 ng/mL KGF and 30.0 ng/mL HIF-1α respectively. And then, the cells in normoxia control group were cultured routinely for 24 hours, and cells in the other 4 groups were cultured in cells incubator of 3 gases, with oxygen volume fraction of 5% for 24 hours. Cells cultured in normoxic and hypoxic incubators were collected, with 3 samples in each group, and morphological changes of cells were observed with optical microscope. Cells cultured in normoxic and hypoxic incubators were collected, with 3 samples in each group, and survival rates of cells were detected by cell count kit 8. Cells in normoxia control group and cells cultured in hypoxic incubator were collected, with 3 samples in each group. The cell cycle changes and apoptosis rates were detected by flow cytometer, the content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and protein expression of p53 was detected by Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: (1) After being cultured for 24 h, cells cultured in normoxic incubator grew well with oval or round shapes and clear cytoplasm, and cells cultured in hypoxic incubator showed irregular shapes such as fusiform or starlike shape, with black particle in cytoplasm. (2) After being cultured for 24 h, cell survival rates of normoxia blank group, normoxia KGF group, normoxia HIF-1α group, and normoxia combine group were (107.4±8.7)%, (109.8±2.9)%, (115.8±7.4)%, and (112.8±10.6)% respectively. There was no significantly statistical difference in general comparison of cell survival rates among the above groups (F=0.685, P=0.586). After being cultured for 24 h, cell survival rates of hypoxia control group, hypoxia KGF group, hypoxia HIF-1α group, and hypoxia combine group were (35.1±4.6)%, (52.9±6.8)%, (56.2±3.1)%, and (71.2±9.6)% respectively, which were significantly lower than (106.3±12.3)% of normoxia control group (P<0.001). Survival rates of cells in hypoxia KGF group, hypoxia HIF-1α group, and hypoxia combine group were significantly higher than the rate of cells in hypoxia control group (P=0.023, 0.009, <0.001). Survival rate of cells in hypoxia combine group was significantly higher than the rates of cells in hypoxia KGF group and hypoxia HIF-1α group (P=0.017, 0.045). (3) After being cultured for 24 h, percentage of cells in G1 phase in hypoxia control group was significantly higher than that of cells in normoxia control group (P=0.030), percentages of cells in S phase in hypoxia control group, hypoxia KGF group, and hypoxia HIF-1α group were obviously lower than the percentage of cells in normoxia control group (P=0.020, 0.031, 0.026), and percentages of cells in different phases in other groups were close to those of cells in normoxia control group (P=0.516, 0.107, 0.052, 0.985, 0.637, 0.465, 0.314, 0.591). After being cultured for 24 h, percentages of cells in G1 phase in hypoxia control group, hypoxia KGF group, and hypoxia HIF-1α group were obviously higher than the percentage of cells in hypoxia combine group (P=0.001, 0.030, 0.014), and percentages of cells in S phase in the above 3 groups were obviously lower than the percentage of cells in hypoxia combine group (P=0.001, 0.012, 0.010). (4) After being cultured for 24 h, compared with that of cells in normoxia control group, apoptosis rate of cells in hypoxia control group obviously increased (P=0.018), and apoptosis rate of cells in hypoxia combine group obviously decreased (P=0.008). After being cultured for 24 h, compared with that of cells in hypoxia control group, apoptosis rates of cells in hypoxia KGF group and hypoxia combine group obviously decreased (P=0.004, 0.001). Apoptosis rate of cells in hypoxia combine group was obviously lower than those of cells in hypoxia KGF group and hypoxia HIF-1α group (P=0.032, 0.002). (5) After being cultured for 24 h, compared with that of cells in normoxia control group, the content of ATP of cells in hypoxia combine group changed unobviously (P=0.209), and content of ATP of cells in the other groups obviously decreased (P= <0.001, 0.001, 0.002). Content of ATP of cells in hypoxia HIF-1α group and hypoxia combine group was obviously higher than that of cells in hypoxia control group (P=0.044, 0.001). Content of ATP of cells in hypoxia combine group was obviously higher than that of cells in hypoxia KGF group and hypoxia HIF-1α group (P=0.011, 0.020). (6) After being cultured for 24 h, protein expressions of p53 of cells in hypoxia control group, hypoxia KGF group, and hypoxia HIF-1α group were obviously higher than that of cells in normoxia control group (P<0.001), and protein expression of p53 of cells in hypoxia combine group was obviously lower than those of cells in hypoxia control group, hypoxia KGF group, and hypoxia HIF-1α group (P=0.001, 0.001, 0.002). Conclusions KGF combined with HIF-1α have significant protective effects on IEC-6 of rats with hypoxia stress, and can improve its survival in hypoxic environment by inhibiting cell cycle arrest, reducing the level of apoptosis, and increasing level of energy metabolism.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of MicroRNA-3963(miR-3963) on the adipogenic differentiation of mouse bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells(MSC).

METHODSMSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice bone fragment and transfected with miR-3963 mimic, miR-3963 inhibitor and negative control. The expression of miR-3963 and transfection efficiency were detected by q-PCR. These transfected cells were induced to adipocytes and stained with oil red O after 14 days culture. q-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of adipogenic differentiation marker genes C/EBPα and PPARγ at transcriptional level and protein level.

RESULTSThe results of q-PCR revealed that miR-3963 expression level was up-regulated after transfection with miR-3963 mimic (P<0.0001), and down-regulated after transfection with miR-3963 inhibitor (P<0.0001). After oil red staining, overexpression of miR-3963 in MSCs could promote the formation of lipid droplet. The q-PCR and Western blot analyses showed the significant increase of expression of adipogenic marker genes C/EBPα and PPARγ in MSC transfected with miR-3963 mimic. Additionally, compared with the control group, miR-3963 inhibitor could decrease adipogenic differentiation of MSC.

CONCLUSIONmiR-3963 can regulate and promote adipogenic differentiation of mouse bone-derived MSC.

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between JAK/STAT signaling pathways and pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia(ITP).

METHODSTwenty-six newly-diagnosed ITP patients was included in this study. They all meet the clinical and hematological criteria for the diagnosis of ITP, and patients with coronary heart disease, severe refractory hypertension, diabetes or with severe liver or kidney function incompetence were ruled out. 24 healthy control without autoimmune diseases, viral infectious diseases and with normal liver and kidney functions were also included. The expressions of Jak3, p-Jak3 mRNA, Stat3, and p-Stat3 were tested and the changes in levels of IL-21 mRNA, IL-21 cell secretion after DEX intervention and AG490 blockade were measured.

RESULTSCompared with the healthy control, patients with ITP had significantly high expressions of Jak3, p-Jak3 mRNA, Stat3 and p-Stat3 protein, which significantly reduced after AG490 blocking (P<0.01). The expression of IL-21 mRNA and the secretion of IL-21 obviously decreased after DEX intervention, but increased after AG490 blocking(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe pathogenesis of ITP associates with the activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathways, and IL-21-mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathways play regulatory role in ITP.

Humans ; Interleukins ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Signal Transduction

BackgroundHand injuries are very common in sports, such as skiing and ball sports. One of the major reasons causing hand and finger deformity is due to ligament and tendon injury. The aim of this study was to investigate if the high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can demonstrate the complex anatomy of the fingers and thumb, especially the tendons and ligaments, and provide the accurate diagnosis of clinically important fingers and thumbs deformity due to ligamentous and tendinous injuries during sport activities.

MethodsSixteen fresh un-embalmed cadaveric hands were harvested from eight cadavers. A total of 20 healthy volunteers' hands and 44 patients with fingers or thumb deformity due to sports-related injuries were included in this study. All subjects had MR examination with T1-weighted images and proton density-weighted imaging with fat suppression (PD FS) in axial, coronal, and sagittal plane, respectively. Subsequently, all 16 cadaveric hands were sliced into 2-mm thick slab with a band saw (six in coronal plane, six in sagittal plane, and four in axial plane). The correlation of anatomic sections and the MRI characteristics of tendons of fingers and the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCPJ) of thumb between 20 healthy volunteers and 44 patients (confirmed by surgery) were analyzed.

ResultsThe normal ligaments and tendons in 16 cadaveric hands and 20 volunteers' hands showed uniform low-signal intensity on all the sequences of the MRI. Among 44 patients with tendinous and ligamentous injuries in the fingers or thumb, 12 cases with UCL injury at MCPJ of the thumb (Stener lesion = 8 and non-Stener lesion = 4), 6 cases with the central slip injury, 12 cases with terminal tendon injury, and 14 cases with flexor digitorum profundus injury. The ligaments and tendons disruption manifested as increased signal intensity and poor definition, discontinuity, and heterogeneous signal intensity of the involved ligaments and tendons.

ConclusionsSports injury-related fingers and thumb deformity are relatively common. MRI is an accurate method for evaluation of the anatomy and pathologic conditions of the fingers and thumb. It is a useful tool for accurate diagnosis of the sports-related ligaments and tendons injuries in hand.

Adult ; Athletic Injuries ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Female ; Hand Deformities ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Ligaments ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tendon Injuries ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Thumb ; abnormalities ; surgery

OBJECTIVEThis study is to examine the influence of familiarity on energy intake, eating behavior, and concentration of the plasma gut hormones in lean and overweight young male subjects.

METHODSTwenty-eight lean and twenty-eight overweight participants were recruited. Their food consumption was documented and analyzed when they had a test meal while they were paired with friends or strangers at the same weight stature. Their eating behavior was recorded with cameras hidden in the carton, and postprandial plasma gut hormone concentration were measured.

RESULTSCompared with overweight strangers (OS), overweight friends (OF) had increased food consumption, prolonged and decreased number of chews per 10 g food. Compared with OS, postprandial plasma concentration of cholecystokinin-8 was significantly lower in OF group at 30, 60, and 90 min, whereas the concentration of glucagon-like peptide 1 was significantly lower at 60 and 90 min. Plasma ghrelin concentration was significantly higher in the OF group than that in the OS group at 90 and 120 min. No significant differences in gut hormone concentration were observed between lean strangers (LS) and lean friends (LF) groups at all time points.

CONCLUSIONFamiliarity plays an important role in increasing energy intake and in changing of postprandial gut hormone concentration in overweight individuals.

Objective To evaluate the effect of schistosomiasis control and prevention in Yangxin County from 2004 to 2015,so as to provide the evidence for improving the work of schistosomiasis transmission interrupted and elimination in the fu-ture. Methods According to the endemic types and endemic regularity of schistosomiasis in Yangxin County,the comprehen-sive control strategies were adopted,and the programs related to sanitation,water conservancy,forestry,and agriculture were implemented continuously. The schistosomiasis control effects in this county from 2004 to 2015 were analyzed and compared. Re-sults After the implementation of the schistosomiasis comprehensive control strategies in Yangxin County ,the calculated num-ber of patients reduced from 22240 in 2004 to 1471 in 2015,the infection rate of residents reduced from 8.57%in 2004 to 0.16%in 2015,the number of patients with acute schistosome infection reduced from 64 in 2004 to 0,and no cases of acute schistosomiasis found since 2009. The infection rate of cattle decreased from 8.87%in 2004 to 0. The area with Oncomelania hu-pensis snails and the area of susceptible zone reduced from 3446.21 hm2 and 1111.59 hm2 in 2004 to 2285.75 hm2 and 41.28 hm2 in 2015 respectively,and the schistosome-infection rate of snails reduced from 0.76%in 2004 to 0. Conclusions Since the comprehensive control strategy implemented from 2004,the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Yangxin County has de-creased significantly. However,the harness force of the Fu River as well as the control of infection source of livestock still should be strengthened to consolidate the control achievement.

Objective:To assess the usage of β-blocker in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in early hospitalization period (admission within 24 hours) in Liaoning Province from 2001 to 2011.Methods:By convenience sampling, patients from 10 hospitals in 3 study years (2001, 2006, and 2011) were randomly selected and clinical data were extracted, the usage frequency, types and dosage of β-blocker were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 365 AMI patients from ten hospitals were included in this analysis, and about 296 cases (21.68%) were considered as ideal patients for early β-blocker use (53.10% cases in 2001, 68.70% cases in 2006, and 78% cases in 2011, P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that the heart rate was related to the early usage of β-blocker.The most frequently used β-blocker was metoprolol (90.73%) within 3 years, only 1.46% had the dosage above 50 mg.Conclusions:During the past decade, the utilization rate of βB among the appropriate patients with AMI during the early-phase hospitalization in Liaoning Province present the increasing trend.However, there is a distinct gap between the utilization status and guideline.Although the early application can reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular event, the heart rate of patients and so on are the main causes that influence its application.Therefore, regarding the early application, it is necessary to comply with the evidence-based medical science and combine it with the individualization principle.