OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in overweight/obese children who visit a hospital, and to explore the influencing factors of NAFLD, in order to provide a basis for the prevention of NAFLD in overweight/obese children. METHODS: Overweight/obese children who visited Hunan Children's Hospital from June 2019 to September 2021 were recruited. The prevalence rate of NAFLD was examined. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the development of NAFLD [non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of the influencing factors for NAFL and NASH. RESULTS: A total of 844 overweight/obese children aged 6-17 years were enrolled. The prevalence rate of NAFLD in overweight/obese children was 38.2% (322/844), among which the prevalence rates of NAFL and NASH were 28.8% (243/844) and 9.4% (79/844), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with the development of NAFL and NASH (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the combined measurement of WHR and HDL-C had a predictive value for NAFL (area under the curve: 0.653, 95%CI: 0.613-0.694), and for NASH (area under the curve: 0.771, 95%CI: 0.723-0.819). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rate of NAFLD in overweight/obese children who visit a hospital is high. WHR and HDL-C are associated with the development of NAFLD and the combined measurement of WHR and HDL-C has a certain value for predicating the development of NAFLD.
Child ; Humans ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications* ; Overweight/complications* ; Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Adolescent

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in bacterial flora in fecal samples, at the tumor loci and in adjacent mucosa in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We collected fecal samples from 13 patients with CRC and 20 healthy individuals and tumor and adjacent mucosa samples from 6 CRC patients. The differences in bacterial composition between the fecal and mucosa samples were analyzed with 16S rDNA sequencing and bioinformatics methods. We also detected the total number of bacteria in the feces using flow cytometry, isolated and identified the microorganisms in the fecal and mucosa samples using common bacterial culture media. We further tested the effects of 7 isolated bacterial strains on apoptosis of 3 CRC cell lines using lactate dehydrogenase detection kit. RESULTS: The bacterial α-diversity in the feces of healthy individuals and in adjacent mucosa of CRC patients was significantly higher than that in the feces and tumor mucosa in CRC patients (P < 0.05). Lactobacillaceae is a specific bacteria in the feces, while Escherichia, Enterococcus, and Fusobacterium are specific bacteria in tumor mucosa of CRC patients as compared with healthy individuals. Cell experiment with3 CRC cell lines showed that Bacteroides fragilis isolated from the tumor mucosa of CRC patients produced significant inhibitory effects on cell proliferation (P < 0.0001), while the isolated strain Fusobacterium nucleatum obviously promoted the proliferation of the cell lines (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The bacterial flora in the feces, tumor mucosa and adjacent mucosa of CRC patients is significantly different from that in the feces of healthy individuals, and the fecal flora of CRC patients can not represent the specific flora of the tumor mucosa. Inhibition of F. nucleatum colonization in the tumor mucosa and promoting B. fragilis colonization may prove beneficial for CRC treatment.
Bacteria ; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Feces/microbiology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa

Objective To explore the obstacles in palliative care consultation services and put forward the suggestions for improving the services in grade A tertiary hospitals. Methods A semi-structured interview was conducted with 17 medical workers who had requested palliative care consultation services in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Results The palliative care consultation services were hindered by five obstacle factors including insufficient knowledge of patients and their families about palliative care,unsound understanding of medical workers about palliative care,poor implementation of consultation opinions,limited labor of palliative care team,and poor economic benefits from palliative care.In view of such obstacles,the following suggestions were put forward,which included increasing the acceptance of palliative care by patients and their families,enriching the knowledge of medical staff on palliative care,establishing a new cooperation model between consultation team and medical staff,strengthening the institutional guarantee for the development of palliative care,and establishing and perfecting the laws and policies related to palliative care. Conclusion Although there are many difficulties in the in-hospital palliative care consultation services in grade A tertiary hospitals,the demand and expectation of medical staff for palliative care are still increasing.
Humans ; Palliative Care ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Referral and Consultation ; Hospitalization

Objective:To explore the mechanism of balance control after stroke by plantar pressure analysis. Methods:From July to December, 2019, twelve stroke subjects (stroke group) and 30 normal subjects (control group) were recruited in the rehabilitation department of our hospital. Both groups were measured plantar pressure in eyes open and closed conditions. The kinematic parameters, dynamic parameters, plantar pressure center (CoP), symmetry index (SI), symmetry angle (SA) and Romberg quotient (RQ) were calculated. Results:Compared with eyes open condition, the average Y and maximum swing of the control group increased significantly in eyes closed condition (P < 0.01); moreover, the ball length, average speed and maximum swing increased significantly in the stroke group (P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the area of the ellipse (|t| > 3.509, P < 0.001) and the average X (|Z|> 2.311, P < 0.05) significantly increased both in eyes open and closed condition, whereas the maximum swing (Z = -3.118, P < 0.01) increased significantly in eyes closed condition in the stroke group. The RQ of ball length was significantly more in the stroke group than in the control group (t = -3.570, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in SI and SA of all parameters between the eyes open and closed condition in two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, load SI, overall load SI, forefoot load SI, area SI and forefoot area SI increased in both the eyes open and closed conditions in the stroke group (t > 2.344, P < 0.05), whereas load SA, overall load SA, forefoot load SA, area SA, forefoot area SA increased (|t|> 2.297, P < 0.05), hindfoot load SA increased only in eyes open condition (t = -2.485, P < 0.05), and hindfoot area SA increased only in eyes closed condition (t = -2.132, P < 0.05). In the control group, CoP was mainly distributed in the negative direction of Y axis when the eyes were open and closed, while CoP in the stroke group was relatively discrete, and the distribution on X axis was more obvious than that of the control group. Conclusion:The balance control of stroke patients might depend on visual compensation, and the plantar pressure analysis system could be used to evaluate the balance function in stroke patients.

[Objective]We aimed to explore the diagnostic value of DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and acrosin activi-ty in male infertility.[Methods]Nine hundred and two semen samples were collected from patients and assessed for the DNA fragmentation index by sperm chromatin dispersion test,acrosin activity,as well as standard sperm parameters according to the WHO criteria. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS.[Results]Statistically significant differences were observed in age,sperm concentration,total motility,progressive rate and acrosin activity among different group of sperm DNA dam-age(≤10%,11~20%,21~30%,≥31%).Sperm acrosin activity also showed difference in sperm concentration,total num-ber,total motility,progressive rate,normal morphology rate,teratozoospermia index(TZI)and sperm DFI.The DNA frag-mentation rate and sperm concentration,sperm motility,forward motility rate,total sperm count and acrosin activity was neg-atively correlated,while it is negative correlatd with TZI. Acrosin activity and sperm concentration,sperm motility,forward motility rate,sperm count and normal morphology rate was positively correlated,while it is negative correlated with the ab-normal rate of head,sperm deformity index,DNA fragmentation rate.[Conclusion]Sperm DNA damage and acrosin activity could partly reflect the quality of sperm. Moreover,sperm DFI maypredict the sperm motility part while the acrosin activity more likely related to sperm morphology.

Objective To explore the clinical effects of Ilizarov technology combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and slow tissue distraction in the treatment of complex crus malformations.Methods From June 2006 to February 2016,83 cases suffering complex crus malformations in our department were treated by Ilizarov technique combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and slow tissue distraction.Of whom,39 cases were traumatic bone defect,36 cases were bone osteomyelitis,8 cases were congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia.Bone defect ranged from 6 to 11 cm,with an average of 8 cm.All cases were conducted by segmental resection of bone lesions combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and Ilizarov technique.The functional evaluation was carried out according to the Paley evaluation criterion.Bone healing time,duration of external fixation,postoperative limb lengthening and limb function recovery were recorded.Results Eighty-three patients were followed up for 8 to 36 months,with an average of 16 months.All patients' crus malformations were completely corrected.The external fixation time was from 6 to 18 months,with an average of 10.3 months;the length of the limb lengthening was from 4.5 to 9 cm,with an average of 6.3 cm;and bone healing time was from 6 to 15 months,with an average of 9.8 months.According to the Paley evaluation criterion,53 cases were excellent,24 cases were good,6 cases were general.Conclusion Ilizarov technology combined with closed minimally invasive osteotomy and slow tissue distraction a reliable method to correct the complex deformity of the tibia and fibula.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine Sanqi Oral Liquid, composed of Astragalus membranaceus and Panpax notoginseng, in alleviating renal injury by observing its effect on the expressions of CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD68(+) cells in 5/6 nephrectomized rats with chronic renal failure.

METHODSA total of 102 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: three treatment groups were administrated with high, medium and low dosage of Sanqi Oral Liquid respectively by gavage; a normal group, a 5/6 nephrectomized model group, and a group treated with coated aldehyde oxygenstarch were used as controls. Following oral administration of Sanqi Oral Liquid for 12 weeks, the general condition and renal pathological changes were observed, and the renal function, platelet count (PLT) and the expressions of CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD68(+) cells were determined for each group.

RESULTSThere were proliferation of mesangial matrix, renaltubularnecrosis and obvious tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the model group, and they were much milder in the treatment groups. Compared with the model group, the amounts of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and PLT in the treatment groups decreased (P<0.05 for all); and in the group administrated of medium dosage of Sanqi Oral Liquid, the expression of CD4(+) cells was up-regulated and those of CD8(+) and CD68(+) cells were down-regulated (P<0.05 for all), leading to an increased ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+)(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSanqi Oral Liquid has a significant effect on regulating lymphocyte subsets, reducing the infiltration of macrophages in renal tissues and alleviating tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and this may be one of mechanisms of Sanqi Oral Liquid in delaying the progression of chronic kidney diseases.

Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; metabolism ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Solutions

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status of blood donors in a southern city in China was investigated by immunological assays and nucleic acid testing. Overall, 17 (0.19%, 95% CI: 0.11%-0.30%) of the 9023 HBsAg negative samples were found to be positive for the presence of HBV DNA. "A" epitope sequences were obtained from 14 among them. Mutation(s) in aa124-aa147 existed in 6 (42.9%, 6/14) samples and 4 (66.7%, 4/6)were G145R mutation. Ratio of genotype C in occult donors (10/17) was statistically higher than HBs-positive donors (0/15, P<0.01), which implied that HBV genotype C leaded to occult infection more easily.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Donors ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA, Viral ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepatitis B ; epidemiology ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; genetics ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; classification ; genetics ; immunology ; physiology ; Humans ; Immunologic Tests ; Male ; Mutation ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of varicocele on sperm chromatin structure and sperm motility.

METHODSRoutine semen analysis and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) were performed in a varicocele group (n=74) and a control group (n=89).

RESULTSSperm concentration (41.4 +/- 38.7] x 10(6)/ml) grade a+b sperm percentage ([31.7 +/- 16.9]% and sperm viability ([62.8 +/- 22.2]%) in the varicocele group were evidently lower than those ([80.9 +/- 63.1] x 10(6)/ml, [46.8 +/- 20.5]%, [77.2 +/- 17.5])% in the control group (P < 0.05) and so were VCL, VSL and VAP ([37.4 +/- 12.5 microm/s, [23.4 +/- 7.8] microm/s, [26.5 +/- 8.2] microm/s) in the varicocele group than those ([42.4 +/- 10.7] microm/s, [27.3 +/- 7.3] microm/s, [30.7 +/- 7.8] microm/s) in the control (P < 0.05). MAD was increased (P < 0.01), and the COMP alphat of SCSA (23.2 +/-16.2) was obviously higher in the former than in the latter (14.1 +/- 11.8) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONVaricocele causes damage to sperm DNA and changes sperm motility, which may result in male infertility.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chromatin ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Damage ; Humans ; Male ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; genetics ; physiology ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; metabolism ; Varicocele ; genetics ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the semen quality of the Chinese army men.

METHODSTen-item sperm quality analyses were made by manual methods and the computer assisted sperm analysis system in 1054 young Chinese army men. The subjects were divided into 4 age groups (18-20 yrs., 21-25 yrs., 26-30 yrs and 31-35 yrs.), and the results of the analyses were compared.

RESULTSAmong the 1 054 young males investigated, the semen volume was (2.6 +/- 1.4) ml, sperm density (55.9 +/- 46.5) x 10(6)/ml, sperm grade a + b motility (47.1 +/- 19.0)%, sperm viability (70.6 +/- 22.1)%, morphologically normal sperm (84.7 +/- 10.2)%, and acrosomal integrity (86.1 +/- 7.2)%. As for the percentages of the quality indexes that met WHO standards, the sperm volume was 73.5%, liquefaction time 91.1%, pH 93.0%, grade a + b motility 45.5%, viability 86.7%, sperm density 80.4%, morphologically normal sperm 98.2%, and the sperm total number 78.0%. Those who accorded with all the WHO standards accounted for 40.2%.

CONCLUSIONThe semen quality of the 18-35 year old army men was better than previously reported in the similar literature. And that of the 26-30 yrs. group was the best among all the age groups.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Male ; Military Personnel ; statistics & numerical data ; Sampling Studies ; Semen ; chemistry ; physiology ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility