Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of vitamin K2 on vascular calcification in a type 2 diabetes rat model.Methods:Thirty male Wistar rats,6 weeks old,were acclimatized for 7 days.Ten rats were randomly selected as the negative control group,fed a normal diet,and injected with an equal amount of citrate buffer.The remaining rats were fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet for 4 weeks,and then type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.After successful induction of the diabetes model,the diabetic rats were numbered by body weight and divided into the diabetes group and the diabetes+vitamin K2 group according to the principle of stratified random grouping.These two groups were fed a high-fat diet and a high-fat diet containing vitamin K2,respectively,while the control group continued to be fed a normal diet.After 13 weeks of feeding,the rats were sacrificed for sample collection,and blood glucose and vascular calcium concentration were measured.Von Kossa staining was used for histopathological detection.The relative expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4(PDK4),matrix Gla protein(MGP),and bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)mRNA and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot,respectively.Results:Compared with the control group,blood glucose levels in the diabetes group and diabetes+vitamin K2 group were significantly elevated(P＜0.01),but there was no significant difference between the two groups.There was no significant difference in vascular calcium concentration among the three groups(P＞0.05).Von Kossa staining showed that the control group exhibited normal vascular structures,while the diabetes group showed a large number of brown-black calcification plaques between elastic fibers in the vascular media.The diabetes+vitamin K2 group had either no calcification plaques or only a few brown-black calcification plaques.Compared with the control group,the expression levels of PDK4,MGP,and BMP-2 mRNA and proteins were higher in the diabetes group(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference in the expression level of HIF-1α.Only the expression level of PKD4 protein had significance between the control group and diabetes+vitamin K2 group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the above indexes between the diabetic group and diabetic+vitamin K2 group(P＞0.05).Conclusions:Type 2 diabetes mellitus may cause vascular calcification by increasing the expression of PDK4,which in turn leads to increased expression of BMP-2 and MGP.Vitamin K2 can inhibit vascular calcification in diabetes.

Objective:To investigate the impact of serum vitamin A levels on all-cause mortality risk in diabetes patients.Methods:Diabetes patients aged 20 years and above who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 were enrolled as the study population,with death data up to 2019 as the endpoint.Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to calculate the hazard ratios of all-cause mortality in diabetes patients with different serum vitamin A levels,both unadjusted and adjusted for confounders.Restricted cubic spline methods were used to analyze the dose-response relationship between serum vitamin A levels and all-cause mortality risk in diabetes patients.Results:A total of 484 diabetes patients were included,with a median follow-up period of 13.7 years,during which 211 deaths occurred.Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that compared to the lowest quartile of serum vitamin A,higher quartiles of serum vitamin A were not associated with all-cause mortality risk in diabetes patients without adjusting for confounders.However,after adjusting for confounders,higher quartiles of serum vitamin A significantly reduced the all-cause mortality risk.The dose-response analysis indicated a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality in diabetes patients with lower serum vitamin A levels.As the vitamin A levels increased,the mortality risk gradually decreased.A significant reduction in all-cause mortality risk was observed when serum vitamin A levels were between 2.17 and 2.50 μmol/L.Beyond this range,there was a tendency for increased all-cause mortality risk with further increases in vitamin A levels.Conclusion:Lower serum vitamin A levels increase the all-cause mortality risk in diabetes patients,while moderate serum vitamin A levels help reduce the all-cause mortality risk in diabetes patients.

Objective:To construct a cluster care of oral nutrition supplements (ONS) , and to explore its effect in home care of postoperative patients with gastric cancer.Methods:Literature search was conducted to review the status quo of ONS compliance at home in patients with gastric cancer after surgery, and analyze the existing problems. We summarized and formulated the cluster care plan according to the evidence, and established the home ONS management team and process. From November 2020 to October 2021, 107 patients with gastric cancer who needed to implement ONS at home in Gastrointestinal Surgery of Ningbo First Hospital were selected as research objects by convenience sampling. Postoperative patients with gastric cancer from November 2020 to April 2021 were set as the control group ( n=40) , and those from May to October 2021 were set as the observation group ( n=67) . The control group was treated with conventional ONS, and the observation group was treated with home ONS cluster care plan on the basis of the control group. The compliance of nutritional support, weight gain, body mass index increase and follow-up experience between the two groups were evaluated. Results:After six months of intervention, the scores of ONS compliance, weight gain, body mass index increase and follow-up experience in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The cluster care plan improves the ONS compliance at home, nutritional status and satisfaction with the follow-up by medical and nursing staff in patients with gastric cancer after surgery, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

OBJECTIVETo compare the difference in the therapeutic effects on ovulation disorder in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) between the combined therapy of electroacupuncture and clomiphene and the single medication of clomiphene and to explore the effect mechanism.

METHODSA total of 80 patients of PCOS were randomized into an acupuncture plus medication group (40 cases) and a medication group (40 cases). In the medication group, since the 5th day of menstruation or medicine-withdrawal bleeding, clomiphene was prescribed for oral administration, continuously for 5 days. In the acupuncture plus medication group, the medication was the same as the medication group. Additionally, 30 min electroacupuncture (continuous wave, 2 Hz) was applied to Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Dahe (KI 12), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zhongji (CV 3), Diji (SP 8), Shenshu (BL 23), Sanjiaoshu (BL 22) and Ciliao (BL 32), etc. The treatment started on the 5th day of menstruation or medicine-withdrawal bleeding, once every two days, 3 times a week. One cycle of menstruation or 1 month was taken as one course. The treatment cycles were 3 months in the two groups. The level of estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) in the serum, the endometrial thickness and morphology, ovulation rate and clinical pregnancy rate, as well as the clinical therapeutic effects were compared after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTSTwo cases were dropped out because the herbal medicine was taken simultaneously in the acupuncture plus medication group. In the medication group, the medication was discontinued in 3 cases due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions. The total effective rate was 86.8% (33/38) in the acupuncture plus medication group, better than 64.9% (24/37) in the medication group (<0.05). The ovulation rate in the acupuncture plus medication group was higher than that in the medication group [(86.8%, 33/38) vs (64.9% 24/37), <0.05]. The pregnancy rate in the acupuncture plus medication group was higher than the medication group in tendency, without significant difference [21.1% (8/38) vs 16.2% (6/37), >0.05]. After treatment, the results of endometrial thickness and morphology (A-type rate) in the acupuncture plus medication group were better than those in the medication group (<0.01, <0.05). After treatment, regarding the levels of E and P in the serum in the window period of implantation, the results in the acupuncture plus medication group were higher remarkably than those in the medication group (both <0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe combined intervention of electroacupuncture and clomiphene achieves the definite effects of ovulation and pregnancy promotion in PCOS. It remarkably increases the levels of E and P in the serum, the endometrial thickness and A-type rate. The therapeutic effects of the combined intervention are remarkably better than those of the simple application of clomiphene. This combined intervention is safe and tolerable for the adverse reactions. The effect mechanisms may be related to the improvements of estrogen, progestin and endometrial receptivity.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Clomiphene ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Female ; therapy ; Ovulation ; Ovulation Induction ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of one-stage cannulated screw fixation in treatment of tibial avulsion fracture at the insertion of posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) under posterior direction version and in treatment of tibial avulsion fracture at the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)under arthroscopy.Methods From January 2010 to June 2015,25 patients with tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament combined with the anterior cruciate ligament in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Firstly,arthroscopic exploration was conducted in all patients in their horizontal position,aiming to observe whether combined injures existed or not and to confirm fracture fragments and the degree of tibial avulsion fractures of the cruciate ligaments.All patients recieved arthroscopic fragment fixation by using cannulated screws,then,were treated with a minimally posteromedial incision in the prone position by cannulated screw fixation.All knee joints were protected by adjustable orthopedic brace for 4-6 weeks.The clinical knee joint function of patients were measured by using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring scale and Lysholm scoring scale.The X-ray or CT image were used to evaluate healing process of the fractures.Results All patients were followed up for 6-24 months,the median follow-up time was 15 months.All fractures healed in one stage,time of fracture healing ranged from 9 to 24 weeks,and the median time was 12 weeks.The average IKDC scores at the finial follow-up were as follows:claudication (4.88±0.29)points,support (4.65±0.36)points,pain (4.78±0.49)points,swelling (4.88±0.52)points,squat (4.85±0.35)points,all were higher than those before operation,there were statistically significant differences when compared with those assessed before operation (P<0.05).The average Lysholm score at the finial follow-up was (93.4±2.8)points,the rate of excellent and fine was 96.0%,no statistically significant difference was found compared with that at the healthy side (P>0.05).Conclusion The one-stage cannulated screw fixation in treatment of tibial avulsion fracture at the insertion of PCL under posterior direction version and in treatment of tibial avulsion fractures at the ACL under arthroscopy is easy and convenient to operate,which has the advantages of reliable fixation and satisfactory recent curative efficacy.

The system applies H.264 compression coding technology and uses TCP/IP protocol to transmit data. It transfers the video information, cardio-spectrograms, blood oxygen and blood pressure spectrum to the medical area and the visiting area for families that outside of ICU intensively. The patients' information is transmitted to the medical staffs intensively, then making the relevant backups, so people can avoid many potential medical disputes.
Blood Pressure ; Data Compression ; Heart ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; instrumentation ; Technology ; Video Recording

Objective To investigate the serum level of placental growth factor (PLGF) and explore its relationship with left ventricular structure and function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.Methods Seventy-two non-dialysis CKD patients and sixteen age-and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study.Serum PLGF level was measured by ELISA.Cardiac structure and function were assessed by two dimensional echocardiography.Results (1)The serum level of PLGF in CKD patients[3.32(2.97,19.77) ng/L] was significantly higher compared to the healthy controls [2.33(2.27,2.49) ng/L] (P ＜ 0.01).It progressively increased with the decline of renal function (P＜ 0.05/6).(2)The interventricular septum (IVS),left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) was significantly higher while the ejection fraction was significantly lower in CKD patients.(3)The serum PLGF level was higher in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) than those without LVH [19.05(3.31,21.05) ng/L vs 2.99(2.60,3.32) ng/L,P ＜ 0.05].The prevalence of LVH in the group above median PLGF level was significantly higher than that in the group below the median PLGF level (70％ vs 18％,P ＜ 0.01).(4)PLGF level was positively correlated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI),systolic pressure,diastolic pressure,24 h urine protein,Scr,UA,BUN,iPTH,the history of high blood pressure and was negatively correlated with LVEF,hemoglobin,albumin,eGFR (P ＜ 0.05).Multiple regression results showed that UA,Scr,LVEF,Hb were associated with PLGF level independently (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions CKD patients have elevated level of PLGF.It has a relationship with cardiac structure and function.It may participate in the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

The system applies H.264 compression coding technology and uses TCP/IP protocol to transmit data. It transfers the video information, cardio-spectrograms, blood oxygen and blood pressure spectrum to the medical area and the visiting area for families that outside of ICU intensively. The patients’ information is transmitted to the medical staffs intensively, then making the relevant backups, so people can avoid many potential medical disputes.

Uch37 is a de-ubiquitinating enzyme that is activated by Rpn13 and involved in the proteasomal degradation of proteins. The full-length Uch37 was shown to exhibit low iso-peptidase activity and is thought to be auto-inhibited. Structural comparisons revealed that within a homo-dimer of Uch37, each of the catalytic domains was blocking the other's ubiquitin (Ub)-binding site. This blockage likely prevented Ub from entering the active site of Uch37 and might form the basis of auto-inhibition. To understand the mode of auto-inhibition clearly and shed light on the activation mechanism of Uch37 by Rpn13, we investigated the Uch37-Rpn13 complex using a combination of mutagenesis, biochemical, NMR, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. Our results also proved that Uch37 oligomerized in solution and had very low activity against the fluorogenic substrate ubiquitin-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (Ub-AMC) of de-ubiquitinating enzymes. Uch37Δ(Hb,Hc,KEKE), a truncation removal of the C-terminal extension region (residues 256-329) converted oligomeric Uch37 into a monomeric form that exhibited iso-peptidase activity comparable to that of a truncation-containing the Uch37 catalytic domain only. We also demonstrated that Rpn13C (Rpn13 residues 270-407) could disrupt the oligomerization of Uch37 by sequestering Uch37 and forming a Uch37-Rpn13 complex. Uch37 was activated in such a complex, exhibiting 12-fold-higher activity than Uch37 alone. Time-resolved SAXS (TR-SAXS) and FRET experiments supported the proposed mode of auto-inhibition and the activation mechanism of Uch37 by Rpn13. Rpn13 activated Uch37 by forming a 1:1 stoichiometric complex in which the active site of Uch37 was accessible to Ub.
Binding Sites ; Catalytic Domain ; Chromatography, Gel ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Humans ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular ; Protein Binding ; Protein Conformation ; Protein Multimerization ; Scattering, Small Angle ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Ultracentrifugation

Purpose To investigate the role of PTEN in podocyte injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy ( DN) . Methods Uri-nary samples from 30 patients with DN and 10 healthy volunteers were collected to detect the level of PCX by ELISA. Renal biopsies were reviewed to observe the morphological changes. All patients with DN were divided into three groups by glomerular lesion. The ex-pression of p-Akt and PTEN in glomeruli was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The levels of PCX in the urine were signifi-cantly higher in patients with DN compared with those in healthy volunteers, and gradually increased along with glomerular lesion aggra-vating. The expression of p-Akt and PTEN increased in patients with DN compared with healthy volunteers. Although the expression of p-Akt and PTEN decreased with the aggravation of glomerular lesion, they were still higher than that in volunteers. There were obvious-ly positive correlation between the level of PCX and 24-h urinary protein and negative correlation between the level of PCX and the ex-pression level of p-Akt and PTEN. Conclusion PTEN down-regulation may be associated with podocyte injury in DN, which may be associated with the phosphorylation of Akt.