Objective To design a mobile personnel radiation protection equipment for operation in environments with high radiation such as spent fuel reprocessing plants, to achieve simultaneous protection against γ radiation, neutron radiation, and radioactive aerosol, to reduce the internal and external exposure dose of radioactive workers, and to meet the requirement of operation for two hours. Methods The core parts of the mobile personnel radiation protection equipment included a shielding chamber and a respiratory maintenance system. An automated chassis was used for the movement and lifting of the shielding chamber. MCNP software was used to simulate and calculate the protective effects of shielding chamber made of different materials and material thicknesses. Experimental verification of the shielding chamber design was conducted. Mathematical models were established to describe the variations in the content of various gases in the chamber with personnel operation time. A respiratory maintenance system, a harmful gas absorption device, and an automated mobile chassis were designed. Results The shielding chamber made of polyethylene with a thickness of 80 mm achieved an 80% neutron shielding rate. The respiratory maintenance system could support workers for 2 hours of operation inside the equipment. The mobile chassis allowed operation of the equipment with one person. Conclusion This mobile personnel radiation protection equipment can solve the problem in simultaneous protection against γ radiation, neutron radiation, and radioactive aerosol. The equipment can provide radiation protection for radioactive workers, reduce exposure dose, and reduce personnel burden. This system provides technical means for the operation and maintenance of equipment in high-radiation sites such as spent fuel reprocessing plants.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

[摘 要] 目的：探讨CXCL5/CXCR2/VEGF通路在HBV相关肝癌血管生成过程中的作用及其机制。方法：收集2022年10月至2022年12月间在广西中医药大学附属瑞康医院入院的10例HBV-DNA阳性患者的外周血标本[其中5例肝细胞癌（HCC）和5例肝硬化（LC）]，用高通量RNA测序技术检测并筛选差异表达mRNA，用GO富集和KEGG通路分析这些差异表达基因的生物学功能和相关信号通路。常规培养HCC细胞HepG2，用转染试剂将C-X-C基序趋化因子配体5（CXCL5）过表达质粒和对照质粒转染至HepG2细胞中，分为对照组，空载组，250 ng/mL和520 ng/mL CXCL5过表达质粒组。用CCK-8法、ELISA、血管生成实验、qPCR法、WB法和免疫荧光染色技术分别检测过表达CXCL5对HepG2细胞增殖能力、VEGF分泌、成管能力、CXCL5、CXCR2、VEGF mRNA及其蛋白表达，以及VEGF表达的影响。结果：RNA测序结果显示，HCC和LC患者外周血中 mRNA表达存在显著差异。GO富集分析发现，这些差异mRNA的相关基因主要参与细胞发育过程的调控、G蛋白偶联受体活性、细胞外区域的组成和信号受体结合。KEGG通路分析发现，这些异表达基因可能参与细胞因子与受体相互作用通路、cAMP信号通路等与癌症作用机制相关的通路、神经活性配体与受体相关作用的通路、钙相关信号通路。过表达CXCL5可明显促进HepG2细胞的增殖能力（P < 0.05）、VEGF的分泌（P < 0.05）、人脐静脉内皮细胞（HUVEC）的成管能力（P < 0.05）、CXCL5、CXCR2和VEGF mRNA和蛋白的表达（P < 0.05或P < 0.01），以及增强HepG2细胞中VEGF的表达。结论：CXCL5可能通过CXCL5/CXCR2/VEGF轴促进HepG2细胞的增殖和HUVEC的成管能力。

Two pediatric heart failure patients were treated with pulmonary artery banding(PAB)at Fuwai Hospital,from December 2021 to January 2022.In the first case,an 8-month-old patient presented with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy(LVNC),left ventricular systolic dysfunction,ventricular septal defect,and atrial septal defect.The second case was a 4-month-old patient with LVNC,left ventricular systolic dysfunction,and coarctation of the aorta.After PAB,the left ventricular function and shape of both patients were significantly improved,without serious surgery-related complications.In these individual cases of pediatric heart failure,pulmonary artery banding exhibited a more satisfactory efficacy and safety compared to pharmacological treatment,especially for those with unsatisfactory medication results.Future clinical data are needed to promote the rational and broader application of this therapeutic option for indicated patients.

Aim To investigate the impact of Cinobu-facini on the proliferation,invasion,and apoptosis of HepG2 cells and the underlying mechanism.Methods The proliferation of HepG2 cells was assessed using the CCK-8 method following treatment with Cinobufaci-ni.The invasion capability of HepG2 cells was evalua-ted through Transwell assay after exposure to Cinobufa-cini.The apoptosis rates of HepG2 cells post Cinobufa-cini intervention were measured using flow cytometry,and the expression levels of VEGF in the culture medi-um of HepG2 cells were determined using enzyme-linked immunoassay.Furthermore,qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to assess the im-pact of Cinobufacini on mRNA and protein expression levels related to the CXCL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway.The interaction between CXCL5 and FOXD1 was inves-tigated via co-immunoprecipitation.Results Cinobufa-cini treatment led to a gradual decrease in HepG2 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Moreover,Cinobufacini sig-nificantly suppressed HepG2 cell invasion(P＜0.05)while enhancing cell apoptosis(P＜0.05).Notably,Cinobufacini exhibited inhibitory effects on the CX-CL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway,as evidenced by re-duced expression of related mRNA and proteins(P＜0.05).FOXD1 was identified as the binding site of CXCL5.Overexpression of CXCL5 resulted in in-creased proliferation and VEGF secretion by HepG2 cells(P＜0.05),and increased expression of FOXD1 and VEGF(P＜0.05).However,Cinobufacini inter-vention effectively inhibited liver cancer cell prolifera-tion and invasion(P＜0.05),promoted apoptosis(P＜0.05),reduced VEGF secretion by HepG2 cells(P＜0.05),and downregulated the expression of CXCL5 and FOXD1 in HepG2 cells(P＜0.05);but com-pared with the unexpressed group of Cinobufacini,its ability to inhibit cell activity was weakened(P＜0.05),and its ability to inhibit the expression of CX-CL5,FOXD1,and VEGF was weakened(P＜0.05).Conclusion Cinobufacini may inhibit HepG2 cell pro-liferation and invasion and promote HepG2 cell apopto-sis by regulating the CXCL5/FOXD1/VEGF pathway.

Lipids,including fats(triglycerides)and lipoids(phospholipids and sterols),not only serve as an energy source for the body but also play a pivotal role throughout the reproductive process,particularly in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy.This encompasses the regulate of early embryonic development and uterine tolerance,and the facilitation of embryo implantation.Given the diversity of lipids,this review focuses on extensively studied lipid mediators such as polyunsaturated fatty acids,endocannabinoids,prostaglandins,lysophosphatidic acid,sphingolipids and steroid hormones.It systematically elaborates on the regulatory effects of fatty acid,phospholipid,and cholesterol metabolism on the formation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation,as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.The review aims to provide new insights and feasible intervention approaches for predicting and improving the outcomes of natural pregnancy and/or assisted reproductive technology.

Purpose::The removal of small foreign bodies embedded within the deep soft tissues of the maxillofacial region is a complex and challenging task for maxillofacial surgeons. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of the combination of intraoperative CT and surgical navigation for the removal of small foreign objects in the maxillofacial region.Methods::A serial case study was conducted involving all consecutive patients who underwent surgical removal of small foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region. The combination of intraoperative CT and a surgical navigation system was used at a single medical institution from January 2018 to December 2022. Comprehensive data, including patient demographics, characteristics of the foreign bodies, previous surgical interventions, duration of the surgical procedure, and removal success rate were collected for this study. Relevant data were recorded into Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.Results::Nine patients (6 males and 3 females) were included in this study, with an average age of 37 years. Each patient had previously undergone an unsuccessful removal attempt utilizing conventional surgical methods based on preoperative CT imaging or C-arm guidance at a local healthcare facility. Four patients also experienced unsuccessful attempts with preoperative CT image-based navigation systems. However, by employing the combined approach of intraoperative CT and surgical navigation, the foreign bodies were successfully removed in all 9 patients. The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 59 min, and the average size of the foreign bodies was approximately 26 mm 3. Postoperative follow-up exceeding 6 months revealed no complications. Conclusion::The combined use of a surgical navigation system and intraoperative CT represents a potent and effective strategy for the precise localization and subsequent removal of small foreign bodies from the soft tissue structures of the maxillofacial region. This integrative approach appears to increase the success rate of surgical interventions in such cases.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and unilateral PKP combined with posterior medial branch block of the contralateral spinal nerve in the treatment of lumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in the elderly.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 161 aged patients with newly developed lumbar OVCF, admitted to Xi′an Central Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2019 to January 2023, including 58 males and 103 females, aged 61-88 [(72.9±6.3)years]. All the patients were diagnosed with type II compression fracture based on acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture classification (ASOTLF). Seventy-eight patients underwent unilateral PKP (PKP group), while the other 83 patients underwent unilateral PKP combined with posterior medial branch block of the contralateral spinal nerve (PKP+contralateral block group). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Beck index of the injured vertebra, Cobb angle of lumbar lordosis, Roland-Morris disability (RMD) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated before operation, at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months after operation, and at the last follow-up. The incidence of complications such as cement leakage was recorded as well.Results:All the patients were followed up for 6-8 months [(6.7±0.6)months]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or length of hospital stay ( P>0.05). The Beck index of the injured vertebra and Cobb angle of lumbar lordosis were not significantly different between the two groups before operation, at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months after operation, and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The RMD score of the injured vertebra, VAS score, and ODI were not significantly different between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). At 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months after operation, and at the last follow-up, the RMD scores in the PKP+contralateral block group were (11.23±1.05)points, (10.90±1.11)points, (10.10±1.06)points, (9.94±1.06)points, and (9.60±0.83)points respectively, which were all lower than (17.55±0.71)points, (15.78±0.86)points, (13.42±0.92)points, (10.67±0.78)points, and (9.78±0.72)points in the PKP group ( P<0.05 or 0.01); the VAS scores in the PKP+contralateral block group were (3.02±0.60)points, (2.96±0.55)points, (2.92±0.57)points, (2.88±0.61)points, and (2.70±0.51)points respectively, which were all lower than (3.60±0.57)points, (3.47±0.55)points, (3.32±0.46)points, (2.99±0.47)points, and (2.77±0.42)points in the PKP group ( P<0.05 or 0.01); the ODI values in the PKP+contralateral block group were 14.43±1.29, 14.54±1.24, 14.63±1.32, 14.37±1.31, and 13.42±1.45 respectively, which were all lower than 16.72±1.64, 16.09±1.49, 14.82±1.53, 14.74±1.46, and 13.69±1.75 in the PKP group ( P<0.05 or 0.01). The bone cement leakage rate was 12.0% (10/83) in the PKP+contralateral block group, similar to 11.5% (9/78) in the PKP group ( P>0.05). No other complications such as neurovascular injury, pulmonary embolism or adjacent vertebral fracture were found in either groups. Conclusion:In the treatment of lumbar OVCF in the elderly, unilateral PKP combined with posterior medial branch block of the contralateral spinal nerve is similar to unilateral PKP in terms of the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, effectiveness of reduction, and incidence of complications, but it can achieve better pain relief and more satisfactory functional recovery.

Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of hypertension among adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) and to provide clues for exploring the role of genetic and environmental factors on hypertension. Methods: A total of 69 220 (34 610 pairs) of twins aged 18 and above with hypertension information were selected from CNTR registered from 2010 to 2018. Random effect models were used to describe the population and regional distribution of hypertension in twins. To estimate the heritability, the concordance rates of hypertension were calculated and compared between monozygotic twins (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ). Results: The age of all participants was (34.1±12.4) years. The overall self-reported prevalence of hypertension was 3.8%(2 610/69 220). Twin pairs who were older, living in urban areas, married, overweight or obese, current smokers or ex-smokers, and current drinkers or abstainers had a higher self-reported prevalence of hypertension (P<0.05). Analysis within the same-sex twin pairs found that the concordance rate of hypertension was 43.2% in MZ and 27.0% in DZ, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The heritability of hypertension was 22.1% (95%CI: 16.3%- 28.0%). Stratified by gender, age, and region, the concordance rate of hypertension in MZ was still higher than that in DZ. The heritability of hypertension was higher in female participants. Conclusions: There were differences in the distribution of hypertension among twins with different demographic and regional characteristics. It is indicated that genetic factors play a crucial role in hypertension in different genders, ages, and regions, while the magnitude of genetic effects may vary.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Alcohol Drinking ; Diseases in Twins/genetics* ; Hypertension/genetics* ; Twins, Dizygotic/genetics* ; Twins, Monozygotic/genetics*

Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of hyperlipidemia in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) and explore the effect of genetic and environmental factors on hyperlipidemia. Methods: Twins recruited from the CNTR in 11 project areas across China were included in the study. A total of 69 130 (34 565 pairs) of adult twins with complete information on hyperlipidemia were selected for analysis. The random effect model was used to characterize the population and regional distribution of hyperlipidemia among twins. The concordance rates of hyperlipidemia were calculated in monozygotic twins (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ), respectively, to estimate the heritability. Results: The age of all participants was (34.2±12.4) years. This study's prevalence of hyperlipidemia was 1.3% (895/69 130). Twin pairs who were men, older, living in urban areas, married,had junior college degree or above, overweight, obese, insufficient physical activity, current smokers, ex-smokers, current drinkers, and ex-drinkers had a higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia (P<0.05). In within-pair analysis, the concordance rate of hyperlipidemia was 29.1% (118/405) in MZ and 18.1% (57/315) in DZ, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Stratified by gender, age, and region, the concordance rate of hyperlipidemia in MZ was still higher than that in DZ. Further, in within-same-sex twin pair analyses, the heritability of hyperlipidemia was 13.04% (95%CI: 2.61%-23.47%) in the northern group and 18.59% (95%CI: 4.43%-32.74%) in the female group, respectively. Conclusions: Adult twins were included in this study and were found to have a lower prevalence of hyperlipidemia than in the general population study, with population and regional differences. Genetic factors influence hyperlipidemia, but the genetic effect may vary with gender and area.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Diseases in Twins/genetics* ; Hyperlipidemias/genetics* ; Metabolic Diseases ; Twins, Dizygotic ; Twins, Monozygotic/genetics*