Search

Objective To study the distribution, drug resistance, and biofilm characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolated from hospitalized children, providing a reference for the prevention and treatment of CRAB infections in hospitalized children. Methods Forty-eight CRAB strains isolated from January 2019 to December 2022 were classified into epidemic and sporadic strains using repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based polymerase chain reaction. The drug resistance, biofilm phenotypes, and gene carriage of these two types of strains were compared. Results Both the 22 epidemic strains and the 26 sporadic strains were producers of Class D carbapenemases or extended-spectrum β-lactamases with downregulated outer membrane porins, harboring the VIM, OXA-23, and OXA-51 genes. The biofilm formation capability of the sporadic strains was stronger than that of the epidemic strains (P<0.05). Genes related to biofilm formation, including Bap, bfs, OmpA, CsuE, and intI1, were detected in both epidemic and sporadic strains, with a higher detection rate of the intI1 gene in epidemic strains (P<0.05). Conclusions CRAB strains are colonized in the hospital, with sporadic strains having a stronger ability to form biofilms, suggesting the potential for forming new clonal transmissions in the hospital. Continuous monitoring of the epidemic trends of CRAB and early warning of the distribution of epidemic strains are necessary to reduce the risk of CRAB infections in hospitalized children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software evolution information measurement not only could be used to found software problems during software development and software maintenance, but also to predict software change tendency. However, traditional methods of measuring software evolution information mainly used file, directory or project as the basic unit to track the software change, which lacked the ability of measuring the software evolution in the higher level of abstraction, this paper proposed an approach, which was based on the component-based software configuration management model and took the component as the basic measure unit, to measure the software itself evolution (such as the latest evolution measurement, the earlier evolution measurement) and the evolution similarity between two software based on the attribute change. Also it designed and implement a prototype support software system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many amine pollutants exist in the atmosphere. Lower aliphatic amines promote the formation and growth of particles into PM 2.5 , which damages the heart, lungs, and kidneys of the human body. PM 2.5 , a common atmospheric particulate pollutant with complex compositions, is the main cause of haze weather. Therefore, measuring the contents of lower aliphatic amines and cations in PM 2.5 is of great significance for monitoring environmental air quality and protecting human health. This study established a suppressed ion-chromatographic method with conductivity for the simultaneous detection of four lower aliphatic amines (methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and ethylamine) and five cations (Na + , N[Formula: see text], and Ca 2+ showed high concentrations. The contents of the four lower aliphatic amines were low; however, the ethylamine content in some samples was high. The results indicate that the proposed method meets the quantification requirements for cations and lower aliphatic amines in PM 2.5 , with simple processing, high sensitivity, and good accuracy. It can quickly and accurately detect a large number of samples and be used to assess the pollution of small particles in the air as well as trace pollution sources to protect human health.

This study intends to assess the potential health hazards of drinking water quality and explore the application of geographic information system( GIS) in drinking water safety in Tianjin. Eight hundred and fifty water samples from 401 sampling points in Tianjin were measured according to the national drinking water standards. The risk assessment was conducted using the environmental health risk assessment model recommended by US EAP, and GIS was combined to explore the information visualization and risk factors simultaneously. The results showed that the health risks of carcinogens, non-carcinogens were 3.83 x 10⁻⁵, 5.62 x 10⁻⁹ and 3.83 x 10⁻⁵ for total health risk respectively. The rank of health risk was carcinogen > non-carcinogen. The rank of carcinogens health risk was urban > new area > rural area, chromium (VI) > cadmium > arsenic > trichlormethane > carbon tetrachloride. The rank of non-carcinogens health risk was rural area > new area > urban, fluoride > cyanide > lead > nitrate. The total health risk level of drinking water in Tianjin was lower than that of ICRP recommended level (5.0 x 10⁻⁵), while was between US EPA recommended level (1.0 x 10⁻⁴-1.0 x 10⁻⁶). It was at an acceptable level and would not cause obvious health hazards. The main health risks of drinking water came from carcinogens. More attentions should be paid to chromium (VI) for carcinogens and fluoride for non-carcinogens. GIS can accomplish information visualization of drinking water risk assessment and further explore of risk factors.

Objective: To explore the toxic effect of fluoride on the human thyroid cells (Nthy-ori 3-1) and its mechanism., Methods: Nthy-ori 3-1 cells were exposed to 0.0, 0.1, 1.0, 3.0 mmol/L of sodium fluoride (NaF) in vitro. After 24 hours incubation, 3 (4,5-Dimethylthiazol-z-yl)-3, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used to measure cell viability and the LDH leakage rate. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, constituent ratio of the cell cycle, and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry., Results: Comparing to viability of control group (set as 100.00%), the cell viability of the 1.0, 3.0 mmol/L fluoride-treated groups (76.64 +/- 9.13)%, (64.04 +/- 6.32)% were significantly decreased (all P values <0.01). LDH leakage rate and ROS level of the 3.0 mmol/L fluoride-treated group ((48.66 +/-7.15)%, (29993.50 +/- 1786. 86) FI) were significantly increased (all P values <0.01) compared to control group ((35.24 +/- 3.02)%, (13021.33 +/- 1067.55) FI). The G0/G1 phase cells of the 1.0 mmol/L fluoride-treated group ((40.76 +/- 5.65)%) were lower than control group (60.09 +/- 1.76)% (P < 0.01), yet the percentage of cells in S phase ((54.05 +/- 4.59)%) were higher than the control group (32.59 +/- 2.43) % (P < 0.01). Comparing to control group ((9.64 +/- 3.44)%), the percentage of apoptosis cells increased in the 3.0 mmol/L fluoride-treated group ((20.09 +/- 3.22)%) (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: To Nthy-ori 3-1 cells, fluoride under experimental concentrations decreases cell viability, improve the LDH leakage rate, and ROS level. It blocks the cells in S phase and induce cell apoptosis.

Objective: to raise awareness about lung cancer in pregnancy., Methods: the clinical presentations, diagnosis and treatment of 2 cases of lung cancer in pregnancy were reported, and related literatures were reviewed., Results: The first case was a 31-year-old pregnant woman at 34(th)-week gestation, who presented with right sided pleural effusion on a Chest X-ray film. A boy was delivered by Cesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation. Biopsy of the right-supraclavicular lymph node was performed simultaneously, and histopathological examination showed metastatic large cell lung cancer. Her respiratory condition worsened after the Caesarian section, and so mechanical ventilation, antibiotics and gefitinib were administered, but the treatment failed. She died on the 28(th) day after Caesarian section. The second case was a 28-year-old pregnant woman at the 27 week of gestation. PET showed right lung cancer with metastases to the pericardium, right pleura, liver and pelvic cavity. Bronchoscopic biopsy showed small-cell lung cancer. After pregnancy termination, the patient received 2 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide. The size of lesions decreased and the patient returned to the local hospital., Conclusions: lung cancer in pregnancy is a rare condition with poor prognosis. To improve the prognosis and prevent the metastasis to the fetus, systemic therapy should be considered, and meanwhile maternal advantage must be always weighed against possible embryo-fetal risks.

Objective: To investigate the expression of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) in the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of asthmatic mouse models and the influence of dexamethasone (DM)., Methods: Eighteen female Balb/C mice were randomly divided PBS control group, OVA group and OVA/DM group, and asthmatic mouse models were established in the latter two groups. The airway responsiveness of the mice was assessed by whole-body plethysmography, and the cells in the BALF were counted and classified, with the supernatants of the BALF collected for detection of the level of HMGB1 by ELISA. The left lung of the mice was collected for HE staining, and the expression of HMGB1 in the right lung tissue was detected by Western blotting., Results: Asthmatic mouse models were successfully established. The level of HMGB1 in the BALF was significantly higher in OVA group than in the control group (6.31 ± 4.05 ng/ml vs 2.59 ± 0.73 ng/ml, P = 0.017), but no significant difference was found between OVA/DM group (3.39 ± 0.50 ng/ml) and OVA group (PP = 0.052). The expression of HMGB1 relative to tubulin was significantly higher in OVA group than in the control group (2.08 ± 0.87 vs 0.85 ± 0.30, P = 0.032), but similar between OVA/DM group (1.15 ± 0.48) and OVA group (PP = 0.133)., Conclusion: The expression of HMGB1 is obviously increased in the lung and BALF of asthmatic mice and DM produces no significant effect on HMGB1 expression, suggesting that HMGB1 may serve as a new therapeutic target for asthma treatment.

Objective: To investigate the expression and release of high mobility group Box-1 protein (HMGB1) in the lung tissue of mice with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection., Methods: Eighteen mice were randomized into PBS control group, RSV group and RSV/ribavirin group. Seven days after RSV infection in the mice in the latter two groups, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for cell counting and classification, and the levels of IL-4, IFN-gamma and HMGB1 in the supernatants of the BALF were detected. The left lungs of the mice were harvested for pathological examination with HE staining, and the right lungs were taken for detecting the expression of HMGB1 by Western blotting., Results: RSV induced a TH1 inflammation in the lung tissue as shown by significantly increased IFN-gamma and decreased IL-4 levels in the BALF. The total BALF cells, neutrophils and macrophages in the RSV group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the cell counts were significantly decreased by ribavirin treatment (P<0.05). HE staining showed neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration in the lumen and submucous layer of the airway in RSV group. The level of HMGB1 in the BALF significantly increased in the RSV group as compared with that in the control group (P<0.05), but was lowered by ribavirin treatment (P<0.05). The expression of the HMGB1 in the lung tissue significantly increased in the RSV group in comparison with that in the control group (P<0.05), and was not significantly decreased by ribavirin treatment (P>0.05)., Conclusions: The increased expression and release of HMGB1 in the lung tissue of mice with RSV infection is probably involved in the development of RSV infection-related lung diseases.

The brain is the window of the artistic mind. Brain activities lead to the understanding of the outside world by perception and cognition, and the enjoyment of the artistic wonders. This article will demonstrate how different brain areas are responsible for the creative abilities of painting, music, and literature. Due to the advancement in neuroscientic techniques such as functional MRI, brain electric activity mapping, etc, we explore and understand the brain areas that are responsible for cognition and artistic creation. We also understand the functional localization of mental activities from neurological patients with lesions in different brain areas. On the other hand, the artists had produced great works in a way similar to finding the related brain areas in the stimulation experiments. Therefore, many neuroscientists have praised that artists are outstanding neurologists.

The severity of carotid artery stenosis can highly predict the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to have greater benefit over medical therapy to prevent the strokes from symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Recently, carotid artery angioplasty with or without stenting (CAS) has emerged as an alternative therapy for carotid artery stenosis. The Taiwan Stroke Society revised the guidelines for management of carotid artery stenosis. Screening of carotid arteries by ultrasonography is suggested in subjects with multiple vascular risk factors, the presence of coronary artery or peripheral vascular diseases, post-radiotherapy of head and neck, and post-CEA or CAS. General population screening is not suggested. Cerebral angiography is still the standard for determination of carotid artery stenostic severity. CEA can be performed in symptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis 70-99% and perioperative stroke and mortality rates less than 6%. CEA should not be done in patients with carotid artery stenosis greater than 50% and high surgical risks. Continuous antithrombotic agents and risk factor control post-intervention are needed. CAS can be considered if patients are unable to receive CEA, post-radiotherapy, and the presence of tandem stenosis. CEA may be performed in asymptomatic patients if the perioperative complication is less than 3%. CAS is not suggested for routine use in asymptomatic patients unless high surgical risks for CEA.

Objective: To characterize the different varieties of Pseudostellaria heterophylla during cultivation., Method: Using systematic selection in the main productive areas, the techniques of random design, all varieties were observed for 3 years., Result: The biological and 425 productive characteristics of P. heterophylla var. macrophylla, P. heterophylla var. Foliolum, and P. heterophylla var. anvense were significantly different (P < 0.01). There were also differences in ecological adaptability, plant characteristics, pollen granule, chromosomes, and isoenzyme of the three cultivars., Conclusion: The strain types of P. heterophylla was denominated for the first time. The characteristics and productivity index system of P. heterophylla varieties were determined.

Pharmacoeconomics is concerned with how to allocate drug resources among alternative uses efficiently and effectively. Economic evaluation is a set of formal quantitative methods to capture the outcomes and costs of alternate intervention strategies. There are four basic types of economic evaluations used to assess interventions, are classified on the basis of the outcomes employed: 1. Cost minimization (CMA) is the comparison of costs of alternative interventions when the outcomes are assumed to be equal or similar, and the control intervention has been established. 2. Cost-effectiveness (CEA) is appropriate when the health outcomes are measured in common physical units, such as death or disability, or years gained or increased function, or points on cognitive scales. 3. Cost utility (CUA) is an extension of cost-effectiveness, where different types of health outcomes are weighted according to assigned values of 'quality of life' to produce a composite of both the physical measurement and the value assigned to it, e.g. quality-adjusted life years (QALY) or disability-adjusted life years (DALY). A common denominator measure of effectiveness is thus the life years of expected survival, or the QALY. The global burden disease (GBD) researchers adopted an internationally standardized form of the QALY, which they called the DALY. A quality of life measure can be translated into a scale that ranges from a low of 0.0 (the worst possible health state, usually taken as death) to 1.0 (perfect health). The purpose is to make explicit the measurement of costs and value assigned to benefits. 4. Cost-benefit (CBA) analysis value health outcomes in monetary terms, often based on the concept of 'willingness to pay'. The common drugs used by the neurologists had been discussed in this article based on the point view of pharmacoeconomics.

Objective: To Study the protective effect of curcumin on three models of experimental liver injury in mice., Method: The experimental models of live injury were induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), D-galactosamine (D-Gal N), and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Plus lipolysaccharides (LPS), respectively, in mice. The serum ALT, AST, NO and liver MDA were measured to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin on experimental injury in mice., Result: Curcumin (50 mg.kg-1, 100 mg.kg-1, 150 mg.kg-1), like biophenyldicarboxylate, were shown to significantly inhibit the increase of serum ALT, AST, NO and liver molondialdehyde (MDA) content induced by CCl4, D-Gal N, BCG + LPS., Conclusion: Curcumin showed protective effect against liver injury induced by CCl4, D-Gal N, BCG plus LPS.