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Cerebrocardiac syndrome (CCS) is a common complication after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and its occurrence obviously increases the risk of a poor outcome. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) acts as an inflammatory cytokine and its circulating concentration are related to acute heart and brain injury. The aim of this study was to examine the association of serum concentration of MIF with posttraumatic CCS.From January 2016 to February 2019, 116 sTBI patients and 116 healthy controls with similar age and gender percentage were recruited. Relationship between serum MIF concentration and CCS was assessed using multivariate analysis.Serum MIF concentration of patients were significantly higher than those among controls. Serum MIF concentration were intimately correlated with Glasgow coma scale scores (t = -5.553, P 0.001) and serum C-reactive protein concentration (t = 5.320, P 0.001) in a multivariate linear regression model. 61 patients (52.6%) displayed CCS. Under ROC curve analylsis, there was a strong discriminatory ability for CCS regarding serum MIF concentration (area under curve, 0.834; 95% confidence interval, 0.754-0.897). Serum MIF concentration were highly associated with CCS independent of other confounding factors (odds ratio, 5.608; 95% CI: 1.896-16.587).Increased MIF in serum may be a useful biomarker for early detection of CCS after head trauma.

Background Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) might contribute to brain inflammation after acute brain injury. The current study was designed to investigate whether serum soluble TWEAK (sTWEAK) can serve as a potential biomarker for functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods In this single-center prospective, observational study, admission serum sTWEAK concentrations were quantified among 112 aSAH patients. Impact of serum sTWEAK concentrations on a poor outcome (Glasgow outcome scale score 1–3) at 6 months after stroke onset was determined using multivariate analysis. Results Admission serum sTWEAK concentrations were intimately correlated with serum C-reactive protein concentrations, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scores and modified Fisher scores. A total of 38 patients (33.9%) had a poor outcome at post-hemorrhagic 6 months. Admission serum sTWEAK concentrations were substantially higher in patients with a poor outcome than in the other remainders. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, serum sTWEAK concentrations significantly distinguished a poor outcome. Serum sTWEAK concentrations > 3.23 ng/ml discriminated the risk of a poor outcome with medium-high sensitivity and specificity and independently predicted a poor outcome. Conclusions Serum sTWEAK, in close correlation with inflammation and hemorrhagic severity, might represent a potential biomarker for predicting clinical outcome after aSAH.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and its receptor, lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Expression of LOX-1 was substantially raised in the basilar arterial wall of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) rabbits. We ascertained the relationship between serum soluble LOX-1 concentrations and functional outcome after human aneurysmal SAH.We enrolled 94 aneurysmal SAH patients and 94 healthy controls. Serum soluble TOX-1 concentrations were quantified using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. A poor outcome was defined as Glasgow outcome scale score of 1-3.Median values of serum soluble LOX-1 in stroke patients were significantly higher than those in controls (1.5 vs. 0.4 ng/ml, P 0.001). Thirty patients (31.9%) had a poor outcome at 6 months after stroke. Serum soluble LOX-1 was a strong predictor of poor outcome (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.25-22.04). Serum soluble LOX-1 concentrations exhibited a significant discriminatory capability (area under curve 0.811, 95% confidence interval 0.717-0.884). The predictive powers of World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade, Hunt-Hess grade, modified Fisher grade, and serum soluble LOX-1 concentrations were comparable (all P 0.05).Serum soluble LOX-1 appears to have the potential to become a promising prognostic predictor after human aneurysmal SAH.

High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) after clopidogrel administration in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Our previous studies reported that half-dose ticagrelor provides a similar inhibitory effect on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)–induced platelet aggregation as standard-dose ticagrelor, but half-dose of ticagrelor has not been studied in Chinese ACS patients with HTPR. This study aimed to compare the antiplatelet action of half-dose ticagrelor with high-dose clopidogrel in ACS patients with HTPR. In this single-center randomized controlled trial, 80 (of 418 screened, 19.13%) ACS patients with HTPR while on clopidogrel were randomized to either half-dose ticagrelor (90 mg LD, then 45 mg twice daily) or high-dose clopidogrel (150 mg once daily). Platelet function was assessed by thromboelastography (TEG) and light transmission aggregometry (LTA), and adverse events were monitored throughout the study for 30 days. The ADP-induced platelet inhibition rate (IR) as measured by TEG was significantly higher for half-dose ticagrelor compared with high-dose clopidogrel (70.40% [61.10%–91.70%] vs. 44.25% [34.67%–79.07%], p = 0.001). The repeated HTPR rate was dramatically higher for high-dose clopidogrel compared with half-dose ticagrelor (6 of 32, 18.75% vs. 1 of 35, 2.85%; p = 0.04). No patients in either treatment group exhibited a major bleeding event or other adverse events. In ACS patients with HTPR, half-dose ticagrelor is more effective than high-dose clopidogrel in reducing platelet reactivity (NCT03062462).

Background: Because of the controversy in clinical nutritional support therapy of hydrolyzed protein formula milk and standard preterm infant formula (SPIF) in premature infants. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of preventive use of hydrolyzed protein formula milk in reducing gastrointestinal diseases and promoting physical development of premature infants are scientifically evaluated by systematic evaluation. To help find the suitable nutritional support for premature infants. Methods: To search the database of Chinese and English by computer: SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, PubMed, EMbase and The Cochrane Library, and to collect randomized controlled trials on the application of hydrolyzed protein formula milk in nutritional support treatment of premature infants compared with SPIF. The retrieval time limit is from the establishment of each database to September 1, 2020. Two authors independently completed the paper search, and sorting out the main outcome indicator and secondary outcome indicator in the selected literature, and the data are statistically analyzed by Review Manager software (RevManV.5.3.0) and STATA 13.0. Results: This study will provide a high-quality evidence on the effects of hydrolyzed protein formula milk on gastrointestinal diseases and physical development of premature infants. Conclusion: At present, the clinicians are controversial about the safety and effectiveness of hydrolyzed protein formula milk and SPIF in the nutritional support therapy of premature infants. This study will compare the effectiveness and safety of these 2 nutritional support methods, and make a comprehensive analysis of the influence of hydrolyzed protein formula milk on gastrointestinal diseases and physical development of premature infants, and finally give a positive conclusion. OSF registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/UQD92

Objective Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) greatly contributes to the high morbidity and mortality of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients. Expression of lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) was substantially raised in the basilar arterial wall of SAH rabbits. We attempted to ascertain the relationship between serum soluble LOX‐1 (sLOX‐1) levels and the occurrence of DCI after aSAH. Materials and methods We enrolled 125 aSAH patients and 125 healthy controls. Serum sLOX‐1 levels were quantified using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. The relationship between sLOX‐1 levels and DCI was analyzed utilizing the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Serum sLOX‐1 levels were significantly higher in stroke patients than in controls (median: 1,450.2 vs. 445.7 pg/ml, p 1,450.2 pg/ml, WFNS scores and modified Fisher scores were the independent predictors of DCI. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, serum sLOX‐1 levels exhibited a significant discriminatory capability (area under curve 0.825, 95% confidence interval 0.747–0.887). The predictive power of serum sLOX‐1 levels was similar to those of WFNS scores and modified Fisher grade (both p > .05). Moreover, serum sLOX‐1 levels significantly improved their predictive capability (both p, There is a substantial elevation in serum sLOX‐1 levels after aSAH. There is an intimate correlation of serum sLOX‐1 levels with hemorrhagic severity. There is an independent association of serum sLOX‐1 levels with delayed cerebral ischemia.

Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) pathophysiology involves inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is related to prognosis of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum MIF levels are associated with severity and outcomes in patients with acute ICH. Methods We enrolled a total of 120 consecutive ICH patients and 120 healthy controls and sampled blood on admission and at study entry respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify serum MIF levels. Results Serum MIF levels were higher in patients compared with controls and correlated with hematoma volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and plasma C-reactive protein levels. After adjusting for other significant outcome predictors, MIF in serum was an independent predictor of 6-month overall survival and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score > 2). Areas under receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) of serum MIF levels, hematoma volume and NIHSS scores were similar for 6-month unfavorable outcome. Moreover, serum MIF levels significantly improved areas under ROC of hematoma volume and NIHSS scores. Conclusions MIF in serum might be a potential biomarker for reflecting inflammation, severity and prognosis of ICH patients.

Using ultrasonic assisted extraction, column chromatograph purification and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) analysis method to quantify the contents of seven kinds of organic phosphorus ester(OPEs) in plastic tracks in Chengdu City. The recovery rates of this method ranged from 71.41% to 110.58% and the correlation coefficient (

Background/Aims: Clinical cancer genetics is an integral part of cancer control and management, yet its development as an essential medical service has been hindered in many low-and-middle-income countries. We report our experiences in developing a clinical cancer genetics service for retinoblastoma in Kenya. Methods: A genetics task force was created from within the membership of the existing Kenyan National Retinoblastoma Strategy group. The task force engaged in multiple in-person and telephone discussions, delineating experiences, opinions and suggestions for an evidence-based, culturally sensitive retinoblastoma genetics service. Discussions were recorded and thematically categorized to develop a strategy for the design and implementation of a national retinoblastoma clinical genetics service. Results: Discussion among the retinoblastoma genetics task force supported the development of a comprehensive genetics service that rests on 3 pillars: (1) patient and family counseling, (2) community involvement, and (3) medical education. Conclusions: A coordinated national retinoblastoma genetics task force led to the creation of a unique and relevant approach to delivering comprehensive and accurate genetic care to Kenyan retinoblastoma patients. The task force aims to stimulate innovative approaches in cancer genetics research, education and knowledge translation, taking advantage of unique opportunities offered in the African context.

Circulating levels of thioredoxin (Trx), a potent anti-oxidant that modulates inflammation, cell growth and apoptosis, are increased in various critical care conditions. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between serum Trx levels and prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement of Trx was performed in serum from 132 patients and 132 healthy volunteers. Clinical outcomes included 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale score of 1-3).The serum Trx levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (23.4±12.2 ng/mL vs.8.5±4.0 ng/mL, P0.001) and had close relation to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scores (r=0.461, P0.001) and modified Fisher scores (r=0.459, P0.001). Trx was an independent predictor for 6-month mortality (Odds ratio, 1.386; 95% confidence interval, 1.015-2.161; P0.001) and 6-month unfavorable outcome (Odds ratio, 1.297; 95% confidence interval, 1.012-2.002; P0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristic curve, TRX had similar prognostic value compared with WFNS scores and modified Fisher scores and also significantly improved their prognostic value for 6-month unfavorable outcome, but not for 6-month mortality.Elevated plasma Trx levels are correlated with the severity and poor prognosis, substantializing Trx as a potential prognostic predictive biomarker following aSAH.

l-ascorbic acid has been widely used in cosmetic and dermatological products because of its ability to scavenge free radicals and destroy oxidizing agents. However, it is chemically unstable and can easily be oxidized. The current cosmetic facial masks available in the market are pre-moistened, which means that the aqueous fluid content of the mask may oxidize some of the unstable active ingredients such as ascorbic acid. This work presents an anti-wrinkle nanofiber face mask containing ascorbic acid, retinoic acid, gold nanoparticles, and collagen. This novel face mask will only be wetted when applied to the skin, thus enhancing product stability. Once moistened, the content of the mask will gradually dissolve and release the active ingredients and ensure maximum skin penetration. The high surface area-to-volume ratio of the nanofiber mask will ensure maximum contact with the skin surface and help to enhance the skin permeation to restore its healthy appearance. Electrospun fiber mats may provide an attractive alternative to the commercial facial cotton masks.

Objective To investigate the effects of Radix Ginseng and Radix Notoginseng formula on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Methods HUVECs were cultured in vitro. Bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) at concentration of 320 U/mL and Radix Ginseng and Radix Notoginseng formula at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL were used to culture with HUVECs. And HUVECs in blank control group were cultured with culture solution only. After 24-hour culture, the content of VEGF in supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the expression of VEGFR-2 was detected by immunocytochemical staining and Western-blotting. Results Radix Ginseng and Radix Notoginseng formula at 0.4 mg/mL, the same as bFGF, increased VEGF content in the HUVEC supernatant and the number of VEGFR-2-positive HUVECs. Expression of VEGFR-2 protein in high-dose Radix Ginseng and Radix Notoginseng formula group was up-regulated as compared with the blank control group. Conclusion Radix Ginseng and Radix Notoginseng formula can promote HUVEC proliferation and secretion of VEGF, as well as the expression of VEGFR-2 protein, which may be one of the mechanisms of Radix Ginseng and Radix Notoginseng formula in promoting angiogenesis.