二氧化碳激光及低温等离子联合术式治疗喉部巨大血管瘤的临床观察*

目的探讨支撑喉镜下二氧化碳CO_2激光及等离子消融联合术式治疗喉部巨大血管瘤的方法及疗效。方法利用支撑喉镜下CO_2激光及等离子消融联合术式微创切除15例喉部巨大血管瘤。结果所有患者术后随访9个月~3年,1例术后14个月原位复发,再次行支撑喉镜下CO_2激光及等离子消融联合术式微创切除,随访2年以上无复发。患者术后疼痛轻微,呼吸、吞咽和发音等喉功能保全好,均无气管切开,无1例患者出现呼吸困难和出血等严重并发症。结论支撑喉镜下CO_2激光及等离子消融联合术式微创切除喉部巨大血管瘤是一种微创、安全、疗效确切的治疗方法,值得临床推广。     

老年2型糖尿病血尿酸水平与骨密度的相关性研究

目的:探讨老年2型糖尿病患者(T2DM)血尿酸水平(SUA)与骨密度值(BMD)的关系.方法:测定200例(男性110例,女性90例)老年2型糖尿病患者SUA及相关临床资料,应用双能X线测定BMD,根据性别分为男性组及女性组,根据SUA水平分为高尿酸血症组及正常血尿酸组,分析各组BMD差异及SUA与BMD的相关性.结果:老年2型糖尿病患者中,男性各部位BMD均高于女性.SUA与腰椎BMD存在正相关关系(r =0.236,P＜0.05),SUA是影响腰椎BMD的独立危险因素(标准偏回归系数β'=0.294,P＜0.01),而体重指数和血脂水平主要影响股骨的BMD.结论:在老年T2DM患者中,维持一定的SUA水平有利于预防骨量丢失.     

不同密度条件下旱地胡麻灌浆特性研究--测试文章

在定西干旱生态条件下,以陇亚10号胡麻为材料,研究了密度对籽粒灌浆特性和农艺性状的影响。结果表明：随着种植密度的增大,胡麻分枝数、蒴果数减小,株高波动性变化;胡麻籽粒干物质积累过程呈“S”型曲线,可用Logistic模型进行模拟,相关系数达0.99以上,花后6～31 d籽粒干物质积累速度最大; 胡麻最大灌浆速率、平均灌浆速率和灌浆持续期均受种植密度的影响,处理间平均灌浆速率差异明显,其中以600 万株·hm^-2的平均灌浆速率最高,1 050 万株·hm^-2的平均灌浆速率最低;不同密度处理间百粒重和产量存在显著性差异,600 万株·hm^-2处理的百粒重和籽粒产量最大,显著高于1 200 万株·hm^-2处理。说明在实际生产中要根据不同胡麻品种类型选择最佳的种植密度。     

Development and validation of a high-performance thin layer chromatography method for the determination of cholesterol concentration

An accurate, sensitive, precise, reliable, and quick method for the determination of cholesterol content by high-performance thin layer chromatography is developed. In this method, aluminum-backed precoated silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates were used as the stationary phase and the samples were sprayed with the help of CAMAG sample applicator Linomat 5. The chromatogram was developed with the mobile phase consisting of chloroform:methanol (9.5:0.5, v/v). The samples were detected using CAMAG Scanner 4 and evaluated using the method developed on winCATS software. Densitometric analysis of cholesterol was performed in absorbance mode at 200 nm. In this solvent system, cholesterol gave a compact spot with an R_f value of 0.63 ± 0.03. The linear regression analysis of data for the calibration curve showed good linearity over a concentration range of 2–7 μg/spot with a regression value of 0.99933 and standard deviation of 1.44%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 100 ng/spot and 500 ng/spot, respectively. Using the developed method, the concentration of cholesterol in the saponified and unsaponified egg yolk sample was determined. This method was found to be reproducible and can even be used for samples containing complex matrices.     

Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field Modulates the Level of Neurotransmitters

This study was aimed to observe that extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) may be relevant to changes of major neurotransmitters in rat brain. After the exposure to ELF-MF (60 Hz, 2.0 mT) for 2 or 5 days, we measured the levels of biogenic amines and their metabolites, amino acid neurotransmitters and nitric oxide (NO) in the cortex, striatum, thalamus, cerebellum and hippocampus. The exposure of ELF-MF for 2 or 5 days produced significant differences in norepinephrine and vanillyl mandelic acid in the striatum, thalamus, cerebellum and hippocampus. Significant increases in the levels of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were also observed in the striatum, thalamus or hippocampus. ELF-MF significantly increased the concentration of dopamine in the thalamus. ELF-MF tended to increase the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters such as glutamine, glycine and γ -aminobutyric acid in the striatum and thalamus, whereas it decreased the levels in the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. ELF-MF significantly increased NO concentration in the striatum, thalamus and hippocampus. The present study has demonstrated that exposure to ELF-MFs may evoke the changes in the levels of biogenic amines, amino acid and NO in the brain although the extent and property vary with the brain areas. However, the mechanisms remain further to be characterized.     

An evaluation of RVX-208 for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Introduction: RVX-208 is a first-in-class, orally active, novel small molecule in development by Resverlogix Corporation (Calgary, AB, Canada). It acts through an epigenetic mechanism by inhibiting the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins, increasing apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and targeting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism, including generating of nascent HDL and increased larger HDL particles, resulting in the stimulation of reverse cholesterol transport. RVX-208 also has a beneficial effect on inflammatory factors known to be involved in atherosclerosis and plaque stability. New therapeutic strategies are needed for patients with atherosclerosis.

Areas covered: In this review, the authors evaluate the use of RVX-208 as an agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The article is based on a literature search considering both animal and human studies available on PubMed as well as Media Releases from the Resverlogix Corporation.

Expert opinion: The current evidence suggests promising beneficial effects of this novel drug in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders. Its unique mechanism of action is encouraging; it affects several pathways and has a modest effect on HDL levels. There is also a shift in particle size to larger HDL particles, which may have potent atheroprotective effects. Future clinical development is needed, including safety assessment.     

The prevalence and related factors for low health literacy in Xingtai: A cross-sectional survey in prefecture-level city

This study aimed to evaluate the low health literacy prevalence and its socio-demographic related factors in Xingtai.This study was a community-based, cross-sectional survey performed in Xingtai, with a sample size of 960. Participants’ socio-demographic characteristics were collected, and their health literacy status was evaluated by the questionnaire designed by the 2012 Chinese Resident Health Literacy Survey.There were 904 (94.2%) participants who provided valid questionnaires and they were included in the analyses. The mean health literacy score was 63.0 ± 16.6; for its subscales, the mean scores of health literacy of basic knowledge and concepts, lifestyle, and health-related skills were 31.6 ± 8.7, 17.1 ± 4.7, and 14.3 ± 3.9, respectively. Low total health literacy prevalence was 83.1%; as for its subscales, the prevalence of low health literacy of basic knowledge and concepts, lifestyle, and health-related skills was 72.5%, 87.8%, and 87.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, age, male and rural location were positively correlated, but education level and annual household income were negatively correlated with low health literacy risk. Further multivariate analysis revealed that lower education level was the only independent related factor for low total health literacy, and the most important independent related factor for low total health literacy of basic knowledge and concepts, lifestyle and health-related skills.Low health literacy prevalence is 83.1%, and lower education level is the most critical related factor for low health literacy in Xingtai.     

Low back pain: Influence of early MR imaging or CT on treatment and outcome - a randomized controlled study protocol

Objective:To establish whether early use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) influences treatment and outcome of patients with low back pain.Methods:This study will be implemented from March 2021 to March 2022 at Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. The experiment was granted through the Research Ethics Committee of Huzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (R609320987). Patients who have symptomatic lumbar spine disorders at presentation are eligible for the trial if there is clinical uncertainty about the need for imaging (MRI or CT). Patients are excluded who required immediate referral for imaging (those who had signs suggestive of serious abnormalities or disease or who required surgical intervention), who have undergone MR imaging or CT of the spine within 1 year, who do not need imaging, and who have pain of a nonspinal origin. The primary outcome measure is the Aberdeen Low Back Pain (ALBP) score. Other principal outcome measure is the Short Form 36.Results:Table 1 will show the quality of life outcome measures between groups.Conclusion:This study may guide the policy makers to develop an evidence-based protocol to assess the effect of early use of MRI or CT in the treatment of patients with low back pain.     

Coronary calcification is associated with elevated serum lipoprotein (a) levels in asymptomatic men over the age of 45 years: A cross-sectional study of the Korean national health checkup data

Lipoprotein a (Lp (a)) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are markers of coronary artery and cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between Lp (a) and CAC in asymptomatic individuals remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the influence of Lp (a) on CAC in asymptomatic individuals.We included 2019 asymptomatic Korean adults who underwent testing for a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and Lp (a) at the Gangnam Severance Hospital Health Checkup Center in Korea from January 2017 to August 2019. Participants were divided into 2 groups: CACS = 0 and CACS > 0. Factors affecting the CACS were analyzed by sex. Because age is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, ≥45 years in men and ≥55 years in women, we further divided participants into 4 subgroups (≥45 and <45 in men, ≥55 and <55 in women). Factors affecting the CACS in the 4 groups were analyzed.There was a positive correlation between the CACS and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Lp (a) positively correlated with the CACS in men (P < .01) and remained significant after multivariable logistic regression (P < .01). The same result was observed in men aged ≥45 years (P < .01).Lp (a) is an independently associated factor of CAC and a marker of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic men aged ≥45 years. In asymptomatic men aged ≥45 years, Lp (a) should be measured, and intensive Lp (a)-lowering treatment should be considered.     

Correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and arterial elasticity in middle-aged and elderly cadres in Guiyang,China: A retrospective observational study

There is evidence that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] levels may be associated with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between 25-(OH) D levels and blood pressure (BP), blood lipids, and arterial elasticity in middle-aged and elderly cadres in China.In this retrospective study, we included 401 civil servants and cadres aged >42 years who underwent medical examinations at Guiyang Municipal First People''s Hospital, China in 2018. The participants were assigned to deficiency (≤20 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL) groups according to 25-(OH) D levels in their blood. Demographics, brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), BP, ankle–brachial index (ABI), and blood lipids were compared among groups. The associations between 25-(OH) D and other parameters were evaluated using linear regression analysis.Median (range) 25-(OH) D levels in the deficiency (n = 162), insufficiency (n = 162), and sufficiency (n = 77) groups were 15.32 (2.93–19.88), 25.12 (20.07–29.91), and 33.91 (30.23–82.42) ng/mL, respectively. There were significant differences in systolic BP, pulse pressure, baPWV (left and right sides), ABI (left side), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides (TGs; all P < .05) among groups. Multivariate linear regression revealed that TG, left baPWV, and right baPWV were significantly negatively correlated with 25-(OH) D levels (all P < .05).In this study, 25-(OH) D levels were found to be associated with TG, left baPWV, and right baPWV values. 25-(OH) D deficiency may be associated with reduced arterial elasticity.