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Affective empathy is generally considered an important inhibitor of aggression. However, the meta-analysis studies on the relationship between affective empathy and aggression have challenged this common-sense view and found no substantial correlation between the two variables. We proposed a double-edged sword model to explain this counterintuitive phenomenon and tested this model by establishing an inconsistent mediation model. A total of 663 college students in China (59.1% female; Mage = 20.69 years) completed questionnaires measuring affective empathy, sympathy, personal distress, anger proneness, and physical aggression. The results showed that on the one hand, affective empathy can indirectly inhibit physical aggression by increasing sympathy; on the other hand, affective empathy can indirectly promote physical aggression through the serial mediation of personal distress and anger proneness. Such two pathways offset each other, leading to an insignificant relation observation between affective empathy and physical aggression. The findings revealed the complexity of the relationship between affective empathy and aggression, which suggested that more efforts to reduce aggression should be made to develop individuals' sympathy, while affective empathy training should be moderate to avoid excessive empathic emotional arousal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socially shared regulation is a vital factor that affects students' collaborative programming performance. However, students' weak group metacognitive skills or inability to adopt shared regulation mechanisms lead to unsatisfactory collaborative programming learning. Objectives: This study proposes an approach to support socially shared regulation in collaborative programming learning in order to enhance students' programming achievements and group metacognition. Methods: A quasi‐experimental study was conducted in a junior high school over a 10‐week period to investigate the impact of the proposed approach on programming achievements, group metacognition, and cognitive load. Forty eighth‐grade students participated in the study, with the experimental group learning via the proposed approach, while the control group used the conventional collaborative programming learning approach. Results and Conclusions: The analysis included data from 38 participants. The experimental results showed that the programming achievements and group metacognition of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group. Additionally, the proposed approach did not increase the cognitive load of the students. Implications: This study has important implications for teachers, learners, and researchers in collaborative programming and social regulation. Our proposed collaborative programming learning approach enhances learners' social regulation and performance, providing teachers with an effective tool for improving collaborative programming learning. This study also extends the field of socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL), demonstrating its potential to improve the effectiveness of collaborative programming learning and highlighting the need for future research to explore the mechanisms of SSRL in this context. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic?: Programming learning is difficult for most learners.Collaborative programming is an effective method of programming learning.Students' weak group metacognitive skills or inability to adopt shared regulation mechanisms lead to unsatisfactory collaborative programming learning. What this paper adds?: This study proposes a method to enhance collaborative programming learning by supporting socially shared regulation among students.The study utilized a quasi‐experimental to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in improving students' programming learning performance.The shared regulation approach was found to significantly improve students' programming achievements and group metacognition when compared to conventional collaborative programming approaches.Importantly, the shared regulation approach did not increase the cognitive load of the students, indicating its potential for practical implementation in programming education. The implications of study findings for practitioners: This study has shown that an approach that supports social shared regulation can improve student performance in collaborative programming learning, and that teachers can use this approach to help students learn programming better collaboratively.This study also contributes to the field of social shared regulated learning by demonstrating how it can support collaborative programming and improve its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the roots of Swietenia macrophylla yielded one new pharagmalin-type limonoid named 2-dehydroxyl-swietephragmin C (1) and one new xanthone, 1,5-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-6′,6′-dimethyl-2H-pyrano[2′,3′:3,2]xanthone (2), in addition to three known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods (NMR, UV, IR, MS), as well as by comparison with the reported data in the literature. Xanthones were reported from Swietenia genus for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an alarm device for the mechanical compression device displacement (MCD), and further evaluate its effectiveness in clinical use. The alarm device is mainly composed of buzzer, indicator light, magnetic sheet. This is a prospective randomized and controlled study. Four hundred patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included and randomly assigned to two groups (MCD group vs alarm + MCD group). The primary outcome measures were the sensitivity and specificity of the alarm device to detect MCD displacement, time to hemostasis (TTH), time to ambulation (TTA), time to hospital discharge (TTHD), hospital costs (HC), complication rates, and patient satisfaction. The sensitivity and specificity of the alarm device in detecting MCD displacement were 94.44% and 88.46%, respectively. The study group achieved shorter TTH (p =.034), shorter TTA (p =.021), lower complication rates (p =.025), and better patients' satisfaction (p <.001) compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in TTHD (p =.361) and HC (p =.583). The alarm device is highly sensitive in detecting MCD displacement, while achieving better clinical outcomes compared with artificial monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the drug addiction process between Chinese heroin- and methamphetamine (MA)-dependent users via a modified 4-stage addiction model (experimentation, occasional use, regular use, and compulsive use).Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 683 eligible participants. In the statistical analysis, we selected 340 heroin- and 295 MA-dependent users without illicit drug use prior to onset of heroin or MA use.Results: The addiction process of heroin-dependent users was shorter than that of MA-dependent users, with shorter transitions from the onset of drug-use to the first drug craving (19.5 vs. 50.0 days), regular use (30.0 vs. 60.0 days), and compulsive use (50.0 vs. 85.0 days). However, no significant differences in the addiction process were observed in frequency of drug administration, except that heroin users reported more administrations of the drug (20.0 vs. 15.0) before progressing to the stage of compulsive drug use. A larger proportion of regular heroin users progressed to use illicit drugs recklessly than did MA users. Most heroin and MA users reported psychological dependence as their primary motivation for compulsive drug use, but more heroin users selected uncomfortable symptoms upon ceasing drug use as further reason to continue.Conclusion: Our results suggest that typical heroin and MA users may experience a similar four-stage addiction process, but MA users might undergo a longer addiction process (in days). More research is necessary to further explore factors influencing the drug addiction process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acute burn injuries are among the most devastating forms of trauma and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Appropriate fluid resuscitation after severe burn, specifically during the first 48 hours following injury, is considered as the single most important therapeutic intervention in burn treatment. Although many formulas have been developed to estimate the required fluid amount in severe burn patients, many lines of evidence showed that patients still receive far more fluid than formulas recommend. Overresuscitation, which is known as “fluid creep,” has emerged as one of the most important problems during the initial period of burn care. If fluid titration can be personalized and automated during the resuscitation phase, more efficient burn care and outcome will be anticipated. In the present study, a dynamic urine output based infusion rate prediction model was developed and validated during the initial 48 hours in severe thermal burn adult patients. The experimental results demonstrated that the developed dynamic fluid resuscitation model might significantly reduce the total fluid volume by accurately predicting hourly urine output and has the potential to aid fluid administration in severe burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the association between tea consumption and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using INTERHEART China data. Cases (n = 2909) and controls (n = 2947) were randomly selected and frequency matched by age and sex. Participants who drank tea ≥4 cups/d had a significantly higher risk of AMI than tea nondrinkers; odds ratio (OR) was 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.61) compared with tea nondrinkers. A similar trend was found in green tea drinkers; OR was 1.52 (95% CI: 1.13-2.05) in the participants who drank 3 cups/d and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.35-2.22) in the participants who drank ≥4 cups/d compared with tea nondrinkers. We also found that green tea consumption had a greater effect on females; OR was 2.80 (95% CI: 1.43-5.50) in females. In conclusion, we found that the risk of AMI increases as tea consumption increases. Further studies are needed to confirm this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent sporadic infections of humans in China with previously unrecognized avian influenza A virus of the H7N9 subtype (A(H7N9)) have caused concern. The aim is to find out the epidemiological and molecular analysis of the PB1-F2 proteins in H7N9 influenza viruses, in Jiangsu province. Sequences were obtained from GISAID database. Data were analyzed by using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method. From March 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, 53 patients were confirmed to be infected with the H7N9 virus; one was a retrospective case in Jiangsu province. 38 sequences of PB1 in H7N9 of Jiangsu were obtained from the GISAID online and were then divided into three lineages. Of these sequences, 4 sequences and 3 sequences encode an N-terminally truncated PB1-F2 (52aa)polypeptide and C-terminally truncated PB1-F2 (76aa) polypeptide, respectively. The remaining sequences encode a full-length PB1-F2 (90aa). We estimated a mean evolutionary rate of 3.053 × 10−3 subs/site/year (95% HPD: 2.021 × 10−3–4.051 × 10−3). The site-by-site analysis of selection pressure analysis revealed positively and negatively (12, 3), respectively, selected sites. Influenza A (H7N9) virus adapting into new host, PB1-F2 of H7N9, might be faced with higher selection pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) during leisure time has been inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk in the Western populations. We evaluated PA at work and leisure time in relation to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chinese population. We conducted a hospital-based case–control study. The cases had first AMI (n = 2909). The controls (n = 2947) were matched to the cases in age and sex. The odds ratios (ORs) of leisure-time PA for strenuous exercise compared to mainly sedentary was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.90) and for moderate exercise it was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.85-1.08). Multivariate adjustment did not substantially alter the association. The ORs of work-related PA for heavy PA compared to mainly sedentary was 1.44 (95% CI: 1.06-1.94), for climbing and lifting was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.77-.30), and for walking was 0.90 (95%CI: 0.75-1.07). Leisure-time PA was protective for AMI risk compared to sedentary lifestyles in a population in China. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus with coronary heart disease (DM with CHD) poses a health challenge to people in China and elsewhere in the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), DM with CHD is classified as a type of disease called Xiaoke and Xiongbi. In Asia, TCM has been used to treat Xiaoke and Xiongbi conditions for centuries, especially in China. In this study, it was evaluated whether integrated strategies incorporating both TCM and Western medicines (iTCWM) could improve the curative efficacy of DM with CHD. Methods: An extensive search for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up to November 2011 in either English or Chinese about iTCWM for DM with CHD was conducted. All listings in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and the Wanfang database were included in the literature search. The quality of each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook 5.0. Data analysis was performed by the RevMan 5.0 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: After an initial selection of 207 articles, 21 RCTs and quasi-RCTs were ultimately included in the analysis for this study. All of these trials were conducted in China and published in Chinese journals. The methodological quality of the trials was low in most studies. Selection bias and measurement bias were common in all of the studies. A meta-analysis was not conducted, due to the poor quality of the available studies. Conclusions: The current state of the literature regarding the utility of iTCWM for the treatment of DM with CHD is inadequate. The poor quality of the available trials makes it difficult to draw any conclusions regarding the efficacy of iTCWM for the treatment of DM with CHD. This study highlights the paucity of reliable clinical evidence for iTCWM and the need for higher quality RCTs to be conducted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new quinolone alkaloids, 1-methyl-2-[7-hydroxy-(E)-9-tridecenyl]-4(1H)-quinolone (1), 1-methyl-2-[(Z)-4-nonenyl]-4(1H)-quinolone (2), 1-methyl-2-[(1E,5Z)-1,5-undecadienyl]-4(1H)-quinolone (3) and one new natural product, 1-methyl-2-[(E)-1-undecenyl]-4(1H)-quinolone (4), were isolated from the dried and nearly ripe fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth., along with thirteen known compounds (5–17). In addition, one new artificial product, 1-methyl-2-[7-carbonyl-(E)-9-tridecenyl]-4(1H)-quinolone (1A) was also obtained. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxic activities of all of the compounds against the human cancer cell lines HL-60, N-87, H-460, and Hep G2 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. The results showed that these alkaloids inhibited cell proliferation with IC50 values between 14μM and 22μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The local Dong people in Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, with rich biocultural diversity, have developed the traditional rice-duckweed-fish-duck agroecosystem (RDFDA) to support biodiversity conservation and to meet food and cultural needs. However, there is still not much research on traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in this area. In particular, there is a lack of traditional knowledge of edible plants used by the Dong people as flavoring to grill fish (Cyprinus carpio) collected from RDFDA, which is extremely valuable in their traditional culture. The study focused on documenting plant species used in grilling fish and analyzing the status of its TEK. Methods: Twenty-one sampling points of three Dong minority villages in Qiandongnan were selected for the research. The local TEK associated with plant resources for fish-grilling was recorded through free listing and semi-structured interviews. Fidelity level (FL) and ethnoecological importance value (EIV) indicators were designed to determine the socioeconomic influence of TEK. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) method was used to evaluate the differentiation of edible plant species distribution in dissimilar accessibility types. Results: A total of 430 people were interviewed about grilled fish, of whom 75% were men and 85% were farmers. Thirty-four edible plants were documented for fish-grilling in three Dong villages. They belong to 16 plant families, such as Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. The life forms included herbaceous (76%), shrubs (18%) and trees (6%). Leaves are the most commonly used part of for grilling fish, followed by aerial parts, and whole plants. Among these edible plants, Allium hookeri, A. macrostemon and Houttuynia cordata with the highest fidelity level (100%) were cited as edible plants for grilling fish by all informants. The NMDS showed different accessibility types of collection sites, with different importance values. Paddy rice field edge (2.03) has the highest value, followed by forest-farming ecotone (1.74), streamsides (1.71) and woodland (0.48). Conclusion: The purpose of this study was to investigate the traditional knowledge of edible plant materials used by the Dong people for grilling fish. The results demonstrate the strong connection between local people, the bio-environment and agroecosystem services. The survey and comparative analysis revealed that plant species with high FL values may be potential sources of natural flavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Investigation of a methanol extract from the Chinese endemic species Sedum aizoon L. led to the isolation of two new isoflavone derivatives that were named sedacin A and B (1 and 2). Their structures were elucidated by the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Two new isoflavone derivatives were isolated compounds were assayed for antioxidant activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives Mortality of dermatomyositis patients positive with anti-melanoma differentiation-related gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5-DM) is alarming, especially during the first several months. Infection is an important cause of early death. As there are no reports regarding the effect of prophylactic use of compounded sulfamethoxazole (coSMZ; each tablet contains 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of trimethoprim) in anti-MDA5-DM patients, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of coSMZ in reducing the incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Methods Consecutive patients with new-onset anti-MDA5-DM from June 2018 to October 2021 in our centre were retrospectively reviewed for >12 months. They were divided into two groups—coSMZ and non-coSMZ—based on the initial use of prophylactic coSMZ. Mortality and the incidence of severe infection within 12 months were compared between two groups. Results Compared with the non-coSMZ group (n  = 93), the coSMZ group (n  = 121) had lower mortality (18.8% vs 51.1%; P   <  0.001) and a lower incidence of PJP (6.8% vs 15.2%; P  = 0.040) and fatal infection (16.1% vs 3.3%; P  = 0.001) during the first 12 months from diagnosis. After adjusting for age, gender, disease duration, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, anti-MDA5 antibody titres, ground-glass opacity scores and treatments, an inverse association was revealed between the prophylactic use of coSMZ and incidence of PJP [adjusted odds ratio 0.299 (95% CI 0.102–0.878), P  = 0.028]. Conclusion Prophylactic use of coSMZ is an effective and safe way to improve the prognosis of anti-MDA5-DM patients by preventing the incidence of PJP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Palbociclib is one of the preferred treatments for hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer in women; its effectiveness and safety in the Chinese real-world population require further investigation. Our study aimed to identify the clinical outcomes of patients who received palbociclib in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) in China. The effectiveness of palbociclib plus ET in treating metastatic breast cancer was confirmed in 397 Chinese patients across eight clinical sites. The regimens were well tolerated by both the general and elderly groups. However, some factors were identified as potential hindrances to the therapy's benefits, including higher Ki-67 expression, primary resistance to ETs, liver metastases, more metastatic sites, later line of therapy, and the use of fulvestrant instead of aromatase inhibitors. Palbociclib is useful for treatment of metastasis breast cancer, and our study may provide a basis for further research. Background: Palbociclib has been approved for marketing in China. However, its effectiveness, safety, and latent variables in the Chinese population require further investigation. Methods: Information was retrieved from 397 patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) who received at least two cycles of palbociclib plus endocrine therapy (PAL plus ET) at eight clinical sites in China. The patients' demographic characteristics, treatment patterns, and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) for PAL plus ET were 28.97% and 66.25%, respectively. The median PFS was 14.2 months in the whole population. In addition to protein Ki-67 status and sensitivity to ETs, no liver metastases, fewer metastatic sites, an earlier line of therapy, and treatment combined with AI instead of FUL were also considered as independent prognostic factors for PAL treatment. Administration of PAL was generally well tolerated in patients with hormone-receptor-positive and human-epidermal-growth-factor-receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2−) advanced breast cancer (ABC). The therapy was safe in the elderly population, which is consistent with the outcomes of the whole population and previous reports. Conclusions: In this most widely distributed study in China to date, palbociclib combined with ET proved its effectiveness for HR+/HER2− ABC treatment, and adverse events were manageable. Here, we identified some independent prognosis factors, but the mechanism by which these factors influence effectiveness requires further verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four previously unreported dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (1 – 4a) and three unprecedented sesquiterpene-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone conjugates (5 – 7), comprising a sesquiterpenoid and a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)-5,6,7,8 -tetrahydro-4 H -chromone moiety, as well as three known dimeric 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (4b , 8a , 8b) were identified from agarwood originating from Aquilaria crassna in Cambodia by LC-MS guided separation. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR techniques, HRESIMS and CD. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines. Compounds 6 , 7 , 8a , 8b displayed a range of cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values in the rang 10.93–49.0 μM Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There were amounts of previous studies on chronic diseases, but few studies on the prevalence of chronic disease and the healthy lifestyle intervention in recent years, China. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic disease and the implementation of healthy lifestyle intervention in rural areas of China, so as to put forward health promotion measures to control the chronic diseases effectively.Method: A large cross-sectional study (N = 2168) on community diagnosis and chronic disease was carried out in Shandong province, China. The chronic disease questionnaire and the healthy lifestyle intervention questionnaires were recruited to survey the chronic diseases and the implementation of healthy lifestyle intervention. Physical examination and biochemical indicators examination were carried out by the medical staffs and clinical laboratory.Results: The current diagnosed prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia for total sample, female, male were 24.97, 24.6, 25.5, 7.60, 8.9, 6.0 and 40.27%, 45.9, 33.3% respectively in rural China. The one-year prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke of the total sample, female, male were 1.06, 1.0, 1.1 and 2.09%, 2.2, 2.0% respectively. Healthy lifestyles interventions were not effective in rural China. The current active smoking rate and passive smoking rate were 25.68 and 42.65%. 27.86% of the population drunk alcohol within a month and 47.01% of them participated in the actions to control salt daily intake. Only 1.07 and 7.89% of the population participated in medium to high intensity physical exercises.Conclusions: The prevalence of common chronic diseases were still high and the implementation of healthy lifestyle intervention were not optimal in rural area, China. Challenges to prevent chronic diseases were still severe, so medical institutes, government and individuals would put forward effective strategies to reduce the prevalence and public health promotion project should be effectively strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mannosylxylarinolide (1), a new 3,4-seco-ergostane-type steroidal saponin featuring a β-d-mannose moiety, was isolated from the culture of the endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. that had been isolated from an ornamental plant of Hoya sp. The gross structure was determined by spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of the new 3,4-seco-ergostane-type steroidal saponin (1) was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: The assessment of nutritional status and the quality of life in patients with gastric cancer has become one of the important goals of current clinical treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status in hospitalized gastric cancer patients by using patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and to analyze the influence of nutritional status on the patients' quality of life (QOL).Methods: We reviewed the pathological diagnosis of gastric cancer for 2322 hospitalized patients using PG-SGA to assess their nutritional status and collected data on clinical symptoms, the anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF), and hand-grip strength (HGS). We also collected laboratory data (prealbumin, albumin, hemoglobin) within 48 h after the patient was admitted to the hospital. The 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used for QOL assessment in all patients.Results: By using PG-SGA, we found 80.4% of the patients were malnourished (score ≥ 4) and 45.1% of the patients required urgent nutritional support (score ≥ 9). In univariate analysis, old age (> 65 years, p < 0.001), female (p = 0.007), residence in a village (p = 0.004), a lower level of education (p < 0.001), and self-paying (p < 0.001) were indicated as risk factors of patients with gastric cancer to be suffering from severe malnutrition. There was a negative correlation between PG-SGA and various nutritional parameters (p < 0.05). The quality of life was significantly different in gastric cancer patients with different nutritional status (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Malnutrition of hospitalized patients with gastric cancer in China is common and seriously affects the patients' quality of life. The nutritional status should be evaluated in a timely manner and reasonable nutritional intervention should be provided as soon as possible. The PG-SGA was fit for using as a clinical nutrition assessment method, being worthy of clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that non-invasive liver fibrosis scores (LFSs) are associated with kidney function deterioration. This study aimed to assess the predictive performance of LFSs in contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This retrospective study involved 5627 patients. The frequency of CA-AKI was 6.3% (n = 353). In a multivariate logistic analysis after adjustment, non-invasive LFSs, including fibrosis-5 score (FIB-5), fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR), and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index were independent risk factors for CA-AKI (all P <.05), whereas the Forns score was not (P >.05). The highest predictive performance was observed for FIB-5 (area under the curve [AUC] =.644) compared to other LFSs. A restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed approximately linear relationships between LFSs and risks of CA-AKI. Furthermore, adding FIB-5 (AUC =.747; net reclassification improvement [NRI] =.441, P <.001; integrated discrimination improvement [IDI] =.008, P <.001) or AAR (AUC =.747; NRI =.419, P <.001; IDI =.006, P =.010) to an established clinical risk model could significantly improve the prediction of CA-AKI. The LFSs were significantly associated with CA-AKI, possibly serving as predictive tools for early identification of CAD patients undergoing elective PCI that are at high risk of CA-AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous meta-analyses have examined the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women with cancer, but there is no breast cancer (BC)-specific study. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to examine the prevalence and severity of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with BC.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP for relevant studies published between April 2000 and January 2017. Data were extracted from studies which assessed FSD prevalence and sexual function in women with BC using the female sexual function index (FSFI). Meta-analyses were performed by pooling the prevalence rates of FSD and total FSFI scores. Meta regression was performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity.Results: We selected 19 published studies involving a total of 2684 women with BC. In this study population, overall FSD prevalence was 73.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 64.0%, 82.8%), and the total FSFI score was 19.28 (95% CI 17.39, 21.16). Among Asian, American, and European women with BC, there were significant differences in FSD prevalence (P < 0.001), and there was marginally significant difference (P = 0.07) in sexual function between these groups. There was also a marginally significant difference between individuals from mainland China and from other countries in FSD prevalence (P = 0.06) and FSFI score (P = 0.07).Conclusions: Overall, women with BC have high FSD prevalence and low sexual function. American women with BC have a higher average FSD prevalence and lower average sexual function than Asian women with BC. The FSD prevalence in women with BC in mainland China was slightly higher than in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Although multiple actionable genes have been identified in melanoma, 38–42% of patients are still not druggable based on current research. In our study, DNA-NGS and RNA-NGS were utilized to construct molecular profiles of a Chinese cohort of 469 melanoma patients. Up to 11.7% (7/60) of patients in the undruggable group could be recognized as actionable by DNA and RNA sequential sequencing. Additionally, the use of RNA-NGS enhanced the proportion of druggable fusions from 2.56% to 17.27%. In total, the use of RNA-NGS increased the druggable proportion from 75% to 78%. Our study systemically analyzed the genetic landscape of Asian melanoma and demonstrated how DNA and RNA sequential sequencing is essential in bringing clinical benefits to more melanoma patients. Background: In contrast to Caucasian melanoma, which has been extensively studied, there are few studies on melanoma in Asian populations. Sporadic studies reported that only 40% of Asian melanoma patients could be druggable, which was much lower than that in Caucasians. More studies are required to refine this conclusion. Methods: Chinese melanoma patients (n = 469) were sequentially sequenced by DNA-NGS and RNA-NGS. The genomic alterations were determined, and potentially actionable targets were investigated. Results: Patients with potential druggable targets were identified in 75% of Chinese melanoma patients by DNA-NGS based on OncoKB, which was much higher than in a previous Asian study. NRG1 fusions were first identified in melanoma. In addition, up to 11.7% (7/60) of patients in the undruggable group could be recognized as actionable by including RNA-NGS analysis. By comparing the fusion detection rate between DNA-NGS and RNA-NGS, all available samples after DNA-NGS detection were further verified by RNA-NGS. The use of RNA-NGS enhanced the proportion of druggable fusions from 2.56% to 17.27%. In total, the use of RNA-NGS increased the druggable proportion from 75% to 78%. Conclusions: In this study, we systemically analyzed the actionable landscape of melanoma in the largest Asian cohort. In addition, we first demonstrated how DNA and RNA sequential sequencing is essential in bringing clinical benefits to more patients with melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although growing evidence has shown that ginsenosides from stems and leaves of Panax ginseng (GSLS) exercise a protective impact on the central nervous system, in the model of memory damage induced by scopolamine, it is still rarely reported. Thus, the mechanism of action needs to be further explored. This study was to investigate the effect of GSLS on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory damage and the underlying mechanism. Male ICR mice were treated with SCOP (3 mg/kg) for 7 days, with or without GSLS (75 and 150 mg/kg) treatment for 14 days. After GSLS treatment, the memory damage induced by SCOP was significantly ameliorated as shown by the improvement of cholinergic function (AChE and ChAT), brain tissue hippocampus morphology (H&E staining), and oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, and NO). Meanwhile, immunohistochemical assay suggested that GSLS increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Tyrosine Kinase receptor B (TrkB). Further mechanism research indicated that GSLS inhibited the Tau hyperphosphorylation and cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibited neuroinflammation by regulating the NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a cognitive impairment improvement effect. This work suggested that GSLS could protect against SCOP-induced memory defects possibly through inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore the association of decreased mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities with the risk for pediatric sepsis, and explore their association with mortality among affected children.Methods: A total of 50 incident cases with sepsis and 49 healthy controls participated in this study. The level of serum coenzyme Q10 was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and selected mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes in WBC were measured using spectrophotometric. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The levels of CoQ10, complex II, complex I + III and FoF1-ATPase were significantly higher in healthy controls than in children with sepsis (p < 0.001, = 0.004, < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). In children with sepsis, levels of CoQ10 and complex I + III were significantly higher in survived cases than in deceased cases (p < 0.001). Per 0.05 μmol/L, 50 nmol/min.mg and 100 nmol/min.mg increment in CoQ10, complex I + III and FoF1-ATPase were associated with significantly lowered risk of having sepsis, even after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 0.85, 0.68 and 0.04, p = 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Per 0.05 μmol/L and 50 nmol/min.mg increment in CoQ10 and complex I + III was associated with significantly lowered risk of dying from sepsis during hospitalization, and significance retained after adjustment (OR = 0.73 and 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.90 and 0.64 to 0.89, p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively) in children with sepsis.Conclusions: Our findings indicate the promising predictive contribution of low serum CoQ10 and complex I + III to the risk of pediatric sepsis and its associated mortality during hospitalization among Chinese children. Trial registration The trial was registered with www.chictr.org.cn , number ChiCTR-IOR-15006446 on May 05, 2015. Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Wearable and wireless motion sensor devices have facilitated the automated computation of speed, amplitude, and rhythm of hand motion tasks. The aim of this study is to determine if there are any biological influences on these kinematic parameters. Methods. 80 healthy subjects performed hand motion tasks twice for each hand, with movements measured using a wireless motion sensor device (Kinesia, Cleveland Medical Devices Inc., Cleveland, OH). Multivariate analyses were performed with age, gender, and height added into the model. Results. Older subjects performed poorer in finger tapping (FT) speed (r=0.593, p<0.001), hand-grasp (HG) speed (r=0.517, p<0.001), and pronation-supination (PS) speed (r=0.485, p<0.001). Men performed better in FT rhythm p<0.02, HG speed p<0.02, HG amplitude p<0.02, and HG rhythm p<0.05. Taller subjects performed better in the speed and amplitude components of FT p<0.02 and HG tasks p<0.02. After multivariate analyses, only age and gender emerged as significant independent factors influencing the speed but not the amplitude and rhythm components of hand motion tasks. Gender exerted an independent influence only on HG speed, with better performance in men p<0.05. Conclusions. Age, gender, and height are not independent factors influencing the amplitude and rhythm components of hand motion tasks. The speed component is affected by age and gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the frequency of its occurrence, few Chinese studies examined the status of intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill emergency room patients. Aims and objectives: To investigate the current status of IHT of critically ill patients and emergency nurses' perception of IHT across China; explore the perceived associations of written protocols with adverse events during IHT; and compare regional differences in IHT of critically ill patients across China. Design: A self‐report questionnaire was conducted among the attendees of a large emergency medicine conference in Beijing in May 2015. Methods: The data, collected through convenience sampling, were analysed using descriptive statistics. Categorical variables were compared using the chi‐squared test. Results: Of the 528 participants from 142 hospitals whose data were analysed, 19.3% considered all nurses competent enough to perform IHT of critically ill patients without special training, and 7.6% even considered nursing students capable of the task. The absence of written transport protocols was perceived to be significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse events such as oxygen supply depletion and incorrect destination. Hospitals in the western region were less likely to have established written IHT protocols and emergency checklists than those in the eastern region. Conclusions: Safe IHT of critically ill patients in the emergency department involves enormous challenges. The results of this survey can facilitate a preliminary understanding of the characteristics and current situation of IHT in emergency settings across China. Relevance to clinical practice: The establishment of standard transport protocols may help reduce the incidence of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chelerythrine (CHE), a quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid, which is an agent in traditional Chinese medicine exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory activities and mechanism of CHE in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Further, in the analgesic test, CHE also showed pronounced inhibition of the acetic acid-induced writhing response. These results clearly suggested that CHE is a bioactive agent which has a significant anti-inflammatory action, which may be relevant to the inhibition of the release/production of exudates and prostaglandin E2 mediated through cyclooxygenase-2 regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three new cassane-diterpene-lactones, methyl 1α,7β-diacetoxy-5α,12α-dihydroxy-cass-13(15)-en-16,12-olide-17β-carboxylate (1), methyl 7β-acetoxy-1α,5α,12α-trihydroxy-cass-13(15)-en-16,12-olide-17β-carboxylate (2), and 12α-ethoxyl-1α,6α,7β-triacetoxy-5α,14β-dihydroxy-cass-13(15)-en-16,12-olide (3), were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance. Their structures were established on the basis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐3 receptor antagonist palonosetron (PALO) is approved (United States/Europe) as an oral formulation for prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in adult cancer patients undergoing moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) for the acute phase only, in the United States, or as intravenous (IV) formulation in patients undergoing MEC or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. This phase III study compares the efficacy/safety of oral versus IV PALO in Chinese patients. Methods: Chemotherapy‐naive patients with solid tumours scheduled for MEC received oral PALO 0.50 mg or IV PALO 0.25 mg. The primary objective was to demonstrate non‐inferiority in terms of patients with complete response in the acute phase (0–24 hr post‐chemotherapy). Results: Complete response rates (acute phase), evaluated in 318/320 randomised patients, were 84.6% and 85.9% for oral and IV PALO respectively. Non‐inferiority was demonstrated; the two formulations showed similar efficacy/safety. Conclusion: Non‐inferiority of oral versus IV PALO in the acute phase was demonstrated in Chinese patients. Clinical trial registration: CTR20140711. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the association between breastfeeding and childhood obesity. A multinational cross‐sectional study of 4,740 children aged 9–11 years was conducted from 12 countries. Infant breastfeeding was recalled by parents or legal guardians. Height, weight, waist circumference, and body fat were obtained using standardized methods. The overall prevalence of obesity, central obesity, and high body fat were 12.3%, 9.9%, and 8.1%, respectively. After adjustment for maternal age at delivery, body mass index (BMI), highest maternal education, history of gestational diabetes, gestational age, and child's age, sex, birth weight, unhealthy diet pattern scores, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, sleeping, and sedentary time, exclusive breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of obesity (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval, CI [0.57, 1.00]) and high body fat (OR 0.60, 95% CI [0.43, 0.84]) compared with exclusive formula feeding. The multivariable‐adjusted ORs based on different breastfeeding durations (none, 1–6, 6–12, and > 12 months) were 1.00, 0.74, 0.70, and 0.60 for obesity (Ptrend =.020) and 1.00, 0.64, 047, and 0.64 for high body fat (Ptrend =.012), respectively. These associations were no longer significant after adjustment for maternal BMI. Breastfeeding may be a protective factor for obesity and high body fat in 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children from 12 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new prenylated coumarin (1) and a new anthranilamide derivative (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Evodia lepta. Compound 2 represents the first anthranilamide derivative from the Evodia genus. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis (MS, UV, IR, and NMR). Compound 1 exhibited certain inhibition on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 37.96 ± 1.7 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tea, a common beverage, has been suggested to exhibit a number of health benefits. However, one of its active ingredients, caffeine, has been associated with preterm birth and low birthweight. We investigated whether tea consumption during early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and abnormal fetal growth. Methods A total of 8775 pregnant women were included from the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study. Tea consumption (type, frequency, and strength) during their first trimester and social and demographic factors were obtained by way of questionnaires administered during pregnancy. Information on birth outcomes and complications during pregnancy was obtained from hospital medical records. Results Overall habitual tea drinking (≥1 serving/week) prevalence among pregnant women was low, at 16%. After adjustment for potential confounding factors (eg, maternal age, educational level, monthly income) tea drinking during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth or abnormal fetal growth (small or large for gestational age) ( P>.05). Conclusions We did not identify a consistent association between frequency of tea consumption or tea strength and adverse birth outcomes among Chinese pregnant women with low tea consumption. Our findings suggest that occasional tea drinking during pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of preterm birth or abnormal fetal growth. Given the high overall number of annual births in China, our findings have important public health significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine the relative impact of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and glucose level at 24–28 gestational weeks on offspring’s overweight status from birth to 3 years of age in China. Methods. Health care records of 21,354 mother-child pairs were collected. The single and joint associations of maternal prepregnancy BMI and glucose level at 24–28 gestational weeks with 0–3-year-old offspring’s overweight status were assessed. Results. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of offspring’s macrosomia at birth and overweight/obesity at the 12th month, 24th month, and 36th month were 1.12 (1.11–1.13), 1.05 (1.04–1.06), 1.07 (1.06–1.08), and 1.11 (1.10–1.12) for each 1-unit increase (km/m2) in maternal prepregnancy BMI and 1.13 (1.10–1.17), 1.01 (0.99–1.03), 0.99 (0.96–1.01), and 1.00 (0.97–1.02) for each 1-unit increase (mmol/L) in maternal glucose level at 24–28 gestational weeks, respectively. The positive association of maternal glucose level with macrosomia at birth was similar between prepregnancy normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2); however, the positive association of high maternal glucose level with childhood overweight was only seen among prepregnancy normal weight mothers but not among overweight mothers. Conclusions. The impact of maternal gestational hyperglycemia on offspring’s overweight before 3 years of age can be modified by prepregnancy BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. To measure plasma levels of superoxide dismutases 1, 2, and 3 (SOD1, 2, 3) and determine whether SODs can function as biomarkers for coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients & Methods. Patient groups were as follows: patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP, n=33), patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n=49), and controls (n=42). Protein quantification was done using ELISA. Results. The concentrations of plasma SOD1 and SOD2 were higher in CAD than in healthy controls. No difference in SOD3 levels between CAD and control groups was found. Limited correlations were found between SODs and gender, age, and severity of coronary artery stenosis. Conclusions. Plasma levels of SOD1 and SOD2 were elevated in patients with CAD and might serve as surrogate biomarkers for CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the management and outcomes among hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or with multiple (≥2) cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (multiple risk factors [MRFs]). We retrospectively studied 3732 hospitalized patients of either CV disease or ≥2 risk factors for atherothrombosis from October 2004 to January 2005. Outcomes included CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and hospitalization for atherothrombotic events. About one-third had disease involving ≥1 vascular bed. Medication was more intense in patients with CAD than in others. The lowest use of statins and antiplatelet treatment was in the PAD-only group. Patients with PAD experienced a higher CV mortality (5.1%) than the patients with CAD (3.73%) or stroke (4.1%), P < .001. Cardiovascular death ranged from 1.2% for patients with MRFs, 2.8% for patients with 1-bed disease, 4.7% for patients with 2-bed disease to 6.4% for patients with 3-bed disease (P for trend <.001). For hospitalized patients with established atherosclerotic arterial disease, a substantial increase in CV event rates occurs with increasing numbers of affected arterial beds. Patients with PAD were at an especially high risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: WHO has targeted that medicines to prevent recurrent cardiovascular disease be available in 80% of communities and used by 50% of eligible individuals by 2025. We have previously reported that use of these medicines is very low, but now aim to assess how such low use relates to their lack of availability or poor affordability.Methods: We analysed information about availability and costs of cardiovascular disease medicines (aspirin, β blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins) in pharmacies gathered from 596 communities in 18 countries participating in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Medicines were considered available if present at the pharmacy when surveyed, and affordable if their combined cost was less than 20% of household capacity-to-pay. We compared results from high-income, upper middle-income, lower middle-income, and low-income countries. Data from India were presented separately given its large, generic pharmaceutical industry.Findings: Communities were recruited between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2013. All four cardiovascular disease medicines were available in 61 (95%) of 64 urban and 27 (90%) of 30 rural communities in high-income countries, 53 (80%) of 66 urban and 43 (73%) of 59 rural communities in upper middle-income countries, 69 (62%) of 111 urban and 42 (37%) of 114 rural communities in lower middle-income countries, eight (25%) of 32 urban and one (3%) of 30 rural communities in low-income countries (excluding India), and 34 (89%) of 38 urban and 42 (81%) of 52 rural communities in India. The four cardiovascular disease medicines were potentially unaffordable for 0·14% of households in high-income countries (14 of 9934 households), 25% of upper middle-income countries (6299 of 24,776), 33% of lower middle-income countries (13,253 of 40,023), 60% of low-income countries (excluding India; 1976 of 3312), and 59% households in India (9939 of 16,874). In low-income and middle-income countries, patients with previous cardiovascular disease were less likely to use all four medicines if fewer than four were available (odds ratio [OR] 0·16, 95% CI 0·04-0·57). In communities in which all four medicines were available, patients were less likely to use medicines if the household potentially could not afford them (0·16, 0·04-0·55).Interpretation: Secondary prevention medicines are unavailable and unaffordable for a large proportion of communities and households in upper middle-income, lower middle-income, and low-income countries, which have very low use of these medicines. Improvements to the availability and affordability of key medicines is likely to enhance their use and help towards achieving WHO's targets of 50% use of key medicines by 2025.Funding: Population Health Research Institute, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, AstraZeneca (Canada), Sanofi-Aventis (France and Canada), Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany and Canada), Servier, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, King Pharma, and national or local organisations in participating countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 ( 4E-BP1) is an important factor regulating protein translation. It also impacts proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and the cell cycle of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 4E-BP1 and human immune status, recognizing immunomodulatory molecules involved in the overexpression of 4E-BP1. Methods A lentivirus expression system was used to overexpress 4E-BP1 in the H1299 cell line. Western blot was performed to investigate the expression level of 4E-BP1 and P- 4E-BP1, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify gene expression of immunomodulatory molecules. Results The expression level of 4E-BP1 increased significantly after lentivirus infection ( P < 0.05). Overexpression of 4E-BP1 upregulated the expression of interleukin ( IL)-1β ( P < 0.05), IL-5 ( P < 0.001), IL-23 ( P < 0.001), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β ( P < 0.001), Eota-3 ( P < 0.05), and MCP-4 ( P < 0.05). Most of the increases were observed at the seventh day. The variation trend of IL-10, cell division cycle protein 2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and phosphatase and tensin homolog was not clear. Conclusion Overexpression of 4E-BP1 altered immune status by upregulating the expression of a series of immunomodulatory molecules, indicating that 4E-BP1 could serve as a potential therapeutic target against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of the present study was to explore the magnetic resonance imaging correlates of the performance of instrumental activities of daily living ( IADL) in patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease. Methods A total of 66 patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease formed the study sample. Two regression models were constructed to find correlates of IADL. Model 1 only included clinical variables and model 2 included both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging variables. Results In model 1, with IADL as the dependent variable, the Mini-Mental State Examination ( MMSE) score, Physical Self- Maintenance Scale score at baseline and age were significant correlates accounting for 40.1% of the variance of IADL at baseline. MMSE score and age were also significant correlates of IADL at 6 months, accounting for 38.1% of the variance of it. In model 2, severity of white matter lesions, MMSE and Physical Self- Maintenance Scale scores at baseline significantly correlated with IADL at baseline, accounting for 52.1% of the variance of the dependent variables; severity of white matter lesions and MMSE significantly correlated with IADL at 6 months, accounting for 41.5% of the variance of the dependent variables. Conclusion In patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease, subcortical ischemic lesions might be significant contributor to the functional status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 588-593. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transradial approach (TRA) has been used as access site for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for years. However, no large sample study has evaluated the effect of TRA in elderly patients. A total of 1098 elderly patients (age ≥ 75 years) who underwent PCI by TRA or transfemoral approach were recruited. A 1:1 matched propensity score analysis was performed to minimize bias. The rates of major adverse cardiovascular events that included death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization during hospitalization (1.3% vs 6.6%, P = .014) and at 1-year follow-up (6.0% vs 13.9%, P = .019) were significantly lower in the TRA group. Transradial approach was also associated with lower rates of in-hospital MI (1.3% vs 5.3%, P = .046), access-site complications (3.3% vs 9.9%, P = .018), and major bleeding (1.3% vs 5.3%, P = .046). In conclusion, TRA showed better safety in elderly patients; it should be considered as a preferred route for elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although HAD is now rare due to HAART, the milder forms of HAND persist in HIV-infected patients. HIV-induced systemic and localized inflammation is considered to be one of the mechanisms of HAND. The levels of cytokines in CSF were associated with neurocognitive impairment in HIV infection. However, the changes of cytokines involved in cognition impairment in plasma have not been shown, and their relationships between CSF and plasma require to be addressed. We compared cytokine levels in paired CSF and plasma samples from HIV-infected individuals with or without neurocognitive impairment. Cytokine concentrations were measured by Luminex xMAP. In comparing the expression levels of cytokines in plasma and CSF, IFN-α2, IL-8, IP-10, and MCP-1 were significantly higher in CSF. Eotaxin was significantly higher in plasma, whereas G-CSF showed no difference between plasma and CSF. G-CSF (P=0.0079), IL-8 (P=0.0223), IP-10 (P=0.0109), and MCP-1 (P=0.0497) in CSF showed significant difference between HIV-CI and HIV-NC group, which may indicate their relationship to HIV associated neurocognitive impairment. In addition, G-CSF (P=0.0191) and IP-10 (P=0.0377) in plasma were significantly higher in HIV-CI than HIV-NC. The consistent changes of G-CSF and IP-10 in paired plasma and CSF samples might enhance their potential for predicting HAND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study was to investigate the correlation between ovarian chocolate cysts and serum carbohydrate antigen ( CA)-125 levels and to demonstrate the effect of ultrasound-guided interventional sclerotherapy ( UGIS) on serum CA-125 levels. Methods Based on the serum CA-125 level, as determined by chemiluminescence detection prior to UGIS, 105 patients with ovarian chocolate cysts were divided into the normal group ( CA-125 ≤ 35 U/mL, 45 patients) and the abnormal group (35 U/mL < CA-125 ≤ 200 U/mL, 60 patients). There were six clinical indicators including age, disease duration, dysmenorrhea history, child-bearing history, abortion history and surgical history. The ultrasonography characteristics were cyst diameter, cyst wall thickness and the side on which the cyst occurred. The correlations between serum CA-125 levels pretreatment and the clinical indicators and ultrasonography characteristics was analyzed. The serum CA-125 levels pretreatment, 3 months post-treatment and 6 months post-treatment were compared. Results The pretreatment serum CA-125 levels of the 105 patients positively correlated with disease duration ( r = 0.3932, P = 0.0040), dysmenorrhea history ( r = 0.2351, P = 0.0111), cyst diameter ( r = 0.3415, P < 0.0001) and cyst wall thickness ( r = 0.4263, P < 0.0001). Compared with the pretreatment level, the mean serum CA-125 level in the abnormal group at 3 months post-treatment was significantly lower ( P < 0.01), and at 6 months post-treatment, the mean serum CA-125 level had decreased to a normal level ( P < 0.01). Conclusion UGIS significantly decreased abnormal serum CA-125 levels in patients with ovarian chocolate cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altered expression or function of mouse double minute-2 (MDM2) protein could contribute to lung carcinogenesis; thus, this study investigated MDM2-rs2279744 polymorphism together with other epidemiologic factors for their association with lung cancer risk. Methods: A total of 500 lung cancer patients and 500 age and gender-matched healthy controls living in Northeastern China were recruited for genotyping of MDM2-rs2279744. Clinicopathological data was collected and subjected to univariate andmultivariate analyses. Results: In univariate analysis, the MDM2-rs2279744 G/G genotype versus T/T + T/G genotypes showed a tendency toward a higher incidence of lung cancer in the recessive model (P = 0.043). However, there were no significant differences when it was analyzed by the dominant, additive, or multiplicative models. A significantly increased lung cancer risk was observed associated with lower education level, lower body mass index, cancer family history, prior diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia, exposure to pesticide or gasoline/diesel, tobacco smoking, and heavy cooking emissions when assessed by multivariate analyses. Moreover,MDM2-rs2279744 was still a significant risk factor even after incorporating environmental and lifestyle factors. However, there was no association between MDM2-rs2279744 and other factors. Conclusions: The MDM2-rs2279744 G/G genotype was associated with a higher lung cancer risk, even after incorporating other epidemiologic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. Cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease to enhance central cholinergic transmission. In this study, a bioactivity-oriented screening platform based on a modified Ellman's method and HPLC-QTOF MS technique was developed to rapidly screen active agents of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. The 60% ethanol fraction from an ethyl acetate extract exhibited the most potential anticholinesterase activity. Fifteen steroid saponins were identified by the mass spectrum, standards and literature reports. Twenty-five compounds were isolated from the active fraction. The results showed that compounds with the C6-C3-C6 skeleton probably had both AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities. Xanthone and benzene derivatives exhibited no or little activity. Lignans showed weak BuChE inhibitory activity. The steroidal saponins demonstrated moderate or weak AChE inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms for patients with type-2 diabetes at the population level in China and explore differences in demographic, socioeconomic, and disease-specific parameters between diabetic patients with and without depression. Self-rating depression scale was used to screen for depressive symptoms in 667 patients with type-2 diabetes from 4 communities in Beijing; their quality of life and social support was assessed using appropriate and validated tools. The results indicate that 44.23% of diabetic patients report depressive symptoms; patients with depressive symptoms had a significantly higher rate of diabetic complications, a lower quality of life and less social support than patients without depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]