Role of biochemical markers and autoantibodies in diagnosis of early-stage primary biliary cholangitis

BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic progressive autoimmune cholestatic disease.The main target organ of PBC is the liver,and nonsuppurative inflammation of the small intrahepatic bile ducts may eventually develop into cirrhosis or liver fibrosis.AIM To explore the clinical characteristics of early-stage PBC,identify PBC in the early clinical stage,and promptly treat and monitor PBC.METHODS The data of 82 patients with PBC confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Second People’s Hospital from January 2013 to November 2021 were collected,and the patients were divided into stage I,stage II,stage III,and stage IV according to the pathological stage.The general data,serum biochemistry,immunoglobulins,and autoimmune antibodies of patients in each stage were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In early-stage(stages I+II)PBC patients,50.0%of patients had normal alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,and 37.5%had normal aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels.For the remaining patients,the ALT and AST levels were mildly elevated;all of these patients had levels of<3 times the upper limit of normal values.The AST levels were significantly different among the three groups(stages I+II vs stage III vs stage IV,P<0.05).In the early stage,29.2%of patients had normal alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels.The remaining patients had different degrees of ALP elevation;6.3%had ALP levels>5 times the upper limit of normal value.Moreover,γ-glutamyl transferase(GGT)was more robustly elevated,as 29.2%of patients had GGT levels of>10 times the upper limit of normal value.The ALP values among the three groups were significantly different(P<0.05).In early stage,the jaundice index did not increase significantly,but it gradually increased with disease progression.However,the above indicators were significantly different(P<0.05)between the early-stage group and the stage IV group.With the progression of the disease,the levels of albumin and albumin/globulin ratio tended to decrease,and the difference among the three groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).In early-stage patients,IgM and IgG levels as well as cholesterol levels were mildly elevated,but there were no significant differences among the three groups.Triglyceride levels were normal in the early-stage group,and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The early detection rates of anti-mitochondria antibody(AMA)and AMA-M2 were 66.7%and 45.8%,respectively.The positive rate of anti-sp100 antibodies was significantly higher in patients with stage IV PBC.When AMA and AMA-M2 were negative,in the early stage,the highest autoantibody was anti-nuclear antibody(ANA)(92.3%),and in all ANA patterns,the highest was ANA centromere(38.5%).CONCLUSION In early-stage PBC patients,ALT and AST levels are normal or mildly elevated,GGT and ALP levels are not elevated in parallel,GGT levels are more robustly elevated,and ALP levels are normal in some patients.When AMA and AMA-M2 are negative,ANA especially ANA centromere positivity suggests the possibility of early PBC.Therefore,in the clinic,significantly elevated GGT levels with or without normal ALP levels and with ANA(particularly ANA centromere)positivity(when AMA and AMA-M2 are negative)may indicate the possibility of early PBC.

Twelve family members with tetramine poisoning after consumption of vegetables grown in polluted soils

The main toxic component of tetramine is tetramethylenedisulfotetramine(TETS).It is a sulfonamide derivative without special antidote,tasteless and tasteless,with high toxicity and high mortality.[1]It was first discovered by a German scientist Hagen in 1949.Although its use has been banned worldwide due to its high toxicity and mortality rate,it is still available in certain countries and has led to cases of intentional and unintentional poisoning.Tetramine blocksγ-neurons,leading to dizziness,fatigue,nausea,vomiting,convulsions,and other symptoms.[2-4]Due to the lack of recognized effective antidotes,many poisoned people suff ocate and die as a result of continuous spasms of the respiratory muscles.[5-7]Tetramine poisoning sometimes occurs,but it is rare for vegetables grown in tetraminecontaminated soil to cause group poisoning after being eaten.

Comparison of the conventional tube and erythrocyte-magnetized technology in titration of red blood cell alloantibodies

BACKGROUND Erythrocyte alloantibodies are mainly produced after immune stimulation,such as blood transfusion,pregnancy,and transplantation,and are the leading causes of severe hemolytic transfusion reactions and difficulty in blood grouping and matching.Therefore,antibody screening is critical to prevent and improve red cell alloantibodies.Routine tube assay is the primary detection method of antibody screening.Recently,erythrocyte-magnetized technology(EMT)has been increasingly used in clinical practice.This study intends to probe the application and efficacy of the conventional tube and EMT in red blood cell alloantibody titration to provide a reference for clinical blood transfusion.AIM To investigate the application value of conventional tube and EMT in red blood cell alloantibody titration and enhance the safety of blood transfusion practice.METHODS A total of 1298 blood samples were harvested from blood donors at the Department of Blood Transfusion of our hospital from March 2021 to December 2022.A 5 mL blood sample was collected in tubing,which was then cut,and the whole blood was put into a test tube for centrifugation to separate the serum.Different red blood cell blood group antibody titers were simultaneously detected using the tube polybrene test,tube antiglobulin test(AGT),and EMT screening irregular antibody methods to determine the best test method.RESULTS Simultaneous detection was performed through the tube polybrene test,tube AGT and EMT screening irregular antibodies.It was discovered that the EMT screening irregular antibody method could detect all immunoglobulin G(IgG)and immunoglobulin M(IgM)irregular antibodies,and the results of manual tube AGT were satisfactory,but the operation time was lengthy,and the equipment had a large footprint.The EMT screening irregular antibody assay was also conducted to determine its activity against type O Rh(D)red blood cells,and the outcomes were satisfactory.Furthermore,compared to the conventional tube method,the EMT screening irregular antibody method was more cost-effective and had significantly higher detection efficiency.CONCLUSION With a higher detection rate,the EMT screening irregular antibody method can detect both IgG and IgM irregular antibodies faster and more effectively than the conventional tube method.

激光光凝术联合VEGF抑制剂治疗糖尿病性黄斑水肿的临床研究

目的:探讨激光光凝术、血管内皮生长因子抑制剂单用或联用对糖尿病性黄斑水肿(diabetic macular edema,DME)患者疗效和安全性的影响。方法:研究对象选取我院2014-10/2016-10收治的DME患者150例156眼,以随机数字表法分为A组50例52眼,B组50例51眼和C组50例53眼,分别采用激光光凝术单用、血管内皮生长因子抑制剂单用和激光光凝术+血管内皮生长因子抑制剂联合方案治疗。比较三组患者治疗前后最佳矫正视力、黄斑中心凹厚度、视网膜新生血管渗漏面积和并发症发生率。结果:B、C组患者治疗后3、6、12mo最佳矫正视力水平较A组均显著提高(P<0.05);B、C组患者治疗后3、6、12mo黄斑中心凹厚度较A组均显著降低(P<0.05);B、C组患者治疗后3mo视网膜新生血管渗漏面积较A组均显著缩小(P<0.05);C组患者治疗后6mo和12mo视网膜新生血管渗漏面积较A、B组均显著缩小(P<0.05);同时三组患者术后并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:激光光凝术联合血管内皮生长因子抑制剂治疗DME可有效改善视力水平,降低黄斑中心凹厚度,控制视网膜新生血管渗漏,且未增加不良反应,效果优于激光光凝术和血管内皮生长因子抑制剂单用。

微探头超声内镜对肝硬化患者行食管静脉曲张套扎术治疗的预后价值评估

目的应用微探头超声内镜(EUS)对肝硬化患者食管静脉曲张套扎术(EVL)治疗的预后评估。方法选择2015年8月-2017年8月于天津市第二人民医院住院治疗的肝硬化患者64例,均进行EVL根治术治疗。EVL根治术后,患者每半年复查胃镜及EUS,随访1年,胃镜观察有无食管静脉复发。EUS观察食管黏膜下静脉曲张及侧枝静脉的最大直径,记录其曲张程度。结果①EVL根治术后1年内,死亡2例,其余62例均完成随访。其中,复发30例,复发率48.4%(30/62);再次出现食管静脉曲张破裂出血患者4例,出血率6.5%(4/62);②与治疗前相比,EVL根治术后食管黏膜下静脉曲张中/重度例数、食管旁静脉曲张及周围静脉曲张重度例数,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);③EVL根治术后,与食管静脉曲张未复发组相比,复发组食管黏膜下静脉曲张中/重度例数明显增多,食管旁静脉曲张及周围静脉曲张重度例数明显增多,差异有统计学意义(P=0.000)。结论应用微探头EUS随访EVL根治术患者,观察食管黏膜下静脉曲张及食管侧枝静脉的程度,对EVL术后食管静脉曲张复发有一定的预测价值。

早发冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病患者焦虑状态危险因素的分析

目的探讨早发冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(CHD)患者焦虑状态发生的危险因素,了解焦虑状态对其短期预后的影响。方法连续筛选诊断为早发CHD患者120例,根据汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)评分分为焦虑组65例和非焦虑组55例,记录基本临床资料,并检测超敏C-反应蛋白(hs-CRP)等生化指标,行心脏彩超、冠状动脉造影或支架植入治疗(PCI)。对入选者随访180 d,记录其临床事件。结果 (1)焦虑组女性、高血压、吸烟史、心肌梗死(陈旧和急性)、双支或双支以上血管病变、PCI治疗、高中以上文化程度其所占比例及hs-CRP水平高于非焦虑组(P<0.05);随着焦虑程度的增加,hs-CRP水平、高血压、双支及以上血管病变及PCI例数递增(P<0.05);(2)高血压[OR=2.352(95%CI:1.090,5.044),P=0.004]、心肌梗死[OR=2.195(95%CI:1.862,5.577),P=0.018]、PCI治疗[OR=3.680(95%CI:1.743,7.772),P=0.000]、双支或双支以上血管病变[OR=3.96(95%CI:1.895,8.304),P=0.011]是早发冠心病患者焦虑状态发生的危险因素;(3)焦虑组180 d无事件生存率低于非焦虑组(P=0.049)。结论高血压、心肌梗死、PCI治疗、双支或双支以上血管病变为早发CHD患者发生焦虑的危险因素,焦虑状态影响早发CHD患者短期预后。

大花红景天抗辐射活性成分的初步筛选

目的评价大花红景天不同提取成分对受照射BALB/c小鼠体重和外周血象的影响。方法选取6~8周的BALB/C小鼠60只,随机分为正常组、对照组、乙醇提取物组、总黄酮组、乙醇提取其余成分组。采用3.5 Gy^60Coγ射线全身单次照射,复制小鼠电离辐射损伤模型,照射后连续7 d灌胃给药。照射后1、4、7、10、13和16 d,观察大花红景天不同提取成分对小鼠体重、外周血象的影响。结果与对照组比较,乙醇提取物、总黄酮、乙醇提取其余成分可有效提高受照射小鼠的外周血白细胞数、红细胞数、血红蛋白含量和血小板数(P<0.05)。乙醇提取物和乙醇提取其余成分提高受照射小鼠外周血红细胞数、血红蛋白含量的作用低于总黄酮组(P<0.05)。大花红景天不同提取成分对受照射小鼠的体重无明显影响(P>0.05)。结论总黄酮可能是大花红景天主要抗辐射活性成分。

Calycosin improves cognitive function in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway

The major pathological changes in Alzheimer＇s disease are beta amyloid deposits and cognitive impairment. Calycosin is a typical phy- toestrogen derived from radix astragali that binds to estrogen receptors to produce estrogen-like effects. Radix astragali Calycosin has been shown to relieve cognitive impairment induced by diabetes mellitus, suggesting calycosin may improve the cognitive function of Alzhei- mer＇s disease patients. The protein kinase C pathway is upstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and exerts a neuropro- tective effect by regulating Alzheimer＇s disease-related beta amyloid degradation. We hypothesized that calycosin improves the cognitive function of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway. Various doses of calycosin （10, 20 and 40 mg/kg） were intraperitoneally injected into APP/PS1 transgenic mice that model Alzheimer＇s disease. Calycosin diminished hippocampal beta amyloid, Tau protein, interleukin-lbeta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner, and increased acetylcholine and glutathione activities. The administration of a protein kinase C inhibitor, cal- phostin C, abolished the neuroprotective effects of calycosin including improving cognitive ability, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammato- ry effects. Our data demonstrated that calycosin mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the hippocampus of Alzheimer＇s disease model mice by activating the protein kinase C pathway, and thereby improving cognitive function.

Liquorice-induced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis with Gitelman syndrome and diabetes: A case report

BACKGROUND Licorice-induced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis is clinically rare. Gitelman syndrome(GS) is the most common inherited renal tubular disease, while diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Recently, some studies have found that GS patients had higher diabetic morbidity. However, the coexistence of these three diseases has yet to be reported.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 62-year-old Chinese man who was admitted with weakness in the extremities, muscle pain, and dark-colored urine. He had consumed liquorice water daily for seven days prior to admission. The laboratory tests revealed a serum potassium level of 1.84 mmol/L, magnesium 0.68 mmol/L, creatinine phosphokinase(CK) 10117 IU/L, and marked hemoglobinuria. Fractional chloride excretion and fractional magnesium excretion were increased. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were within the normal ranges. Sequence analysis of the SLC12 A3 gene revealed that he had compound heterozygous mutations. The diagnosis of liquoriceinduced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis with GS and diabetes was thus genetically confirmed. Serum potassium and CK quickly improved with potassium replacement therapy, hydration, and discontinuation of liquorice ingestion. Upon follow-up at 3 mo, the levels of CK, myoglobin, and potassium remained normal, and magnesium was above 0.6 mmol/L.CONCLUSION This case emphasizes that liquorice consumption and GS should be considered causes of hypokalemia and that the diabetic status of GS patients should be noted in the clinic.

Diagnostic value of controlled attenuation parameter for liver steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

AIM: To study the diagnostic value of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), evaluated by transient elastography, for liver steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Endoscopic joint capsule and articular process excision to treat lumbar facet joint syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Lumbar facet joint syndrome(LFJS)is a pain condition arising from lumbar facet joint diseases.Treatments of LFJS includes patient education,oral medication,bed rest,physical therapy,and procedural interventions.For some refractory cases that fail conservative therapies,dorsal ramus medial brunch radiofrequency ablation is warranted.However,as nerve fibers can regenerate,their efficacy is impermanent,and the recurrence rate is relatively high.Considering synovial impingement is a paramount pathogenesis of LFJS,in this case,we removed the culprit hyperplastic articular capsule and the articular process partially through a spinal endoscope.As the culprit hyperplastic joint capsule was excised,it is supposed to generate more prolonged efficacy and a lower recurrence rate than radiofrequency treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old female patient was diagnosed with LFJS.She complained of low back pain and right buttock pain for half a year.The patient was placed in the prone position.After disinfection and draping,a 25-cm 18-gauge needle was inserted into the dorsal surface of the right L5 articular process.Subsequently,a guidewire,dilating tubes,and a working cannula was inserted successively.The spinal endoscope was positioned in the working cannula.Under the endoscope,the microvascular tissue,muscle tissue attached on the L5 inferior articular process and S1 superior articular process,as well as the capsule and minor portion of the inferior articular process were removed.After the joint space was clear and no bleeding points existed,the endoscope and working cannula were shifted,and the incision was sutured.After treatment,the symptoms were completely relieved.The patient was pain-free during the follow-up period of 6 mo.CONCLUSION The endoscopic partial joint capsule and articular process excision is an effective procedure for LFJS,especially for cases caused by synovial impingement.

Negative Thermal Expansion of GaFe(CN)_6 and Effect of Na Insertion by First-Principles Calculations

We study the negative thermal expansion(NTE) properties and effect of Na insertion on the NTE of the framework material GaFe(CN)_6 by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory within the quasi-harmonic approximation. The calculated results show that the material exhibits NTE due to the low transverse vibrational modes of the CN groups. The modes demonstrate larger negative values of the mode Grüneisen parameters. Once Na is introduced in the framework of the material, it prefers to locate at the center of the quadrates of the framework material and binds to the four N anions nearby. As a consequence, the transverse vibrational mode of the CN group is clearly hindered and the NTE of the material is weakened. Our theoretical calculations have clarified the mechanisms of NTE and the effect of the guest Na on the NTE of the framework material.

Determination of the upper cut-off values of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in Chinese

AIM:To determine the upper cut-off values of serumalanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in a Northern Chinese population.METHODS:A total of 3769 subjects in Jilin Province Northeast China were stratified to determine the potential factors affecting serum ALT and AST levels.The upper cut-off values of serum ALT and AST in these subjects were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis and their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated.RESULTS:Stratification analysis revealed that serum ALT and AST levels were associated with gender,alcohol consumption,serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels,and body mass index.The upper cut-off values of serum ALT and AST were 22.15 U/L and 25.35 U/L for healthy men and 22.40 U/L and 24.25 U/L for healthy women,respectively.The new cut-off values had a higher sensitivity,but a slightly lower specificity than the current standards.CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that the new upper cut-off values of serum ALT and AST are markedly lower than current standards and may be valuable for the evaluation of liver function.

Ovarian mucinous tumor with mural nodules of anaplastic carcinoma:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Anaplastic carcinoma mural nodules in ovarian mucinous tumors are very rare.This study aimed to report the morphological characteristics,molecular detection results,clinical treatment and prognosis of three ovarian mucinous tumors with mural nodules of anaplastic carcinoma.CASE SUMMARY The pathomorphological features,molecular detection results,clinical treatment and prognosis of anaplastic carcinoma mural nodules were described in three cases.In case 1,sarcoma-like mural nodules(SLMNs)coexisted with anaplastic carcinoma mural nodules.No mutation was found in mucinous tumors.KRAS mutation was found in anaplastic carcinoma nodules and heterotypic cells were found in SLMNs.In case 2,KRAS mutation occurred in the mucinous epithelium and BRAF mutation occurred in mural nodules.In case 3,both mural nodules and mucinous tumors had the same KRAS mutation and a morphological transition between them was observed.All three patients died within 2 years,whether receiving chemotherapy or not.CONCLUSION Anaplastic carcinoma mural nodules may develop from dedifferentiation of mucinous tumors or are unrelated to mucinous tumors.

Risk factors related to significant hepatic inflammation in patients with acute drug-induced liver injury

Background and aims:Currently,research on biopsy-proven acute drug-induced liver injury(DILI)remains limited.This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics and risk factors for significant hepatic inflammation in patients with acute DILI.Methods:An ambispective cohort study was conducted on biopsy-proven acute DILI patients admitted to our hospital from 2012 to 2018.Using the Scheuer scoring system,patients were categorized into G0-2 or G3-4 groups and followed up for 12 months after first admission.Clinical characteristics and outcomes were retrieved from medical records.Results:The median age of the 157 enrolled patients(65.6%female)was 40.4(interquartile range(IQR),31.9-49.1)years.The median latency and length of hospitalization were 30.0(IQR,5.0-60.0)and 18.0(IQR,12.0-26.0)days.The proportions of patients in the G0-2 and G3-4 groups were 54.8%and 45.2%,respectively.Logistic regression analysis revealed that females(odds ratio(OR):2.623,95%confidence interval(CI):1.169-5.887,p=0.019),higher body mass index(OR:1.168,95%CI:1.029-1.325,p=0.016),higher total bilirubin(OR:1.004,95%CI:1.000-1.007,p=0.047),and lower prothrombin activity(OR:0.976,95%CI:0,957-0.995,p=0.013)were associated with significant hepatic inflammation.The predominance of the hepatocellular injury pattern(60.5%)at admission transformed into a predominance of the cholestatic pattern(60.5%)at discharge.During follow-up,23 patients(14.6%)developed chronic DILI,with nine patients(5.7%)progressing to cirrhosis.Moreover,15 female patients(9.6%)developed autoimmunity(3cases in the G0-2 group vs 12 cases in the G3-4 group,p<0.05).Conclusion:Acute DILI patients with high-risk factors were more likely to develop significant hepatic inflammation,and females with significant inflammation were at a higher risk of developing autoimmunity during follow-up.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with significant hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Background and aims:Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),an inflammatory form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,can progress to advanced liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and liver cancer.Metabolic syndrome(MetS)parallels the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH and increases patients’risk of advanced liver disease.This study aimed to determine whether MetS was associated with the histological progression of NASH.Methods:Patients with liver biopsy-proven NASH were retrospectively screened and categorized into two groups for each histological feature:with(<2 points)or without(2 points)significant hepatic steatosis/inflammation/fibrosis.Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between MetS and histological features.Results:In total,386 patients with a median age of 33.0 years were enrolled;among them,35.2%were female,and 41.2%had MetS.The proportion of significant hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in those with MetS was significantly higher than in those without MetS(p<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that MetS remained significantly associated with significant hepatic fibrosis(adjusted odds ratio:1.852,95%confidence interval:1.042-3.292,p=0.036),and severe hepatic steatosis(adjusted odds ratio:2.008,95%confidence interval:1.030-3.914,p=0.041).Conclusion:MetS was associated with significant hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in patients with NASH.Our results suggest that NASH patients with MetS should be closely monitored and given targeted intervention and treatment,which may help to prevent disease progression and mitigate the growing burden of NASH.

Surface modification mechanism of magnesium oxysulfate whiskers via wet chemical method

Magnesium oxysulfate whisker（MOSW） was produced using magnesite and sulfuric acid as raw materials by hydrothermal method and further modified by taking zinc stearate as modifier via wet chemical method.The infiuences of the amount of modifier, slurry concentration, modification duration, modification temperature and the stirring rate on the surface modification were investigated. The effects of surface modification in functional groups, morphology and electron binding energies of surface elements of MOSW were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FT-IR）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）. The mechanism of modification was analyzed by studying the microstructure model of the surface of MOSW, which was modified by zinc stearate. The results show that the coordination is generated by the Mg element and O in carboxylic ion of modifier, and the chemical bond could be obtained by modification. Moreover, the surface of MOSW bonds the molecules of zinc stearate, and it becomes rough. Then, the hydrophobicity of MOSW is also improved significantly. In addition, the 1s electron binding energies of Mg and O on the surface of MOSW decrease by1.2 and 0.2 eV, respectively.

Renal insufficiency is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective： To investigate the relationship between renal function and clinical outcomes among patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infamtion （ASTEMI）, who were treated with emergency percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）. Methods： 420 patients hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital, diagnosed with ASTEMI treated with emergency （PCI） from January 2001 to June 2011 were enrolled in this study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） was used as a measure of renal function. We compared the clinical parameters and outcomes between ASTEMI patients combined renal insufficiency and the patients with normal renal function. Results： There was a significant increase in the concentrations of fibrinogen and D-Dimer （P〈0.05） and a much higher morbidity of diabetes mellitus in the group of patients with chronic kidney disease （CKD; eGFR〈60 ml/（min-1.73 m^2）） （P〈0.01）. CKD （eGFR〈60 ml/（min.1.73 m^2）） was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality for patients hospitalized with ASTEMI receiving PCI therapy rapidly （P=0.032, odds ratio （OR） 4.159, 95% confidence interval （CI） 1.127-15.346）. Conclusions： Renal insufficiency is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality for patients hospitalized with ASTEMI treated with primary PCI.

Early diagnosis of acute kidney injury in aged patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

In aged patients, acute kidney injury （AKI） is a common clinical complication after percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）, highlighting the need for timely and certain diagnosis of this disease. A single centre, nested case-control study was conducted, which assessed the usefulness of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein （uL-FABP）, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin （uNGAL）, and kidney injury molecule-1 （uKIM-1） for early detection of AKI. One hundred and thirty-two patients at or over 60 years old undergoing PCI were included.

Heterogeneous Fenton-like discoloration of methyl orange using Fe3O4/MWCNTs as catalyst： process optimization by response surface methodology

Fe3O4/MWCNTs nanocomposites were prepared by chemical oxidation coprecipitation method and developed as highly efficient heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst. XRD results revealed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles deposited onto MWCNTs surface remained the inverse spinel crystal structure of cubic Fe3O4 phase. The FTIR characteristic peaks of MWCNTs weakened or disappeared due to the anchor of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Fe-O peak at 570 cm^-1 was indicative of the formation of Fe3O4. TEM observation revealed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles were tightly anchored by MWCNTs. The Fenton-like catalytic activity of Fe3O4/MWCNTs nanocomposites for the discoloration of methyl orange （MO） was much higher than that of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The process optimization of this heterogeneous Fenton-like system was implemented by response surface methodology （RSM）. The optimum conditions for MO discoloration were determined to be of 12.3 mmoi/L H2O2 concentration, 2.9 glL catalyst dosage, solution pH 2.7 and 39.3 min reaction time, with the maximum predicted value for MO discoloration ratio of 101.85%. The corresponding experimental value under the identical conditions was obtained as 99.86%, which was very close to the predicted one with the absolute deviation of 1.99%.