Risk Factors for Geo-Helminthiasis in Children Aged 6 - 36 Months in a Rural Health District in Cameroon

Introduction and Objectives: Soil-Transmitted-Helminthiasis (STH) is a public health problem in Cameroon. The control strategies currently in place, particularly chemoprevention, has shortcomings linked to the target population, which are school-age children. The objective was to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with geo-helminthiasis in children aged 0 to 3 years in a rural health district. Method: From December 2020 to May 2021, a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of 376 children between 6 and 36 months was carried out in the Akonolinga health district. This was a cluster sampling in 4 health areas. Stool samples were collected and analysed using the mini-FLOTAC method. The results expressed as the number of eggs per gram of stool. A questionnaire on socio-demographic and lifestyle data was administered to the parents. The Chi-squared test was used to measure the association between geo-helminth infection and the data collected. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed (p 0.05). Results: The prevalence of STH was 19.4% (Ascaris lumbricoides: 16% and Trichuris trichiura: 8%). Risk factors were: consumption of contaminated water (AOR = 1.93 [1.03 - 3.6];p = 0.040), early contact of the child with the ground (before age of 4 months) (AOR = 4.9 [2.1 - 11.37];p .001), habit of walking barefoot (AOR = 2.91 [1.1 - 7.97];p = 0.038), and living in a habitat with unpaved ground (AOR = 7.4 [1.55 - 35.7];p = 0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of STHs in infants was high. Preventive chemotherapy should be extended to this age-group, and other measures intensified.

Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years in the Yénawa District of Cotonou (Benin) in 2023

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections remain one of the main causes of mortality in children aged 0 to 5. This work aimed to study the associated factors with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in children 0 to 5 years old in Yénawa, Cotonou in 2023. Subjects and Method: It was an analytical cross-sectional study of children aged 0 - 5 years and their mothers in Yénawa, selected by four-degree random sampling. The sampling size, calculated using the Schwartz formula, was 126 children and 126 mothers. The dependent variable was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. The independent variables were classified into four groups: socio-demographic and economic characteristics, behavioral factors, child-related factors, and environmental factors. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Associated factors were investigated by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 126 children aged 0 - 5 years and 126 mothers were surveyed, aged 23.5 (11 - 36) months and 30 (18 - 48) years respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 74.60% (CI95% = 66.89 to 82.30). The associated factors were the mother’s age between 18 and 28 (OR = 10.77;CI95% = 1.89 to 61.27;p = 0.007), the use of charcoal/wood for cooking (OR = 7.36;IC = 1.99 to 27.10;p = 0.003)), children's poor personal hygiene (OR = 8.87;IC = 2.92 to 26.97;p 0.001)), and cohabitation with domestic animals (OR = 7.27;IC = 1.67 to 31.71;p = 0.015). Conclusion: Communicating with mothers about the factors identified will help reduce the prevalence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 5.

Relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and traditional Chinese constitution in subjects with high-normal blood pressure

Objective: We explored the relationship between traditional Chinese constitution and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in subjects with high-normal blood pressure (BP). Methods: The traditional Chinese constitution of 80 subjects with high-normal BP was judged by questionnaires and interviews. Measurements of cardiovascular and metabolic health in- cluded BP, body weight, body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT2h), and waist cir- cumference. Statistical relationships between cardiovascular disease risk factors and specific Chinese constitution were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Ping He, Tan Shi, and Yin Xu were the dominant constitutions in subjects with high-normal blood pressure. There were significant differences in weight, LDL-C, BMI, OGTT2h, and waist circumference between Tan Shi and Ping He (P P < 0.05), and weight, BMI, waist circumference, SBP, and LDL-C between Tan Shi and Yin Xu constitutions (P < 0.01). Logistic regression found a strong association between the Tan Shi constitution and LDL-C in subjects with high-normal blood pressure. Conclusion: Ping He, Tan Shi, and Yin Xu are the principle traditional Chinese constitutions in subject with high-normal blood pressure. The Tan Shi constitution is associated with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease (LDL-C, BMI, body weight, and waist circumference), while OGTT2h is closely related to the Yin Xu constitution.

Diagnostic Value of VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA in Pancreatic Cancer and Risk Factors of Vascular Invasion

Background:Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract.Due to its insidious onset,most patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer have missed the opportunity for radical surgery,which offers patients the best chance of survival.The 5-year survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer can be improved with early diagnosis,and serum tumor makers are an inexpensive and convenient diagnostic tool that is widely used in the diagnosis of malignancies.Objective:To determine the diagnostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA 19-9),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)in patients with pancreatic cancer and the risk factors of vascular invasion.Methods:An experimental group comprising 52 patients with pancreatic cancer admitted to our department from July 2021 to July 2022 and a control group comprising 21 patients with benign pancreatic diseases during the same period were included in our study.Their serum VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA levels were detected and compared between the two groups,and the correlation between the three markers in the invaded vessel and non-invaded vessel groups was investigated.The diagnostic value of a single tumor marker and in combination for pancreatic cancer was analyzed,and the three tumor marker levels of the experimental group in different pathological characteristics were detected and compared.Results:The experimental group had higher serum VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA levels than the control group(P<0.05).Through a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,the combined detection had the highest value for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,in which the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.9158(95%CI:0.8415-0.9900),while the sensitivity and specificity were 76.19%and 98.08%,respectively.Serum VEGF and CA 19-9 levels were higher in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ pancreatic cancer patients and those with tumor metastasis compared with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients and those without metastasis(P<0.05),respectively.Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer,and the results showed that only serum VEGF was a risk factor(P<0.05),OR(95%CI):1.001-1.006.Conclusion:Patients with pancreatic cancer have significantly higher serum VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA levels,and the combined detection of tumor markers is of high clinical value in its diagnosis.In addition,serum VEGF is an independent risk factor of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer,which can predict vascular invasion to a certain extent.

A fractional differential constitutive model for dynamic stress intensity factors of an anti-plane crack in viscoelastic materials

Fractional differential constitutive relationships are introduced to depict the history of dynamic stress inten- sity factors （DSIFs） for a semi-infinite crack in infinite viscoelastic material subjected to anti-plane shear impact load. The basic equations which govern the anti-plane deformation behavior are converted to a fractional wave-like equation. By utilizing Laplace and Fourier integral transforms, the fractional wave-like equation is cast into an ordinary differential equation （ODE）. The unknown function in the solution of ODE is obtained by applying Fourier transform directly to the boundary conditions of fractional wave-like equation in Laplace domain instead of solving dual integral equations. Analytical solutions of DSIFs in Laplace domain are derived by Wiener-Hopf technique and the numerical solutions of DSIFs in time domain are obtained by Talbot algorithm. The effects of four parameters α, β, b1, b2 of the fractional dif- ferential constitutive model on DSIFs are discussed. The numerical results show that the present fractional differential constitutive model can well describe the behavior of DSIFs of anti-plane fracture in viscoelastic materials, and the model is also compatible with solutions of DSIFs of anti-plane fracture in elastic materials.

Neuroprotective effects of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor on amyloid-beta 1-40-induced retinal degeneration

Amyloid-beta(Aβ)-related alterations,similar to those found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease,have been observed in the retina of patients with glaucoma.Decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)are believed to be associated with the neurotoxic effects of Aβpeptide.To investigate the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of BDNF on Aβ_(1-40)-induced retinal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats,we treated rats by intravitreal administration of phosphate-buffered saline(control),Aβ_(1-40)(5 nM),or Aβ_(1-40)(5 nM)combined with BDNF(1μg/mL).We found that intravitreal administration of Aβ_(1-40)induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis.Fluoro-Gold staining showed a significantly lower number of retinal ganglion cells in the Aβ_(1-40)group than in the control and BDNF groups.In the Aβ_(1-40)group,low number of RGCs was associated with increased caspase-3 expression and reduced TrkB and ERK1/2 expression.BDNF abolished Aβ_(1-40)-induced increase in the expression of caspase-3 at the gene and protein levels in the retina and upregulated TrkB and ERK1/2 expression.These findings suggest that treatment with BDNF prevents RGC apoptosis induced by Aβ_(1-40)by activating the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in rats.

Factors associated with early virological response to peginterferon-α-2a/ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To evaluate the impact of sociodemographic/clinical factors on early virological response (EVR) to pegin-terferon/ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study in Hepatology Units of 91 Spanish hospitals. CHC patients treated with peginterferon α-2a plus ribavirin were included. EVR was defined as undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV)-ribonucleic acid (RNA) or ≥ 2 log HCV-RNA decrease after 12 wk of treatment. A bivariate analysis of sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with EVR was carried out. Independent factors associated with an EVR were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis that included the following baseline demographic and clinical variables: age (≤ 40 years vs > 40 years), gender, race, educational level, marital status and family status, weight, alcohol and tobacco consumption, source of HCV infection, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (≤ 85 IU/mL vs > 85 IU/mL), serum ferritin, serum HCV-RNA concentration (< 400 000 vs ≥ 400 000), genotype (1/4 vs 3/4), cirrhotic status and ribavirin dose (800/1000/1200 mg/d).RESULTS: A total of 1014 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 44.3 ± 9.8 years, 70% were male, and 97% were Caucasian. The main sources of HCV infection were intravenous drug abuse (25%) and blood transfusion (23%). Seventyeight percent were infected with HCV genotype 1/4 (68% had genotype 1) and 22% with genotypes 2/3. The HCV-RNA level was > 400 000 IU/mL in 74% of patients. The mean ALT and AST levels were 88.4 ± 69.7 IU/mL and 73.9 ± 64.4 IU/mL, respectively, and mean GGT level was 82 ± 91.6 IU/mL. The mean ferritin level was 266 ± 284.8 μg/L. Only 6.2% of patients presented with cirrhosis. All patients received 180 mg of peginterferon α-2a. The most frequently used ribavirin doses were 1000 mg/d (41%) and 1200 mg/d (41%). The planned treatment duration was 48 wk for 92% of patients with genotype 2/3 and 24 wk for 97% of those with genotype 1/4 (P < 0.001). Seven percent of patients experienced at least one reduction in ribavirin or peginterferon α-2a dose, respectively. Only 2% of patients required a dose reduction of both drugs. Treatment was continued until week 12 in 99% of patients. Treatment compliance was ≥ 80% in 98% of patients. EVR was achieved in 87% of cases (96% vs 83% of patients with genotype 2/3 and 1/4, respectively; P < 0.001). The bivariate analysis showed that patients who failed to achieve EVR were older (P < 0.005), had higher ALT (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.05), GGT (P < 0.001) and ferritin levels (P < 0.001), a diagnosis of cirrhosis (P < 0.001), and a higher baseline viral load (P < 0.05) than patients reaching an EVR. Age < 40 years [odds ratios (OR): 0.543, 95%CI: 0.373-0.790, P < 0.01], GGT < 85 IU/mL (OR: 3.301, 95%CI: 0.192-0.471, P < 0.001), low ferritin levels (OR: 0.999, 95%CI: 0.998-0.999, P < 0.01) and genotype other than 1/4 (OR: 4.716, 95%CI: 2.010-11.063, P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors for EVR in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: CHC patients treated with peginterferon-α-2a/ribavirin in clinical practice show high EVR. Older age, genotype 1/4, and high GGT were associated with lack of EVR.

A comparative study on crash-influencing factors by facility types on urban expressway

This study aims at identifying crash-influencing factors by facility type of Nagoya Urban Expressway, considering the interaction of geometry, traffic flow, and ambient conditions. Crash rate （CR） model is firstly developed separately at four facility types： basic, merge, and diverge segments and sharp curve. Traffic flows are thereby categorized, and based on the traffic categories, the significances of factors affecting crashes are analyzed by principal component analysis. The results reveal that, the CR at merge segment is significantly higher than those at basic and diverge segments in uncongested flow, while the value is not significantly different at the three facility types in congested flow. In both un- and congested flows, sharp curve has the worst safety performance in view of its highest CR. Regarding influencing factors, geometric design and traffic flow are most significant in un- and congested flows, respectively. As mainline flow increases, the effect of merging ratio affecting crash is on the rise at basic and merge segments as opposed to the decreasing significance of diverging ratio at diverge segment. Mean- while, longer acceleration and deceleration lanes are adverse to safety in uncongested flow, while shorter acceleration and deceleration lanes are adverse in congested flow. Due to its special geometric design, crashes at sharp curve are highly associated with the large centrifugal force and heavy restricted visibility.

Intrastriatal glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors for protecting dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND： Substantia nigra is deep in position and limited in range, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） injection directly into substantia nigra has relatively greater damages with higher difficulty. GDNF injection into striatum, the target area of dopaminergic neuron, may protect the dopaminergic neurons in the compact part of substantia nigra through retrograde transport. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the protective effect of intrastriatal GDNF on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson disease （PD）, and analyze the action pathway. DESIGN： A controlled observation. SETTING： Neurobiological Laboratory of Xuzhou Medical College. MATERIALS： Twenty-four male Kunming mice of 7 - 8 weeks old were used. GDNF, 1-methy1-4-pheny1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP） were purchased from Sigma Company （USA）; LEICAQWin image processing and analytical system. METHODS： The experiments were carded out in the Neurobiological Laboratory of Xuzhou Medical College from September 2005 to October 2006. The PD models were established in adult KunMing mice by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. The model mice were were randomly divided into four groups with 6 mice in each group： GDNF 4-day group, phosphate buffer solution （PSB） 4-day group, GDNF 6-day group and PSB 6-day group. Mice in the GDNF 4 and 6-day groups were administrated with 1 μ L GDNF solution （20 μ g/L, dispensed with 0.01 mol/L PBS） injected into right striatum at 4 and 6 days after model establishment. Mice in the PSB 4 and 6-day groups were administrated with 0.01 mol/L PBS of the same volume to the same injection at corresponding time points. ② On the 12^th day after model establishment, the midbrain tissue section of each mice was divided into 3 areas from rostral to caudal sides. The positive neurons of tyroxine hydroxylase （TH） and calcium binding protein （CB） with obvious nucleolus and clear outline were randomly selected for the measurement, and the number of positive neurons in unit area was counted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Number of positive neurons of TH and CB in midbrain substantia nigra of mice in each group. RESULTS： All the 24 mice were involved in the analysis of results. The numbers of TH^＋ and CB^＋ neurons in the GDNF 4-day group （54.33±6.92, 46.33±5.54） were obviously more than those in the PBS 4-day group （27.67±5.01, 21.50±5.96, P 〈 0.01）. The numbers of TH^＋ and CB^＋ neurons in the GDNF 6-day group （75.67±5.39, 69.67±8.69） were obviously more than those in the PBS 6-day group （27.17±4.50, 21.33 ±5.72, P 〈 0.01） and those in the GDNF 4-day group （P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Intrastriatal GDNF can protect dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra of PD mice, and it may be related to the increase of CB expression.

MicroRNA-584-5p/RUNX family transcription factor 2 axis mediates hypoxia-induced osteogenic differentiation of periosteal stem cells

BACKGROUND The hypoxic environment during bone healing is important in regulating the differentiation of periosteal stem cells(PSCs)into osteoblasts or chondrocytes;however,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.AIM To determine the effect of hypoxia on PSCs,and the expression of microRNA-584-5p(miR-584-5p)and RUNX family transcription factor 2(RUNX2)in PSCs was modulated to explore the impact of the miR-584-5p/RUNX2 axis on hypoxiainduced osteogenic differentiation of PSCs.METHODS In this study,we isolated primary mouse PSCs and stimulated them with hypoxia,and the characteristics and functional genes related to PSC osteogenic differentiation were assessed.Constructs expressing miR-584-5p and RUNX2 were established to determine PSC osteogenic differentiation.RESULTS Hypoxic stimulation induced PSC osteogenic differentiation and significantly increased calcified nodules,intracellular calcium ion levels,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity in PSCs.Osteogenic differentiation-related factors such as RUNX2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha,and ALP were upregulated;in contrast,miR-584-5p was downregulated in these cells.Furthermore,upregulation of miR-584-5p significantly inhibited RUNX2 expression and hypoxia-induced PSC osteogenic differentiation.RUNX2 was the target gene of miR-584-5p,antagonizing miR-584-5p inhibition in hypoxia-induced PSC osteogenic differentiation.CONCLUSION Our study showed that the interaction of miR-584-5p and RUNX2 could mediate PSC osteogenic differentiation induced by hypoxia.

基于损伤耦合演化过程的黏土-结构物界面统计损伤本构模型

为了评估粗糙度对土与结构物界面强度特性的影响,首先,开展不同法向应力条件下黏土和不同粗糙度黏土-结构物界面强度的直剪试验,分析了土体剪切面强度和界面强度的相互关系;其次,利用图像处理软件分析黏土-结构物界面的剪切机理,提出了考虑结构物表面粗糙度影响的界面损伤耦合演化过程;第三,引入考虑界面粗糙度影响的等效初始损伤因子,基于连续损伤理论和统计强度理论建立了考虑界面损伤耦合演化过程的黏土-结构物界面统计损伤本构模型;最后,结合室内试验结果验证了模型适用性。研究结果表明:在相同法向应力条件下,界面粗糙度越大,界面强度越接近土体强度;界面强度与结构物表面粗糙度呈幂函数关系增加,其增长速率随结构物表面粗糙度增加而降低;黏土-结构物界面剪切全过程的损伤演化过程可分为等效初始损伤阶段和加载损伤阶段,其中,等效初始损伤阶段受界面粗糙度影响,加载损伤包括受荷损伤和耦合损伤。本文模型所得结果与试验结果的吻合度较高,能较好地反映黏土与结构物界面损伤本构特征。

类风湿关节炎患者中医体质分布特点及其与血清TNF-α、25(OH)D水平的关系

目的:探究类风湿关节炎(RA)患者中医体质分布特点及其与血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、25-羟基维生素D(25(OH)D)水平的关系。方法:于2021年6月~2023年5月我院收治的RA患者中选取86例作为研究对象,据《中医体质分类与判定表》判定患者的中医体质并收集一般资料,比较不同性别、年龄、病程、RA表现(活动期/非活动期、有/无关节外表现)患者的体质分布;同时应用ELISA法测定不同体质患者血清TNF-α、25(OH)D水平,分析二者之间的关系。结果:86例RA患者均表现偏颇质,无平和质,其表现依次排序为阳虚质、气虚质、阴虚质、血瘀质、气郁质、痰湿质、湿热质、特禀质;不同性别、年龄、病程、RA表现患者的体质分布均存在差异(P<0.05);不同体质在TNF-α、25(OH)D水平方面存在差异(P<0.05),且阳虚质的TNF-α水平均高于其他体质,25(OH)D水平均低于其他体质,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:RA患者主要表现为偏颇质,且不同性别、年龄、病程、RA表现患者的体质分布均存在显著差异,这种差异可能与TNF-α、25(OH)D的表达存在关联。

Targeted anti-cancer therapy: Co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) via cRGD-modified lipid nanoparticles for enhanced anti-angiogenic efficacy

Anti-tumor angiogenesis therapy, targeting the suppression of blood vessel growth in tumors, presents a potent approach in the battle against cancer. Traditional therapies have primarily concentrated on single-target techniques, with a specific emphasis on targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor, but have not reached ideal therapeutic efficacy. In response to this issue, our study introduced a novel nanoparticle system known as CS-siRNA/PEITC&L-cRGD NPs. These chitosan-based nanoparticles have been recognized for their excellent biocompatibility and ability to deliver genes. To enhance their targeted delivery capability, they were combined with a cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD). Targeted co-delivery of gene and chemotherapeutic agents was achieved through the use of a negatively charged lipid shell and cRGD, which possesses high affinity for integrin αvβ3 overexpressed in tumor cells and neovasculature. In this multifaceted approach, co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was employed to target both tumor vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells simultaneously. The co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and PEITC could achieve precise silencing of VEGF, inhibit the accumulation of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. In summary, we have successfully developed a nanoparticle delivery platform that utilizes a dual mechanism of action of anti-tumor angiogenesis and pro-tumor apoptosis, which provides a robust and potent strategy for the delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics.

UHPGC与HRB600钢筋粘结-滑移本构模型研究

通过对16组不同直径、不同粘结长度的HRB600钢筋与UHPGC(超高性能玻璃砂混凝土)的拉拔试验,研究钢筋直径、粘结长度、加载速率和养护周期等因素对粘结强度的影响规律。通过进一步整理试验数据,对试验中的混凝土抗压强度、钢纤维体积掺量、玻璃砂替换率、钢筋直径、粘结长度以及保层厚度等主要影响因素,与试件的极限粘结强度进行拟合分析,得到UHPGC与HRB600高强钢筋的粘结滑移本构模型,为该类型结构体系的实际应用提供理论参考。

基于折减因子的奥氏体不锈钢螺栓高温应力-应变模型

不锈钢螺栓具有显著的耐久性、延性和耐火性,因此它们被广泛地应用于栓接的半刚性节点中。不锈钢螺栓如同其基材(不锈钢棒材)一样,在常温和高温下都表现出平滑的非线性特征,并且它们的应力-应变曲线中没有明确定义的屈服点。这种材料行为可以用不同的材料模型来表征,其中最常用的是Ramberg-Osgood公式或其修订版。然而,在现存不锈钢的材料模型中,相关力学参数的预测公式并不适用于经受冷作硬化和冷铸工艺的奥氏体和双相体不锈钢螺栓。因此,本工作基于先前研究中高温下不锈钢螺栓的折减因子建立它们的非线性高温材料模型。倘若在五个常温力学参数(杨氏模量、比例极限、屈服强度、极限强度和极限应变)已知的情况下,基于高温折减公式计算某一温度下的五个力学参数,进而评估试验应力-应变曲线与预测曲线之间的相关性。这种预测方法表明预测曲线与试验曲线具有明显的一致性,说明基于折减因子所建立的高温材料模型具有准确的预测精度。因此,联合不锈钢螺栓的高温折减公式,基于常温下的五个力学参数就可以准确预测其在某一温度下的应力-应变曲线。

Effects of (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate on some protein factors involved in the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway

（-）-Epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG）, a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases （RTKs） and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resulting in the control of unwanted cell proliferation. The epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways that regulates growth, survival,proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells. This review addresses the effects of EGCG on some protein factors involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in a direct or indirect manner. Based on our understanding of the interaction between EGCG and these factors, and based on their structures, EGCG could be used as a lead compound for designing and synthesizing novel drugs with significant biological activity.

Correlation of serum Aβ1-42 content with inflammatory factors and receptors as well as antioxidant enzymes in patients with Parkinson's Disease

Objective: To investigate the correlation of serum β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) content with inflammatory factors and receptors as well as antioxidant enzymes in patients with Parkinson's Disease. Methods: A total of 48 patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated in this hospital between December 2014 and October 2017 were selected as Parkinson's disease group, and 50 healthy volunteers who received physical examination in this hospital during the same period were selected as normal control group. The differences in serum contents of Aβ1-42, inflammatory factors and receptors as well as antioxidant enzymes were compared between the two groups, and Pearson test was used to assess the correlation between serum Aβ1-42 content and illness in patients with Parkinson's disease. Results: Serum Aβ1-42 content of Parkinson's disease group was lower than that of normal control group;serum inflammatory factors and receptors IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-6 and sIL-6R contents were higher than those of normal control group;serum antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and TPX contents were lower than those of control group. Pearson test showed that serum Aβ1-42 content of patients with Parkinson's disease was directly correlated with the contents of inflammatory factors and receptors as well as antioxidant enzymes. Conclusions: Serum Aβ1-42 content decreases in patient with Parkinson's disease, and the specific content is directly correlated with the condition of Parkinson's disease, and can be used as an important auxiliary indicator for diagnosis and judgment of Parkinson's disease.

MT_1-MMP和Factor Ⅷ在人脑胶质瘤中表达差异及其意义

目的探讨膜型基质金属蛋白酶-1(MT1-MMP)和FactorⅧ在人脑胶质瘤中的表达及两者之间的关系。方法用免疫组织化学SP法检测45例人脑胶质瘤组织和10例正常人脑组织中MT1-MMP和FactorⅧ的表达。结果正常人脑组织中无MT1-MMP表达,高级别脑胶质瘤组织(Ⅲ、Ⅳ)中MT1-MMP和FactorⅧ的阳性表达率显著高于低级别胶质瘤组织(Ⅰ、Ⅱ),并且两者的表达呈显著正相关性。结论MT1-MMP在高级别脑胶质瘤组织中高表达,其表达与脑胶质瘤的进展和侵袭密切相关,可作为脑胶质瘤恶性表型的有用指标。MT1-MMP可能在脑胶质瘤的血管生成中发挥重要的调控作用。

Effects of L-3-n-butylphthalide on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B expression in primary basal forebrain and hippocampal cultures after beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 treatment

BACKGROUND： L-3-n-butylphthalide （L-NBP） can inhibit phosphorylation of tau protein and reduce the neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42 （Aβ1-42）. OBJECTIVE： To observe the neuroprotective effects of L-NBP on caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa-B （NF- K B） expression in a rat model of Alzheimer＇s disease. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University between January 2008 and August 2008. MATERIALS： L-NBP （purity 〉 98%） was provided by Shijiazhuang Pharma Group NBP Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Aβ1-42, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazolo-2]-2,5 iphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT）, and rabbit anti-Caspase-3 polyclonal antibody were provided by Cell Signaling, USA; goat anti-choactase and rabbit anti-NF- kB antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz, USA. METHODS： Primary cultures were generated from rat basal forebrain and hippocampal neurons at 17 or 19 days of gestation. The cells were assigned into five groups： the control group, the Aβ1-42 group （2 μmol/L）, the Aβ1-42 ＋ 0.1 μmol/L L-NBP group, the Aβ1-42 ＋ 1 μ mol/L L-NBP group, and the Aβ1-42 ＋ 10μmol/L L-NBP group. The neurons were treated with Aβ1-42 （2 μmol/L） alone or in combination with L-NBP （0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L） for 48 hours. Cells in the control group were incubated in PBS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morphologic changes were evaluated using inverted microscopy, viability using the M-I-I- method, and the changes in caspase-3 and NF- k B expression using Western blot. RESULTS： Induction with Aβ1-42 for 48 hours caused cell death and soma atrophy, and increased caspase-3 and NF- K B expression （P 〈 0.05）. L-NBP blocked these changes in cell morphology, decreased caspase-3 and NF- k B expression （P 〈 0.05）, and improved cell viability, especially at the high dose （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： AI3^-42 is toxic to basal forebrain and hippocampal primary neurons; L-NBP protects against this toxicity and inhibits the induction of caspase-3 and NF- K B expression.

TCM syndrome types and the related factors in 145 cases of renal cell carcinoma

Background:To analyze the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes and the related factors in patients with renal cell carcinoma,and to provide further guidance for the relapse prevention and combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in postoperative renal cancer patients.Methods:A retrospective survey was conducted to establish a postoperative clinical symptom assessment scale for patients with renal cell carcinoma.The distribution of TCM syndromes in 145 patients with renal cell carcinoma was analyzed statistically.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between different TCM syndromes and risk factors.Results:The postoperative TCM syndromes of patients with cell carcinoma were mainly spleen-kidney deficiency(38.6%),liver-kidney Yin deficiency(15.9%),spleen-kidney Yang deficiency(13.1%),and damp-heat pouring downward(9.7%).The incidence of severe spleen-kidney Qi deficiency syndrome and spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome was statistically different from that of liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome(P<0.05).The history of drinking and body mass index≥24 kg/m2 were risk factors for spleen-kidney Qi deficiency syndrome;the history of hypertension was a protective factor for liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome after renal cancer surgery;male was a protective factor for patients with renal cancer who had damp-heat pouring downward syndrome;smoking history and drinking history were risk factors for damp-heat pouring downward;age was a protective factor for spleen-kidney Yang deficiency after renal cancer surgery.Conclusion:This study found that spleen-kidney Qi deficiency syndrome,liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome,spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome,dampness and heat injection syndrome were the common TCM syndrome types after renal cell carcinoma patients.There was a correlation between the TCM syndromes of renal cell carcinoma and the risk factors such as drinking history,overweight and obesity,smoking history and drinking history.The distribution of TCM syndromes and its correlation with risk factors in renal cell carcinoma patients after surgery can provide ideas for clinical treatment and prognosis.