Current situation on the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in 5 leading Chinese medical journals

Objective:The Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials(CONSORT) statement has already proved to be an efficient standard for reporting quality of randomized controlled trials(RCTs).However,most of the Chinese medical journals have not endorsed the CONSORT statement.The current situation about the reporting quality of RCTs in Chinese medical journals is still unclear.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the reporting quality of RCTs on papers published in 5 leading Chinese medical journals.Methods:We evaluated 232 original RCT papers using a reporting quality scale based on CONSORT statement from 2001 to 2006 in 5 Chinese medical journals(Journal type 1) without adoption of CONSORT and Chinese Journal of Evidence-based Medicine(Journal type 2) which adopted CONSORT in 2004.We measured the inclusion of 26 items for the reporting quality scale and 6 core items of each RCT report,gave score to each item and calculated the total score obtained in each report and the proportion of reports including individual items.The reporting quality of RCT trials from 2001 to 2003(pre-adoption period) was compared with that from 2004 to 2006(post-adoption period).Results:The average reporting quality of RCTs was moderate(mean score,15.18),and the mean score of the 6 core items was low(mean score,1.09) in 5 leading journals.The difference in the total score and the score of the 6 core items between pre-adoption period(2001-2003) and post-adoption period(2004-2006) was statistically significant(P=0.003;P=0.000).Interaction between journal type and period was not significant(F=0.76;P=0.383).We concluded that the change tendency of reporting quality between Journal type 1 and 2 was not different.But as to the core items of sequence concealment and intention-to-treat analysis,the increases were greater for Journal type 2 when evaluated against Journal type 1(P=0.038;P=0.016).Conclusion:The reporting quality of RCT trials in 5 leading Chinese medical journals is improving.However,the lack of important items in RCT trials remains a serious problem.We recommend the endorsement of the Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials statement in Chinese medical journals and the continuing education on evidence-based medicine in China.

An initial study of information seeking behavior of researchers as faculty/student team members

Purpose:This study was carried out to uncover the characteristics of information seeking behavior of researchers as faculty/student team members.Design/methodology/approach:An inventory encompassing 6 dimensions of information seeking behavior was developed:Information awareness,information acquisition,information evaluation,information organization and management,information utilization and information ethics.Data was collected on 306 respondents from 52 faculty/student teams in Central South University in China and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software.Findings:Significant differences were found among researchers with different genders in information awareness and in different academic disciplines in information acquisition and information utilization.The survey shows the characteristics of information seeking behavior of different gender groups and different teams:1) male participants got higher scores in all of the 6 dimensions of information seeking behavior;2) small teams performed best,followed by middle-sized teams and large teams;3) faculty/doctoral student teams possessed better information seeking skills than faculty/master’s student teams or faculty/doctoral and master’s student teams:4) medical teams achieved the highest level in all of the 6 dimensions of information seeking behavior,whereas natural science teams the lowest level.Medical and engineering teams were rated higher than other teams in information acquisition and information utilization.Research limitations:The small population size and doctoral students accounting for only a small portion of the respondents in the sample limit the generalization of our findings.Practical implications:The findings of this study have some implications for research and practice,especially for educational institutions,library science and information literacy training.Originality/value:This paper is the first to describe and analyze the characteristics of information seeking behavior of researchers as faculty/student team members.

International recognition of the Ilizarov bone reconstruction techniques: Current practice and research (dedicated to 100th birthday of G. A. Ilizarov)

The Ilizarov method is one of the current methods used in bone reconstruction.It originated in the middle of the past century and comprises a number of bone reconstruction techniques executed with a ring external fixator developed by Ilizarov GA.Its main merits are viable new bone formation through distraction osteogenesis,high union rates and functional use of the limb throughout the course of treatment.The study of the phenomenon of distraction osteogenesis induced by tension stress with the Ilizarov apparatus was the impetus for advancement in bone reconstruction surgery.Since then,the original method has been used along with a number of its modifications developed due to emergence of new fixation devices and techniques of their application such as hexapod external fixators and motorized intramedullary lengthening nails.They gave rise to a relatively new orthopedic subspecialty termed“limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery”.Based on a comprehensive literature search,we summarized the recent clinical practice and research in bone reconstruction by the Ilizarov method with a special focus on its modification and recognition by the world orthopedic community.The international influence of the Ilizarov method was reviewed in regard to the origin country of the authors and journal’s rating.The Ilizarov method and other techniques based on distraction osteogenesis have been used in many countries and on all populated continents.It proves its international significance and confirms the greatest contribution of Ilizarov GA to bone reconstruction surgery.

Prognostic significance of preoperative platelet count in patients with gallbladder cancer

AIM:To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative platelet count(PLT) in patients with primary gallbladder cancer(GBC).METHODS:The clinical data of 223 GBC patients after surgery was retrospectively reviewed.A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was plotted to verify the optimum cutoff point for PLT.Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the prognosis.RESULTS:The ROC curve showed that the optimum cutoff point for PLT was 178 × 109/L,and the entire cohort was stratified into group A with PLT > 178 × 109/L and group B with PLT ≤ 178 × 109/L.Group A had a better survival than group B(P < 0.001).There was an obvious difference between the two groups in terms of the differentiation degree,advanced tumor stage,lymph node metastasis(P < 0.001) and pathological type(P < 0.05).The univariate analysis demonstrated that tumor location,differentiation degree,TNM stage,Nevin stage,lymph node metastasis and PLT were associated with overall survival(P < 0.001).In the multivariate analysis,PLT(P = 0.032),lymph node metastasis(P = 0.007),tumor location(P < 0.001) and TNM stage(P = 0.005) were independent prognostic factors.CONCLUSION:PLT is closely correlated with GBC prognosis and could be used to identify the population with a poorer prognosis after surgery.

Decline of semen quality among 10 932 males consulting for couple infertility over a 20-year period in Marseille, France

Semen from 10 932 male partners of infertile couples was analysed and sperm parameter trends were evaluated at the Reproduction Biology Laboratory of the University Hospital of Marseille （France） between 1988 and 2007. After 3-6 days of abstinence, semen samples were collected. Measurements of seminal fluid volume, pH, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility and detailed morphology of spermatozoa were performed. Sperm parameters were analysed on the entire population and in men with normal total numeration （ 〉~ 40 million per ejaculate）. The whole population demonstrated declining trends in sperm concentration （1.5% per year）, total sperm count （1.6% per year）, total motility （0.4% per year）, rapid motility （5.5% per year） and normal morphology （2.2% per year）. In the group of selected samples with total normal sperm count, the same trends of sperm quality deterioration with time were observed. Our results clearly indicate that the auality of semen decreased in this population over the study period.

Ilizarov bone transport combined with the Masquelet technique for bone defects of various etiologies (preliminary results)

BACKGROUND The Ilizarov bone transport(IBT)and the Masquelet induced membrane technique(IMT)have specific merits and shortcomings,but numerous studies have shown their efficacy in the management of extensive long-bone defects of various etiologies,including congenital deficiencies.Combining their strong benefits seems a promising strategy to enhance bone regeneration and reduce the risk of refractures in the management of post-traumatic and congenital defects and nonunion that failed to respond to other treatments.AIM To combine IBT and IMT for the management of severe tibial defects and pseudarthrosis,and present preliminary results of this technological solution.METHODS Seven adults with post-traumatic tibial defects(subgroup A)and nine children(subgroup B)with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia(CPT)were treated with the combination of IMT and IBT after the failure of previous treatments.The mean number of previous surgeries was 2.0±0.2 in subgroup A and 3.3±0.7 in subgroup B.Step 1 included Ilizarov frame placement and spacer introduction into the defect to generate the induced membrane which remained in the interfragmental gap after spacer removal.Step 2 was an osteotomy and bone transport of the fragment through the tunnel in the induced membrane,its compression and docking for consolidation without grafting.The outcomes were retrospectively studied after a mean follow-up of 20.8±2.7 mo in subgroup A and 25.3±2.3 mo in subgroup B.RESULTS The“true defect”after resection was 13.3±1.7%in subgroup A and 31.0±3.0%in subgroup B relative to the contralateral limb.Upon completion of treatment,defects were filled by 75.4±10.6%and 34.6±4.2%,respectively.Total duration of external fixation was 397±9.2 and 270.1±16.3 d,including spacer retention time of 42.4±4.5 and 55.8±6.6 d,in subgroups A and B,respectively.Bone infection was not observed.Postoperative complications were several cases of pin-tract infection and regenerate deformity in both subgroups.Ischemic regeneration was observed in two cases of subgroup B.Complications were corrected during the course of treatment.Bone union was achieved in all patients of subgroup A and in seven patients of subgroup B.One non-united CPT case was further treated with the Ilizarov compression method only and achieved union.After a follow-up period of two to three years,refractures occurred in four cases of united CPT.CONCLUSION The combination of IMT and IBT provides good outcomes in post-traumatic tibial defects after previous treatment failure but external fixation is longer due to spacer retention.Refractures may occur in severe CPT.

A bibliometric analysis of exertional heat stroke research in Web of Science

Background:Exertional heat stroke is a fatal condition and remains a health problem.This paper evaluates the publication trend regarding exertional heat stroke research between 1996 and 2015 using a bibliometric method.Methods:Articles regarding exertional heat stroke research published between 1996 and December 2015 were searched for in the SCI-EXPANDED database of Web of Science.The search results were analyzed with regard to publication year;publication quantity regarding countries/regions;authors;citation frequency;and journal distribution.Cite Space(v3.6) was used for a document co-citation visualization analysis.Results:In total,289 publications on heat stroke were located.After selection,209 original articles conducted across 28 countries/regions and published in 83 journals were included in the analysis.The USA,Isreal,and France were the most common locations for exertional heat stroke studies.The Cite Space visualization cluster analysis showed that exertional heat stroke-related mortality and protective measures were constant concerns of research.Conclusion:Research related to exertional heat stroke has been continuous concerned.USA is still the leading country in this field.

Fork head box M1 regulates vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression to promote the angiogenesis and tumor cell growth of gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer(GBC)is an aggressive type of biliary tract cancer that lacks effective therapeutic targets.Fork head box M1(FoxM1)is an emerging molecular target associated with tumor progression in GBC,and accumulating evidence suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)promotes various tumors by inducing neoangiogenesis.AIM To investigate the role of FoxM1 and the angiogenesis effects of VEGF-A in primary GBC.METHODS Using immunohistochemistry,we investigated FoxM1 and VEGF-A expression in GBC tissues,paracarcinoma tissues and cholecystitis tissues.Soft agar,cell invasion,migration and apoptosis assays were used to analyze the malignant phenotype influenced by FoxM1 in GBC.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of FoxM1 and VEGF-A expression in GBC patients.We investigated the relationship between FoxM1 and VEGF-A by regulating the level of FoxM1.Next,we performed MTT assays and Transwell invasion assays by knocking out or overexpressing VEGF-A to evaluate its function in GBC cells.The luciferase assay was used to reveal the relationship between FoxM1 and VEGF-A.BALB/c nude mice were used to establish the xenograft tumor model.RESULTS FoxM1 expression was higher in GBC tissues than in paracarcinoma tissues.Furthermore,the high expression of Foxm1 in GBC was significantly correlated with a malignant phenotype and worse overall survival.Meanwhile,high expression of FoxM1 influenced angiogenesis;high expression of FoxM1 combined with high expression of VEGF-A was related to poor prognosis.Attenuated FoxM1 significantly suppressed cell proliferation,transfer and invasion in vitro.Knockdown of FoxM1 in GBC cells reduced the expression of VEGF-A.Luciferase assay showed that FoxM1 was the transcription factor of VEGF-A,and knockdown VEGF-A in FoxM1 overexpressed cells could partly reverse the malignancy phenotype of GBC cells.In this study,we found that FoxM1 was involved in regulation of VEGF-A expression.CONCLUSION FoxM1 and VEGF-A overexpression were associated with the prognosis of GBC patients.FoxM1 regulated VEGF-A expression,which played an important role in the progression of GBC.

Developing the information-seeking behavior scale for undergraduates

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to develop a standardized and reliable measurement tool for assessing information-seeking behavior of undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approach: Based on information literacy and information-seeking behavior theories, expert advice and students' interview, items of undergraduates' informationseeking behavior indicators were selected. With the analysis of homogeneity reliability, item analysis and factor analysis, this study constructs an assessment system to evaluate reliability and validity of the scale.Findings: The information-seeking behavior scale for undergraduates has divided undergraduates' information-seeking behavior into seven dimensions, which include 46 items. The reliability analysis of Cronbach's α was 0.910, and the coefficient of split-half reliability was0.817. The results of factor analysis showed that Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO) was 0.864,which indicates 55.536% of the total variation could be explained by the above seven dimensions.Research limitations: Due to a small sample size and limited sample distribution, further research need be conducted in an expanded sample size in order to explore the application scope of this evaluation system; in addition, the stability of the scale also need be confirmed.Practical implications: The paper sets up an information-seeking behavior evaluation system for undergraduates and explores the characteristics of their information-seeking behavior.This study provides guidance for the development of future information literacy education and the improvement of the information literacy level of undergraduates.Originality/value: An information-seeking behavior scale for undergraduates has been developed, which comprehensively covers information need, information source, information evaluation, information retrieval, information management, information utilization and information morality. The scale is proved to have good reliability, validity, popularity anddiscrimination that it is qualified to be an assessment tool of information-seeking behavior for Chinese undergraduates.

The Influence of Caldesmon Suppression on Proliferation and Motilities of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the media to intima constitutes a critical step in the development of proliferative vascular diseases. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of VSMCs motility, the roles of caldesmon (CaD) were investigated previously. CaD is an actin-binding protein dynamically regulating cytoskeleton structure. In this study, the potential role of CaD in mediating proliferation and motility of VSMCs were discussed. First, structural effect of CaD on cytoskeleton integrity was analyzed with CaD knock-down;second, the proliferation of VSMCs was measured in CaD knock-down and control cells;third, the specific role of CaD on VSMCs motilities was evaluated with in vitro migration and invasion assays. We found that CaD is an integral component to maintain cytoskeleton integrity of VSMCs. Our data indicated that CaD suppression does not show significant influence on VSMCs proliferation, but negatively modulates the motilities of VSMCs, and CaD depletion would significantly facilitate migration and invasion of VSMCs.

Comparison of acute pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in children:a retrospective multi-center cohort study during COVID-19 outbreak

Background:Until January 18,2021,coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)has infected more than 93 million individuals and has caused a certain degree of panic.Viral pneumonia caused by common viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus,rhinovirus,human metapneumovirus,human bocavirus,and parainfluenza viruses have been more common in children.However,the incidence of COVID-19 in children was significantly lower than that in adults.The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations,treatment and outcomes of COVID-19 in children compared with those of other sources of viral pneumonia diagnosed during the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods:Children with COVID-19 and viral pneumonia admitted to 20 hospitals were enrolled in this retrospective multi-center cohort study.A total of 64 children with COVID-19 were defined as the COVID-19 cohort,of which 40 children who developed pneumonia were defined as the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort.Another 284 children with pneumonia caused by other viruses were defined as the viral pneumonia cohort.The epidemiologic,clinical,and laboratory findings were compared by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test,t-test,Mann-Whitney U test and Contingency table method.Drug usage,immunotherapy,blood transfusion,and need for oxygen support were collected as the treatment indexes.Mortality,intensive care needs and symptomatic duration were collected as the outcome indicators.Results:Compared with the viral pneumonia cohort,children in the COVID-19 cohort were mostly exposed to family members confirmed to have COVID-19(53/64 vs.23/284),were of older median age(6.3 years vs.3.2 years),and had a higher proportion of ground-glass opacity(GGO)on computed tomography(18/40 vs.0/38,P<0.001).Children in the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort had a lower proportion of severe cases(1/40 vs.38/284,P=0.048),and lower cases with high fever(3/40 vs.167/284,P<0.001),requiring intensive care(1/40 vs.32/284,P<0.047)and with shorter symptomatic duration(median 5d vs.8d,P<0.001).The proportion of cases with evaluated inflammatory indicators,biochemical indicators related to organ or tissue damage,D-dimer and secondary bacterial infection were lower in the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort than those in the viral pneumonia cohort(P<0.05).No statistical differences were found in the duration of positive PCR results from pharyngeal swabs in 25 children with COVID-19 who received antiviral drugs(lopinavir-ritonavir,ribavirin,and arbidol)as compared with duration in 39 children without antiviral therapy(median 10d vs.9d,P=0.885).Conclusions:The symptoms and severity of COVID-19 pneumonia in children were no more severe than those in children with other viral pneumonia.Lopinavir-ritonavir,ribavirin and arbidol do not shorten the duration of positive PCR results from pharyngeal swabs in children with COVID-19.During the COVID-19 outbreak,attention also must be given to children with infection by other pathogens infection.

A Promising Wound Dressing from Regenerated Silk Fibroin Sponge with Sustain-ed Release of Silver Nanoparticles

A silk fibroin(SF)spongy wound dressing incorporated with silver nanoparticles(Ag-NPs)was developed for biomedical applications.Ag-NPs were efficiently synthesized in situ via ultra violet(UV)with AgNO_(3) as precursor and silk fibroin as reducing and protecting agent,respectively.After lyophilization,the formed silk fibroin spongy wound dressing(SFWD)exhibited polyporous morphology and inner lamellae structures,with uniform dispersion of Ag-NPs.The porous structure provided SFWD with the ability to absorb tissue exudatealmost 6 times of its own weight,which could guarantee the sustained release of Ag-NPs.By methanol treatment,SFWD showed much improved mechanical properties and more stable to protease XIV.The cyto-compatibility of SFWD was supported by normal adherence and proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts in sponges extracting culture medium.More important,the SFWD showed significant growth inhibition in both plate culture assays and bacterial suspension assays,with Gram-positive(Staphylococcus aureus)and Gram-negative(Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli).In a cutaneous excisional mouse model,the average healing rates of SFWD was significantly higher than control and commercial bandages.The hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining results of the wound section also showed that SFWD could recruit more cells and promote tissue formation on the wound edges.

Estimation of plasma equilibrium parameters via a neural network approach

Plasma equilibrium parameters such as position, X-point, internal inductance, and poloidal beta are essential information for efficient and safe operation of tokamak. In this work, the artificial neural network is used to establish a non-linear relationship between the measured diagnostic signals and selected equilibrium parameters. The estimation process is split into a preliminary classification of the kind of equilibrium(limiter or divertor) and subsequent inference of the equilibrium parameters. The training and testing datasets are generated by the tokamak simulation code(TSC), which has been benchmarked with the EAST experimental data. The noise immunity of the inference model is tested. Adding noise to model inputs during training process is proved to have a certain ability for maintaining performance.

G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Is a Critical Regulator in Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells

Estrogen signaling via GPER in breast cancers has been intensively discussed over years, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be fully elucidated, especially for the transcriptional profiles of the GPER under estrogen stimulation. In this study, we evaluated the potential role GPER in regulating invasion of metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 via transcriptional way. First, with primary breast cancer tissue samples, we found that the expression of GPER significantly coordinated with another membrane receptor-CXCR1. Besides, the expression level of these two proteins was associated with the development of the primary breast cancers. Second, to dissect the cross talk between GPER and CXCR1, we further our studies to detect the activation of ERK, Akt and transcriptional factor NF-kB. We found that upon estrogen stimulation, the phosphorylation level of ERK and Akt were rapidly increased and then resulted in the activation and nucleus translocation of NF-kB. When we considered the sub-sequence of the NF-kB activation, we found the autocrine of IL-8 was boosted by stimulation of the estrogen and followed by the promoted invasion of the MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrated the estrogen-mediated GPER stimulation would regulate the invasive activities of metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 coupled with another membrane receptor CXCR1 via transcriptional pathway, the cross talk between GPER and CXCR1 may be another target for breast cancer therapies.

Rapid and Non-Invasive Screening System for Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy via Auto Fluorescence of <i>Falvin</i>Proteins

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, which is also one of the most important causes of blindness around the world. Autofluorescence of flavin protein in retinal pigment epithelial cells is considered as a marker of early tissue damage. This study was designed to image spontaneous fluorescence of falvin proteins in fundus macular center area. The average intensity of the fluorescence signal and the characteristics of the histogram distribution were obtained and the significant differences in the fluorescence signals between the diabetic and the normal people were also compared with statistical methods, and then a rapid and non-invasive screening method and equipment for early detection of diabetic retinopathy were developed.

The Different Effect of R and S Albuterol on Proliferation and Migration of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

studies have shown that the R- and S-enantiomers of racemic albuterol, a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used in asthma treatment, have differential effects on the contractile properties of airway smooth muscle. However, the effect of albuterol on the proliferation and migration has never been tested. Since (R)-, but not (S)-albuterol enhances bronchodilation, we expect the two racemic isomers would also affect proliferation and migration of tracheal cells differentially. By monitoring migratory properties of airway smooth muscle cells in the presence of albuterol isomers, the different effect of albuterol on proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells is probed. The results show Both of R- and S-albuterol could inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the inhibition ratio of these two isomers had no significant difference;R-albuterol, but not S-albuterol, inhibited cell migration.

Spatial Distribution of Cytoskeletal Mechanical Properties in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The mechanical properties on a whole basis of cell are extensively studied whereas regional mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton (CSK) have not been characterized. To fill this gap, here we provide detailed intracellular maps of regional CSK stiffness and traction forces, as well as the structural rearrangement in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We used micropatterning to restrict VSMC to a single island. Regional cell stiffness was measured with optical magnetic twisting cytometry and traction force microscopy was used to measure regional traction forces. Finally, we used F-actin staining to measure the regional F-actin distribution. From traction and cell height data we computed the prestress within a cell using finite element methods. Compared with the cell center, cell edges were systematically stiffer, more fluid-like and supported higher traction forces, and at the same time had slower remodeling dynamics. These findings provide the most detailed characterization to date concerning regional mechanical properties of the intact cytoskeleton.

Development of Portable Monitoring System for Real-Time Detection of Fetal Movement

Effective fetal monitoring is an important guarantee for fetal health and early treatment. Fetal movement is one of critical indicators of fetal monitoring, which plays an important role in fetal health. Counting the number of fetal movement by pregnant women is a traditional method for long-term monitoring. However, there are many defects in pregnant women’s feeling count, which cannot meet the accurate requirements of modern perinatal medicine. With the rapid development of biological and electronic technology, various sensors are used to probe the fetal dynamic monitoring, but not on fetal movement. This research proposes a monitoring method for fetal movement via three electrodes. Briefly: first, three electrodes are used to extract electrical signals in the abdomen of pregnant women;second, these signals are amplified and filtered;third, A/D converter with microprocessor is used to make analog digital conversion, which can be stored in the SD card under the control of the microprocessor;finally, the SD card data are processed by computer software and the fetal movement information is analyzed.

HSP47 Deletion Inhibits TGF-β1 Stimulation on Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis of Human Tenon Fibroblasts

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that is required for mo-lecular maturation of various types of collagens. Many studies have shown a close association be-tween increased expression of HSP47 and excessive accumulation of collagens in scar tissues of various human fibrotic diseases. However, the role of HSP47 in formation of scar after glaucoma filtration surgery is still unclear. In this study, we deleted the expression of HSP47 in human tent on fibroblasts (HTFs) by virus infection, and then the proliferation and collagen synthesis were compared between HSP47 deletion cells and control upon TGF-β1 stimulation. Our data showed that HSP47 deletion could significantly inhibit the proliferation and collagen synthesis of HTFs upon TGF-β1 stimulation, HSP47 gene suppression might be a novel method to against the formation of scar after glaucoma surgery.

Association between Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring during Labor and Neonatal Acidosis in Full-Term Newborns: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Introduction: Fetal heart rate monitoring during labor is used to study fetal well-being and predict neonatal acidosis of newborn. Fetal heart rate monitoring is analyzed by the obstetrical team and categorized according to the FIGO guidelines. An important limitation of this diagnostic tool is an inter- and intra-observer variability, leading to subjective cardiotocography interpretation and classification. Our objective was to study the association between the categories of fetal heart rate analysis (according to FIGO classification) and neonatal acidosis of full-term newborns. Study design: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted between 2014 and 2018 in the Grand-Est region. We searched and included retrospectively children hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit in one of the participating hospitals with an ICD-10 coding type “P91.6” corresponding to “Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy”. Maternal, pregnancy, delivery, and newborn characteristics were collected and compared by univariate logistic regression with multiple imputation. Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the model and presented. Multiple imputation with m = 100 imputations was tested, using Rubin rules to combine the results. Results: 55 patients were included in the study. Fetal heart rate tracings classified in Category 3 as “pathological” according to FIGO guidelines were significantly associated with an increased risk of severe neonatal acidosis. Late decelerations and bradycardia during labor were associated with severe neonatal acidosis. Conclusion: Severe neonatal acidosis may be suspected by interpretation of fetal heart rate during labor. Fetal bradycardia and late decelerations are predictive of the severity of neonatal acidosis. This study emphasizes the need to screen severe neonatal acidosis and allows the identification of populations most at risk. Repeated team training and upgrading of fetal heart rate study would further reduce the incidence of neonatal acidosis.