Cigarette Smoke Mediates Nasal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction via TNF-α.

Background: Extensive data suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke can induce pulmonary epithelial barrier dysfunction. However, the effects of cigarette smoke on the nasal epithelial barrier are still unclear. Here, we investigated the consequence and mechanism of cigarette smoke on the nasal epithelial barrier.

Effectiveness of different antithrombotic agents in combination with tranexamic acid for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and blood management after total knee replacement: a prospective randomized study.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely applied in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to significantly reduce perioperative blood loss and improve knee function recovery in patients after surgery. The choice of antithrombotic agents for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention after TKA is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of different antithrombotic agents on patients after primary unilateral TKA in the context of applied TXA.

Influence of TiCN addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the AZ31 alloy.

The microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded AZ31 + TiCN ( = 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.

Chondrosarcoma of the toe: A case report and literature review.

Background: Chondrosarcoma of the foot is a rare malignant bone tumour, and it is even rarer when it originates in a toe bone. Surgical excision is the only effective treatment. The osteolytic destruction of the tumour severely affects limb function and carries the risk of distant metastasis.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of the efficacy and resistance for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors.

Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are the most recent class of antiretroviral drugs with potent and durable antiviral activity used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, development of drug resistance increases the risk of treatment failure, disease progression and mortality. A better understanding of drug efficacy and resistance against INSTIs is crucial for their efficient use and the development of new antiretrovirals.

Treatment choice by patients with obstructive sleep apnea: data from two centers in China.

Background: Standard management has been recommended for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by several guidelines, but patient choice in the practical setting is unclear.

Methods: A survey nested in two prospective cohort studies of OSA (enrollment: 2001-2010) in China. The last interview was conducted between July 2014 and May 2015, using a comprehensive 10-point questionnaire administered in a face-to-face or telephone interview, and assessed (I) whether the participant had received any OSA treatment; (II) why he or she had decided for or against treatment; (III) what treatment was received; (IV) whether the participant used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or OA daily; and (V) the perceived efficacy of therapy.

Chinese herbal medicine for obesity: a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, prospective trial.

Obesity is a serious medical problem worldwide. As a holistic therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have a potential in obesity management. In this controlled trial, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang (XJXGF), a TCM herbal formulation, in 140 obese subjects over a 24-week period.

[Using multivariate multilevel model in studying the influential factors of violence among rural high school students in Changsha].

Objective: To provide evidence for setting up violence intervention programs in rural middle schools, through studying the influential factors.

Methods: Taking variables including emotional, physical and sexual violence in the past year as the multi-dependent variables before multivariate multilevel model logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the correlations among the three kinds of violence and the influential factors.

Results: Among 3620 respondents, the incidence rates of emotional, physical and sexual violence weres 21.

[The application of support vector machine for prediction of posttraumatic stress disorder on adults in flood district].

Introduction: To predict the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) on adults in flood district. Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals on Mental Disorders (IV Edition) were used to examine and diagnose the victims in flood districts. Based on the forecasting model of SVM with PTSD as dependent variables and 23 influence factors of PTSD as independent variables, prediction of PTSD was conducted among the victims.

[Risk prediction model of perinatal congenital heart disease].

Through analyzing the influencing factors of congenital heart disease (CHD), it is aimed to establish CHD risk prediction model in fetus, and simultaneously provide theoretical foundation for CHD prevention. One-factor logistic regression method was used to screen the significant factors regarding CHD, and to separately adopt multiple-factor non-conditional logistic regression method and decision tree to set up model prediction fetus CHD risk and to analyze the advantages and shortcomings. Correct classification rates turned to be 80.

Steroidal saponins from the roots of Asparagus filicinus.

Two new steroidal saponins with a new aglycone moiety, aspafiliosides E (1) and F (2), were isolated from the roots of Asparagus filicinus Buch.-Ham. Their structures were fully elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic study and chemical analysis.

Filiasparosides A-D, cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the roots of Asparagus filicinus.

Four new steroidal saponins, filiasparosides A-D (1-4), together with known aspafiliosides A (5) and B (6) were isolated from the roots of Asparagus filicinus. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic study and chemical analysis. Compounds 1-6 were cytotoxic against human lung carcinoma (A549) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) tumor cell lines with EC(50) values of 2.

[Identification of volatile components in rat urine after oral administration of "wu-hu-tang"].

Objective: To identify the volatile components in rat urine after oral administration of "Wu-Hu-Tang" (WHT).

Method: GC-MS technique was applied to analyzing urine samples.

Result: Eighteen components were detected in the WHT-treated rat urine other than the corresponding control.