AIM To evaluate the effects of Helicobacterpylori infection and other environmental factorson the development of gastric cancer.METHODS A population-based case-controlstudy was conducted in Changle County,FujianProvin...AIM To evaluate the effects of Helicobacterpylori infection and other environmental factorson the development of gastric cancer.METHODS A population-based case-controlstudy was conducted in Changle County,FujianProvince.The primary gastric cancer cases werehistologically confirmed or diagnosed by surgerybetween,January 1996 and March 1998.Healthycontrols were randomly selected and matched byage,sex,and neighborhood of residence.Atotal of 101 pairs were included in the study.Specially trained interviewers conducted face-to-face interviews with the subjects according toa standardized questionnaire.Helicobacterpylori infections were measured by serum IgGantibody to Helicobacter pylori.ConditionalLogistic Regression analysis was used.RESULTS The presence of IgG antibody toHelicobacter pylori was 63.7% in studysubjects,56.0% in patients with cardiac cancer,and 60.5% in patients with non-cardiac gastriccancer.The risk factors of gastric cancer inChangle County were identified such as loweducational level[OR=3.864;95% confidenceinterval(95% CI)1.604-9.311],lowconsumption of fresh vegetables(OR=4.925;95%Cl 1.356-17.885),high intake of fish sauce(OR=10.587;95% Cl 2.821-39.738),unscheduled meals(OR=4.254;95%Cl 1.445- 12.552),and Helicobacter pylori infection(OR=3.453;95%Cl 0.901-13.224).CONCLUSION Helicobacter pylori infectionmay be important in the etiology of gastriccancer,but major risk factors other thanHelicobacter pylori are responsible for the highgastric morbidity in Changle County.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate if the administration of an enteral diet supplemented with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids modulates inflammatory and immune responses after surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized doub...AIM: To evaluate if the administration of an enteral diet supplemented with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids modulates inflammatory and immune responses after surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind, clinical trial was performed. Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into two groups, one group was given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous standard diet and the other was fed with the supplemented diet with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids. Feedings were started within 48 hours after operation, and continued until day 8. All variables were measured before operation and on postoperative day 1 and 8. Immune responses were determined by phagocytosis ability, respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear cells, total lymphocytes lymphocyte subsets, nitric oxide, cytokines concentration, and inflammatory responses by plasma levels of C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2 level. RESULTS: Tolerance of both formula diets was excellent.There were significant differences in the immunological and inflammatory responses between the two groups. In supplemented group, phagocytosis and respiratory burst after surgery was higher and C-reactive protein level was lower (P【0.01) than in the standard group. The supplemented group had higher levels of nitric oxide, total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, T-helper cells, and NK cells. Postoperative levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were lower in the supplemented group (P 【0.05). CONCLUSION: It was clearly established in this trial that early postoperative enteral feeding is safe in patients who have undergone major operations for gastrointestinal cancer. Supplementation of enteral nutrition with glutamine, arginine, and omega-3-fatty acids positively modulated postsurgical immunosuppressive and inflammatory responses.展开更多
Since whole-genome sequencing of many crops has been achieved,crop functional genomics studies have stepped into the big-data and high-throughput era.However,acquisition of large-scale phenotypic data has become one o...Since whole-genome sequencing of many crops has been achieved,crop functional genomics studies have stepped into the big-data and high-throughput era.However,acquisition of large-scale phenotypic data has become one of the major bottlenecks hindering crop breeding and functional genomics studies.Nevertheless,recent technological advances provide us potential solutions to relieve this bottleneck and to explore advanced methods for large-scale phenotyping data acquisition and processing in the coming years.In this article,we review the major progress on high-throughput phenotyping in controlled environments and field conditions as well as its use for post-harvest yield and quality assessment in the past decades.We then discuss the latest multi-omics research combining high-throughput phenotyping with genetic studies.Finally,we propose some conceptual challenges and provide our perspectives on how to bridge the phenotype-genotype gap.It is no doubt that accurate high-throughput phenotyping will accelerate plant genetic improvements and promote the next green revolution in crop breeding.展开更多
AIM: To follow the principles of evidence based medicine to reach the integrated results of these studies. METHODS: Twenty-one papers of case-control studies were selected, including 11 on gastric cancer,7 on precance...AIM: To follow the principles of evidence based medicine to reach the integrated results of these studies. METHODS: Twenty-one papers of case-control studies were selected, including 11 on gastric cancer,7 on precancerous lesion of stomach and 3 on lymphoma of stomach. Meta analysis was used to sum up the odds ratios (OR) of these studies. RESULTS: H. pylori vs gastric cancer (intestinal and diffuse type): the odds ratio from the fixed effect model is 3.0016 (95% CI: 2.4197-3.7234, P【0.001). H. pylori vs precancerous lesion of stomach: a random effect model was used to calculate the summary odds ratio and its value is 2.5635 (95% CI: 1.8477-3.5566, P【0.01). H. pylori vs lymphoma of stomach: though the quantity of literature is too small to make Meta analysis, the data of these 3 studies show that lymphoma of stomach is highly associated with H. pylori infections. CONCLUSION: Since it had been revealed that H. pylori infection pre-exists in gastric carcinoma and precancerous lesions, the results of Meta analysis present a strong evidence to support the conclusion that H. pylori infection is a risk factor for gastric carcinoma.展开更多
AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively...AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda展开更多
AIM:To report the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients and to describe the treatment related complications (mainly the rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progress...AIM:To report the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients and to describe the treatment related complications (mainly the rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progression). METHODS:Eighty-seven consecutive cirrhotic patients with 104 HCC (mean diameter 3.9 cm,1.3 SD) were submitted to RFA between January 1998 and June 2003.In all cases RFA was performed with percutaneous approach under ultrasound guidance using expandable electrode needles. Treatment efficacy (necrosis and recurrence) was estimated with dual phase computed tomography (CT) and alpha- fetoprotein (AFP)level. RESULTS:Complete necrosis rate after single or multiple treatment was 100%,87.7% and 57.1% in HCC smaller than 3 cm,between 3 and 5 cm and larger than 5 cm respectively (P=0.02).Seventeen lesions of 88(19.3%) developed local recurrence after complete necrosis during a mean follow up of 19.2 mo.There were no treatment-related deaths in 130 procedures and major complications occurred in 8 patients (6.1%).In 4 patients,although complete local necrosis was achieved,we observed rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progression after treatment.Risk factors for rapid neoplastic progression were high preoperative AFP values and location of the tumor near segmental portal branches. CONCLUSION:RFA is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma smaller than 5 cm with complete necrosis in more than 80% of lesions.Patients with elevated AFP levels and tumors located near the main portal branch are at risk for rapid neoplastic progression after RFA.Further studies are necessary to evaluate the incidence and pathogenesis of this underestimated complication.展开更多
AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population...AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.展开更多
The Delphi technique is a systematic process of forecasting using the collective opinion of panel members.The structured method of developing consensus among panel members using Delphi methodology has gained acceptanc...The Delphi technique is a systematic process of forecasting using the collective opinion of panel members.The structured method of developing consensus among panel members using Delphi methodology has gained acceptance in diverse fields of medicine.The Delphi methods assumed a pivotal role in the last few decades to develop best practice guidance using collective intelligence where research is limited,ethically/logistically difficult or evidence is conflicting.However,the attempts to assess the quality standard of Delphi studies have reported significant variance,and details of the process followed are usually unclear.We recommend systematic quality tools for evaluation of Delphi methodology;identification of problem area of research,selection of panel,anonymity of panelists,controlled feedback,iterative Delphi rounds,consensus criteria,analysis of consensus,closing criteria,and stability of the results.Based on these nine qualitative evaluation points,we assessed the quality of Delphi studies in the medical field related to coronavirus disease 2019.There was inconsistency in reporting vital elements of Delphi methods such as identification of panel members,defining consensus,closing criteria for rounds,and presenting the results.We propose our evaluation points for researchers,medical journal editorial boards,and reviewers to evaluate the quality of the Delphi methods in healthcare research.展开更多
AIM： To study the morphological and serum hyaluronic acid （HA）, laminin （LN）, and type IV collagen changes in hepatic fibrosis of rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine （DMN）.METHODS： The rat model of liver fibro...AIM： To study the morphological and serum hyaluronic acid （HA）, laminin （LN）, and type IV collagen changes in hepatic fibrosis of rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine （DMN）.METHODS： The rat model of liver fibrosis was induced by DMN. Serum HA, type IV collagen, and LN were measured by ELISA. The liver/weight index and morphological changes were examined under electron microscope on d 7, 14, 21, and 28 by immunohistochemical alpha smooth muscle actin α-SMA staining as well as Sirius-red and HE staining.RESULTS： The levels of serum HA, type IV collagen and LN significantly increased from d 7 to d 28 （P = 0.043）. The liver/weight index increased on d 7 and decreased on d 28. In the model group, the rat liver stained with lie and Sirius-red showed evident hemorrhage and necrosis in the central vein of hepatic 10 Iobules on d 7. Thin fibrotic septa were formed joining central areas of the liver on d 14. The number of α-SMA positive cells was markedly increased in the model group. Transitional hepatic stellate cells were observed under electron microscope. All rats in the model group showed micronodular fibrosis in the hepatic parenchyma and a network of α-SMA positive cells. Typical myofibroblasts were embedded in the core of a fibrous septum. Compared to the control group, the area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis and pathologic grading were significantly different in the model group （P〈0.05） on different d （7, 14, and 28）. The area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis in hepatic tissue had a positive correlation with the levels of serum HA, LN, and type IV collagen.CONCLUSION： The morphological and serum HA, type IV collagen, and LN are changed in DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats.展开更多
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China,No.K98031
文摘AIM To evaluate the effects of Helicobacterpylori infection and other environmental factorson the development of gastric cancer.METHODS A population-based case-controlstudy was conducted in Changle County,FujianProvince.The primary gastric cancer cases werehistologically confirmed or diagnosed by surgerybetween,January 1996 and March 1998.Healthycontrols were randomly selected and matched byage,sex,and neighborhood of residence.Atotal of 101 pairs were included in the study.Specially trained interviewers conducted face-to-face interviews with the subjects according toa standardized questionnaire.Helicobacterpylori infections were measured by serum IgGantibody to Helicobacter pylori.ConditionalLogistic Regression analysis was used.RESULTS The presence of IgG antibody toHelicobacter pylori was 63.7% in studysubjects,56.0% in patients with cardiac cancer,and 60.5% in patients with non-cardiac gastriccancer.The risk factors of gastric cancer inChangle County were identified such as loweducational level[OR=3.864;95% confidenceinterval(95% CI)1.604-9.311],lowconsumption of fresh vegetables(OR=4.925;95%Cl 1.356-17.885),high intake of fish sauce(OR=10.587;95% Cl 2.821-39.738),unscheduled meals(OR=4.254;95%Cl 1.445- 12.552),and Helicobacter pylori infection(OR=3.453;95%Cl 0.901-13.224).CONCLUSION Helicobacter pylori infectionmay be important in the etiology of gastriccancer,but major risk factors other thanHelicobacter pylori are responsible for the highgastric morbidity in Changle County.
文摘AIM: To evaluate if the administration of an enteral diet supplemented with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids modulates inflammatory and immune responses after surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind, clinical trial was performed. Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into two groups, one group was given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous standard diet and the other was fed with the supplemented diet with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids. Feedings were started within 48 hours after operation, and continued until day 8. All variables were measured before operation and on postoperative day 1 and 8. Immune responses were determined by phagocytosis ability, respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear cells, total lymphocytes lymphocyte subsets, nitric oxide, cytokines concentration, and inflammatory responses by plasma levels of C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2 level. RESULTS: Tolerance of both formula diets was excellent.There were significant differences in the immunological and inflammatory responses between the two groups. In supplemented group, phagocytosis and respiratory burst after surgery was higher and C-reactive protein level was lower (P【0.01) than in the standard group. The supplemented group had higher levels of nitric oxide, total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, T-helper cells, and NK cells. Postoperative levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were lower in the supplemented group (P 【0.05). CONCLUSION: It was clearly established in this trial that early postoperative enteral feeding is safe in patients who have undergone major operations for gastrointestinal cancer. Supplementation of enteral nutrition with glutamine, arginine, and omega-3-fatty acids positively modulated postsurgical immunosuppressive and inflammatory responses.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0100101-18,2016YFD0100103)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31770397,21800305)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2662017PY058,2662017QD044)UK-China grant BBSRC(grant no.BB/R02118X/1)the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,U.S.Department of Agriculture,Hatch project(ALA014-1-16016).
文摘Since whole-genome sequencing of many crops has been achieved,crop functional genomics studies have stepped into the big-data and high-throughput era.However,acquisition of large-scale phenotypic data has become one of the major bottlenecks hindering crop breeding and functional genomics studies.Nevertheless,recent technological advances provide us potential solutions to relieve this bottleneck and to explore advanced methods for large-scale phenotyping data acquisition and processing in the coming years.In this article,we review the major progress on high-throughput phenotyping in controlled environments and field conditions as well as its use for post-harvest yield and quality assessment in the past decades.We then discuss the latest multi-omics research combining high-throughput phenotyping with genetic studies.Finally,we propose some conceptual challenges and provide our perspectives on how to bridge the phenotype-genotype gap.It is no doubt that accurate high-throughput phenotyping will accelerate plant genetic improvements and promote the next green revolution in crop breeding.
基金Supported by Funds for University Key Teachers by the Ministry of Education,No.2000-65
文摘AIM: To follow the principles of evidence based medicine to reach the integrated results of these studies. METHODS: Twenty-one papers of case-control studies were selected, including 11 on gastric cancer,7 on precancerous lesion of stomach and 3 on lymphoma of stomach. Meta analysis was used to sum up the odds ratios (OR) of these studies. RESULTS: H. pylori vs gastric cancer (intestinal and diffuse type): the odds ratio from the fixed effect model is 3.0016 (95% CI: 2.4197-3.7234, P【0.001). H. pylori vs precancerous lesion of stomach: a random effect model was used to calculate the summary odds ratio and its value is 2.5635 (95% CI: 1.8477-3.5566, P【0.01). H. pylori vs lymphoma of stomach: though the quantity of literature is too small to make Meta analysis, the data of these 3 studies show that lymphoma of stomach is highly associated with H. pylori infections. CONCLUSION: Since it had been revealed that H. pylori infection pre-exists in gastric carcinoma and precancerous lesions, the results of Meta analysis present a strong evidence to support the conclusion that H. pylori infection is a risk factor for gastric carcinoma.
基金This research Was supported by a grant from Bonfor(O-107.0022)to C. Rabe
文摘AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda
文摘AIM:To report the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients and to describe the treatment related complications (mainly the rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progression). METHODS:Eighty-seven consecutive cirrhotic patients with 104 HCC (mean diameter 3.9 cm,1.3 SD) were submitted to RFA between January 1998 and June 2003.In all cases RFA was performed with percutaneous approach under ultrasound guidance using expandable electrode needles. Treatment efficacy (necrosis and recurrence) was estimated with dual phase computed tomography (CT) and alpha- fetoprotein (AFP)level. RESULTS:Complete necrosis rate after single or multiple treatment was 100%,87.7% and 57.1% in HCC smaller than 3 cm,between 3 and 5 cm and larger than 5 cm respectively (P=0.02).Seventeen lesions of 88(19.3%) developed local recurrence after complete necrosis during a mean follow up of 19.2 mo.There were no treatment-related deaths in 130 procedures and major complications occurred in 8 patients (6.1%).In 4 patients,although complete local necrosis was achieved,we observed rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progression after treatment.Risk factors for rapid neoplastic progression were high preoperative AFP values and location of the tumor near segmental portal branches. CONCLUSION:RFA is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma smaller than 5 cm with complete necrosis in more than 80% of lesions.Patients with elevated AFP levels and tumors located near the main portal branch are at risk for rapid neoplastic progression after RFA.Further studies are necessary to evaluate the incidence and pathogenesis of this underestimated complication.
基金The 7~(th) 5-year Nation'a] Medical Strategic Science and Technology Plan,No.75-61-02-17The 8~(th) 5-year National Medical Strategic Science and Technology Plan,No.85-914-01-09
文摘AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.
文摘The Delphi technique is a systematic process of forecasting using the collective opinion of panel members.The structured method of developing consensus among panel members using Delphi methodology has gained acceptance in diverse fields of medicine.The Delphi methods assumed a pivotal role in the last few decades to develop best practice guidance using collective intelligence where research is limited,ethically/logistically difficult or evidence is conflicting.However,the attempts to assess the quality standard of Delphi studies have reported significant variance,and details of the process followed are usually unclear.We recommend systematic quality tools for evaluation of Delphi methodology;identification of problem area of research,selection of panel,anonymity of panelists,controlled feedback,iterative Delphi rounds,consensus criteria,analysis of consensus,closing criteria,and stability of the results.Based on these nine qualitative evaluation points,we assessed the quality of Delphi studies in the medical field related to coronavirus disease 2019.There was inconsistency in reporting vital elements of Delphi methods such as identification of panel members,defining consensus,closing criteria for rounds,and presenting the results.We propose our evaluation points for researchers,medical journal editorial boards,and reviewers to evaluate the quality of the Delphi methods in healthcare research.
文摘AIM： To study the morphological and serum hyaluronic acid （HA）, laminin （LN）, and type IV collagen changes in hepatic fibrosis of rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine （DMN）.METHODS： The rat model of liver fibrosis was induced by DMN. Serum HA, type IV collagen, and LN were measured by ELISA. The liver/weight index and morphological changes were examined under electron microscope on d 7, 14, 21, and 28 by immunohistochemical alpha smooth muscle actin α-SMA staining as well as Sirius-red and HE staining.RESULTS： The levels of serum HA, type IV collagen and LN significantly increased from d 7 to d 28 （P = 0.043）. The liver/weight index increased on d 7 and decreased on d 28. In the model group, the rat liver stained with lie and Sirius-red showed evident hemorrhage and necrosis in the central vein of hepatic 10 Iobules on d 7. Thin fibrotic septa were formed joining central areas of the liver on d 14. The number of α-SMA positive cells was markedly increased in the model group. Transitional hepatic stellate cells were observed under electron microscope. All rats in the model group showed micronodular fibrosis in the hepatic parenchyma and a network of α-SMA positive cells. Typical myofibroblasts were embedded in the core of a fibrous septum. Compared to the control group, the area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis and pathologic grading were significantly different in the model group （P〈0.05） on different d （7, 14, and 28）. The area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis in hepatic tissue had a positive correlation with the levels of serum HA, LN, and type IV collagen.CONCLUSION： The morphological and serum HA, type IV collagen, and LN are changed in DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
