[Interpretation of Detection and identification standard of hookworm-Hook-worm larvae coproculture techniques (WS/T 791-2021)]

Detection and identification standard of hookworm-Hookworm larvae coproculture techniques (WS/T 791-2021) is the first recommended technical standard for hookworm detection and species identification using the hookworm larvae coproculture technique in China. This standard was issued on November 23, 2021, and had been in effect since May 1, 2022. This article provides a detailed interpretation pertaining to the background, drafting process, main contents, and dos and don'ts for better understanding and application of this standard among professionals working in disease control and prevention institutions and medical institutions.

Measuring behaviour in hens using an ethogram to assess analgesia during further refinement of a high welfare, on-hen, poultry red mite feeding device

Background: To refine an on-hen mite feeding device, an ethogram was employed to measure the reactions of hens during a routine experimental procedure (feather plucking) and to assess effects of analgesic cream on those reactions. Methods: Three experimental groups were used; one treated with EMLA 5% before plucking ("EMLA group"); one with aqueous cream ("placebo group") and a "no treatment" group. Behaviours were measured and compared on three days: 'dummy handling day' i.e. no plucking; 'plucking day', plucking the left thigh; and 'treatment day' i.e with right thighs plucked post-treatment. Poultry red mite feeding assays were performed to examine effect of creams on mite feeding rates, mortality and fecundity. All data were analysed using generalised linear (mixed) modelling approaches. Results: Use of the ethogram demonstrated no significant difference in hen behaviours in the EMLA group between dummy handling day and treatment day (p = 0.949) alongside a significant reduction in measured behaviours between plucking day and treatment day in the same group (p = 0.028). There was a statistically significant increase in measured behaviours from the dummy handling day to the plucking day in both placebo (p = 0.011) and no treatment group (p < 0.001). Effect sizes and directions were similar between dummy handling and treatment days in the 'placebo' and 'no treatment' groups, though not statistically significant (placebo, p = 0.064; no treatment p = 0.069). Mite feeding in the EMLA group was significantly lower than in the no treatment group in feeding assay 1 (p = 0.029) only. Mite mortality and fertility were unaffected. Conclusions: The ethogram successfully measured changes in observed behaviours between the dummy handling session and procedures. No adverse effects of EMLA cream on hens were demonstrated at 3mg/kg in hens. Use of analgesia for this routine procedure improves hens' experiences during experimental trials.

[Clinical effects of superficial temporal artery lobulated perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects after temporal tumor resection]

Objective: To explore the feasibility and clinical effects of using superficial temporal artery lobulated perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects after tumor resection in the temporal region. Methods: A retrospective observational study method was used. From March 2017 to October 2022, ten patients with temporal skin tumors were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, including six women and four men, with age ranging from 42 to 87 years. Among them, three patients had squamous cell carcinoma and seven patients had basal cell carcinoma, with disease duration ranging from 6 months to 5 years. All temporal tumors underwent expanded resection, leaving wound areas of 5.4 cm×4.2 cm to 7.0 cm×4.0 cm after tumor resection. Superficial temporal artery frontal branch flaps with areas of 5.5 cm×1.2 cm to 7.0 cm×1.5 cm, superficial temporal artery descending branch flaps with areas of 4.2 cm×3.5 cm to 5.0 cm×4.0 cm, and superficial temporal artery parietal branch flaps with areas of 4.2 cm×1.0 cm to 5.0 cm×1.0 cm were designed to repair the wounds and reconstruct the hairline. The donor areas of the flaps were closed and sutured directly. The survival of the flaps was observed on 3 to 5 days after surgery, and the healing of wounds on the donor and recipient sites was observed when the stitches were removed on 5 to 7 days after surgery. During follow-up after surgery, the appearance of the temporal area, scar hyperplasia, hairline reconstruction, and tumor recurrence were observed in the temporal region on the affected side. Results: All the flaps survived well on 3 to 5 days after surgery, and all the donor and recipient site wounds healed well on 5 to 7 days after surgery. During follow-up of 3 to 6 months after surgery, the surgical incisions were concealed; the flaps were not swollen, with a consistent color to the surrounding skin; there were no obvious hypertrophic scars; the reconstructed hairline on the affected side was not significantly different from that of the healthy side; there was no tumor recurrence in the local area. Conclusions: For large areas of skin and soft tissue defects in the temporal region, the use of superficial temporal artery lobulated perforator flaps can repair the wounds in different regions and suture the donor sites in the primary stage simultaneously. The surgical operation is simple, and the facial appearance conforms to the aesthetic requirement after surgery with no tumor recurrence in the local area but a good repair effect. This method is particularly suitable for repairing large areas of skin and soft tissue defects in the temporal region in elderly patients.

[Comparison of corneal power assessment methods after small incision lenticule extraction]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of different corneal curvature parameters in assessing the corneal refractive status and tracking corneal power changes after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study tracked and recorded total corneal curvature parameters measured by different instruments before and three months after SMILE for myopia. These parameters, including total keratometry (TK) from the IOLMaster 700, total corneal refractive power (TCRP) from the Pentacam AXL, real keratometry (RK) from the CASIA 2, and corrected parameters calculated using the Haigis, Shammas, and Maloney methods, were compared with data obtained using the clinical history method (CHM). Surgically induced changes in TK, TCRP, and RK were analyzed and compared with those in spherical equivalent on the corneal plane (ΔSEco). Results: The study included 40 eyes (40 participants). After SMILE, the difference was smallest between TK [(0.08±0.38) D] and CHM values (P>0.05). However, TCRP, RK, K_Haigis, K_Shammas, and K_Maloney were significantly different from CHM data (P<0.05). The width of the 95% limits of agreement of TK (1.49 D) was narrowest, followed by that of RK (1.57 D). Pearson analysis showed that each parameter had a good correlation with CHM data. The differences between the changes in TK, TCRP and RK caused by surgery and ΔSEco were (0.03±0.39) D, (0.17±0.43) D, and (-0.19±0.46) D, respectively. The width of the 95% limits of agreement of ΔTK (1.54 D) was narrowest, and the correlation coefficient of ΔTK (0.951) was highest. Conclusion: The parameter TK of the IOLMaster 700 can provide accurate and objective corneal power evaluation after SMILE.

Dynamics of Carbendazim-Resistance Frequency of Pathogens Associated with the Epidemic of Fusarium Head Blight

Carbendazim resistance was detected using 4,701 Fusarium graminearum species complex isolates collected from major wheat-producing regions in China from 2018 to 2020. A total of 348 carbendazim-resistant isolates were identified. The majority of carbendazim-resistant isolates were detected in Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces. In total, 227 and 88 isolates were obtained from each of the Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces, with a high resistance frequency of 41.12 and 20.56%, respectively. The predominant resistant isolates harboring point mutations were F167Y (79.31%), followed by E198Q (16.38%) and F200Y (4.31%). Compared with F. graminearum, F. asiaticum isolates were more likely to produce carbendazim resistance. In this study, we first detected carbendazim-resistant isolates in Hebei, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Hunan Provinces. In Jiangsu, Anhui, and Zhejiang, the frequency of carbendazim-resistant isolates maintained a high level, resulting in stable carbendazim-resistant populations. We also found the dynamic of carbendazim-resistance frequency in most provinces showed similar trends to the epidemic of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). Our results facilitate the understanding of the current situation of carbendazim resistance of FHB pathogens and will be helpful for fungicides selection in different wheat-producing areas in China.

[Efficacy of Hintermann calcaneal lengthening osteotomy for flexible flatfoot]

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Hintermann osteotomy (H-LCL) for flexible flatfoot. Methods: A follow-up study. Clinical data of 30 patients with flexible flatfoot treated with H-LCL operation from January 2020 to December 2021 in Sports Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 22 females, with a mean age of (39.0±15.2) years. The mean time from symptom onset to the diagnosis［M（Q₁，Q₃）］was 24.0 (5.5, 102.0) months. The functional and imaging scores of the patients before and after the last follow-up were compared to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the operation. The functional scores included American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, pain interference (PI) and physical function (PF) index in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). And the imaging scores included Meary's angle, calcaneal pitch angle, calcaneal valgus angle and talonavicular coverage angle. Results: The mean operation time was (82.3±24.4) min, and the follow-up periods was (17.9±6.9) months. At the last follow-up, VAS of pain [M(Q₁, Q₃)] decreased from 5 (4, 6) to 2 (1, 2); PI decreased from 59.8±5.0 to 44.6±5.7; AOFAS increased from 65.2±10.0 to 85.8±3.3; PF increased from 50 (48.5,51.0) to 58.5 (54.0, 66.0); Meary's angle (antero-posterior image) decreased from 15.7° (10.1°, 29.2°) to 3.9° (2.6°, 5.3°); Meary's angle (lateral image) decreased from 13.5°±6.8° to 4.4°±2.6°; calcaneal pitch angle increased from 14.0°±3.3° to 18.6°±4.2°; calcaneal valgus angle decreased from 12.6°±7.3° to 4.3°±2.5°; and talonavicular coverage angle decreased from 20.9°±10.7° to 7.7°±5.2°. The up-mentioned parameters were all improved statistically significant at the last follow-up when compared with those before the operation (all P<0.05). Conclusion: H-LCL brings a significant improvement of clinical outcome scores and good radiological correction of flatfoot deformities in correcting flexible flatfoot, it conforms to the anatomical characteristics of the subtalar joint.

[Assessment of the diagnostic value and prognosis of different detection markers in endocervical adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To study the diagnostic value of different detection markers in histological categories of endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), and their assessment of patient prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study of 54 patients with ECA in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2005-2010 were performed. The cases of ECA were classified into two categories, namely human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA) and non-human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (NHPVA), based on the 2018 international endocervical adenocarcinoma criteria and classification (IECC). To detect HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA in all patients, we used whole tissue section PCR (WTS-PCR) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques, respectively. Additionally, we performed Laser microdissection PCR (LCM-PCR) on 15 randomly selected HR-HPV DNA-positive cases to confirm the accuracy of the above two assays in identifying ECA lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the efficacy of markers to identify HPVA and NHPVA. Univariate and multifactorial Cox proportional risk model regression analyses were performed for factors influencing ECA patients' prognoses. Results: Of the 54 patients with ECA, 30 were HPVA and 24 were NHPVA. A total of 96.7% (29/30) of HPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and 63.3% (19/30) for HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and 33.3% (8/24) of NHPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA was not detected (0/24), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). LCM-PCR showed that five patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA in the area of glandular epithelial lesions and others were negative, which was in good agreement with the E6/E7 mRNA ISH assay (Kappa=0.842, P=0.001). Analysis of the ROC results showed that the AUC of HR-HPV DNA, HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and p16 to identify HPVA and NHPVA were 0.817, 0.817, and 0.692, respectively, with sensitivities of 96.7%, 63.3%, and 80.0% and specificities of 66.7%, 100.0%, and 58.3%, respectively. HR-HPV DNA identified HPVA and NHPVA with higher AUC than p16 (P=0.044). The difference in survival rates between HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) positive and negative patients was not statistically significant (P=0.156), while the difference in survival rates between HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive and negative patients, and p16 positive and negative patients were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) staging (HR=19.875, 95% CI: 1.526-258.833) and parametrial involvement (HR=14.032, 95% CI: 1.281-153.761) were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with ECA. Conclusions: HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA is more reflective of HPV infection in ECA tissue. The efficacy of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) in identifying HPVA and NHPVA is similar, with higher sensitivity of HR-HPV DNA and higher specificity of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA. HR-HPV DNA is more effective than p16 in identifying HPVA and NHPVA. HPV E6/E7 mRNA and p16 positive ECA patients have better survival rates than negative.

[Research advances on the mechanism of nerve regeneration-related protein in skin fibrosis]

The healing process after skin injury is a dynamic process of interaction between various cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix. Fibrosis is one of the main ways of skin injury repair. The process of fibrosis involves the regulation of many factors. Studies have shown that nerve regeneration-related protein (NREP) plays a key role in the fibrosis of skin tissue and organs. Based on the mechanism of skin fibrosis, this paper discusses the construction of tertiary structure of NREP, summarizes the effects of NREP and different cells in the skin on skin fibrosis and the research progress of mechanism of NREP in skin fibrosis, thus providing new ideas for the treatment of skin fibrosis diseases.

Intelligent reprogramming of wheat for enhancement of fungal and nematode disease resistance using advanced molecular techniques

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases are major factors responsible for substantial yield losses worldwide, which affect global food security. For a long time, plant breeders have been struggling to improve wheat resistance against major diseases by selection and conventional breeding techniques. Therefore, this review was conducted to shed light on various gaps in the available literature and to reveal the most promising criteria for disease resistance in wheat. However, novel techniques for molecular breeding in the past few decades have been very fruitful for developing broad-spectrum disease resistance and other important traits in wheat. Many types of molecular markers such as SCAR, RAPD, SSR, SSLP, RFLP, SNP, and DArT, etc., have been reported for resistance against wheat pathogens. This article summarizes various insightful molecular markers involved in wheat improvement for resistance to major diseases through diverse breeding programs. Moreover, this review highlights the applications of marker assisted selection (MAS), quantitative trait loci (QTL), genome wide association studies (GWAS) and the CRISPR/Cas-9 system for developing disease resistance against most important wheat diseases. We also reviewed all reported mapped QTLs for bunts, rusts, smuts, and nematode diseases of wheat. Furthermore, we have also proposed how the CRISPR/Cas-9 system and GWAS can assist breeders in the future for the genetic improvement of wheat. If these molecular approaches are used successfully in the future, they can be a significant step toward expanding food production in wheat crops.

Comparing Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Anti-TNF-Experienced Patients with Crohn's Disease Initiating Vedolizumab Versus Ustekinumab

BACKGROUND

Primary and secondary non-response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is common in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), yet limited research has compared the effectiveness of subsequent biological therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the effectiveness of vedolizumab and ustekinumab in anti-TNF-experienced patients with CD, focusing on patient-prioritized patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, internet-based cohort study nested within IBD Partners. We identified anti-TNF-experienced patients initiating with CD vedolizumab or ustekinumab and analyzed PROs reported approximately 6 months later (minimum 4 months, maximum 10 months). Co-primary outcomes were Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains of Fatigue and Pain Interference. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported short Crohn's disease activity index (sCDAI), treatment persistence, and corticosteroid use. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to control for a number of potential confounders and incorporated into linear and logistic regression models for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 141 vedolizumab and 219 ustekinumab initiators were included in our analysis. After adjustment, we found no differences between treatment groups in our primary outcomes of Pain Interference or Fatigue or the secondary outcome of sCDAI. However, vedolizumab was associated with lower treatment persistence (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.6) and higher corticosteroid use at follow-up assessment (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6).

DISCUSSION

Among anti-TNF experienced patients with CD, Pain Interference or Fatigue was not significantly different 4-10 months after starting ustekinumab or vedolizumab. However, reduced steroid use and increased persistence suggest superiority of ustekinumab for non-PRO outcomes.

[Clinical effects of antibiotic bone cement combined with free anterolateral thigh flap in sequential treatment of diabetic foot ulcer]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of antibiotic bone cement combined with free anterolateral thigh flap in sequential treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) wounds. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2018 to August 2021, 15 patients with DFU who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, including 12 males and 3 females, aged 42-65 years, with a history of type 2 diabetes for 5-19 years. All the wounds of patients were complicated with local bone, muscle, or tendon defects or exposure. The wounds were covered with antibiotic bone cement after debridement in stage Ⅰ+free anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap (perforator flap+muscle flap) or simple free anterolateral thigh flap grafting in stage Ⅱ. The defect area of the wound after bone cement removal and debridement was 9.0 cm×5.0 cm-20.0 cm×7.0 cm, the incision area of the flap was 10.0 cm×5.0 cm-22.0 cm×7.0 cm, and the incision area of the muscle flap was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm-8.0 cm×4.0 cm. The donor sites of flaps were sutured directly. During follow-up, the situations of donor site healing and flap survival were observed. At the last follow-up, the texture and shape of the flap, the presence of new ulcers on both limbs, and the walking ability of the patient were observed. Results: During the follow-up of 8 to 21 months after operation in stage Ⅱ, the donor sites healed well with only residual linear scar; flaps in 14 patients survived completely, and the flap in 1 patient developed partial necrosis at 3 weeks after stage Ⅱ surgery, which was healed after debridement and skin grafting. At the last follow-up, the flaps were good in texture and appearance, there were no new ulcers in the affected limb or opposite limb, and the patients had no obvious impairment in daily walking function. Conclusions: To repair DFU wounds with antibiotic bone cement combined with free anterolateral thigh flap can rapidly control the infection, achieving a high survival rate of flap after operation with no obvious impairment in daily walking function of patients.

[Research advances on the application of free flaps in repairing diabetic foot ulcers]

Free flaps have been successfully used in the repair of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which can reduce amputation rate, maintain normal gait of patients, and improve life quality of patients. However, there are still many challenges in the repair of DFUs with free flaps, and many problems need to be solved. This paper summarizes the selection of patients, preoperative cautions, types of flaps, methods of vascular anastomosis, clinical effects, and existing problems in using free skin flaps for repairing DFUs.

[A multicenter clinical trial of collar-button type keratoprosthesis implantation for the treatment of corneal blindness in high-risk transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of collar-button type keratoprosthesis (c-bKPro) implantation for corneal blindness in high-risk transplantation in China. Methods: It was a case series study. High-risk corneal blind patients who planned to undergo c-bKPro implantation were prospectively and continuously enrolled in the Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Ophthalmology Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Department of Ophthalmology in Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, and Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from July 2019 to January 2020. The cure for blindness and surgical success were assessed based on visual acuity (VA)≥0.05. The complications and keratoprosthesis retention rate were recorded to determine the safety of the surgery. Results: Thirty-seven subjects (eyes) were included, of which 32 were male and 5 were female, aged 27 to 72 years old. The indications of c-bKPro implantation were corneal graft failure (21 eyes, 56.8%), chemical injury (8 eyes, 21.6%), thermal burn (5 eyes, 13.5%), unexplained corneal opacity (2 eyes, 5.4%), and corneal perforation (1 eye, 2.7%). Two patients withdrew from the clinical trial at 3 months postoperatively. Thirty-five patients were followed up for 6 months, and 31 were followed up for 12 months. The VA was ≥0.05 in 83.8% of eyes at 6 months and in 81.8% of eyes at 12 months. Among the 11 eyes diagnosed with concurrent glaucoma, 6 eyes achieved a VA of ≥0.05. At 12 months, the c-bKPro retention rate was 100%. The surgical complications included retroprosthetic membrane formation (5 eyes, 16.1%), persistent corneal epithelial defects (5 eyes, 16.1%), macular edema (4 eyes, 12.9%), new-onset glaucoma (4 eyes, 12.5%; including one eye withdrawn from the study at 3 months), sterile corneal melting (2 eyes, 6.5%), sterile vitritis (1 eye, 3.2%), and infectious keratitis (1 eye, 3.2%). Conclusions: C-bKPro implantation is an effective and safe option for treating corneal blindness in high-risk transplantation in China. Improved visual outcomes could be achieved in most cases, with a relatively low incidence of postoperative complications.

Evaluation of nail psoriasis with ultrasound enhanced blood flow imaging (eflow) and Power Doppler (PD)

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the discriminative utility of nail features detected by B-mode (BM), enhanced flow (eflow) and power Doppler (PD) in patients with psoriasis or nail psoriasis (NP) and healthy controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ultrasound appearance of nails was investigated in 5 patients with NP, 8 patients with psoriasis and 7 healthy controls. In total, 195 nails were examined.

RESULTS

The thickness of the nail bed (TNB), the thickness of the nail plate (TNP) and the thickness of the nail matrix (TNM) did not differentiate between NP and psoriasis in longitudinal and cross-section of nails. Resistance index (RI) in nails was higher in patients with NP than in patients with psoriasis, and significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in healthy controls. TNP between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls was statistically insignificant in longitudinal section of nails, but higher than that in the cross-section of nails. TNM was higher in patients with psoriasis than in healthy controls. The ultrasound features of NP in longitudinal and cross-section of nails, nail bed (NB) eflow and PD signal were statistically significant among patients with NP or psoriasis and healthy controls. In patients with NP, there was a correlation between the ultrasound features of NP in longitudinal and cross-section of nails and nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study displayed the usefulness of ultrasound nail examinations in psoriatic nails, not only assessing ultrasonic features of nails and proving correlation between ultrasonic features of nails and NAPSI, but also comparing the accuracy of new technology of blood flow signal in nails.

[Establishment and preliminary evaluation of a fluorescent recombinase-aided amplification/CRISPR-Cas12a system for rapid detection of Plasmodium falciparum]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a fluorescent assay for rapid detection of Plasmodium falciparum based on recombinaseaided amplification (RAA) and CRISPR-Cas12a system,and to preliminarily evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of this system.

METHODS

The 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of P. falciparum was selected as the target sequence, and three pairs of RAA primers and CRISPR-derived RNA (crRNA) were designed and synthesized. The optimal combination of RAA primers and crRNA was screened and the reaction conditions of the system were optimized to create a fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system. The plasmid containing 18S rRNA gene of the P. falciparum strain 3D7 was generated, and diluted into concentrations of 1 000, 100, 10, 1 copy/μL for the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay, and its sensitivity was evaluated. The genomic DNA from P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovum, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum was employed as templates for the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay, and its specificity was evaluated. Fifty malaria clinical samples were subjected to the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay and nested PCR assay, and the consistency between two assays was compared. In addition, P. falciparum strain 3D7 was cultured in vitro. Then, the culture was diluted into blood samples with parasite densities of 1 000, 500, 200, 50, 10 parasites/μL with healthy volunteers' O-positive red blood cells for the RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a assay, and the detection efficiency was tested.

RESULTS

The Pf-F3/Pf-R3/crRNA2 combination, 2.5 μL as the addition amount of B buffer, 40 min as the RAA reaction time, 37 °C as the reaction temperature of the CRISPR-Cas12a system were employed to establish the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system. Such a system was effective to detect the plasmid containing 18S rRNA gene of the P. falciparum strain 3D7 at a concentration of 1 copy/μL, and presented fluorescent signals for detection of P. falciparum, but failed to detect P. ovum, P. malariae, P. vivax, T. pallidum, hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus. The fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system and nested PCR assay showed completely consistent results for detection of 50 malaria clinical samples (kappa = 1.0, P < 0.001). Following 6-day in vitro culture of the P. falciparum strain 3D7, 10 mL cultures were generated and the fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system showed the minimal detection limit of 50 parasites/μL.

CONCLUSIONS

The fluorescent RAA/CRISPR-Cas12a system is rapid, sensitive and specific for detection of P. falciparum, which shows promising value for rapid detection and risk monitoring of P. falciparum.

[Ultrasonographic features of retinal pigment epithelial adenoma]

Objective: To investigate the ultrasonographic features of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. The clinical clata of 15 patients (15 eyes) with pathologically confirmed RPE adenoma after local resection of intraocular tumor was collected at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2013 to October 2019. The general conditions of the patients and the location, size, shape, internal echo features of the lesions in the ocular ultrasound sonogram were analyzed, and the blood flow in the lesions was checked by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). Results: Of all the patients included in the study, 7 were male and 8 were female. Their age ranged from 25 to 58 years, with a mean age of (45.7±10.2) years. The most common symptom was vision loss or blurred vision (11 cases). Other symptoms included dark shadows or obscuration in front of the eyes (3 cases) and no symptoms (1 case). A history of previous ocular trauma was present in one case, and the rest of the patients had no history of ocular trauma.The location of tumor growth is scattered. The ultrasonographic features were as follows: the average maximum basal diameter was (8.07±2.75) mm and the average height was (4.02±1.81) mm; the ultrasonographic features mostly demonstrated abruptly elevated dome-shaped echo (6 cases); the lesion edge was not smooth, the internal echo was medium or low, and there could be hollow features (2 cases), with no choroidal depression; and the blood flow signal could be seen in the CDFI lesion, which could lead to retinal detachment and vitreous opacification. Conclusion: The ultrasound imaging features of RPE adenomas mostly demonstrate abruptly elevated dome-shaped echo, unsmooth lesion edge, with no choroidal depression, which may provide valuable evidence for clinical diagnosis and differentiation.

Predicting inhabitable areas for locust based on field observation and multi-environmental factors in alpine grassland—A case study in the Qilian Mountain National Park, China

Alpine grassland is one of the most critical grassland types in the world, and it is vulnerable and sensitive to external disturbances. The development and outbreak of locust might result in the irreversible degradation. However, most locust studies have been on the tropical, temperate, and desert areas. Our knowledge of inhabitable areas in alpine grassland still needs to be explored. This study was carried out in the alpine grassland in the Qilian Mountain National Park. Environmental factors (remote sensing vegetation index, meteorology, soil, topography, and grassland types) and their impact on locust density were investigated. Finally, the inhabitable areas of locust in the study area were mapped. The results showed that: (1) six out of 26 factors [including precipitation, solar radiation (average and maximum value), normalized vegetation index (NDVI), soil, and temperature] had great influence on locust density, with a relative contribution (RC) more than 10%. (2) Among all locust density estimation models, those based on average and maximum solar radiation, maximum precipitation, maximum NDVI, average temperature, and clay content in deep soil performed better than others, with R ranging from 0.58 to 0.73 and root mean square error ranging from 21.70 to 25.82 head/m2. (3) The areas most suited for locust growth, development, and frequent outbreak were found in the south of Tianjun County, middle and northwest of Qilian County (account for 27% of the study area), while the inhabitability was weak in south of Gangcha County, northwest of Tianjun County, and most of Delingha City. Thus our study clarified the distribution region and occurrence variation of the locust and provided a scientific basis for locust prevention and control in alpine grassland in the Qilian Mountain National Park.

Design and first measurements of the fast-ion D-alpha diagnostic at the HL-2A tokamak

The fast-ion D-alpha diagnostic (FIDA) is employed to detect Dα light emitted by neutralized fast ions during neutral beam injection. A tangentially viewing FIDA has been developed for the HuanLiuqi-2A (HL-2A) tokamak and typically achieves temporal and transverse spatial resolutions of ∼30 ms and ∼5 cm, respectively. A fast-ion tail on the red shifted wing of the FIDA spectrum is obtained and analyzed with the Monte Carlo code FIDASIM. Good agreement has been presented between the measured and simulated spectra. As the FIDA diagnostic's lines of sight intersect the central axis of neutral beam injection with small angles, the beam emission spectrum is observed with a large Doppler shift. Thus, tangentially viewing FIDA could detect only a small portion of fast ions with an energy of ≈ 20 ∼ 31 keV and a pitch angle of ≈ -1 ∼ -0.8. A second FIDA installation with oblique viewing is designed to minimize spectral contaminants.

Predictors of postoperative biochemical remission in lower Knosp grade growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas: a large single center study

PURPOSE

Growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GH-PAs) with a low Knosp grade are typically associated with a good postoperative biochemical remission (BR) rate. However, a proportion of patients do not achieve remission. In this study, we aimed to investigate predictive factors of postoperative remission for lower Knosp GH-PAs.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 140 patients who were diagnosed with lower Knosp (0-2) GH-PAs and received trans-sphenoidal surgery between December 2016 and June 2021 from the largest pituitary tumor surgery center in southern China. The univariate, binary Logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were employed to determine independent predictors and cutoff values of remission. The postoperative outcome was defined as remission using the 2010 consensus criteria of acromegaly.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty six patients (97.1%) achieved gross total resection. The postoperative long-term BR was 68.6%. Empty sella, tumor maximum diameter and postoperative GH levels were independent factors predicting remission. ROC revealed that postoperative 24 h GH ≤ 1.3 ng/mL and  ≤ 1.23 ng/mL were valuable predictors for 3-month and long-term remission respectively, and that postoperative 3-month GH ≤ 1.6 ng/mL and tumor maximum diameter  ≤ 17 mm were predictors for delayed remission.

CONCLUSION

Early postoperative GH levels can be used as predictors of remission. However, BR was not associated with preoperative somatostatin analogs therapy or Knosp grade (0-2). For patients without residual tumor or recurrence and whose GH levels are slightly elevated within 1 year after surgery, adjuvant treatments may not be necessary.

[Attention should be paid to the application of regional citrate anticoagulation in blood purification]

Compared with traditional low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulation or non-anticoagulant hemodialysis, regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) has emerged as a promising anticoagulant method considering its satisfactory efficacy, reduced incidence of bleeding, extended life of the dialyzer and increased removal of the toxin. RCA has received more and more attention in recent years which contributes as a first-line anticoagulant regimen for continuous renal replacement therapy, and it gradually gains wide clinical application in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). In addition, RCA has been reported to be successfully used in plasma exchange and hemoperfusion. This article elaborates on mechanism of RCA and the problems in clinical application, in order to further expand the application of RCA and improve the effect of blood purification in the future.

Successful Eisenmenger syndrome-targeted drug therapy in pregnant women: a case series and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the real-world outcomes in pregnant women with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) in the new therapeutic era and provide a literature review.

DESIGN

Retrospective case and literature review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral hospital (The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University).

SAMPLE

Thirteen women with ES delivered between 2011 and 2021.

METHODS

Respective study and literature reviews.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS

12/13 (92%) pregnant women were treated with targeted drugs. 9/13 (69%) of patients had heart failure, but no maternal deaths occurred. 12/13 (92%) of women chose caesarean delivery. One pregnant woman gave birth at 37⁺¹  weeks, and the remaining 12 (92%) patients had preterm birth. 10/13 (77%) women gave birth to live infants, of which 9/10 (90%) were low birthweight infants with a mean birthweight of 1575 g. The infant mortality rate was 1/10 (10%). Cardiac functional class improved during pregnancy, probably due to therapy; 11/13 (85%) of the pregnant women were in cardiac functional level III/IV at admission and 12 (92%) were in cardiac functional class II/III at discharge. Our literature review identified 72 cases of pregnancy with ES from 11 studies, which were characterised by a low rate of targeted drug use (28%) and a high maternal mortality rate of 24% in the perinatal period.

CONCLUSION

Our case series and literature review suggest that targeted drugs may be key to improving maternal mortality in ES.

Microbiome Signature of Endophytes in Wheat Seed Response to Wheat Dwarf Bunt Caused by Tilletia controversa Kühn

Wheat dwarf bunt leads to the replacement of seeds with fungal galls containing millions of teliospores of the pathogen Tilletia controversa Kühn. As one of the most devastating internationally quarantined wheat diseases, wheat dwarf bunt spreads to cause distant outbreaks by seeds containing teliospores. In this study, based on a combination of amplicon sequencing and isolation approaches, we analyzed the seed microbiome signatures of endophytes between resistant and susceptible cultivars after infection with T. controversa. Among 310 bacterial species obtained only by amplicon sequencing and 51 species obtained only by isolation, we found 14 overlapping species by both methods; we detected 128 fungal species only by amplicon sequencing, 56 only by isolation, and 5 species by both methods. The results indicated that resistant uninfected cultivars hosted endophytic communities that were much more stable and beneficial to plant health than those in susceptible infected cultivars. The susceptible group showed higher diversity than the resistant group, the infected group showed more diversity than the uninfected group, and the microbial communities in seeds were related to infection or resistance to the pathogen. Some antagonistic microbes significantly suppressed the germination rate of the pathogen's teliospores, providing clues for future studies aimed at developing strategies against wheat dwarf bunt. Collectively, this research advances the understanding of the microbial assembly of wheat seeds upon exposure to fungal pathogen (T. controversa) infection. IMPORTANCE This is the first study on the microbiome signature of endophytes in wheat seed response to wheat dwarf bunt caused by Tilletia controversa Kühn. Some antagonistic microbes suppressed the germination of teliospores of the pathogen significantly, which will provide clues for future studies against wheat dwarf bunt. Collectively, this research first advances the understanding of the microbial assembly of wheat seed upon exposure to the fungal pathogen (T. controversa) infection.