Predictive model for postoperative unrecovered olfactory function in CRSwNP patients with olfactory disorder

BACKGROUND

Olfactory disorder (OD) is a prevalent and challenging symptom in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study aims to investigate the risk factors and develop a predictive model for poor olfactory prognosis in CRSwNP patients with OD after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

METHOD

Seventy-eight CRSwNP patients with OD who underwent ESS were enrolled. Preoperative and 6-month-postoperative olfactory function were assessed using Sniffin' Sticks. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to set the cutoff points. Risk factors were determined by logistic models. A power analysis was conducted to evaluate the sample size.

RESULTS

Overall, 66.7% of CRSwNP patients had unrecovered olfaction after surgery. Patients with unrecovered olfaction displayed higher preoperative threshold-discrimination-identification (TDI) score, lower Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (QOD-NS) score, lower total olfactory cleft score (TOCS), and fewer tissue eosinophils than those of the improved/recovered group. QOD-NS≤5.0, preoperative TOCS≤4.5 and tissue eosinophil count≤8.3 were independent risk factors for unrecovered olfaction. Based on these variables, a predictive model was developed. The area under the ROC curve for the model was 0.845, and the optimal cutoff value was 2.0 points, with a sensitivity of 82.7% and specificity of 80.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Low levels of QOD-NS score (preoperative), TOCS (preoperative) and tissue eosinophil count are independent risk factors for short-term unrecovered olfaction in CRS patients with OD postoperatively. The predictive model developed here is practical and convenient for the early identification of poor prognosis of OD, enabling early additional intervention.

Propensity score weighted multi-source exchangeability models for incorporating external control data in randomized clinical trials

Among clinical trialists, there has been a growing interest in using external data to improve decision-making and accelerate drug development in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Here we propose a novel approach that combines the propensity score weighting (PW) and the multi-source exchangeability modelling (MEM) approaches to augment the control arm of a RCT in the rare disease setting. First, propensity score weighting is used to construct weighted external controls that have similar observed pre-treatment characteristics as the current trial population. Next, the MEM approach evaluates the similarity in outcome distributions between the weighted external controls and the concurrent control arm. The amount of external data we borrow is determined by the similarities in pretreatment characteristics and outcome distributions. The proposed approach can be applied to binary, continuous and count data. We evaluate the performance of the proposed PW-MEM method and several competing approaches based on simulation and re-sampling studies. Our results show that the PW-MEM approach improves the precision of treatment effect estimates while reducing the biases associated with borrowing data from external sources.

Combination of Searches for Higgs Boson Pair Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents results from a combination of searches for Higgs boson pair production using 126-140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector. At 95% confidence level (CL), the upper limit on the production rate is 2.9 times the standard model (SM) prediction, with an expected limit of 2.4 assuming no Higgs boson pair production. Constraints on the Higgs boson self-coupling modifier κ_{λ}=λ_{HHH}/λ_{HHH}^{SM}, and the quartic HHVV coupling modifier κ_{2V}=g_{HHVV}/g_{HHVV}^{SM}, are derived individually, fixing the other parameter to its SM value. The observed 95% CL intervals are -1.2<κ_{λ}<7.2 and 0.6<κ_{2V}<1.5, respectively, while the expected intervals are -1.6<κ_{λ}<7.2 and 0.4<κ_{2V}<1.6 in the SM case. Constraints obtained for several interaction parameters within Higgs effective field theory are the strongest to date, offering insights into potential deviations from SM predictions.

Strong and Weak CP Tests in Sequential Decays of Polarized Σ^{0} Hyperons

The J/ψ, ψ(3686)→Σ^{0}Σ[over ¯]^{0} processes and subsequent decays are studied using the world's largest J/ψ and ψ(3686) data samples collected with the BESIII detector. The parity-violating decay parameters of the decays Σ^{0}→Λγ and Σ[over ¯]^{0}→Λ[over ¯]γ, α_{Σ^{0}}=-0.0017±0.0021±0.0018 and α[over ¯]_{Σ^{0}}=0.0021±0.0020±0.0022, are measured for the first time. The strong CP symmetry is tested in the decays of the Σ^{0} hyperons for the first time by measuring the asymmetry A_{CP}^{Σ}=α_{Σ^{0}}+α[over ¯]_{Σ^{0}}=(0.4±2.9±1.3)×10^{-3}. The weak CP test is performed in the subsequent decays of their daughter particles Λ and Λ[over ¯]. Also for the first time, the transverse polarizations of the Σ^{0} hyperons in J/ψ and ψ(3686) decays are observed with opposite directions, and the ratios between the S-wave and D-wave contributions of the J/ψ, ψ(3686)→Σ^{0}Σ[over ¯]^{0} decays are obtained. These results are crucial to understand the decay dynamics of the charmonium states and the production mechanism of the Σ^{0}-Σ[over ¯]^{0} pairs.

Search for Rare b→dℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Transitions at Belle

We present the results of a search for the b→dℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} flavor-changing neutral-current rare decays B^{+,0}→(η,ω,π^{+,0},ρ^{+,0})e^{+}e^{-} and B^{+,0}→(η,ω,π^{0},ρ^{+})μ^{+}μ^{-} using a 711  fb^{-1} data sample that contains 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events. The data were collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We find no evidence for signal and set upper limits on branching fractions at the 90% confidence level in the range (3.8-47)×10^{-8} depending on the decay channel. The obtained limits are the world's best results. This is the first search for the channels B^{+,0}→(ω,ρ^{+,0})e^{+}e^{-} and B^{+,0}→(ω,ρ^{+})μ^{+}μ^{-}.

Search for Time-Dependent CP Violation in D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} Decays

A measurement of time-dependent CP violation in D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} decays using a pp collision data sample collected by the LHCb experiment in 2012 and from 2015 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.7  fb^{-1}, is presented. The initial flavor of each D^{0} candidate is determined from the charge of the pion produced in the D^{*}(2010)^{+}→D^{0}π^{+} decay. The decay D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{0} is used as a control channel to validate the measurement procedure. The gradient of the time-dependent CP asymmetry ΔY in D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} decays is measured to be ΔY=(-1.3±6.3±2.4)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic, which is compatible with CP conservation.

[Analysis of serum IgM antibody and viral nucleic acid test results in measles and rubella cases in China from 2014 to 2023]

Objective: To analyze the results of serum IgM antibody and viral nucleic acid testing in measles and rubella cases in China from 2014 to 2023. Methods: Surveillance data on measles and rubella during 2014-2023 were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and cases that underwent measles/rubella IgM antibody testing and viral nucleic acid testing were included in the study. Information on the number of cases, vaccination status, and laboratory test results was collected, and laboratory test results were compared among cases with different times of rash or onset and different doses of vaccination. Results: From 2014 to 2023, the total number of measles and rubella surveillance cases was 581 746, and the number of measles and rubella cases that underwent both IgM antibody and viral nucleic acid testing was 39 124 and 21 766, respectively, with a double-positive rate of IgM antibody and viral nucleic acid testing of 63.73% (for measles) and 41.68% (for rubella). The single-positive rate for IgM antibody was 21.12% (for measles) and 27.15% (for rubella). The single-positive rate for viral nucleic acid tests was 13.84% (for measles) and 28.19% (for rubella). According to different days of rash or onset (0-3, 4-5, 6-10 and >10), samples of 24 629 (62.95%) measles cases and 15 785 (72.52%) rubella cases were from within 3 days of rash or onset, and the single positive rate of viral nucleic acid detection was 16.90% (for measles) and 32.07% (for rubella). The single positive rate of IgM antibody increased gradually with the time of onset (measles: χ2trend=314.098, P<0.001, rubella: χ2trend=763.846, P<0.001), and reached 31.66% (for measles) and 53.12% (for rubella) after 10 days of rash or onset. Depending on the number of vaccination doses (1, 2,≥3), the single positive rate of viral nucleic acid detection ranged from 12.93% to 20.29% (for measles) and from 25.30% to 27.88% (for rubella). The single positive rate of IgM antibody detection ranged from 36.89% to 47.47% (for measles) and from 22.81 to 41.15% (for rubella). Conclusions: Combined testing of serum IgM antibody and viral nucleic acids could facilitate laboratory confirmation of measles and rubella cases and was also important for measles and rubella elimination efforts.

Studies of the Energy Dependence of Diboson Polarization Fractions and the Radiation-Amplitude-Zero Effect in WZ Production with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of the energy dependence of diboson polarization fractions in WZ→ℓνℓ^{'}ℓ^{'}(ℓ,ℓ^{'}=e,μ) production. The dataset used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector. Two fiducial regions with an enhanced presence of events featuring two longitudinally polarized bosons are defined. A nonzero fraction of events with two longitudinally polarized bosons is measured with an observed significance of 5.3 standard deviations in the region with 100200  GeV, where p_{T}^{Z} is the transverse momentum of the Z boson. This Letter also reports the first study of the radiation-amplitude-zero effect. Events with two transversely polarized bosons are analyzed for the ΔY(ℓ_{W}Z) and ΔY(WZ) distributions defined respectively as the rapidity difference between the lepton from the W boson decay and the Z boson and the rapidity difference between the W boson and the Z boson. Significant suppression of events near zero is observed in both distributions. Unfolded ΔY(ℓ_{W}Z) and ΔY(WZ) distributions are also measured and compared to theoretical predictions.

Portable Acceleration of CMS Computing Workflows with Coprocessors as a Service

Computing demands for large scientific experiments, such as the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC, will increase dramatically in the next decades. To complement the future performance increases of software running on central processing units (CPUs), explorations of coprocessor usage in data processing hold great potential and interest. Coprocessors are a class of computer processors that supplement CPUs, often improving the execution of certain functions due to architectural design choices. We explore the approach of Services for Optimized Network Inference on Coprocessors (SONIC) and study the deployment of this as-a-service approach in large-scale data processing. In the studies, we take a data processing workflow of the CMS experiment and run the main workflow on CPUs, while offloading several machine learning (ML) inference tasks onto either remote or local coprocessors, specifically graphics processing units (GPUs). With experiments performed at Google Cloud, the Purdue Tier-2 computing center, and combinations of the two, we demonstrate the acceleration of these ML algorithms individually on coprocessors and the corresponding throughput improvement for the entire workflow. This approach can be easily generalized to different types of coprocessors and deployed on local CPUs without decreasing the throughput performance. We emphasize that the SONIC approach enables high coprocessor usage and enables the portability to run workflows on different types of coprocessors.

[Olfactory neuroblastoma in children: clinical analysis of five cases]

The clinical data of five patients diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2012 to January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Two males and three females aged 6.2 (5.7-15.8) years were included. The symptoms mainly covered nasal congestion, increased nasal secretions, headache, decreased vision and so on. Pathological grade Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ was identified in two cases, one case and two cases, respectively. Modified Kadish stage B, C and D was detected in one case, two cases and two cases, respectively. All patients underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Among the five patients, four survived and one died. The follow-up time was 22.3 (10.4-56.4) months, and the recurrence rate was 0. ONB should be suspected when tumors are presented in the upper and middle parts of the nasal cavity, especially dumbbell shaped masses that grow towards the nasal cavity and intracranial area based on imaging. The multimodality therapy of ONB comprising of surgery and chemotherapy, can achieve good therapeutic effects and prognosis, but long-term follow-up is required.

Distinct phenotypic consequences of cholangiocarcinoma-associated FGFR2 alterations depend on biliary epithelial maturity

Epithelial cancers disrupt tissue architecture and are often driven by mutations in genes that normally play important roles in epithelial morphogenesis. The intrahepatic biliary system is an epithelial tubular network that forms within the developing liver via the de novo initiation and expansion of apical lumens. Intrahepatic biliary tumors are often driven by different types of mutations in the FGFR2 receptor tyrosine kinase which plays important roles in epithelial morphogenesis in other developmental settings. Using a physiologic and quantitative 3D model we have found that FGFR signaling is important for biliary morphogenesis and that oncogenic FGFR2 mutants disrupt biliary architecture. Importantly, we found that both the trafficking and signaling of normal FGFR2 and the phenotypic consequences of FGFR2 mutants are influenced by the epithelial state of the cell. Unexpectedly, we found that different tumor-driving FGFR2 mutants disrupt biliary morphogenesis in completely different and clinically relevant ways, informing our understanding of morphogenesis and tumorigenesis and highlighting the importance of convergent studies of both.

Interdisciplinary management of an adolescent patient with a severely impacted mandibular canine

Impacted mandibular canines often result in a variety of clinical dilemmas. Orthodontic disimpaction of severely displaced mandibular canines may be extremely challenging and associated with significant patient discomfort and a high risk of iatrogenic damage. This case report demonstrates the interdisciplinary management of a horizontally impacted permanent mandibular canine, utilising a combination of three-dimensional radiology, biomodel fabrication and subsequent endodontic treatment. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

Observation of quantum entanglement with top quarks at the ATLAS detector

Entanglement is a key feature of quantum mechanics1-3, with applications in fields such as metrology, cryptography, quantum information and quantum computation4-8. It has been observed in a wide variety of systems and length scales, ranging from the microscopic9-13 to the macroscopic14-16. However, entanglement remains largely unexplored at the highest accessible energy scales. Here we report the highest-energy observation of entanglement, in top-antitop quark events produced at the Large Hadron Collider, using a proton-proton collision dataset with a centre-of-mass energy of √s = 13 TeV and an integrated luminosity of 140 inverse femtobarns (fb)-1 recorded with the ATLAS experiment. Spin entanglement is detected from the measurement of a single observable D, inferred from the angle between the charged leptons in their parent top- and antitop-quark rest frames. The observable is measured in a narrow interval around the top-antitop quark production threshold, at which the entanglement detection is expected to be significant. It is reported in a fiducial phase space defined with stable particles to minimize the uncertainties that stem from the limitations of the Monte Carlo event generators and the parton shower model in modelling top-quark pair production. The entanglement marker is measured to be D = -0.537 ± 0.002 (stat.) ± 0.019 (syst.) for 340 GeV < m t t ¯ < 380 GeV . The observed result is more than five standard deviations from a scenario without entanglement and hence constitutes the first observation of entanglement in a pair of quarks and the highest-energy observation of entanglement so far.

The first results of the hydrogen cyanide (HCN) interferometer measuring experimental research apparatus for electromagnetic science (ERAES) for hypersonic vehicle plasma in near space

The formation of a plasma sheath on the surface of spacecraft or satellites during high-speed atmospheric entry is a significant factor that affects communication and radar detection. Experimental research apparatus for electromagnetic science can simulate this plasma sheath and study the interaction mechanisms between electromagnetic waves and plasma sheaths. Electron density is a crucial parameter for this research. Therefore, in this paper, a HCN heterodyne interferometer has been designed to measure the electron densities of the device, which range from 1 × 109 to 3 × 1013 cm-3 and the pressure ranges from 50 to 1500 Pa. The light source is a HCN laser with a wavelength of 337 µm, which exhibits higher spatial resolution compared to microwave interferometers. The interferometer is configured as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which generates an intermediate frequency through the Doppler shift achieved by a rotating grating. The spatial and temporal resolution of the HCN interferometry reach ∼14 mm and 100 µs, respectively. Antenna-coupled ALGaN/GaN-HEMT detectors have been utilized, as they possess higher sensitivity-with a typical reduction factor responsivity of around 900 V/W-than VDI planar-diode Integrated Conical Horn Fundamental Mixers in HCN interferometry. Recently, the initial results of the HCN interferometer designed for ERAES have been obtained during an experimental campaign, demonstrating a phase resolution of up to 0.04π.

Deep-learning features based on F18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) to predict preoperative colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis

AIM

The objective of this study was to create and authenticate a prognostic model for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) that integrates clinical, radiomics, and deep transfer learning features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we analyzed data from 119 CRC patients who underwent F18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scanning. The patient cohort was divided into training and validation subsets in an 8:2 ratio, with an additional 33 external data points for testing. Initially, we conducted univariate analysis to screen clinical parameters. Radiomics features were extracted from manually drawn images using pyradiomics, and deep-learning features, radiomics features, and clinical features were selected using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and Spearman correlation coefficient. We then constructed a model by training a support vector machine (SVM), and evaluated the performance of the prediction model by comparing the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. Finally, we developed nomograms combining clinical and radiological features for interpretation and analysis.

RESULTS

The deep learning radiomics (DLR) nomogram model, which was developed by integrating deep learning, radiomics, and clinical features, exhibited excellent performance. The area under the curve was (AUC = 0.934, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.884-0.983) in the training cohort, (AUC = 0.902, 95% CI: 0.769-1.000) in the validation cohort, and (AUC = 0.836, 95% CI: 0.673-0.998) in the test cohort.

CONCLUSION

We developed a preoperative predictive machine-learning model using deep transfer learning, radiomics, and clinical features to differentiate LNM status in CRC, aiding in treatment decision-making for patients.

Long-Term Bonding Efficacy of CAD/CAM Hybrid Restorative Materials and Universal Adhesives

OBJECTIVES

In-office and lab milled prostheses are the staple for indirect restorations. It is therefore critical to determine their long-term bonding durability.

METHODS

CAD/ CAM blocks of two classes of restorative materials: 1) a nano-ceramic reinforced polymer matrix (NCPM) and, 2) a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) were bonded using four different universal adhesives (UA) and silane systems. A lithium disilicate glassceramic (LDS) was used as a reference. The blocks were bisected and bonded with different UA/resin-cement pairs. Bonded blocks were then cut into 1.0x1.0x12.0 mm bar specimens for microtensile bond testing. Half the bars were subjected to bond strength testing immediately and the other half after aging by 50,000 thermal cycles between 5°C and 55°C. ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to compare mean bond strength among groups.

RESULTS

NCPM presented consistently high bond strength regardless of bonding techniques, while the bond strength of PICN and LDS were lower when bonded with UA relative to traditional silanes. The more hydrophilic UA produced higher bond strengths.

DISCUSSION

Glass-ceramics exhibited lower bond strength with UA than the conventional etch-rinse-silane techniques. However, UAs preserved bonding interface in the long-term.

SIGNIFICANCE

NCPM displayed superior bond strength relative to PICN and LDS regardless of the type of adhesives and bonding techniques.

An in vitro evaluation of the fatigue behavior of resin composite materials as part of a translational research cycle

PURPOSE

This study aimed to reproduce and translate clinical presentations in an in vitro set-up and evaluate laboratory outcomes of mechanical properties (flexural strength, fatigue resistance, wear resistance) and link them to the clinical outcomes of the employed materials in the Radboud Tooth Wear Project (RTWP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four dental resin composites were selected. 30 discs (Ø12.0 mm, 1.2 mm thick) were fabricated for each of Clearfil TM AP-X (AP), Filtek TM Supreme XTE (FS), Estenia TM C&B (ES), and Lava Ultimate (LU). Cyclic loading (200 N, 2 Hz frequency) was applied concentrically to 15 specimens per group with a spherical steatite indenter (r = 3.18 mm) in water in a contact-load-slide-liftoff motion (105 cycles). The wear scar was analysed using profilometry and the volume loss was digitally computed. Finally, all specimens were loaded (fatigued specimens with their worn surface loaded in tension) until fracture in a biaxial flexure apparatus. The differences in volume loss and flexural strength were determined using regression analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to AP and FS, ES and LU showed a significantly lower volume loss (p < 0.05). Non-fatigued ES specimens had a similar flexural strength compared to nonfatigued AP, while non-fatigued FS and LU specimens had a lower flexural strength (p < 0.001; 95 %CI: -80.0 - 51.8). The fatigue test resulted in a significant decrease of the flexural strength of ES specimens, only (p < 0.001; 95 %CI: -96.1 - -54.6).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These outcomes concur with the outcomes of clinical studies on the longevity of these composites in patients with tooth wear. Therefore, the employed laboratory test seems to have the potential to test materials in a clinically relevant way.

Assessing morinidazole for surgical site infection in class III wounds prevention: a multi-centre, randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are significant postoperative risks; antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial due to the presence of anaerobic bacteria. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel nitroimidazole, morinidazole, in SSI reduction in class III wounds, as there is currently a lack of evidence in the existing literature.

METHODS

A multi-centre randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2020 to October 2022 in the general surgery departments of 12 tertiary hospitals in China, including 459 patients in two treatment groups using morinidazole plus ceftriaxone or ceftriaxone alone. Efficacy and safety were evaluated including SSI incidence, adverse events, and compliance. Statistical analysis employed SAS 9.4 software. Data analysis was performed from February to May 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 440 participants (median (interquartile range, IQR) age, 63.0 (54.0, 70.0) years; 282 males (64.09%); 437 patients were of Han race (99.32%) and were randomized. The experimental group exhibited a significantly lower SSI rate compared with the control group (31 (14.49%) vs 52 (23.01%); risk difference, 1.76%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-2.88%; P=0.0224). The superficial incisional site infections revealed a marked reduction in the experimental group (12 (5.61%) vs 31 (13.37%); risk difference, 2.68%; 95% CI 1.34-5.36%; P=0.0042). Non-surgical site infections, severe postoperative complications, and total adverse events showed no statistically significant differences between the groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The significant decrease in SSI rates and superficial incisional infections demonstrates morinidazole to be a valuable prophylactic antibiotic. Our findings provide valuable insights for clinical practice, where this new-generation nitroimidazole can play a crucial role in SSI prevention.

Measurements of Chemical Potentials in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

This Letter presents the most precise measurement to date of the matter-antimatter imbalance at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Using the Statistical Hadronization framework, it is possible to obtain the value of the electric charge and baryon chemical potentials, μ_{Q}=-0.18±0.90  MeV and μ_{B}=0.71±0.45  MeV, with unprecedented precision. A centrality-differential study of the antiparticle-to-particle yield ratios of charged pions, protons, Ω baryons, and light (hyper)nuclei is performed. These results indicate that the system created in Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC is on average baryon-free and electrically neutral at midrapidity.

[Optimization of the control strategy and research priorities to combat the resurgence of visceral leishmaniasis in China]

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infection and transmitted by sandflies. There are three main forms of leishmaniasis, including cutaneous leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. China is mainly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, which is a class C notifiable infectious disease in the country. Following concerted efforts, the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis had been controlled in most endemic foci of China by the end of 1958, with a few cases reported in western China. Due to global climate changes and population mobility, resurgence of visceral leishmaniasis has recently occurred in historical endemic areas of central and western China, which is characterized by gradual expansion of endemic areas and remarkable rebounding epidemics. Hereby, we summarize the national and global epidemiology and control strategy of visceral leishmaniasis, propose 8 key research areas and 12 key research topics for visceral leishmaniasis control, and recommend the establishment of the joint prevention and control mechanism of "human-animals-vectors" and the working mechanism of animal prevention for human diseases based on the One Health approach, so as to combat the resurgence of visceral leishmaniasis in China.

[Evaluation of the anatomical morphology of the adrenal veins in patients with primary aldosteronism by adrenal venous sampling]

Objective: To analyze the anatomical characteristics of the adrenal veins through adrenal venography to improve the success rate of adrenal venography (AVS). Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Patients who were diagnosed with primary aldosteronism and underwent AVS from January 2019 to October 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University were included. Adrenal vein imaging was collected from the enrolled patients. We performed statistical analysis on the adrenal vein orifice position, inflow angle, and adrenal venography morphology. The adrenal venous orifice was defined as the location where the catheter was placed at the end of the calm inhalation. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between the positions of bilateral adrenal vein orifices and body mass index (BMI). Results: A total of 282 patients with successful bilateral AVS and complete bilateral adrenal vein imaging were enrolled, of whom 57.1% (161/282) were male and the age was (53.3±10.7) years old. The orifice of the left adrenal vein was located between the middle segment of the 11th thoracic vertebra and the upper segment of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. The inflow angle relative to the position of the orifice was all leftward and upward. The orifice of the right adrenal vein was located between the upper segment of the 11th thoracic vertebra and the lower segment of the 1st lumbar vertebra, and 91.1% (257/282) had a rightward and downward angle of inflow relative to the position of the orifice. The position of the adrenal vein orifices on both the left (r=0.211, P<0.001) and right (r=0.196, P=0.001) showed positive correlation with BMI. The position of the right adrenal vein orifice also increased with the position of the left adrenal orifice (r=0.530, P<0.001). The most common adrenal venography morphology on the right side was triangular (36.5%, 103/282), while the most common venography morphology on the left side was glandular (66.3%, 187/282). Conclusions: The anatomical morphology of adrenal veins are diverse. Being familiar with the morphological characteristics of the adrenal vein and identifying the adrenal vein accurately during surgery has important clinical value in improving the success rate of AVS.