[Current situation of initial female fertility evaluation in assisted reproductive institutions in China in 2019]

The evaluation of female fertility at first diagnosis is an important premise and basis for determining the treatment scheme of assisted reproduction. In this study, a survey was conducted among 13 assisted reproductive institutions in China to understand the evaluation indicators and detection methods of female fertility at first diagnosis in various institutions, and provide a basis for reasonable selection of indicators. The survey showed that the indicators of female fertility evaluation at first diagnosis among assisted reproductive institutions included general health indicators, ovarian reserve indicators, and uterine conditions, etc. The selection of indicators was considerably consistent, but the detection methods were quite different. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the detection method with better validity and less harm.

CHI study: protocol for an observational cohort study on ageing and mental health in community-dwelling older adults

INTRODUCTION

Ageing is associated with a multitude of healthcare issues including dementia, depression, frailty, morbidity associated with chronic disease and high healthcare utilisation. With Singapore's population projected to age significantly over the next two decades, it has become increasingly important to understand the disease burden and etiological process among older adults. The Community Health and Intergenerational study aims to holistically examine ageing in place by investigating the resilience and vulnerability factors of the ageing process in the biological, psychological and social domains within the environment.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Using a cohort multiple randomised controlled trial design, comprehensive health profiles of community-dwelling older adults will be collected. The objective is to recruit 1000 participants (aged 60-99 years) living in the western region of Singapore within a period of 3 years (2018-2020). Assessments include basic sociodemographic, physical health and function (cardiac, oral and blood profiles and visual function), cognitive functioning, daily functioning, physical fitness, emotional state, free-flowing speech, sleep quality, social connectedness, caregiver burden, intergenerational communication, quality of life, life satisfaction, attitudes to ageing and gratitude and compassion. Results from the cohort will enable future studies to identify at-risk groups and develop interventions to improve the physical and mental health and quality of life of older adults.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval of the cohort study by the National University of Singapore Institutional Review Board (NUS-IRB Reference code: H-17-047) was obtained on 12 October 2017. Written consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings from the cohort study will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations at scientific meetings and conferences with local stakeholders.

[Retrospective study of fiberoptic bronchoscopy airway lavage in the treatment of extremely severe burn patients with severe inhalation injury]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of fiberoptic bronchoscopy airway lavage (FBAL) in the treatment of extremely severe burn patients with severe inhalation injury. Methods: From January 2015 to January 2019, 47 extremely severe burn patients with severe inhalation injury who were hospitalized in Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital, meeting the inclusion criteria, were recruited in this retrospective cohort study. According to whether or not they were treated with FBAL, the patients were divided into fiberoptic bronchoscopy group (23 cases, 19 males and 4 females) and routine group (24 cases, 20 males and 4 females), with the age of (44±11) and (49±9) years, and the admission time of 4 (3, 4) h and 4 (3, 5) h respectively. The patients in routine group were given routine comprehensive treatment, and the patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group were treated with FBAL on the basis of routine comprehensive treatment. The pH value, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), oxygenation index, white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils, blood lactic acid, and procalcitonin (PCT) at admission and on post injury day (PID) 3, 5, 7, and 10, the time of mechanical ventilation, the day of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the incidence of complications and death within PID 28 were compared between the two study groups. The occurrences of bronchospasm and asphyxia of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group were monitored. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Bonferroni correction, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) At admission, the values of pH, PaO(2), PaCO(2), SaO(2), and oxygenation index of patients in the two groups were similar (Z=-0.118, -0.320, -0.362, -2.416, -0.234, P>0.05). On PID 3, 5, 7, and 10, the values of pH, PaO(2), SaO(2), and oxygenation index of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group were significantly higher than those of routine group (Z(3 d)=-4.711, -4.161, -5.525, -2.661; Z(5 d)=-3.489, -4.678, -5.875, -3.599; Z(7 d)=-5.104, -4.619, -5.876, -4.844; Z(10 d)=-4.026, -5.698, -5.877, -4.716; P<0.05 or P<0.01). The PaCO(2) values of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group were significantly lower than those of routine group (Z=-2.895, -3.162, -3.407, -2.831, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) At admission and on PID 3, 5, and 7, the values of WBC, blood lactic acid, and PCT of patients in the two groups were similar (Z=-0.830, -0.915, -0.458, -0.648, -1.714, -1.479; -0.330, -0.128, -1.766, -0.494, -1.396, -1.522, P>0.05). On PID 10, the values of WBC, blood lactic acid, and PCT of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group were significantly lower than those of routine group (Z=-3.502, -2.630, -2.662, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At admission, the value of neutrophils of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group was 0.887 (0.862, 0.912), which was similar to 0.887 (0.856, 0.897) in routine group (Z=-0.404, P>0.05). On PID 3, 5, 7, and 10, the values of neutrophils of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group were respectively 0.848 (0.802, 0.867), 0.831 (0.815, 0.849), 0.798 (0.771, 0.849), 0.796 (0.751, 0.869), which were significantly lower than those of routine group [0.882 (0.820, 0.906), 0.871 (0.835, 0.903), 0.845 (0.819, 0.905), 0.881 (0.819, 0.916), Z=-2.756, -2.810, -2.618, -3.033, P<0.05]. (3) The time of mechanical ventilation and the days of ICU stay of patients were shorter in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group than those in routine group (Z=-2.199, t=2.368, P<0.05). Within PID 28, the number of patients with complications was significantly less in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group than in routine group (χ(2)=5.436, P<0.05), while the incidence of death within PID 28 in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group was similar to that of routine group (P>0.05). The airway lavage procedures of patients in fiberoptic bronchoscopy group went well with no bronchospasm or asphyxia occurred. Conclusions: FBAL is effective in treating extremely severe burn patients combined with severe inhalation injury. It can improve the oxygenation status of the lung, reduce the systemic inflammatory reaction of patients, shorten the time of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and reduce the incidence of complications.

Process optimization and the relationship between the reaction degree and the antioxidant activity of Maillard reaction products of chicken liver protein hydrolysates

The aim of this study was to optimize the protein hydrolysates from chicken liver with xylose under Maillard reaction (MR) conditions using response surface methodology. The correlation between the browning degree, grafting degree, and the antioxidant activities of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) was investigated. The optimal reaction conditions were achieved with a reaction temperature of 138.78°C, an initial pH of 7.99, and a reaction time of 93.14 min. The grafting degree (41.98%) and browning degree (2.582) of chicken liver protein hydrolysate MRPs (CLPHM) were notably higher (P < 0.05) than those of protein MRPs (CLPM) and were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of sonicated hydrolysate MRPs (SCLPHM). The reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging of CLPM, CLPHM, and SCLPHM were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those of the protein or hydrolysate substrates. The grafting degree and browning degree of CLPM, CLPHM, and SCLPHM had positive correlations with DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Hence, this study could enhance the added value of chicken liver by exhibiting the enhancements from ultrasound pretreatment and the MR. MRPs could have an effective and potential application in the food industry.

[Compound matrine injection reduces morphine tolerance of the mice with lung cancer by inhibiting expression of multidrug resistance gene 1 and P-glycoprotein]

Objective: To investigate the effect of compound matrine injection on morphine tolerance in mice with lung cancer in situ and the expressions of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Methods: A mouse model of lung cancer in situ and morphine tolerance mode was established. The mice were injected with gradient concentration of compound matrine. The pain thresholds under different conditions were measured by thermal radiation tail-flick method. The mRNA level of MDR1 was tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the protein level of P-gp was detected by western blot. The DNA binding activity of cyclophosphoadenosine response element binding protein (CREB) to the promoter of MDR1 gene was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results: The maximum analgesic percentage (MPE) of the mice in the morphine group was (85.21±6.53)% on the 8th day, and decreased to (38.45±5.52)% and (28.14±4.52)% on the 10th and 12th day, respectively, which indicated the morphine tolerance of mice with lung cancer in situ.The MPE of the mice in the group treated with morphine and compound matrine injection (300 mg/kg) was (79.34±6.50)% on the 8th day, and decreased to (62.16±5.53)% and (40.20±4.50)% on the 10th and 12th day, respectively.The results of RT-PCR assay showed that the relative expression levels of MDR1 mRNA in the brain tissues of mice in the morphine group, saline group, morphine combined with compound matrine injection (300 mg/kg) group and compound matrine injection (200 mg/kg) group were 2.33±0.79, 1.04±0.38, 1.37±0.38, and 1.43±0.53, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the morphine group and the normal saline group, the morphine group and the morphine combined with compound matrine injection (300 mg/kg) group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the normal saline group and the compound matrine injection (200 mg/kg) group (P=0.05). The results of western blot showed that the relative expression levels of P-gp protein in the brain tissue of mice in the morphine group, saline group, and morphine combined with compound matrine injection (300 mg/kg) group were 1.86±0.40, 1.00±0.23, and 1.27±0.27, respectively. The expression of P-gp protein in the morphine group was significantly higher than those of the normal saline group and the morphine combined with compound matrine injection (300 mg/kg) group (P<0.05). The DNA-binding activity of CREB in the saline group was (0.23±0.07) Pu, significantly lower than (0.89±0.23) Pu of morphine combined with naloxone group and (0.80±0.23) Pu of morphine group (P<0.05). While the CREB DNA binding activity of morphine combined with compound matrine injection (300 mg/kg) group was (0.79±0.21) Pu, implicated that compound matrine had marginal effect on the DNA-binding activity of CREB (P>0.05). Conclusion: Compound matrine injection can significantly improve morphine tolerance and drug resistance of lung cancer through inhibiting the upregulations of MDR1 and P-gp induced by morphine.

Observation of a Resonant Structure in e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}

A partial-wave analysis is performed for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} at the center-of-mass energies ranging from 2.000 to 2.644 GeV. The data samples of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider with a total integrated luminosity of 300  pb^{-1}, are analyzed. The total Born cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0}, as well as the Born cross sections for the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→ϕπ^{0}π^{0}, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), are measured versus the center-of-mass energy. The corresponding results for e^{+}e^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}π^{0}π^{0} and ϕπ^{0}π^{0} are consistent with those of BABAR with better precision. By analyzing the cross sections for the four subprocesses, K^{+}(1460)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1400)K^{-}, K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-}, and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892), a structure with mass M=(2126.5±16.8±12.4)  MeV/c^{2} and width Γ=(106.9±32.1±28.1)  MeV is observed with an overall statistical significance of 6.3σ, although with very limited significance in the subprocesses e^{+}e^{-}→K_{1}^{+}(1270)K^{-} and K^{*+}(892)K^{*-}(892). The resonant parameters of the observed structure suggest it can be identified with the ϕ(2170), thus the results provide valuable input to the internal nature of the ϕ(2170).

The Impact of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Beta Blockers, and Metformin on the Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Advanced Melanoma

Anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy has greatly improved outcomes of patients with melanoma; however, many fail to respond. Although preclinical studies suggest a potentially synergistic relationship with anti-PD-1 therapy and certain concurrent medications, their clinical role remains unclear. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other drugs in 330 patients with melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 therapy from four academic centers. In the cohort, 37% of patients used NSAIDs including aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid; ASA; 47%), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors (2%), and non-ASA/nonselective COX inhibitor NSAIDs (59%). The objective response rates (ORRs) were similar in patients with NSAID (43.4%) and no NSAID (41.3%) use with no significant difference in overall suvival (OS). There was a trend toward improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients who took NSAIDs (median PFS: 8.5 vs. 5.2 months; p = .054). Most patients (71.3%) took NSAIDs once daily or as needed. Multivariate analysis did not reveal an association with NSAID use with ORR, PFS, or OS. Concurrent use of metformin or beta blockers did not affect ORR, PFS, or OS. Our study found no conclusive association of concurrent NSAID or other medication use with improved outcomes in patients with melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Larger and more systematic analysis is required to confirm these findings.

European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 is the update of similar evidence based position papers published in 2005 and 2007 and 2012. The core objective of the EPOS2020 guideline is to provide revised, up-to-date and clear evidence-based recommendations and integrated care pathways in ARS and CRS. EPOS2020 provides an update on the literature published and studies undertaken in the eight years since the EPOS2012 position paper was published and addresses areas not extensively covered in EPOS2012 such as paediatric CRS and sinus surgery. EPOS2020 also involves new stakeholders, including pharmacists and patients, and addresses new target users who have become more involved in the management and treatment of rhinosinusitis since the publication of the last EPOS document, including pharmacists, nurses, specialised care givers and indeed patients themselves, who employ increasing self-management of their condition using over the counter treatments. The document provides suggestions for future research in this area and offers updated guidance for definitions and outcome measurements in research in different settings. EPOS2020 contains chapters on definitions and classification where we have defined a large number of terms and indicated preferred terms. A new classification of CRS into primary and secondary CRS and further division into localized and diffuse disease, based on anatomic distribution is proposed. There are extensive chapters on epidemiology and predisposing factors, inflammatory mechanisms, (differential) diagnosis of facial pain, allergic rhinitis, genetics, cystic fibrosis, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, immunodeficiencies, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and the relationship between upper and lower airways. The chapters on paediatric acute and chronic rhinosinusitis are totally rewritten. All available evidence for the management of acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps in adults and children is systematically reviewed and integrated care pathways based on the evidence are proposed. Despite considerable increases in the amount of quality publications in recent years, a large number of practical clinical questions remain. It was agreed that the best way to address these was to conduct a Delphi exercise . The results have been integrated into the respective sections. Last but not least, advice for patients and pharmacists and a new list of research needs are included. The full document can be downloaded for free on the website of this journal: http://www.rhinologyjournal.com.

[Genotype-phenotype analysis of a homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia pedigree]

Objective: To analyze the genetic characteristics of a five generations pedigree with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Methods: Prospective study. Twenty family members included a proband diagnosed as familial hyperlipidemia at the cardiology Department of Xi'an Children's Hospital in October 2018 were research object. Clinical data were collected. Genome DNAs were extracted. Whole exons sequencing was performed on the proband using target capture next generation sequencing. Candidate gene mutation sites identified by bioinformatics were verified by Sanger sequencing in the family members. The genotype-phenotype correlation of the pedigree was analyzed between heterozygous mutation carriers and non-carriers. Results: The proband was a 7-years and 10-month-old boy. He was born with a roundgreen bean size yellow skin protuberance in the skin of the coccyx. Since the age of 3-4 years old, xanthoma-like lesions with a diameter of 0.5-1.5 cm gradually appeared in the skin of bilateral elbow joints, knee joints and Achilles tendon. The height, weight and intellectual development of the child were the same as those of normal children at the same age. No similar xanthoma-like lesion was found in the other family members. The proband's total cholesterol (TC) reached 18.16-21.24 mmol/L, and his low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C) was 14.08-15.51 mmol/L. Carotid ultrasonography showed diffuse sclerotic plaques in bilateral carotid and vertebral arteries, and color Doppler echocardiography revealed aortic valve thickening and calcification. Gene testing identified that the proband carried a homozygous mutation C. 418G>A (p. E140K) in LDLR gene inherited from his parents who had a consanguineous marriage and carried a heterozygous mutation of LDLR-E140K, respectively.The TC, LDL-C and apolipoproteinB (ApoB) of LDLR-E140K gene heterozygous carriers ((8.40±0.13), (6.79±0.01) and (1.95±0.05) mmol/L, respectively) were significantly higher than those of non-carriers ((4.59±0.28), (3.35±0.39) and (0.86±0.10) mmol/L, t=7.269, 4.595, 6.311, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions: LDLR-E140K gene homozygous mutation is first reported to be associated with most severe phenotype HoFH. The genotype-phenotype analysis of the pedigree shows that the clinical phenotype of the proband with homozygous mutation is the most serious, and all the heterozygous mutation carriers present with hypercholesterolemia phenotype. The investigation confirms that LDLR-E140K is the pathogenic variation of familial hyperlipidemia.

Measurement of Proton Electromagnetic Form Factors in e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] in the Energy Region 2.00-3.08 GeV

The process of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is studied at 22 center-of-mass energy points (sqrt[s]) from 2.00 to 3.08 GeV, exploiting 688.5  pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross section (σ_{pp[over ¯]}) of e^{+}e^{-}→pp[over ¯] is measured with the energy-scan technique and it is found to be consistent with previously published data, but with much improved accuracy. In addition, the electromagnetic form-factor ratio (|G_{E}/G_{M}|) and the value of the effective (|G_{eff}|), electric (|G_{E}|), and magnetic (|G_{M}|) form factors are measured by studying the helicity angle of the proton at 16 center-of-mass energy points. |G_{E}/G_{M}| and |G_{M}| are determined with high accuracy, providing uncertainties comparable to data in the spacelike region, and |G_{E}| is measured for the first time. We reach unprecedented accuracy, and precision results in the timelike region provide information to improve our understanding of the proton inner structure and to test theoretical models which depend on nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics.

Measurement of the Cross Section for e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} and Observation of an Excited Ξ Baryon

Using a total of 11.0  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.009 and 4.6 GeV and collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we measure fifteen exclusive cross sections and effective form factors for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} by means of a single baryon-tag method. After performing a fit to the dressed cross section of e^{+}e^{-}→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, no significant ψ(4230) or ψ(4260) resonance is observed in the Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} final states, and upper limits at the 90% confidence level on Γ_{ee}B for the processes ψ(4230)/ψ(4260)→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+} are determined. In addition, an excited Ξ baryon at 1820  MeV/c^{2} is observed with a statistical significance of 6.2-6.5σ by including the systematic uncertainty, and the mass and width are measured to be M=(1825.5±4.7±4.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(17.0±15.0±7.9)  MeV, which confirms the existence of the J^{P}=3/2^{-} state Ξ(1820).

Observation of the Semileptonic D^{+} Decay into the K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0} Axial-Vector Meson

By analyzing a 2.93  fb^{-1} data sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions, recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider, we report the first observation of the semileptonic D^{+} transition into the axial-vector meson D^{+}→K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e} with a statistical significance greater than 10σ. Its decay branching fraction is determined to be B[D^{+}→K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}e^{+}ν_{e}]=(2.30±0.26_{-0.21}^{+0.18}±0.25)×10^{-3}, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, and the third originates from the input branching fraction of K[over ¯]_{1}(1270)^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{0}.

Observation of the Leptonic Decay D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ}

We report the first observation of D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ} with a significance of 5.1σ. We measure B(D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ})=(1.20±0.24_{stat}±0.12_{syst})×10^{-3}. Taking the world average B(D^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ})=(3.74±0.17)×10^{-4}, we obtain R_{τ/μ}=Γ(D^{+}→τ^{+}ν_{τ})/Γ(D^{+}→μ^{+}ν_{μ})=3.21±0.64_{stat}±0.43_{syst}., which is consistent with the standard model expectation of lepton flavor universality. Using external inputs, our results give values for the D^{+} decay constant f_{D^{+}} and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cd}| that are consistent with, but less precise than, other determinations.

Anti-PD-1-Induced Pneumonitis Is Associated with Persistent Imaging Abnormalities in Melanoma Patients

Pneumonitis may complicate anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy, although symptoms usually resolve with steroids. The long-term effects on respiratory function, however, are not well defined. We screened melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1, with and without ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4), and identified 31 patients with pneumonitis. Median time to radiographic findings was 4.8 months. Twenty-three patients (74%) presented with respiratory symptoms, whereas 8 (26%) were asymptomatic, and 11 (35%) were hospitalized. With 22.1 months median follow-up, 27 patients (87%) had resolution of symptoms, whereas 4 had persistent cough, dyspnea, and/or wheezing. By contrast, the rate of radiographic resolution was lower: Only 11 (35%) had complete radiographic resolution, whereas 14 (45%) had improvement of pneumonitis with persistent scarring or opacities, and 6 (19%) had persistent or worsened ground-glass opacities and/or nodular densities. Persistence (vs. resolution) of radiographic findings was associated with older age and initial need for steroids but not with need for hospitalization, timing of onset, or treatment regimen (combination vs. monotherapy). Among patients with serial pulmonary function tests, lung function improved with time. Although symptoms of anti-PD-1-induced pneumonitis resolved quickly, scarring or inflammation frequently persisted on computerized tomography. Therefore, further study of subclinical pulmonary effects of anti-PD-1 is needed.

[Evaluation of the application of moving epidemic method on making influenza epidemic thresholds in the 7 climate zones in China]

Objective: We planned to evaluate the effectiveness of moving epidemic method (MEM) in calculating influenza epidemic threshold of 7 climatic zones in China mainland. Methods: The positive rate of influenza virus was obtained from the National Influenza Surveillance Network System from 2010/2011 to 2017/2018. We divided the 31 provinces into 7 climatic zones according to previous literatures and applied MEM to calculate the influenza epidemic threshold of 2018/2019 influenza season for these climatic zones. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of MEM. Results: Pre-epidemic threshold (the positive rate of influenza virus) varied from 9.66% (temperate zone) to 16.36% (subtropical zone) for 2018/2019 influenza season. The gap between pre-epidemic and post-epidemic thresholds was less than 5% except for plateau zone. The sensitivity was 86.16% (95CI:66.81%-98.23%), the specificity was 94.92% (95CI: 91.13%-98.41%), the positive predictive value was 89.87% (95%CI: 84.39%-94.38%), the negative predictive value was 92.96% (95%CI: 84.46%-99.17%). Conclusion: Overall, moving epidemic Method performs well in calculating influenza epidemic threshold in China, much better than the previous study.

Predictors of benefits from frontline chemoimmunotherapy in stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically expanded the therapeutic landscape of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a previous study, gender, smoking history, and PD-L1 status were found to influence the efficacy of single-agent ICI in NSCLC. This meta-analysis evaluated the clinical and molecular factors that could predict a benefit from adding ICIs to first-line chemotherapy in metastatic NSCLC. Patients and Methods: The pooled hazard ratio (HR) of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among the selected subgroups were analyzed using the random effects model. The correlation between PD-L1 expression and outcome was analyzed by meta-regression. Results: Seven phase III randomized controlled trials comparing chemo-immunotherapy (CIT) with chemotherapy in untreated stage 4 NSCLC were included. CIT evenly improved PFS irrespective of age, gender, histology, smoking history, and performance status. Among patients with baseline hepatic metastasis treated with Atezolizumab-containing CIT, PFS improvement was only detected with the addition of Bevacizumab. Whereas patients with EGFR/ALK-driven cancer exhibited greater PFS with the addition of ICI to a Bevacizumab (BEV)-based regimen, the derived benefit was no longer statistically significant among those treated with non-BEV-based regimens. Although the superior PFS conferred by CIT was noticeable across all PD-L1 expression subgroups, this benefit correlated with PD-L1 level and was more pronounced in the "PD-L1 high" cohort. Except for patients harboring EGFR/ALK aberrations or squamous histology, CIT consistently improved OS across the other selected subgroups. Conclusions: The survival advantage associated with first-line CIT in metastatic NSCLC was observed in different patient populations, including those for which single-agent ICI has marginal therapeutic benefit. Our findings support the role of chemotherapy with or without VEGF blockade as enhancers of ICI activity in NSCLC.

Complete Measurement of the Λ Electromagnetic Form Factors

The exclusive process e^{+}e^{-}→ΛΛ[over ¯], with Λ→pπ^{-} and Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+}, has been studied at sqrt[s]=2.396  GeV for measurement of the timelike Λ electric and magnetic form factors, G_{E} and G_{M}. A data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 66.9  pb^{-1}, was collected with the BESIII detector for this purpose. A multidimensional analysis with a complete decomposition of the spin structure of the reaction enables a determination of the modulus of the ratio R=|G_{E}/G_{M}| and, for the first time for any baryon, the relative phase ΔΦ=Φ_{E}-Φ_{M}. The resulting values are R=0.96±0.14(stat)±0.02(syst) and ΔΦ=37°±12°(stat)±6°(syst), respectively. These are obtained using the recently established and most precise value of the asymmetry parameter α_{Λ}=0.750±0.010 measured by BESIII. In addition, the cross section is measured with unprecedented precision to be σ=118.7±5.3(stat)±5.1(syst)  pb, which corresponds to an effective form factor of |G|=0.123±0.003(stat)±0.003(syst). The contribution from two-photon exchange is found to be negligible. Our result enables the first complete determination of baryon timelike electromagnetic form factors.

Amplitude Analysis of D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η and First Observation of the W-Annihilation Dominant Decays D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+}π^{0} and D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}π^{+}

We present the first amplitude analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η. We use an e^{+}e^{-} collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.19  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of 4.178 GeV. We observe for the first time the W-annihilation dominant decays D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+}π^{0} and D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{0}π^{+}. We measure the absolute branching fraction B(D_{s}^{+}→a_{0}(980)^{+(0)}π^{0^{(}+)},a_{0}(980)^{+(0)}→π^{+(0)}η)=(1.46±0.15_{stat}±0.23_{sys})%, which is larger than the branching fractions of other measured pure W-annihilation decays by at least one order of magnitude. In addition, we measure the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}η with significantly improved precision.

Correlates of response and outcomes with talimogene laherperpvec

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with in-transit or limited cutaneous metastatic melanoma may benefit from intralesional injections with talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), a modified oncolytic herpesvirus. However, its use in patients with adverse prognostic scores in a real-life clinical setting has not been studied.

METHODS

We performed a two-center retrospective analysis of 40 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with TVEC from 2015-2017. Demographics, overall response, and survival after therapy were noted.

RESULTS

Overall, there was a durable response rate of 40%; median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.5 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Bulky disease was associated with decreased OS (15.7 months vs not reached, P < .05) and mPFS (2.3 months vs not reached, P < .05), when compared with smaller tumors. Poor performance status (ECOG 2-3) was associated with worse OS (10.2 months vs not reached, P < .05) and PFS (2.1 months vs not reached, P < .05) compared to patients with ECOG 0-1. There was no difference in the outcomes with age greater than 75 or with prior therapies. Adverse events were relatively tolerable.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that TVEC is an effective and safe treatment for metastatic melanoma in a real-life clinical setting, and suggest parameters to aid in appropriate therapy selection for optimal response.

[Case report of familial microtia combined with tetralogy of Fallot and scoliosis and literature review]

Summary Microtia is a kind of malformation affecting the development of the external ear and middle ear. In China, researches have pointed out that the incidence of microtia was 3.06 per 10 000 people. About 40% of patients with microtia were identified with other systemic malformation, and the commom complications included congenital heart disease, scoliosis, anophthalmia, cleft palate, facial asymmetry, facial asymmetry, etc. Of which, the prevalence of microtia with congenital heart disease was 18.5%, and it was 7% of patients with scoliosis. It is very rare for patients of microtia combined with multi-malformations. In this study, we reported a case of familial microtia combined with tetralogy of Fallot and scoliosis, and undertook a systematic review of the literature.

A case report of clonal EBV-like memory CD4+ T cell activation in fatal checkpoint inhibitor-induced encephalitis

Checkpoint inhibitors produce durable responses in numerous metastatic cancers, but immune-related adverse events (irAEs) complicate and limit their benefit. IrAEs can affect organ systems idiosyncratically; presentations range from mild and self-limited to fulminant and fatal. The molecular mechanisms underlying irAEs are poorly understood. Here, we report a fatal case of encephalitis arising during anti-programmed cell death receptor 1 therapy in a patient with metastatic melanoma. Histologic analyses revealed robust T cell infiltration and prominent programmed death ligand 1 expression. We identified 209 reported cases in global pharmacovigilance databases (across multiple cancer types) of encephalitis associated with checkpoint inhibitor regimens, with a 19% fatality rate. We performed further analyses from the index case and two additional cases to shed light on this recurrent and fulminant irAE. Spatial and multi-omic analyses pinpointed activated memory CD4⁺ T cells as highly enriched in the inflamed, affected region. We identified a highly oligoclonal T cell receptor repertoire, which we localized to activated memory cytotoxic (CD45RO⁺GZMB⁺Ki67⁺) CD4 cells. We also identified Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cell receptors and EBV⁺ lymphocytes in the affected region, which we speculate contributed to neural inflammation in the index case. Collectively, the three cases studied here identify CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells as culprits of checkpoint inhibitor-associated immune encephalitis.

[The association between serum bilirubin levels and hearing loss in the patients with bilateral sudden deafness]

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum bilirubin levels and the severity of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss （BSSHL）. Method:A total of 113 patients with bilateral axillary sputum were enrolled, and the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and initial hearing levels was explored using a univariate and multivariate linear regression model. Result:Compared with the group with moderate and below hearing loss （≤70 dB HL）, patients with severe profound HL（>70 dB HL） were more likely to have lower levels of total and indirect bilirubin level, magnesium and relative hearing gain, higher levels of final hearing, white blood counts, neutrophil, platelet and alkaline phosphatase. After adjusting for possible confounders, only serum indirect bilirubin levels were significantly negatively correlated with initial hearing loss in patients with bilateral axillary sputum. 1 μmol/L increase of IBIL was associated with 1.1 dB （95%CI: -2.2, 0.0） reduction in initial hearing loss. Conclusion:Within the normal or mildly elevated range, higher levels of IBIL are independently and significantly associated with less severe hearing loss in BSSHL. It suggested a beneficial effect of bilirubin on auditory system.

[Clinical significance of pulse contour cardiac output monitoring technology in guiding fluid replacement during shock stage of extensive burn]

Objective: To explore the guiding significance of pulse contour cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring technology in the treatment of fluid replacement during shock stage of extensive burn in clinic. Methods: Sixty-five patients with extensive burn hospitalized in our unit from January 2014 to December 2018, conforming to the inclusion criteria, were recruited to conduct a prospective controlled research. According to the order of admission, 35 odd-numbered patients and 30 even-numbered patients were enrolled in routine rehydration group (25 males and 10 females) and PiCCO monitoring rehydration group (21 males and 9 females) respectively, with the age of (48±9) and (44±8) years respectively. All patients of the two groups were rehydrated according to the rehydration formula of the Third Military Medical University during shock stage. The rehydration speed was adjusted in routine rehydration group according to the general indexes of shock such as central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, urine volume, and clinical symptoms of patients. PiCCO monitoring was performed in patients of PiCCO monitoring rehydration group, and the global end-diastolic volume index combined with the other relevant indicators of PiCCO were used to guide rehydration on the basis of the monitoring indicators of routine rehydration group. The heart rates and positive fluid balance volumes at post injury hour (PIH) 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, and 72, the diuretic dosage at PIH 48 and 72, the total fluid replacement volumes, urine volumes, blood lactic acid, platelet count, and hematocrit at PIH 24, 48, and 72, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and the incidence of complications and death within 28 days after injury were compared between patients in the two groups. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, t test, Bonferroni correction, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: The heart rates of patients in the two groups were similar at PIH 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, and 56 (t=0.775, 1.388, 2.511, 2.203, 1.654, 2.303, 1.808, P>0.05), and the heart rates of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group at PIH 64 and 72 were obviously lower than those of routine rehydration group (t=3.229, 3.357, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The positive fluid balance volumes of patients in the two groups were similar at PIH 8, 16, 40, and 56 (t=0.768, 1.670, 2.134, 2.791, P>0.05), and the positive fluid balance volumes of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group at PIH 24, 32, 48, 64, and 72 were obviously less than those of routine rehydration group (t=3.364, 4.047, 2.930, 2.950, 2.976, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The amount of diuretics used by patients in the two groups was similar at PIH 48 and 72 (Z=-0.697, -1.239, P>0.05). The total fluid replacement volumes of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group at PIH 24, 48, and 72 were (13 864±4 241), (9 532±2 272), and (8 480±2 180) mL, respectively, obviously more than those in routine rehydration group [(10 388±2 445), (8 095±1 720), and (7 059±1 297) mL, respectively, t=-3.970, -2.848, -3.137, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. The urine volumes of patients in the two groups at PIH 24 were close (t=-1.027, P>0.05). The urine volumes of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group at PIH 48 and 72 were (3 051±702) and (3 202±624) mL respectively, obviously more than those in routine rehydration group [(2 401±588) and (2 582±624) mL respectively, t=-4.062, -4.001, P<0.01]. The levels of blood lactate acid of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group at PIH 24, 48, and 72 were obviously lower than those in routine rehydration group (t=4.758, 6.101, 3.938, P<0.01). At PIH 24 and 48, the values of the platelet count of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group were obviously higher than those in routine rehydration group (t=-2.853, -2.499, P<0.05), and the values of hematocrit of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group were obviously lower than those in routine rehydration group (t=2.698, 4.167, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Both the platelet count and hematocrit of patients in the two groups were similar at PIH 72 (t=-1.363, 0.476, P>0.05). The length of ICU stay of patients in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group was obviously shorter than that of routine rehydration group (t=2.184, P<0.05). Within 28 days after injury, the incidence of complications of patients in routine rehydration group was obviously higher than that in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group (P<0.05), while the mortality rate of patients in routine rehydration group was similar to that in PiCCO monitoring rehydration group (P>0.05). Conclusions: The application of PiCCO monitoring technology in monitoring fluid replacement in patients with extensive burn can quickly correct shock, reduce the occurrence of organ complications caused by improper fluid replacement, and shorten the length of ICU stay, which is of great significance in guiding the treatment of burn shock.

Study of e^{+}e^{-}→γωJ/ψ and Observation of X(3872)→ωJ/ψ

We study the e^{+}e^{-}→γωJ/ψ process using 11.6  fb^{-1} e^{+}e^{-} annihilation data taken at center-of-mass energies from sqrt[s]=4.008  GeV to 4.600 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. The X(3872) resonance is observed for the first time in the ωJ/ψ system with a significance of more than 5σ. The relative decay ratio of X(3872)→ωJ/ψ and π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ is measured to be R=1.6_{-0.3}^{+0.4}±0.2, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic (the same hereafter). The sqrt[s]-dependent cross section of e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) is also measured and investigated, and it can be described by a single Breit-Wigner resonance, referred to as the Y(4200), with a mass of 4200.6_{-13.3}^{+7.9}±3.0  MeV/c^{2} and a width of 115_{-26}^{+38}±12  MeV. In addition, to describe the ωJ/ψ mass distribution above 3.9  GeV/c^{2}, we need at least one additional Breit-Wigner resonance, labeled as X(3915), in the fit. The mass and width of the X(3915) are determined. The resonant parameters of the X(3915) agree with those of the Y(3940) in B→KωJ/ψ and of the X(3915) in γγ→ωJ/ψ observed by the Belle and BABAR experiments within errors.

Observation of the Decay X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1}(1P)

Using a total of 9.0  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data with center-of-mass energies between 4.15 and 4.30 GeV collected by the BESIII detector, we search for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{cJ} for J=0, 1, 2. We report the first observation of X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1}, a new decay mode of the X(3872), with a statistical significance of more than 5σ for all systematic fit variations. Normalizing to the previously established process e^{+}e^{-}→γX(3872) with X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ, we find B(X(3872)→π^{0}χ_{c1})/B(X(3872)→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ)=0.88_{-0.27}^{+0.33}±0.10, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the corresponding ratios for the decays to π^{0}χ_{c0} and π^{0}χ_{c2} of 19 and 1.1, respectively.