[Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics and treatment outcomes of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ANCA-associated vasculitic neuropathy]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of ANCA-associated vasculitic neuropathy (VN) and analyze the predictors of treatment outcomes. Methods: Retrospective case series. In all, 652 consecutive patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis were admitted to the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2006 and December 2022. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 91 patients. Patients were excluded if other known causes of neuropathy were present. Sixty-one patients were eventually enrolled, including 17 with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), 11 with granulomatosis polyangiitis (GPA), and 33 with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Their clinical data were collected and clinical characteristics, VN manifestations, electrophysiological findings (including interside amplitude ratio [IAR]), and treatment outcomes were compared among the three subsets of AAV. Then, factors influencing the treatment outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 62.1%(18/29) of EGPA, 8.3%(15/180) of GPA, and 13.1%(58/443) of MPA patients. The age at onset and examination was higher in patients with MPA than those with EGPA or GPA (P<0.01). The occurrence of VN was later in patients with GPA than those with EGPA (P<0.01), and the GPA group had fewer affected nerves than the other two groups (P<0.016). The abnormal IARs of motor nerves in lower limbs were more detected in the EGPA than the MPA group (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis suggested that higher Birmingham vasculitis activity score-version 3 (BVAS-V3) (OR=6.85, 95%CI 1.33-35.30) was associated with better treatment outcomes of VN. However, central nervous system involvement was a risk factor for poor treatment outcomes (OR=0.13, 95%CI 0.02-0.89). Conclusions: The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of VN were slightly different among subsets of AAV. Patients with GPA often presented with polyneuropathy and had fewer nerves affected; mononeuritis multiplex was more common in EGPA than GPA and MPA. Higher BVAS-V3 and central nervous system involvement might predict the treatment outcome of VN.

[Monitoring and analysis on host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022]

Objective: To investigate the distribution and hantavirus (HV) carrying state in host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022. Methods: Host animal monitoring was carried out at the monitoring sites of HFRS in Henan Province. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect hantavirus in rat lungs. The types of hantavirus were analyzed. The positive samples were sequenced and then sequence homology and variation were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 308 rodents were captured from 2019 to 2022, 16 specimens of rat lungs tested positive for hantavirus nucleic acid. The positive rate of HV was 1.22% (16/1 308). According to type, the positive rate of HV in Apodius agrarius was the highest (68.75%, 11/16). According to distribution, the positive rate of HV in field samples was the highest (2.50%, 12/480), and the positive rate of HV in residential samples was 0.53% (4/759). The typing results of 16 positive samples showed that all viruses were hantavirus type Ⅰ (hantaan virus). The positive samples were sequenced and eight S gene fragments (GenBank number: OQ681444-OQ681451) and six M gene fragments (OQ681438-OQ681443) were obtained. The S and M gene fragments were similar to the Shaanxi 84FLi strain and Sichuan SN7 strain. Phylogenetic analysis of S and M gene fragments showed that they all belonged to the hantaan virus-H5 subtype. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that, compared with the hantaan virus vaccine strain 84FLi, the 74th amino acid encoded by eight S fragments was replaced by aspartamide with serine. Tryptophan was replaced by glycine at the 14th position of Gn region in XC2022047, and isoleucine was replaced by alanine at the 359 position of XC2022022 and XC2022024. Conclusion: The hantavirus carried by host animals in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022 belongs to the type Ⅰ (hantaan virus), and Apodemus agrarius is still the dominant host animal of the hantaan virus. Compared with the vaccine strains, amino acid sites are replaced in the immune epitopes of the S and M gene fragments.

[Periodic dynamic observation and analysis of cellular and humoral immunity indexes of adults infected with Omicron BA.1]

Objective: To analyze the immunological characteristics and antibody changes of patients infected with the Omicron BA.1 and evaluate the possibility of secondary infection. Methods: A total of 104 patients infected with Omicron BA.1 in the Jinnan District of Tianjin from January 8 to February 2, 2022, were included in the study. The control group and case group were matched 1∶1 based on age, sex and vaccination status. Serum was collected from the case group and control group at 3, 6 and 9 months after infection. The serum levels of interleukin4 (IL-4), IL-5 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), as well as the positive rates of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2, were detected by ELISA. Results: The highest concentration of IFN-γ in the case group at 6 months after infection was 145.4 pg/ml, followed by a decrease in concentration. The concentrations of IL-4 and IL-5 began to decrease at 6 months after infection (all P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the IgG2 positive rate between the case group and the control group at 6 months after BA.1 infection. However, at 9 months, there was a significant decrease compared to the control group (P=0.003). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL4 at 3 months after infection in the case group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the ratio between the case group and the control group at 9 months after infection. Conclusion: The cellular immune function has been impaired at 3 months after infection with BA.1, and the specific cellular immune and humoral immune functions decrease significantly after 6 months, and the risk of secondary infection increases.

[Clinical study of antinib combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of third-line extensive small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To explore whether the survival benefit of the third-line extensive small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) will be obtained by the combination of anlotinib and radiotherapy, and evaluate the safety of this treatment regimen. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with ES-SCLC who received third-line treatment with less than three metastatic organs at the Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from November 2018 to July 2021 were collected and treated with radiotherapy based on anlotinib. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), descriptive statistical analysis was used to evaluate the safety, and European organisation for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to evaluate the quality of life. Results: The follow-up cut-off date was July 1, 2021, and the follow-up time ranged from 4.8 to 31.0 months, with a median follow-up time of 10.2 months for the entire group. Among the 27 patients, 4 achieved partial remission, 17 had stable disease and 6 had progression of disease. The objective remission rate (ORR) was 14.8%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 77.8%. Median PFS and the median OS were 5 months and 11 months, respectively. The most common adverse reactions included fatigue (33.3%, 9/27), anorexia (14.8%, 4/27), bleeding (14.8%, 4/27) and hand-foot syndrome (11.1%, 3/27). Most of them were grade 1 to grade 2, 3 cases were more than grade 3, and there was no grade 5 toxicity recorded. After radiotherapy combined with amlotinib treatment, patients showed improvement in general health, somatic functioning, social functioning, and emotional functioning (all P<0.05). Conclusion: For the third-line ES-SCLC patients, radiotherapy based on the anlotinib can significantly prolong their PFS and OS, and the adverse reactions can be tolerated.

[The epidemiology and pathogeny investigation of two clusters of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome disease outbreaking in Henan Province, 2022]

To investigate two clusters of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in Xinyang City, Henan Province, in 2022, and analyze their causes, transmission route, risk factors, and the characteristics of virus genetic variation. Case search and case investigation were carried out according to the case definition. Blood samples from cases, family members and neighbors and samples of biological vectors were collected for RT-PCR to detect SFTSV. The whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on the collected positive samples. A total of two clustered outbreaks occurred, involving two initial cases and ten secondary cases, all of which were family recurrent cases. Among them, nine secondary cases had close contact with the blood of the initial case, and it was determined that close contact with blood was the main risk factor for the two clustered outbreaks. After genome sequencing analysis, we found that the SFTSV genotype in two cases was type A, which was closely related to previous endemic strains in Xinyang. The nucleotide sequence of the SFTSV in the case was highly homologous, with a total of nine amino acid mutation sites in the coding region. It was not ruled out that its mutation sites might have an impact on the outbreak of the epidemic.

Electroacupuncture for weight loss by regulating microglial polarization in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus

Electroacupuncture (EA) has a weight loss effect, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of weight loss with EA have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of EA on the phenotype of hypothalamic microglia in obese mice. A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice were used in this study. There were three groups in this experiment: The conventional diet group (Chow group), the high-fat diet group (HFD group), and the EA intervention group (HFD + EA group). EA was applied at "Tianshu (ST25)", "Guanyuan (RN4)", "Zusanli (ST36)" and "Zhongwan (RN12)" every day for 10 min. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical staining, and real-time PCR were applied in this study. The results showed that EA intervention was associated with a decrease in body weight, food intake, adipose tissue weight, and adipocyte size. At the same time, EA induced microglia to exhibit an M2 phenotype, representing reduced iNOS/TNF-α and increased Arg-1/IL-10/BDNF, which may be due to the promotion of TREM2 expression. EA also reduced microglia enrichment in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and declined TLR4 and IL-6, inhibiting microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. In addition, EA treatment promoted POMC expression, which may be associated with reduced food intake and weight loss in obese mice. This work provides novel evidence of EA against obesity. However, further study is necessary of EA as a therapy for obesity.

[Clinical significance of Epstein-Barr Virus detection in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To analyze the detection rate, clinical significance, and prognosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1100 patients who underwent the CSF virus test after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Peking University People's Hospital between January 2017 and June 2022. Among them, 19 patients were screened positive for EBV in their CSF, and their clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: Among 19 patients with EBV-positive cerebrospinal fluid, 12 were male and 7 were female, with 5 patients aged <18 years and 12 aged ≥18 years, with a median age of 27 (5-58) years old. There were 7 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 8 of acute lymphocytic leukemia, 2 of aplastic anemia, 1 of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 1 of hemophagocytic syndrome. All 19 patients underwent haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including 1 secondary transplant. Nineteen patients had neurological symptoms (headache, dizziness, convulsions, or seizures), of which 13 had fever. Ten cases showed no abnormalities in cranial imaging examination. Among the 19 patients, 6 were diagnosed with EB virus-related central nervous system diseases, with a median diagnosis time of 50 (22-363) days after transplantation. In 9 (47.3%) patients, EBV was detected in their peripheral blood, and they were treated with intravenous infusion of rituximab (including two patients who underwent lumbar puncture and intrathecal injection of rituximab). After treatment, EBV was not detected in seven patients. Among the 19 patients, 2 died from EBV infection and 2 from other causes. Conclusion: In patients who exhibited central nervous system symptoms after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, EBV should be screened as a potential pathogen. EBV detected in the CSF may indicate an infection; however, it does not confirm the diagnosis.

[Clinical analysis of the usefulness of letermovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of letermovir in primary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in patients receiving haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study was conducted using data of patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation at Peking University Institute of Hematology and received letermovir for primary prophylaxis between May 1, 2022 and August 30, 2022. The inclusion criteria of the letermovir group were as follows: letermovir initiation within 30 days after transplantation and continuation for≥90 days after transplantation. Patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation within the same time period but did not receive letermovir prophylaxis were selected in a 1∶4 ratio as controls. The main outcomes were the incidence of CMV infection and CMV disease after transplantation as well as the possible effects of letermovir on acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and bone marrow suppression. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test, and continuous variables were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for evaluating incidence differences. Results: Seventeen patients were included in the letermovir prophylaxis group. The median patient age in the letermovir group was significantly greater than that in the control group (43 yr vs. 15 yr; Z=-4.28, P<0.001). The two groups showed no significant difference in sex distribution and primary diseases, etc. (all P>0.05). The proportion of CMV-seronegative donors was significantly higher in the letermovir prophylaxis group in comparison with the control group (8/17 vs. 0/68, χ²=35.32, P<0.001). Three out of the 17 patients in the letermovir group experienced CMV reactivation, which was significantly lower than the incidence of CMV reactivation in the control group (3/17 vs. 40/68, χ²=9.23, P=0.002), and no CMV disease development observed in the letermovir group. Letermovir showed no significant effects on platelet engraftment (P=0.105), aGVHD (P=0.348), and 100-day NRM (P=0.474). Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that letermovir may effectively reduce the incidence of CMV infection after haploidentical transplantation without influencing aGVHD, NRM, and bone marrow suppression. Prospective randomized controlled studies are required to further verify these findings.

[Analysis of the status of occupational disease prevention and control of enterprises in mining and manufacturing industries in China in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the status of prevention and treatment of occupational diseases among mining and manufacturing industries in China in 2019, provide the scientific basis for the formulation and revision of policies and standards of prevention and treatment of occupational diseases. Methods: In May 2022, Collecting data of a project named Surveillance of Occupational Hazards in the Workplace in 2019 through the National Surveillance System for Occupational Hazards in the workplace. Compare the status of prevention and treatment of occupational diseases in 63 563 enterprises of mining and manufacturing industries among different dimensions. Results: The training rate of managers was 76.17% and that of occupational health managers was 76.97%. The rate of reporting of occupational diseases hazardous items was 67.58%, the rate of launching of the detection of occupational hazards was 57.16%, and the rate of launching of occupational health examination was 62.42%. Excluding the distribution rate of dust mask, the installation rate of various occupational prevention facilities and the distribution rate of gas mask and hearing protector were less than 80%. The differences in all the indicators among different areas, enterprise scales, economic types were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: There are still some enterprises which are relatively weak in the ability of the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases in China. Measures such as special support, guidance and strengthen supervision should be taken towards those enterprises toimprove the awareness of prevention and treatment of occupational diseases and the level of that.

[Effect analysis of the modified wire-loop snare technique in retrieving severely tilted inferior vena cava filters]

Objective: To examine the application effect of the modified wire-loop snare technique in retrieving severely tilted inferior vena cava filters (IVCF). Methods: The clinical data of 18 patients (12 males and 6 females, aged (62.1±13.1) years (range: 29 to 78 years)) who underwent the modified wire-loop snare technique to retrieve IVCF at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, and Jimo District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The applied filters included drum-type filters (OptEase in 7 cases, Aegisy in 2 cases) and conical filters (Celect in 6 cases and Denali in 3 cases). Preoperative CT angiography and intraoperative digital subtraction angiography showed that the filter was severely tilted and the hook was covered by hyperplastic intima of the vena cave vein. A modified wire-loop snare technique was used to retrieve drum-type filters and conical filters via femoral and jugular vein approaches, respectively. After successful puncture, the long sheath was placed, the 4 F (1 F≈0.33 mm) vertebral catheter and a snare were inserted through the long sheath, and the 5 F pigtail catheter was inserted simultaneously to guide a 0.035 inch soft guide-wire (260 cm in length) to pass through the top of the filter and turning back. The tip of the soft guide-wire was snared by the vertebral catheter and pulled out of the sheath. The 4 F vertebral catheter was inserted following the tip of the guide-wire to form a wire-loop using the vertebral catheter and the pigtail catheter. After fixing the tip and tail of the soft guide-wire in vitro, the long sheath was pushed forward to cut the hyperplastic intima and the hook was pulled away from the vena cava wall to retrieve the filter under the support of two catheters. Results: The filters were successfully retrieved in 17 cases, the operation time was (25.5±8.7) minutes (range: 15 to 45 minutes), no complication occured. The hook of one filter (Celect) penetrated out of the vena vava wall and the wire-loop could not pull the hook back into the vena cava. Then the filter was removed by laparotomy. Conclusion: The modified wire-loop snare technique could retrieve the severely tilted retrivable drum-type filters and conical filters, even when serve adhesion exists between the filter and the vena cava wall.

[Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery with multiple-onset in Henan Province from 2005 to 2020]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery with multiple-onset in Henan province from 2005 to 2020. Methods: The reported cases of bacillary dysentery (including confirmed cases and clinically diagnosed cases) in Henan Province from January 2005 to December 2020 were collected through China's National Disease Supervision Information Management System. The main information included gender, age, home address, date of onset and date of diagnosis. The interval between two episodes of the same case was more than 15 days, which was judged as two episodes. The incidence characteristics of bacillary dysentery patients with two or more cases in Henan Province from 2005 to 2020 were analyzed, and the regional distribution map of cases was drawn using ArcGIS software. Results: From 2005 to 2020, a total of 250 430 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported in Henan Province, with a cumulative incidence rate of 228.66/100 000. There were 2 342 cases with two or more attacks. The incidence of recurrent cases of bacillary dysentery increased year by year (χ²_trend=2 932.28, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of two or more cases of different sexes (χ²=0.39, P=0.540). There was significant difference in the incidence among different age groups (χ²=438.40, P<0.001). The incidence of two or more cases in the 60-69 age group was relatively high (1.70%). The shortest time interval between the onset of the disease was 16 days, and the longest was 5 579 days, with M (Q₁, Q₃) about 428 (237, 843) days. Compared with healthy people, those with a history of bacterial diseases had a higher risk of developing bacillary dysentery (RR: 4.12, 95%CI: 3.95‒4.29). Conclusion: The proportion of patients with multiple-onset shows an increasing trend, and there is an age difference.

[Novel MFN2, BSCL2 and LRSAM1 variants in a cohort of Chinese patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease]

Objective: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) comprises a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous inherited neuropathies with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 2500. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and mutational characteristics of Chinese CMT patients with MFN2, BSCL2 and LRSAM1 variants. Methods: In this study, genetic analysis was performed in 206 Chinese patients at Chinese PLA General Hospital from December 2012 to March 2020 with clinical diagnosis of CMT, and reported variants of MFN2, BSCL2 and LRSAM1 related to CMT2. Results: We reported ten MFN2 mutations in ten unrelated patients (7 male, 3 female), two of whom had positive family history. Three novel mutations were detected including c.475-2A>G (splicing); c.687dupA (p.E230Rfs*16) and c.558dupT (p.S186fs). We reported three BSCL2 mutations of four unrelated patients, including c.461C>G (p.S154W), c.461C>T(p.S154L), and novel variants of c.1309G>C (p.A437P) and c.845C>T (p.A282V). Furthermore, two novel variants of LRSAM1, including c.1930G>T (p.G644C) and c.1178T>A (p.L393Q) were detected in two unrelated patients. Conclusion: Mutational spectrum of MFN2-, BSCL2-and LRSAM1-related CMT disease is expanded with the identification of novel variants in Chinese patients.

[Two-dimensional equivalent mechanical modeling and finite element analysis of normal female pelvic floor system]

Objective: To construct the geometric model of the pelvic floor by a two-dimensional equivalent mechanics method, and to explore the effect of the shape and position of pelvic floor organs and tissues on the biomechanical properties of the pelvic floor under different abdominal pressure. Methods: A 28-year-old healthy and symmetrical married infertile female volunteer was included. The pelvic floor tissue was scanned in the supine position using a 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner (Philips Company, Holland). Based on the method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) two-dimensional parameter measurement and computer aided design, the geometric model and finite element model of the female pelvic floor were established, and the biomechanical characteristics of the pelvic floor support system under different abdominal pressure were analyzed. Results: In this study, four different working conditions of the pelvic floor force were simulated under 60, 99, 168, and 208 cmH₂O (1 cmH₂O=0.098 kPa) abdominal pressure loads. The trend was as follows: under the abdominal pressure load, the retrograde flexion of the uterus occurred, the cervical, the middle and upper vaginal segment and the levator anus muscle had the characteristic change of mechanical axial direction pointing to the sacrum and coccyx, and the deformation of the levator anus muscle in the horizontal direction was greater than that in the vertical direction. With the increase of the abdominal pressure, the maximum stress values of the pelvic floor whole system of healthy subjects under four different working conditions were 0.194 3, 0.389 6, 0.557 1, and 0.627 5 MPa, respectively, and the maximum displacement values were 10, 14, 21 and 25 mm, respectively. The maximum stress values of the cervical and vaginal middle and upper segment were 0.111 7, 0.161 8, 0.250 6, and 0.304 1 MPa, respectively, and the maximum displacement values were 3, 6, 9, and 11 mm, respectively. The maximum stress of the perineal body was 0.063 4, 0.119 6, 0.235 2, and 0.288 0 MPa, and the maximum displacement was 1, 2, 4, and 5 mm. The maximum stress values of the levator anus muscle were 0.194 3, 0.389 6, 0.557 1, and 0.627 5 MPa, and the maximum displacement values were 2, 4, 7, and 8 mm, respectively. The maximum stress and maximum displacement of pelvic organs increased with the increase of the abdominal pressure under different working conditions. The stress axial relationship of normal female pelvic floor was that the middle and upper segment of uterus and vagina mainly acted on the sacrococcyx and the levator anus muscle, and the lower vaginal segment acts on the perineal body. Conclusions: The two-dimensional equivalent mechanical modeling and finite element analysis of the female pelvic floor system can accurately reflect the biomechanical characteristics of the female pelvic floor, and the resultant stress direction of the pelvic organs points to the sacrum and coccyx. The sacrum and coccyx, levator anus and perineal body play important stress supporting roles in the pelvic floor system.

[Comparison and thoughts of the training system for thoracic surgeons]

There is no unified thoracic surgery training system in China, neither in the trainee selection or evaluation, nor in the training curriculum or the graduation requirements. A literature review was performed for available publications regarding international thoracic surgical training. A brief comparison was made regarding the thoracic surgery residency programs in China, Japan, United States and United Kingdom, including training pathway, recruitments, training content, performance assessment and academic experience. In conclusion, there are four key aspects worth noting. Firstly, an effective residency programme is invaluable to specialty training, and effort should be made to create a unified training programme that allows trainee to progress from residency to specialty training smoothly. Secondly, flexibility and personalization should be allowed in higher specialty training, so that trainee can develop their subspecialty interests. Thirdly, a unified clinical curriculum, selection and standardized income should be promoted to minimalize the variation of training outcome between provinces. Fourthly, additional training and time should be allowed for trainee who wants to pursue an academic career, and academic outcomes should be evaluated alongside with the standard clinical training.

Hyperoxia Combined With B-cell Antagonist Rituximab led to Intestinal Dysbiosis in Neonatal Mice

The adverse factors impacting the intestinal microbiota of newborns remain to be elucidated. We put forward a hypothesis that hyperoxia in combination with rituximab exhibits a synergistic effect that interferes with neonatal intestinal microbiota. Six C57BL/6J mice, aged 12 weeks and pregnant 18 days, were purchased. Their pups were breastfed and raised under a 75% oxygen or conventional environment. Low‐ (20 mg/kg) and high‐dose (40 mg/kg) rituximab were intraperitoneally administered. Fecal genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced by a 16S rRNA platform. Severe intestinal dysbiosis in newborns were observed, whereas mild dysbiosis was caused by inducing hyperoxia alone, confirming the synergistic interference of the combination of hyperoxia and B‐cell antagonist (rituximab) in neonatal intestinal microbiota disruption. Slight dysbiosis was observed in the intestinal microbiota of dams, indicating their much robust ability to confront hyperoxic conditions. The abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly and extensively altered in both pups and dams after being subjecting them to hyperoxic conditions with or without rituximab administration. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that the synergistic effect of hyperoxia and rituximab led to severe intestinal dysbiosis in newborns. More studies are recommended to explore the precise regulatory mode between hyperoxia and rituximab in intestinal microbiota.

[Clinical study on the relationship between the exosomes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma and the severity of lung injury and outcome in early acute respiratory distress syndrome patients]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the levels of exosomes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma and the severity of lung injury and its outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Patients who were admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University and received invasive mechanical ventilation were selected from August 2020 to April 2021, and they were divided into ARDS group and non-ARDS group. Finally, 33 ARDS patients were included, including 18 males and 15 females, aged (65.5±15.5) years; 10 non-ARDS patients, 8 males and 2 females, aged (57.2±15.3) years. The BALF and plasma of the two groups of patients were collected within 24 hours after enrollment, and the total exosomes of the samples were collected by ultracentrifugation. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) was used to detect and compare the differences in exosome content between the two groups. Correlation of content with the severity and prognosis of lung injury in ARDS patients. Results: There was no significant difference in gender and age between ARDS group and non-ARDS group (both P>0.05). The exosome in plasma of ARDS group was significantly higher than that of non-ARDS group [(25.3±1.2)/ml vs (24.2±1.6)/ml, P=0.031], while the exosomes in BALF of ARDS group was also higher than that of non-ARDS group [(26.5±1.6)/ml vs (24.6±1.1)/ml, P=0.001]. The exosomes in BALF of patients with ARDS caused by intrapulmonary causes was higher than that in ARDS group caused by extrapulmonary causes [(26.9±1.5)/ml vs (25.2±0.9)/ml, P=0.01], and the infection caused by bacterial shows that the highest exosome level in BALF. The exosomes in the BALF of the mild ARDS group was significantly lower than that of the severe ARDS group [(25.7±1.3)/ml vs (27.2±1.5)/ml, P=0.038]; the exosomes in BALF of ARDS patients was negatively correlated with P/F ratio (r=-0.38, P=0.03); and it was positively correlated with Murray lung injury score (r=0.47, P=0.01). However, the static compliance levels, length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and 28-day outcome were not associated with the exosomes in BALF. Conclusion: Compared with non-ARDS patients, ARDS patients have significantly higher levels of exosomes in BALF and plasma, there is a certain correlation between exosomes derived from BALF and the severity of lung injury in ARDS.

[An area under curve-based nomogram to predicts vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study]

Objective: To develop an area under curve (AUC)-based nomogram to predict vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients treated with vancomycin in the intensive care unit at a tertiary teaching hospital from January 2015 to December 2017. Baseline clinical characteristics before vancomycin treatment and pharmacokinetic parameters were collected to establish a prediction model of nephrotoxicity. Univariate analysis was used to screen variables, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prediction model and nomogram. Results: A total of 159 patients met the inclusion criteria, sixty-four were included in the final analysis. Sixteen patients (25%, 16/64) developed vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity. The following variables were incorporated into the prediction model: vancomycin AUC, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and combined nephrotoxic drugs. The following equation was established to calculate the probability of nephrotoxicity: logit (P)=-4.83+0.009×AUC-2.87×1 (if GFR>60 ml/min)+2.53×1 (if number of combined nephrotoxic drugs≥2). A nomogram was generated based on the equation. The receiver-operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the AUC of the prediction model was 0.927 (95%CI 0.851-1.000). The cut-off value of the probability of nephrotoxicity was 26.48%. The sensitivity and specificity were 87.5% and 87.5% respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity is high. The AUC-based nomogram can effectively predict vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients.

[Analysis of disease progression rate and related factors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients at initial visit]

Objective: To find out the relationship of the progression rate of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with relevant clinical indicators at initial visit so as to enrich the knowledge of ALS at its early stage. Methods: The clinical data of 282 patients diagnosed with ALS at Neurology Department of the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2016 to March 2021 were collected in order to make a retrospective analysis of the dynamic change of the progression rate (ΔFS) and influencing factors, and thus a classification of the progression rate will be summarized. Results: Among 282 patients, 164 were males and 118 were females. The age of onset was (53±11) years old. The ΔFS had a negative exponential relationship with delay time of diagnosis no matter what kinds of onset the patients experienced (upper limb onset, lower limb onset or bulbar onset). The ΔFS for the limb function sub-group had a similar functional relationship with diagnostic delay in patients with either upper limb onset or lower limb onset. The statistical model indicated that the disease progression rate of ALS at initial visit can be classified into three types (high speed type: ΔFS≥1.0 score/month; moderate speed type: 0.5≤ΔFS<1.0 score/month; low speed type: ΔFS<0.5 score/month). The critical values of the three types in patients with upper limb onset were 8 and 20 months, while 9 and 24 months for lower limb onset patients, and 9 and 36 months for bulbar onset patients. At initial visit, there were significant statistical differences among these three types in age at onset (P=0.008), diagnostic delay (P<0.001), ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) score (P<0.001) and onset site (P=0.006). The age at onset in moderate speed type was significantly greater than that of the slow speed type [(54.9±10.4) years vs (50.2±9.6) years, P=0.002]. The diagnostic delay in high speed type [6 (4, 10) months] was significantly shorter than that in moderate speed type [12 (8, 19) months, P<0.001] and low speed type [22 (14, 36) months, P<0.001], and the moderate speed type was shorter in comparison with low speed type (P<0.001). As for the ALSFRS-R score, the high speed type [36(32, 39)] was significantly lower than the moderate speed type [39 (36, 42), P<0.001] and low speed type [42 (39, 44), P<0.001], and the moderate speed type was lower in comparison with low speed type (P=0.002). The proportion of cases with upper limb onset in high speed type (20.3%) was significantly lower than that in low speed type (42.2%, P<0.001) and moderate speed type (37.5%, P=0.014). By contrast, the proportion of cases with lower limb onset in high speed type (39.2%) was significantly higher than that in low speed type (28.9%, P=0.023), however no difference was shown between the fast speed type and moderate speed type (32.0%, P=0.061). There was no difference among these three progression types in patients with bulbar onset. Conclusions: The disease progression rate of ALS at initial visit can be classified into three types including high speed, moderate speed and low speed. At early stage of ALS, ΔFS is affected by onset age, onset site, diagnostic delay and ALSFRS-R score.

[Surveillance for sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Henan province, 2017-2020]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) cases in Henan province during 2017-2020. Methods: Descriptive epidemiology method was used to analyze the characteristics of SFTS cases in Henan during 2017-2020. Patients' sera in acute phase were collected and tested using real-time fluorescence RT-PCR. The S segment complete sequences of the isolated sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) strains were amplified and homology analysis was performed to construct the phylogenetic tree. Results: A total of 1 767 SFTS cases, including 1 000 suspected cases and 767 confirmed cases, were reported in Henan during this period, and 11 cases, including 3 suspected cases and 8 confirmed cases died, the case fatality rate was 0.62% (11/1 767). The incidence decreased year by year. The cases were distributed in 28 counties of 6 cities, and 1 681 cases were reported in Xinyang, accounting for 95.13% (1 681/1 767) of the total. The cases mainly occurred from April to October, accounting for 96.10% (1 698/1 767) of the total. The incidence in males (0.38/100 000) was significantly lower than that in females (0.54/100 000) (χ²=54.855, P<0.001). Up to 93.44% (1 651/1 767) of the cases were aged between 40 and 84 years. Farmers accounted for 96.10% (1 698/1 767) of the total cases. One family cluster outbreak occurred in 4 years. A total of 1 110 samples were detected by Henan CDC, in which 435 were SFTS virus positive with an average positive rate of 39.19% (435/1 110). The differences in positive rates of SFTS virus among different years were significant (χ2=25.405, P<0.001). The sequence homology of complete S segment of the 39 SFTS virus strains ranged from 94.76% to 99.82%. The genetic evolution analysis on the complete S segment of the 39 SFTS virus strains showed that 34 strains belonged to genotype A, 2 strains belonged to genotype B, and 3 strains belonged to genotype D. Conclusions: The incidence of SFTS in Henan was sporadic, and decreased year by year. SFTS had obvious regional and seasonal characteristics, and the area affected by SFTS expanded. The incidence of SFTS was high in elderly female farmers, and the positive rate of SFTS virus varied greatly in different years. The main type of SFTS virus in Henan was genotype A, but the etiological surveillance is still needed.

[Treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in Chinese patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2020]

目的

调查中国慢性髓性白血病（CML）患者的治疗现状。

方法

横断面研究，2020年4月末至5月中旬，以填写调研问卷的形式在全国范围内调研CML患者，分析酪氨酸激酶抑制剂（TKI）一线选择、目前用药、药物转换和获得主要分子学反应（MMR）的比例及其影响因素。

结果

2933份来自全国31个省市自治区CML受访者的问卷可供分析，男性1683例（57.4％），中位年龄38（16～87）岁。一线选择：伊马替尼2481例（84.6％），原创性新药（原研药）1803例（61.5％）。填写问卷时用药：伊马替尼1765例（60.2％），原研药1791例（61.1％）。共1185例（40.4％）受访者曾经历TKI药物转换。1944例初发慢性期受访者TKI中位治疗45（3～227）个月，1417例（72.9％）获得≥MMR的疗效。多因素分析显示，城镇户籍（OR＝0.6，95％CI 0.5～0.8，P<0.001）、≥大学学历（OR＝0.5，95％CI 0.4～0.7，P<0.001）和进展期（OR＝0.5，95％CI 0.3～0.8，P＝0.001）受访者更少首选仿制TKI，而来自中部地区受访者比东部地区更多首选国产仿制TKI（OR＝1.7，95％CI 1.4～2.0，P<0.001）。进展期受访者更多首选二代TKI（OR＝5.4，95％CI 3.6～8.2，P<0.001），≥60岁受访者更少首选二代TKI（OR＝0.4，95％CI 0.2～0.7，P＝0.002）。诊断时处于进展期（OR＝2.2，95％CI 1.6～3.2，P<0.001）、首选伊马替尼（OR＝2.0，95％CI 1.6～2.6，P<0.001）、首选国产仿制药（OR＝1.3，95％CI 1.1～1.6，P＝0.002）、诊断距开始TKI治疗的时间更长（OR＝1.2，95％CI 1.1～1.2，P<0.001）和服用TKI的时间更长（OR＝1.1，95％CI 1.0～1.1，P<0.001）与药物转换比例增高显著相关。城镇户籍（OR＝0.7，95％CI 0.6～0.8，P<0.001）、获≥MMR（OR＝0.6，95％CI 0.5～0.8，P<0.001）和疗效未知（OR＝0.7，95％CI 0.6～0.9，P＝0.003）与药物转换比例低显著相关。女性（OR＝1.4，95％CI 1.1～1.7，P＝0.003）、城镇户籍（OR＝1.6，95％CI 1.3～2.0，P<0.001）、初始服用伊马替尼（OR＝1.4，95％CI 1.1～1.9，P＝0.016）和TKI治疗时间更长（OR＝1.2，95％CI 1.2～1.3，P<0.001）与获得≥MMR显著相关，而年龄≥60岁（OR＝0.7，95％CI 0.4～1.0，P＝0.047）和药物转换（OR＝0.6，95％CI 0.5～0.7，P<0.001）与未获得MMR显著相关。

结论

截至2020年，中国CML患者中大多数首选并持续服用伊马替尼，半数以上服用原研药。社会人口学特征和疾病分期影响了患者的TKI选择、药物转换和治疗反应。

Electroacupuncture facilitates M2 macrophage polarization and its potential role in the regulation of inflammatory response

The underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in relieving obesity, anti-inflammation and the interaction with metabolic pathways in obese mice has not been elaborated. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of EA on macrophage polarization in obesity tissue of diet-induced obesity mice. Mice were divided in 6 groups: normal control group, model group, EA-7 group, EA-14 group, EA-21 group and EA-28 group. Low-frequency EA was applied at "Tianshu (ST 25)", "Guanyuan (CV 4)", "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Sanyinjiao (SP 6)" for 10 min. Adipose tissue was assessed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Adipocytokines and pro-inflammatory factors expression was measured by ELISA. The protein and mRNA levels of macrophage markers were examined by immumohistochemical staining and RT-PCR, respectively. EA treatment was associated with a decrease of adipose tissue and large adipocytes, and an increase of small adipocytes. After EA treatment, the levels of Leptin, Chemerin, TNF-α, F4/80, iNOS, and CD11c decreased obviously in adipose tissue, while IL-4, IL-10 and CD206 levels increased significantly. Besides, TNF-α in spleen tissue was also downregulated, but IL-4 and IL-10 were upregulated. EA prevents weight gain through modulation inflammatory response and macrophage polarization in obese adipose tissues.

Pathological Impact on the Phyllosphere Microbiota of Artemisia argyi by Haze

The pathological impact of haze upon the phyllosphere microbiota awaits investigation. A moderate degree of haze environment and a clean control were selected in Chengdu, China. Artemisia argyi, a ubiquitously distributed and extensively applied Chinese herb, was also chosen for experiment. Total genome DNA was extracted from leaf samples, and for metagenome sequencing, an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform was applied. The results showed that the gene numbers of phyllosphere microbiota derived from haze leaves were lower than those of the clean control. The phyllosphere microbiota derived from both haze and clean groups shared the same top ten phyla; the abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes and Anorthococcuso of the haze group were substantially increased, while Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes decreased. At the genus level, the abundances of Nocardia, Paracoccus, Marmoricola and Knoelia from haze leaves were markedly increased, while the yeasts were statistically decreased. KEGG retrieval demonstrated that the functional genes were most annotated to metabolism. An interesting find of this work is that the phyllosphere microbiota responsible for the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites in A. argyi were significantly increased under a haze environment. Relatively enriched genes annotated by eggNOG belong to replication, recombination and repair, and genes classified into the glycoside hydrolase and glycosyltransferase enzymes were significantly increased. In summary, we found that both structure and function of phyllosphere microbiota are globally impacted by haze, while primary and secondary metabolites responsible for haze tolerance were considerably increased. These results suggest an adaptive strategy of plants for tolerating and confronting haze damage.

Effects of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection on Toll-like receptor expression and cytokine levels in porcine intestinal epithelial cells

To explore the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and interferon (IFN) in the innate immunity against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), we detected the expression of TLR genes in PEDV-infected IPEC-J2 cells by real-time PCR. We also detected the level of interferon α (IFN-α) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that IPEC-J2 cells exhibited a clear pathological change after PEDV infection at 24 h. In addition, TLR7, TLR9 and TLR10 expressions were significantly upregulated in PEDV-infected IPEC-J2 cells at 24 h. Interestingly, the expression patterns of TLR2 and TLR4 were consistent at different stages of PEDV infection. The expression level of TLR3 decreased significantly with the increase of infection time, but the expression levels of TLR5 and TLR8 genes at 6 h and 12 h were significantly lower than those in the control group (p⟨0.01). There were significant correlations among the expression levels of TLR genes (p⟨0.05). Cytokine detection showed that the secretion level of IFN-α in the PEDV-infected group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p⟨0.01), and IFN-γ at 6 h and 12 h after PEDV infection was significantly higher than that in control group (p⟨0.01). Therefore, our results suggest that PEDV infection can induce innate immune responses in intestinal porcine jejunum epithelial cells, leading to changes in the expression of Toll-like receptors, and can regulate the resistance to virus infection by affecting the release levels of downstream cytokines.

[Genes associated with Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in natural populations of Culex pipiens pallens: a preliminary study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the genes involved in Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility among three natural populations of Culex pipiens pallens in eastern China, so as to provide insights into the development of preventive and control measures for mosquito-borne diseases based on Wolbachia.

METHODS

The cytoplasmic incompatibility was tested among three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province using reciprocal crosses. Wolbachia infection was detected in C. pipiens pallens using a PCR assay, and the expression of Wolbachia wsp and WD0513 genes was quantified using a fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay.

RESULTS

Bidirectional compatibility was found between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (t = 0.57 and 0.15, both P values > 0.05), while bidirectional incompatibility was seen between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (t = 63.81 and 43.51, both P values < 0.01), and between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province (t = 39.62 and 43.12, both P values < 0.01). Wolbachia wsp gene was amplified in all three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens, and qPCR assay detected no significant difference in the Wolbachia wsp gene expression among the three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens (F = 2.15, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the WD0513 gene expression between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Nanjing of Jiangsu Province (q = 8.42, P < 0.05) or between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (q = 7.84, P < 0.05); however, there was a significant difference detected in the WD0513 gene expression between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (q = 0.40, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Different Wolbachia numbers are detected in natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province, and WD0513 gene may be involved in the Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility among three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens.

[Optimization of ATG dose in haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies]

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of different doses of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) in haplo-HSCT in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Methods: Malignant hematological patients treated at our hospital from March 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into three groups as per three doses of ATG (6 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 9 mg/kg) in the conditioning regimens. The transplant outcomes were compared in terms of the occurrence of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) , infection, and survival. Results: ①Total 288 patients were enrolled in the study, including 182 men and 106 women, with a median age of 18 (6-62) years. Total 110 patients were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) , 128 with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) , 8 with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) , 28 with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) , and 14 with mixed cell leukemia (MAL) . There were 159 patients in the ATG-6 group, 72 in the ATG-7.5 group, and 57 in the ATG-9 group. The median follow-up time of post transplantation was 14 (0.2-74) months. ②The incidence of neutrophil engraftment (96.9% , 97.2% , and 96.5% , respectively) and platelet engraftment (92.5% , 87.5% , and 86% , respectively) did not significantly differ among the ATG-6, ATG-7.5, and ATG-9 groups (P=0.972, P=0.276) . The incidence of grades 2-4 acute GVHD was 14.5% , 11.1% , and 8.8% in the three groups, respectively (P=0.493) , chronic GVHD incidence in the three group was 8.8% , 14.3% and 12.0% , respectively (P=0.493) . The infection rates of CMV and EBV in the ATG-9 group (77.2% and 12.5% ) were significantly higher than those in the ATG-6 (43.3% and 3.5% ) , and ATG -7.5 group (44.4% and 1.5% ) (P<0.001 and P=0.033, respectively) . ③Among the three groups, there were no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival [68.5% (95% CI 60.3% -77.9% ) , 60.1% (95% CI 48.3% -74.8% ) , 64.7% (95% CI 51.9% -80.7% ) ], cumulative incidences of relapse [34.6% (95% CI 34.3% -35.1% ) , 38.0% (95% CI 37.3% -38.7% ) , 20.6% (95% CI 20.0% -21.3% ) ], disease-free survival [53.3% (95% CI 44.9% -63.4% ) , 51.9% (95% CI 41% -65.8% ) , 63.9% (95% CI 51.9% -78.7% ) ] and non-relapse mortality [24.2% (95% CI 23.8% -24.5% ) , 26.0% (95% CI 25.4% -26.6% ) , 23.6% (95% CI 26.3% -28.2% ) ] (P=0.648, P=0.165, and P=0.486 and P=0.955) . Conclusion: Low dose (6 mg/kg) of rATG may increase the risk of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD, and a high dose (9 mg/kg) of ATG could significantly increase the risk of CMV and EBV infection. Median dose (7.5 mg/kg) of ATG is expected to reduce the incidence of moderate to severe aGVHD and viral infections without increasing the mortality.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG components, SLP, gDNA and CpG, exert protective effects on mouse macrophages upon lipopolysaccharide challenge

The aim of this study was to determine whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) components (surface layer protein, SLP; genomic DNA, gDNA; unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine-containing oligodeoxynucleotide, CpG-ODN), alone or in combination, could affect immunomodulation, and evaluate the signalling mechanism in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LGG components were used to treat cells before LPS stimulation. Cytokine and Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathways were evaluated using immunoblots and immunofluorescence. SLP or SLP + gDNA pre-treatment significantly reduced the LPS-induced mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Pre-treatment with LGG single components (SLP, gDNA or CpG) or their combinations (SLP + gDNA or SLP + CpG) significantly decreased the LPS-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA level (P < 0·05). Pre-treatment with SLP or gDNA, alone or in combination, significantly suppressed LPS-induced TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels (P < 0·05). SLP pre-treatment also significantly decreased the LPS-induced expression of TLR9 (P < 0·05). Pre-treatment with LGG single components or combinations significantly suppressed the LPS-induced phosphorylation levels of ERK (P > 0·05). In conclusion, pre-incubation with LGG components, singly or in combination, generally inhibited the activation of TLR, MAPK and NF-κB signalling pathways in LPS-stimulated cells, leading to attenuated inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 production. These results indicate that nonviable probiotic LGG components exert an anti-inflammation effect on epithelial cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is widely used as probiotics. However, its main components are not well known for affecting immunomodulation. This study investigated the effects of pre-treatments with different components such as surface layer protein, genomic DNA and unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine-containing oligodeoxynucleotides, alone or in combination on immunomodulation, and evaluated the signalling mechanism in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide. Pre-incubation with components alone or in combination generally inhibited the activation of Toll-like receptor, mitogen-activated protein kinases, extracellular regulated protein kinases and nuclear factor-kappa B signalling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells, which generally leads to attenuated inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha production. These results indicate that nonviable probiotic LGG components exert an anti-inflammation effect on epithelial cells.

Loss of IGF2R indicates a poor prognosis and promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in bladder cancer via AKT signaling pathway

The insulin growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) belongs to insulin growth factor (IGF) pathway and has been proposed as the tumor suppressor in many cancers. However, its role in bladder cancer is unknown. In the current study, we reported that IGF2R expression was decreased in bladder cancer tissues (p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Cox regression analysis showed that low IGF2R expression was significantly associated with more advanced histological grade; high clinical stage; lymph node metastasis and poorer overall survival for patients with bladder cancer. Moreover, silencing IGF2R promoted cell proliferation of bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo (p<0.05). Furthermore, knockdown IGF2R resulted in higher phosphorylation level of AKT. The findings of this study indicated that IGF2R played a tumor suppressor role in bladder cancer. Downregulation IGF2R may promote tumor growth by activating AKT signaling pathway. IGF2R could be considered as a promising candidate for novel biomarker and therapeutic target for human bladder cancer.

[The Role of Soluble HLA-G in the Vertical Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii]

Soluble human leukocyte antigen G (sHLA-G) plays a key role in pregnancy through interaction with decidual natural killer (dNK) cell inhibitory receptors at the maternal-fetal interface. To demonstrate the possible role of sHLA-G during the pregnancy with Toxoplasma gondii infection, we compared the concentration of a murine functional homolog of sHLA-G, Qa-2, in T. gondii infected and non-infected pregnant C57BL/6 mice, and that of sHLA-G in BeWo culture supernatant. In addition, the levels of KIR2DL4 expressed on human dNK cells and NKG2A in pregnant mice were evaluated. We showed that T. gondii infection result in significant increase in the level of Qa-2 and NKG2A in pregnant mice. sHLA-G and KIR2DL4 in human samples were also significantly upregulated under the condition of T. gondii infection. The further treatment with sHLA-G antibody could reduce the expression level of KIR2DL4 which was upregulated by T. gondii infection. In summary, sHLA-G could upregulate the expression level of KIR2DL4 which lead to excessive immunological tolerance, and further contributed to T. gondii immunity escaping and affecting fetus via vertical transmission which may lead to adverse outcomes.

[The mediating role of psychological resilience to childhood abuse and binge eating among middle school students]

To explore the mediating role of psychological resilience to childhood abuse and binge eating. This study assessed the childhood abuse, binge eating and psychological resilience of 3 453 middle school students in Harbin city, Heilongjiang Province. SPSS PROCESS macro program, combined with Bootstrap method, was employed to explore the mediating effect of psychological resilience. The incidence of middle school students experiencing at least one type of abuse in their childhood was 81.3% (2 807/3 453). Childhood abuse, psychological resilience and binge eating were all significantly different in terms of gender, household registration and whether they were only child (all P values<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between childhood abuse and binge eating. Psychological resilience was negatively associated with childhood abuse and binge eating. Childhood abuse could not only directly predict the binge eating behavior of adolescents, but also could indirectly affect it via psychological resilience.

[Effects of low temperature on trehalose and trehalase contents in Culex pipiens pallens]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of low temperature on trehalose and trehalase levels in Culex pipiens pallens.

METHODS

The fourth instar larvae and female adult mosquitoes of Cx. pipiens pallens were exposed at 4 ℃ for 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 h and 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 h, respectively. Then, the trehalose and trehalase contents were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in mosquitoes.

RESULTS

The contents of trehalose and trehalase significantly increased in the larval and female adult mosquitoes post-exposure to low temperature. The changing trend of trehalose levels was consistent in the larval and female adult mosquitoes, and the highest levels were (2.458 8 ± 0.379 2) mg/g and (2.825 7 ± 0.211 1) mg/g 3 h post-exposure to low temperature, respectively. The trehalose and trehalase levels fluctuated greatly within the first 6 h post-exposure to low temperature. Following adaptation for a period of time, the trehalose and trehalase levels remained at a relatively high level.

CONCLUSIONS

Low temperature may induce the production of trehalose and trehalase in Cx. pipiens pallens, and the trehalose and trehalase may play an important role in the improvement of the cold resistance.

[The influencing factors achieving target vancomycin trough level in critically ill patients]

Objective: To assess the rate achieving the target vancomycin trough level (VTL) and its influencing factors in critically ill patients. Methods: The retrospective observational study recruited adult patients treated with intravenous vancomycin in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Zhongda Hospital from January 2015 to December 2017. Serum VTL was tested at steady state. Patients' demographics, the sites of infection, microbial culture results, the severity of illness, laboratory data and vancomycin regimen were obtained at the baseline. The rate achieving target VTL (15-20 mg/L) was analyzed based on renal function. Linear regression was performed to determine the influencing factors of VTL. Results: A total of 85 patients were enrolled, among whom only 23.5% (20/85) achieved the target VTL. In patients with normal renal function, the achieving rate was only 11.4% (4/35), and 80.0% (28/35) was lower than the target trough level multiple linear regression analysis showed that procalcitonin (PCT), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and acute physiology and chronic health disease classification system Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score were independent factors associated with VTL. Conclusion: Achieving target VTL in critically ill patients is not satisfactory. Further study to optimize the administration is needed to facilitate prompt attainment of target VTL.

[Study on insecticide resistance of Culex pipiens pallens in southwest region of Shandong Province]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the sensitivity of Culex pipiens pallens to common chemical insecticides in the southwestern region of Shandong Province, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the development of reasonable and effective mosquito control measures.

METHODS

The resistance of Cx. pipiens pallens larvae to 5 chemical insecticides, such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin, DDVP, propoxur, and acetofenate were tested by using the WHO biological test method in 2018, and the co-toxicity coefficients after compounding the above-mentioned insecticides were tested by using a drug compounding method.

RESULTS

The resistance indexes of Cx. pipiens pallens to cypermethrin, deltamethrin, DDVP, propoxur, and acetofenate in 3 cities were 144.43-557.54, 118.17-445.33, 6.44-19.00, 2.37-8.10, and 0.88-2.98, respectively, and expect the difference between the DDVP resistances of Cx. pipiens pallens in Jining City and Heze City was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), all the other differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The synergistic coefficients of cypermethrin + DDVP, cypermethrin + propoxur, DDVP + acetofenate, and propoxur + acetofenate were 199.58 - 456.95, 190.56 - 292.37, 123.32 - 319.24, and 192.31 - 367.32, respectively. The lower synergism was observed by using the mixture of DDVP + propoxur (synergistic coefficient: 99.87-108.36) .

CONCLUSIONS

After decades of chemical control, Cx. pipiens pallens in the southwestern region of Shandong Province has produced different degrees of resistance to common chemical insecticides. Therefore, comprehensive control measures should be taken to control mosquito breeding and prevent the development of insecticide resistance.

[Discussion on hot topics of skeletal sternal reconstruction]

Sternum is an important constituent of the thoracic cage, and a pivotal part of the anterior chest wall. When a considerable portion of the sternum needs to be resected, in order to protect the vital organs beneath, restore the anatomical structure and physiological function, reconstruction is unavoidable. Sternal reconstruction consists of two related parts: skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction. Skeletal reconstruction uses materials such as autograft or allograft of bones, metallic plates, sandwich patch, non-rigid patches, bio-synthetic patches and three-dimensional printing prosthesis. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, autogenous bone transplantation is limited by the source of donor bones and surgical trauma; allograft bone transplantation demands cryopreservation and is susceptible to infection; titanium plate cannot be placed overlapped; "sandwich" patch is susceptible to local fluid accumulation and infection; non-rigid patches cannot provide enough mechanical support; the design and manufacture of three-dimensional printing prosthesis is complicated, time consuming and expensive, and cannot be adjusted due to change of extent of resection during operation. The modularized prosthesis system is a promising new technique developed on the basis of titanium plate. It is divided into standard components of different sizes that can be selected according to operational requirement and easily assembled. Until now, no perfect method or material has been found to imitate the autogenous sternum. Soft tissue reconstruction is a prerequisite to the success of large scale skeletal reconstruction of the sternum.

[Application of multi-functional modularized prosthesis in reconstruction for sternal defect]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of sternal reconstruction using a multi-functional modularized sternal reconstruction system. Methods: In June 2016 and August 2017, the modularized sternal prosthesis system was used on two patients for sternal reconstruction in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University. Both patients were female aging 48 and 72 years, respectively, with the primary diagnosis of tumor of the lower sternal body and huge mediastinal tumor. Partial sternal resection and reconstruction was performed through median sternotomy. The multi-functional modularized sternal reconstruction system consisted of manubium, superior sternal body, inferior sternal body, rib and clavicle modules. Each module was designed into 3 to 6 sizes. Appropriate modules were chosen in each case to be assembled as a sternal reconstruction prosthesis. Results: Both operation were smooth, with operation time of 240 minutes and 280 minutes, intraoperative blood loss of 100 ml and 400 ml. The patients were followed up for 18 months and 4 months, respectively. In both cases, the sternal reconstruction was satisfactorily healed, without local infection, fluid accumulation, loose part or dislocation. No local recurrence or distant metastasis was found. Conclusion: The multi-functional modularized sternal reconstruction system can be safely and effectively applied for sternal reconstruction in 2 cases.

[Analysis on the relationship between Occupational Stress Factors and Psychological Stress Reaction among Petrochemical Workers]

Objective: Analyze the detection rates of occupational contraindication and suspected occupational disease from the employee exposure to noise and describe the distribution characteristics. Methods: According to the Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014) 、Diagnosis of Occupational Noise-induced Deafness (GBZ 49-2014) and Guideline of Identification of Contraindication to Job Placement (GBZ/T 260-2014) , calculate and analyze the occupational contraindication and suspected occupational disease detection rates of 149 271 workers from January 1st to December 31st in 2015 who were exposed to noise. Analyze the detection rates distribution characteristics between different gender, age, seniority, industry and enterprise scale. Results: The detection rates of occupational contraindication is 2.08%. The suspected occupational disease detection rates of absences workers (2.13%) is higher than during (2.03%) . The occupational contraindication detection rates of< age 20 (2.64%) , 41~50 years old (2.48%) and<1 working years (5.35%) , are higher than others. The detection rates of suspected occupational disease increases with the growth of ages and working years. The occupational contraindication detection rates of scientific research and technology services industry (10.46%) is the highest. The suspected occupational disease detection rates of transportation warehousing and postal services (5.88%) is the highest. The occupational contraindication detection rates of medium-sized enterprise (2.27%) is the highest, meanwhile, the microenterprise's (1.60%) is the lowest. The suspected occupational disease detection rates of large-scale enterprise (3.21%) is the highest, meanwhile, the microenterprise's (1.33%) is the lowest. Conclusion: Enterprise should insist on regular occupational health examination, strengthen screening of occupational contraindication in new workers, especially pre-job workers and detect the occupational disease patients early. Focus on non-traditional noise industries above mentioned, improve intensity of noise hazards prevention and control. The detection rates of occupational contraindication and suspected occupational disease can be used as a reference standard for the quality control of occupational examination and report of medical institutions.

[Esophageal motility and reflux characteristics in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with or without extra-esophageal symptoms]

Objective: To investigate esophageal motility and reflux characteristics in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with and without extra-esophageal symptoms by high-resolution manometry and 24 h esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance combined pH (MII-pH) monitoring. Methods: From February 2016 to June 2017, GERD patients with and without extra-esophageal symptoms were enrolled in this prospective controlled study. Esophageal HRM and 24 h MII-pH monitoring were performed. The differences in esophageal motility and reflux parameters were further analyzed between 30 GERD patients with extra-esophageal symptoms and 30 simple GERD patients. Results: The GERD symptom scores didn't show statistical difference between two groups. The GERD symptom scores didn't show statistical difference between two groups. The relaxation pressure of lower esophageal sphincter(LES), the integrated relaxation pressure, and the recovery time of upper esophageal sphincter(UES) of GERD patients with extra-esophageal symptoms were all lower than those of patients without extra-esophageal symptoms [(15±7) vs (21±11)mmHg, (8±3) vs (10±5)mmHg, (388±168) vs (492±170)ms, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa], and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). The main classification of esophageal motility type of GERD patients with extra-esophageal symptoms was mild esophageal motility disorders (27%, 8/30), and the occurrence of ineffective esophageal motivation was 20% (6/30), which were similar with simple GERD patients. The proximal reflux percentages of weak acid reflux and nonacid reflux, abnormal nonacid reflux in GERD patients with extra-esophageal symptoms were significantly higher than those in simple GERD patients [84.6% (73.2%, 100.0%) vs 75.0% (60.0%, 87.65%), P=0.048; 90.0% (45.8%, 100.0%) vs 0(0, 100.0%), P=0.017; 46.7% vs 3.3%, P=0.03]. Conclusions: The pathogenesis of GERD with extra-esophageal symptoms may be different from typical GERD. Increase of proximal esophageal reflux and abnormal nonacid reflux may all participate in the mechanisms of GERD with extra-esophageal symptoms.

[Laboratory diagnosis and molecular tracing of dengue bordline cases in Henan Province, 2017]

Objective: To confirm the laboratory diagnosis of dengue bordline cases reported in Henan Province and trace its origin from molecular level in 2017. Methods: The study samples were blood samples (3-5 ml), which came from 8 suspected cases of dengue fever reported in the 2017 direct reporting system of Henan provincial infectious disease monitoring network. Meanwhile, case investigation was conducted according to National dengue fever surveillance programme. Serum were separated from blood samples and tested for Dengue NS1 antigen, IgM & IgG antibodies, and dengue RNA. According to dengue diagnosis criteria, confirmed cases were identified by testing results. Samples carried dengue RNA performed for real-time PCR genotyping and amplification of E gene. Then, the amplicons were sequenced and homological and phylogenetic analyses were constructed. Results: 8 serum samples of suspected dengue cases were collected in Henan Province, 2017. Six of them were diagnosed as dengue confirmed cases. All the dengue confirmed cases belonged to outside imported cases, 5 of them were positive by dengue RNA testing. Genotyping results showed there were 1 DENV1 case, 2 DENV2 cases and 2 DENV3 cases. A DENV2 case and a DENV3 case of this study were traced its origin successfully. The sequence of Pakistan imported DENV2 case belongs to cosmopolitan genotype, which was the most consistent with Pakistan's DENV2 KJ010186 in 2013 (identity 99.0%). The sequence of Malaysia imported DENV3 case belongs to genotype I, which was the most consistent with Singapore's DENV3 KX224276 in 2014(identity 99.0%). Conclusion: The laboratory diagnosis and molecular traceability of dengue cases in Henan Province in 2017 confirmed that all cases were imported and did not cause local epidemics.

[Effects of thermal cycling on mechanical properties of resin-ceramic composites]

Objective: To investigate the influence of thermal cycling on the mechanical properties of resin-ceramic composites. Methods: The different groups of resin-ceramic composites A (Lava Ultimate, 3M ESPE, USA), B (block HC, Shofu, Japan), C (Hyramic, Upcera, China), D (Vita Enamic, Vita, German), and the feldspar ceramic E (Mark Ⅱ, Vita, German) were included in this study. The properties of these groups (with 30 samples in each group), including flexural strength, flexural modulus and Vickers hardness were tested before and after thermal cycling (0, 10 000 and 20 000 cycles, respectively). The data were statistically analyzed. Results: Before thermal cycling, the flexural strength of groups A, B and C [(166.28±13.78) MPa, (170.21±11.36) MPa and (202.04±16.55) MPa] were higher than those of groups D and E [(137.09±8.83) MPa and (119.35±5.98) MPa], and the flexural modulus [(62.39±3.40) GPa] and Vickers hardness [(406.97±14.73) HV] of E group were higher than those of other groups (P<0.05). The flexural strength, flexural modulus and Vickers hardness of groups D and E did not change after thermal cycling (all P>0.05), while those of groups A, B and C decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusion: After thermal cycling, the mechanical properties of the A, B and C groups decreased, while those of the groups D and E were stable.

[Clinical Application Value of Peripheral Blood Diagnostic Report]

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of peripheral blood diagnostic report. Methods: 557 peripheral blood diagnostic reports were collected from Peking University First Hospital, YANDA LU DAOPEI Hospital and Beijing United Family Hospital. The results were analyzed and summarized according to different blood cell morphology character for the first time and review cases, respectively. Results: Two hundred and one samples from first time patients were found abnormal complete blood count or leukocyte differential count, they were summarized as anemia, anemia accompanied with leukopenia or thrombopenia, abnormal white blood cell count or leukocyte differential count and abnormal platelet count. Each condition was further distinguished on the basis of different morphology character. Initial diagnosis or further examination could be proposed if abnormal morphology was specific or typical, when blood cell morphology was atypical or normal, the morphology was described objectively. 22 review cases included many benign and malignant disorders such as acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, infectious mononucleosis and so on. Suggestion of therapeutic effect, progression of diseases or further examination could be present according to complete blood cell count and morphology character. Conclusion: Peripheral blood diagnostic report can provide more comprehensive and accurate information for clinic, and propose important advisory opinions for primary diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment monitoring and progression assessment.

[Analysis of clinical data, esophageal motility and reflux characteristics in patients with non-erosive reflux disease(NERD) and reflux esophagitis(RE)]

Objective: To compare the clinical data, esophageal motility and reflux characteristic in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and reflux esophagitis (RE). Methods: A total of 167 patients of NERD were enrolled in the study[60 males, 107 females, mean age(44.1±13.4) years old], and 151 patients of RE were enrolled [74 males, 77 females, mean age(46.5±9.9) years old]. All patients were surveyed by questionnaires to investigate the clinical data. All patients accepted the esophageal highresolution manometry and 24 hours pH+ impedance monitoring to investigate the esophageal motility and reflux characteristic. Results: The proportion of female patients in group NERD was significantly higher than that in group RE(60/107 vs 74/77, P=0.049). The reflux symptom scores and the proportion of reflux in group NERD were significantly lower than those in group RE[(4.5±2.4) vs (5.6±2.1), 44.91% vs 64.24%, P<0.05). The Demeester score of group NERD was significantly lower than that of group RE[12.54(1.60, 10.80) vs 17.31(3.40, 16.64), P=0.044]. The proportion of Demeester scores positive patients in group NERD was significantly lower than that in group RE(15.1% vs 23.8%, P=0.018). The number of acid reflux in group NERD was significantly lower than that in group RE[17.49(3.00, 22.22) vs 21.69(4.00, 30.00), P=0.042]. Conclusions: There are more female patients in group NERD. The reflux symptoms of the group NERD are less serious than those of group RE.RE patients have more acid reflux events. There is no significant difference in the esophageal motility between the two groups.

[Analysis of the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of multifocal motor neuropathy]

Ten patients diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) were recruited in the Department of Neurology at Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2015. The clinical and electrophysiological features were analyzed retrospectively. All patients complained of progressive asymmetric limb weakness, which was more severe in distal than in proximal. Five presented muscle atrophy. None had sensory disturbances. All suffered diminished or disappeared tendon reflex, whereas Babinski signs were negative. Multi-focal conduction block (CB) was confirmed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) in all patients and 7 showed spontaneous potentials in needle electrode electromyography. Abnormal sensory nerve conduction was seen in 3 patients. Laboratory test revealed anti-ganglioside GM1 antibody in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 6 cases and elevated CSF protein in 7 cases. Limb weakness alleviated greatly in 9 cases after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment. But the other one reported poor response, who had long course of disease, serious limb weakness and obvious muscle atrophy. Motor nerve damage is the most important manifestation of MMN and sensory nerve damage may also appear. NCS is essential to the diagnosis of this disease, with CB as the characteristic electrophysiological feature. IVIg is an effective treatment.

[Expression of long non-coding RNA SNHG8 in Epstein-Barr virus-related gastric cancer and clinical outcome]

Objective: To investigate the expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG8 in EB virus related gastric cancer and their correlation prognosis. Methods: The expression of SNHG8 in 93 gastric cancers and 93 cancer-free controls, matched by age and sex, were determined by real-time PCR. EB virus expression was detected by EBER in situ hybridization. Results: Forty-one gastric cancers were EB virus associated. For all gastric cancers, SNHG8 expression was 14 times higher (P=0.001) than that in non-cancer controls; in the EB virus related gastric cancers, SNHG8 expression was increased 25 times (P<0.05) over EB virus negative gastric cancers. SNHG8 expression level was also significantly associated with TNM staging (P<0.05). Conclusions: SNHG8 may act as a proto-oncogene, participating in gastric carcinogenesis.EB virus infection of gastric mucosa may promote SNHG8 expression.

[Using the Tabu-search-algorithm-based Bayesian network to analyze the risk factors of coronary heart diseases]

Under the available data gathered from a coronary study questionnaires with 10 792 cases, this article constructs a Bayesian network model based on the tabu search algorithm and calculates the conditional probability of each node, using the Maximum-likelihood. Pros and cons of the Bayesian network model are evaluated to compare against the logistic regression model in the analysis of coronary factors. Applicability of this network model in clinical study is also investigated. Results show that Bayesian network model can reveal the complex correlations among influencing factors on the coronary and the relationship with coronary heart diseases. Bayesian network model seems promising and more practical than the logistic regression model in analyzing the influencing factors of coronary heart disease.

Association between the interleukin-1β C-511T polymorphism and periodontitis: a meta-analysis in the Chinese population

The association between the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) C-511T (or rs16944) polymorphism and periodontitis remains inconclusive, even though there have been previous studies on this association. To assess the effects of IL-1β C-511T variants on the risk of development of periodontitis, a meta-analysis was performed in a single ethnic population. Studies, published up to December 2015, were selected for the meta-analysis from PubMed and Chinese databases. The associations were assessed with pooled OR and 95%CI. This meta-analysis identified 8 studies, including 1276 periodontitis cases and 1558 controls. Overall, a significant association between the IL-1β C-511T polymorphism and periodontitis was found in the Chinese population (TT vs CC: OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.19-1.85; TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.25-1.81; T vs C: OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.06-1.68). In the subgroup analyses based on geographical area(s), source of controls, and type of periodontitis, significant results were obtained for the association between IL-1β C-511T variants and periodontitis. Our meta-analysis indicated that the IL-1β C-511T polymorphism may be a genetic susceptibility factor for periodontitis in the Chinese population. This marker could be used to identify Chinese individuals at a high risk for periodontitis.

[PM2.5 and polluted gas exposure induced acute injury in rats'larynx membrane]

Objective:To study acute injury of rat's larynx membrane which were exposured to PM2.5 and polluted gas in serious air pollution. Method:Rats were divided into 3 groups of 5 animals each, the normal control group, gas exposured group, PM2.5 +gas exposured group. The control group served as the normal healthy control, rats of the gas exposured group had been exposured polluted gas in the A cabin, rats of PM2.5 +gas exposured group had been exposured PM2.5 and polluted gas in the B cabin. The total exposure time was six days. We collected specimen from 3 groups immediately after exposure. Histopathological changes in the rat's larynx membrane were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining(HE), the expression of IL-1β in laryngeal mucous membrane were assessed using immunohistochemical staining(IHC), and the ultrastructure changes were observed under TEM. Result:HE staining showed the rat's laryngeal mucosa cells in the normal control group had no obvious abnormalities, laryngeal mucosa of rats in the two experimental group had different degrees of cell proliferation, cell polarity change, etc. IHC staining showed that there's no obvious expression of IL-1β in laryngeal mucous membrane in the normal control group, and positive expression in the two experimental group. TEM showed the control group had no obvious abnormalities, the laryngeal mucosa cells in the two groups of experimental groups had been found irregular nucleus and damaged mitochondria. Conclusion:Exposed to PM2.5 and polluted gas in severe atmospheric pollution 6 days, the acute damage in rats laryngeal mucosa can be observed.

Histone H3K9 acetylation influences growth characteristics of goat adipose-derived stem cells in vitro

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show nearly unlimited potential in medical and animal science. Currently, understanding of the biological mechanisms regulating ADSC growth in vitro remains very limited. Histone acetylation, an epigenetic modification, plays a key role in maintaining stem cell properties. To further study its effect on ADSC growth characteristics in vitro, we treated goat ADSCs with the histone deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A (TSA) and vorinostat (SAHA). This inhibited SIRT1 expression and increased histone H3K9 acetylation, leading to decreased cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that H3K9 hyperacetylation stimulated transcription of NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, and TERT, but inhibited that of PCNA, P53, and BAX. Western blotting indicated that TSA and SAHA increased protein expression of NANOG, reduced that of SOX2, TERT, PCNA, P53, and BAX, and did not change that of OCT4. These findings provide new experimental evidence contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying ADSC growth characteristics in vitro.

Upregulation of miR-3658 in bladder cancer and tumor progression

Despite increasing advances in surgical techniques and adjuvant chemotherapies, bladder cancer remains the ninth leading cause of male malignancy-associated deaths worldwide. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to be closely associated with the progression and prognosis of, and response to treatments in various human cancers. However, few studies have investigated the role of miR-3658 in bladder cancer. In this study, we examined the expression of miR-3658 in 96 pairs of bladder cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that expression of miR-3658 was up-regulated in the bladder cancer tissues as compared with that in the corresponding control tissues (4.15 ± 2.78 vs 2.17 ± 1.14; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, higher miR-3658 expression was significantly associated with lymph node invasion, distant metastasis, histological grade, TNM stage, and tumor recurrence in bladder cancer (all P < 0.0001). miR-3658 expression was not associated with other clinicopathological variables such as age, gender, tumor size, and number (all P > 0.05). Our study revealed that miR-3658 overexpression is involved in tumor progression of bladder cancer, indicating that the miRNA possesses prognostic values.