MRI-based radiomics model to preoperatively predict mesenchymal transition subtype in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

AIM

To develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics model for the preoperative identification of mesenchymal transition (MT) subtype in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-nine patients with histopathologically confirmed HGSOC were enrolled retrospectively. Among the included patients, 55 patients were determined as the MT subtype and the remaining 134 were non-MT subtype. After extracting a total of 204 features from T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced (CE)-T1WI images, the Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman correlation test, and Boruta algorithm were adopted to select the optimal feature set. Three classifiers, including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF), were trained to develop radiomics models. The performance of established models was evaluated from three aspects: discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.

RESULTS

Seven radiomics features relevant to MT subtypes were selected to build the radiomics models. The model based on the RF algorithm showed the best performance in predicting MT subtype, with areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.866 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.797-0.936) and 0.852 (95 % CI: 0.736-0.967) in the training and testing cohorts, respectively. The calibration curves, supported with Brier scores, indicated very good consistency between observation and prediction. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the RF-based model could provide more net benefit, which suggested favorable utility in clinical application.

CONCLUSION

The RF-based radiomics model provided accurate identification of MT from the non-MT subtype and may help facilitate personalised management of HGSOC.

[The detecting value of virtual non-calcium technique of dual-energy CT for bone marrow edema around nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head]

Objective: To evaluate the value of virtual non-calcium (VNCa) technique of dual-energy CT (DECT) for detecting bone marrow edema (BME) around nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using MRI as reference standard. Methods: Nontraumatic ONFH patients were prospectively studied in the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2022 to May 2023, and their MRI and DECT images were analyzed. The diagnostic efficiency of the subjective assessment of BME around ONFH by two radiologists in VNCa color-coded images were calculated using the MRI results as the reference standard. The BME ranges were compared between VNCa images and MRI. Traditional CT values and VNCa CT values were compared between normal bone marrow and BME. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was established based on the statistically different CT values, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to find the threshold to distinguish normal bone marrow from BME and evaluate the diagnostic efficacy. Results: Thirty patients with ONFH were included, including 24 males and 6 females, aged (39±12) years. There were 18 bilateral hips and 12 unilateral hips, with a total of 48 hips, 34 hips of which showed BME on MRI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of subjective detection of BME on VNCa color coded maps by two physicians were 97.1% (33/34) and 97.1% (33/34), 92.9% (13/14) and 71.4% (10/14), 97.1% (33/34) and 89.2% (33/37), 92.9% (13/14) and 90.9% (10/11), 95.8% (46/48) and 89.6% (43/48), respectively, with no statistical difference (all P>0.05).There was no statistical difference between VNCa color-coded images and MRI in the BME range (P=1.160). The traditional CT values measured by the two radiologists were in good agreement with VNCa CT values, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.948 (95%CI: 0.908-0.971) and 0.982 (95%CI: 0.969-0.990), respectively. The traditional CT value of normal bone marrow was (400.7±82.8) HU, and that of BME was (443.7±65.7) HU, with no statistical difference (P=0.062). The VNCa CT value of normal bone marrow was (-103.1±27.8) HU, and that of BME was (-32.9±25.7) HU, with statistical difference (P<0.001). The AUC of distinguishing normal bone marrow from BME based on VNCa CT value was 0.958 (95%CI: 0.857-0.995). The best cut-off value was -74.5 HU, and when the VNCa CT value was higher than -74.5 HU, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of diagnosing BME were 97.1%, 92.9%, 97.1%, 92.9% and 95.8 %, respectively. Conclusion: The VNCa technique of DECT has high efficiency in detecting BME around ONFH, and can accurately demonstrate the range of BME.

[Echocardiographic two-dimensional strain evaluation of right ventricular function in healthy adults]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for measuring right ventricular strain and function in healthy adults, and to analyze the impact of age and gender. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. Healthy adults who underwent physical examination in the Physical Examination Center of Beijing Hospital from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021 were included. Two researchers independently measured various right ventricular longitudinal strain indices using the Echopac software, including (global longitudinal strain (GLS), apical longitudinal strain (ALS), midventricle longitudinal strain (MLS), basal longitudinal strain (BLS), free wall GLS (FWGLS), free wall ALS (FWALS), free wall MLS (FWMLS) and free wall BLS (FWBLS)) as well as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle-fraction of area change (RVFAC). The above indicators were taken as the average of two physicians. The consistency of the measurements by two physicians was evaluated by the within-group correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: A total of 233 subjects were included, including 137 males, aged (58.5±14.2) years. ICC values was all above 0.8 with excellent agreement. The values of FWGLS and GLS in healthy adults were -26.63% and -21.89%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in TAPSE ((2.06±0.41)cm vs. (2.10±0.39)cm, P=0.510) and RVFAC ((51.17±9.91)% vs. (50.89±8.65)%, P=0.826) between males and females. The values of various right ventricular long axis strain indicators (GLS, ALS, MLS, BLS, FWGLS, FWMLS, FWMLS, FWBLS) in females aged 18 to 40 and 41 to 65 years were higher than those in males of the same age (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in the values of various right ventricular long axis strain indicators between the sexes in subjects aged 65 years and above (all P>0.05). In females, the right ventricular GLS, ALS, MLS, FWGLS, FWALS, FWMLS, and FWBLS values in the groups aged 18 to 40 and 41 to 65 years were significantly higher than those in the group aged 65 years and above (all P<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found in these indices among different age groups in males (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Using two-dimensional speckle tracking technology in echocardiography to measure right ventricular strain indicators is feasible and highly reproducible. Gender and age have an impact on right ventricular strain indicators.

Non-invasive CT imaging biomarker to predict immunotherapy response in gastric cancer: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Despite remarkable benefits have been provided by immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer (GC), predictions of treatment response and prognosis remain unsatisfactory, making identifying biomarkers desirable. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a CT imaging biomarker to predict the immunotherapy response in patients with GC and investigate the associated immune infiltration patterns.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 294 GC patients who received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy from three independent medical centers between January 2017 and April 2022. A radiomics score (RS) was developed from the intratumoral and peritumoral features on pretreatment CT images to predict immunotherapy-related progression-free survival (irPFS). The performance of the RS was evaluated by the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to construct predictive nomogram of irPFS. The C-index was used to determine the performance of the nomogram. Bulk RNA sequencing of tumors from 42 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to investigate the RS-associated immune infiltration patterns.

RESULTS

Overall, 89 of 294 patients (median age, 57 years (IQR 48-66 years); 171 males) had an objective response to immunotherapy. The RS included 13 CT features that yielded AUCs of 12-month irPFS of 0.787, 0.810 and 0.785 in the training, internal validation, and external validation 1 cohorts, respectively, and an AUC of 24-month irPFS of 0.805 in the external validation 2 cohort. Patients with low RS had longer irPFS in each cohort (p<0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed RS is an independent prognostic factor of irPFS. The nomogram that integrated the RS and clinical characteristics showed improved performance in predicting irPFS, with C-index of 0.687-0.778 in the training and validation cohorts. The CT imaging biomarker was associated with M1 macrophage infiltration.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this prognostic study suggest that the non-invasive CT imaging biomarker can effectively predict immunotherapy outcomes in patients with GC and is associated with innate immune signaling, which can serve as a potential tool for individual treatment decisions.

Lymphocyte Count Kinetics and the Effect of Different Radiotherapy Techniques on Radiation-Induced Lymphopenia in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Hypofractionated Postmastectomy Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) is associated with poor prognosis in solid tumors. This study aimed to describe the lymphocyte kinetics in patients with breast cancer receiving hypofractionated postmastectomy radiotherapy (RT) and to investigate the association of different RT techniques with RIL.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We assessed 607 patients who received hypofractionated postmastectomy RT for breast cancer in our prospective clinical database from 8 hospitals. All patients received irradiation to the chest wall and supraclavicular fossa. RT techniques included integrated RT with the photon-based intensity modulated techniques to irradiate all target volumes (integrated RT) and a hybrid approach combining photon irradiation to supraclavicular nodes and electron irradiation to the chest wall (hybrid RT). Peripheral lymphocyte counts (PLC) were tested prior to RT (baseline), weekly during RT, at 1, 2 weeks, 3, 6 months after RT, and then every 6 months. Grade 3+ RIL was defined as PLC nadir during RT of <0.5 ×103/ml. Mean PLC was compared by the t test. Univariate, multivariate, and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to evaluate the effect of different RT techniques on grade 3+ RIL.

RESULTS

During RT, 121 (19.9%) of patients had grade 3+ RIL. The PLC started to recover at 1 week and reached baseline levels 1 year after RT. A greater proportion of the patients treated with the integrated RT (90/269, 33.5%) developed grade 3+ PLC compared with those receiving hybrid RT (31/338, 9.2%, P < 0.001). After conducting PSM, multivariate analyses showed lower baseline PLC (HR = 0.15, P<0.001) and RT technique (the integrated RT vs. hybrid RT, HR = 4.76, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for grade 3+ RIL. The PLC in patients receiving the integrated RT after RT were higher than that in those receiving hybrid RT (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

RT technique affect the risk of and recovery from RIL, which may impact survival. Choosing appropriate RT technique to minimize RIL might be considered to benefit their outcomes.

Quality Assurance in a Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized Trial of POstmastectomy radioThErapy in Node posiTive Breast Cancer with or without Internal mAmmary nodaL Irradiation (POTENTIAL): A Planning Dummy Run

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To report the planning dummy run results of the POstmastectomy radioThErapy in Node posiTive breast cancer with or without Internal mAmmary nodaL irradiation (POTENTIAL) trial-a multicenter, randomized, phase 3 trial-to evaluate postmastectomy radiotherapy, with or without internal mammary nodal irradiation, for patients with high-risk breast cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

All participating institutions were provided the contours of the dummy run case, and they generated radiotherapy (RT) plans per protocol guidelines. The plans were reviewed and feedback were provided by the quality assurance team, after which the institutions resubmitted revised plans. The information on beams arrangement, skin flash, inhomogeneity corrections, and protocol compliance was assessed both in the primary and final submission.

RESULTS

Theplans from 26 institutions were included in the analysis. A number of major deviations were found in the primary submission, such as less strict constraint on organs at risk (OARs) V5Gy, and no application of chest wall skin flash. The protocol compliance rates of the dose coverage for the planning target volume of the chest wall (PTVcw), PTV of supra/infraclavicular fossa plus axilla levels I, II, III (PTVsc+ax), and PTV of the IMN region (PTVim) were all significantly improved in the final submission compared with those in the primary submission, which were 96.2% vs. 69.2%, 100% vs. 76.9%, and 88.4% vs. 53.8, respectively. For OARs, the protocol compliance rates of heart Dmean, left anterior descending coronary artery V40Gy, ipsilateral lung V5Gy, and stomach V5Gy were significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

All major deviations were corrected and protocol compliance was significantly improved and of high level in the final submission. Moreover, the variations were reduced. Therefore, a planning dummy run was essential to guarantee good RT plan quality and inter-institutional consistency for multicenter trials.

Van der Waals isotope heterostructures for engineering phonon polariton dispersions

Element isotopes are characterized by distinct atomic masses and nuclear spins, which can significantly influence material properties. Notably, however, isotopes in natural materials are homogenously distributed in space. Here, we propose a method to configure material properties by repositioning isotopes in engineered van der Waals (vdW) isotopic heterostructures. We showcase the properties of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) isotopic heterostructures in engineering confined photon-lattice waves-hyperbolic phonon polaritons. By varying the composition, stacking order, and thicknesses of h10BN and h11BN building blocks, hyperbolic phonon polaritons can be engineered into a variety of energy-momentum dispersions. These confined and tailored polaritons are promising for various nanophotonic and thermal functionalities. Due to the universality and importance of isotopes, our vdW isotope heterostructuring method can be applied to engineer the properties of a broad range of materials.

[Opportunities and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of optic chiasm lesions: a clinical and research perspective]

The optic chiasm is a critical component of the visual pathway, and lesions in the pituitary and sellar regions can cause irreversible damage to a patient's visual function, resulting in a significant decrease in their quality of life. As a result, neuro-ophthalmology evaluation is a crucial part of the multidisciplinary treatment of pituitary diseases. However, due to the significant variation in the anatomical structure of the optic chiasm and the sellar region, as well as the complexity of the injury mechanism, chiasm injury can result in diverse manifestations and severity levels, which can make it difficult to correlate with anatomical parameters. In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the early recognition of optic chiasm compression, the prediction of visual function after intervention, and the long-term neurodegenerative effects, while optical coherence tomography (OCT), electrophysiological examinations, and functional magnetic resonance imaging are currently the most commonly used methods for evaluating sellar region lesions. However, the role of these methods, represented by OCT, in clinical diagnosis and treatment, still lacks high-level clinical evidence support, and the evaluation and prediction of optic chiasm function remain key areas for further study. In addition to compression lesions, lesions such as inflammation, infiltration, and demyelination in the sellar region, caused by systemic multi-system diseases, can also lead to visual function damage and require recognition in clinical practice.

[Study on related factors and characteristics of multimorbidity of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children in Hunan Province]

From January 2019 to December 2021, overweight and obese children who visited in health outpatient Center of Hunan Children's Hospital were studied to explore and analyze the rate, related factors and patterns of multimorbidity of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children in Hunan Province. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the multimorbidity-related factors of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children. Association rules (apriori algorithm) were used to explore the multimorbidity patterns of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children. A total of 725 overweight and obese children were included in this study. The multimorbidity rate of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children was 46.07% (334/725). Age, waist circumference, the frequency of food consumption such as hamburgers and fries and adding meals before bedtime were multimorbidity-related factors of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children. The multimorbidity associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was relatively common. The patterns with the top three support degrees were "NAFLD+dyslipidemia","NAFLD+hypertension" and "NAFLD+hyperuricemia". The patterns with the top three confidence and elevation degrees were "Hypertension+dyslipidemia => NAFLD","Hyperuricemia => NAFLD" and "NAFLD+hypertension => dyslipidemia".

Quantitatively biomechanical response analysis of posterior musculature reconstruction in cervical single-door laminoplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The current trend of laminoplasty is developing toward the goal of muscle preservation and minimum tissue damage. Given this, muscle-preserving techniques in cervical single-door laminoplasty have been modified with protecting the spinous processes at the sites of C2 and/or C7 muscle attachment and reconstruct the posterior musculature in recent years. To date, no study has reported the effect of preserving the posterior musculature during the reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the biomechanical effect of multiple modified single-door laminoplasty procedures for restoring stability and reducing response level on the cervical spine.

METHODS

Different cervical laminoplasty models were established for evaluating kinematics and response simulations based on a detailed finite element (FE) head-neck active model (HNAM), including ① C3 - C7 laminoplasty (LP_C37), ② C3 - C6 laminoplasty with C7 spinous process preservation (LP_C36), ③ C3 laminectomy hybrid decompression with C4 - C6 laminoplasty (LT_C3 + LP_C46) and ④ C3 - C7 laminoplasty with unilateral musculature preservation (LP_C37 + UMP). The laminoplasty model was validated by the global range of motion (ROM) and percentage changes relative to the intact state. The C2 - T1 ROM, axial muscle tensile force, and stress/strain levels of functional spinal units were compared among the different laminoplasty groups. The obtained effects were further analysed by comparison with a review of clinical data on cervical laminoplasty scenarios.

RESULTS

Analysis of the locations of concentration of muscle load showed that the C2 muscle attachment sustained more tensile loading than the C7 muscle attachment, primarily in flexion-extension (FE) and in lateral bending (LB) and axial rotation (AR), respectively. Simulated results further quantified that LP_C36 primarily produced 10% decreases in LB and AR modes relative to LP_C37. Compared with LP_C36, LT_C3 + LP_C46 resulted in approximately 30% decreases in FE motion; LP C37 + UMP also showed a similar trend. Additionally, when compared to LP_C37, LT_C3 + LP_C46 and LP C37 + UMP reduced the peak stress level at the intervertebral disc by at most 2-fold as well as the peak strain level of the facet joint capsule by 2-3-fold. All these findings were well correlated with the result of clinical studies comparing modified laminoplasty and classic laminoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified muscle-preserving laminoplasty is superior to classic laminoplasty due to the biomechanical effect of the posterior musculature reconstruction, with a retained postoperative ROM and loading response levels of the functional spinal units. More motion-sparing is beneficial for increasing cervical stability, which probably accelerates the recovery of postoperative neck movement and reduces the risk of the complication for eventual kyphosis and axial pain. Surgeons are encouraged to make every effort to preserve the attachment of the C2 whenever feasible in laminoplasty.

Hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy in transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction with esophageal invasion > 3 cm

BACKGROUND

An optimal method for digestive tract reconstruction (DTR) in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) has not yet been standardized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (EJ) technique during transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy (TSLE) for Siewert type II AEG with esophageal invasion > 3 cm.

METHODS

The perioperative clinical data and short-term outcomes for patients who underwent TSLE using hand-sewn EJ for Siewert type II AEG with esophageal invasion > 3 cm between March 2019 and April 2022 have been retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were eligible. All 25 patients were successfully operated. None was converted to open surgery or mortality. 84.00% of patients were male and 16.00% were female. The mean age, body mass index (BMI), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were 67.88 ± 8.10 years, 21.30 ± 2.80 kg/m², and 2.08, respectively. The average incorporated operative and hand-sewn EJ procedural times were 274.92 ± 57.46 and 23.36 ± 3.00 min, respectively. The length of extracorporeal esophageal involvement and proximal margin was 3.31 ± 0.26 cm and 3.12 ± 0.12 cm, respectively. The average time for the first oral feeding and hospital stay were 6 (3-14) and 7 (3-18) days, respectively. Two patients (8.00%) developed postoperative grade IIIa complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of anastomotic leakage, both of whom were cured by puncture drainage.

CONCLUSION

Hand-sewn EJ in TSLE is safe and feasible for Siewert type II AEG. This method can ensure safe proximal margins and could be a good option with an advanced endoscopic suture technique for type II tumor with esophageal invasion > 3 cm.

Global burden and trends of the Entamoeba infection-associated diseases from 1990 to 2019: An observational trend study

BACKGROUND

Entamoeba infection-associated diseases (EIADs) in humans are a worldwide public health problem, but there is a lack of a global picture of EIADs, which is vital to prevention and control.

METHODS

We applied 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data collected from multiple sources at global, national and regional levels. The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (95% UIs) were extracted as the main measure of the burden of EIADs. The Joinpoint regression model was used to estimate the trends of age-standardised DALY rates by age, sex, geographical region, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Besides, a generalized linear model was conducted to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors on the DALY rate of EIADs.

RESULTS

In 2019, there were 2,539,799 (95% UI 850,865-6,186,972) DALY cases attributable to Entamoeba infection, and the global age-standardised DALY rate of EIADs was 36.77/100,000 (95% UI: 12.03-90.49). Although over the past 30 years, the age-standardised DALY rate of EIADs presented significantly declining trends [average annual percent change (AAPC) = -3.79%, 95% CI: -4.05% - -3.53%], it has remained a heavy burden among the age group of <5 years (257.43/100,000, 95% UI: 67.73-676.78) and the low SDI regions (100.47/100,000, 95% UI: 32.27-249.09). The age-standardized DALY rate in high-income North America and Australia had an increasing trend (AAPC = 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.47% - 0.28% and 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.46% - 0.29%, respectively). Furthermore, the DALY rates in high SDI regions showed statistically significant increasing trends among the age groups of 14-49, 50-69 years and 70+ years, with AAPCs of 1.01% (95% CI: 0.87% - 1.15%), 1.58% (95% CI: 1.43% - 1.73%), and 2.93% (95% CI: 2.58% - 3.29%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 30 years, the burden of EIADs has declined significantly. However, it has still caused a high burden in the low SDI regions and the age group of <5 years. At the same time, in adults and the elderly of the high SDI regions, the increasing trends of Entamoeba infection-associated burden should also be given more attention.

[Research progress on moderate and deep sedation during wound dressing change in pediatric burn patients]

Moderate and deep sedation can effectively relieve or eliminate the pain and body discomfort during wound dressing change in pediatric burn patients, relieve anxiety, agitation, and even delirium of the children, reduce the metabolic rate of the children, make them in a quiet, comfortable, and cooperative state, which is conducive to the smooth completion of dressing change. This paper summarized the three aspects of moderate and deep sedation in pediatric burn patients, including the overview, main points of implementation, and effects, and further introduced the moderate and deep sedation medication regimens for different routes of administration, as well as the content of evaluation and monitoring. Suggestions on the prevention and management of related complications and the management of moderate and deep sedation implementation procedures were put forward, in order to provide references for the development of moderate and deep sedation for wound dressing change in pediatric burn patients in China.

[A review on heat-wave early warning based on population health risk]

Global warming has caused frequent heat waves worldwide. In order to respond to heat waves and enhance the public's protection abilities, Europe, the United States and other countries have extensively carried out research on heat-health early warning, and initially achieved good health benefits based on a heat-health early warning system. However, the research on heat-health early warning is still limited in China, especially on health risks at the population level. Based on evidence-based thinking, our study combs the research progress of heat-health early warning from four aspects: early warning indicators, early warning models, early warning thresholds, and early warning ranks, and clarifies the key points of the construction of heat-health early warning models and rank schemes, in order to provide early warning technology for the rapid development of national heat-heath early warning in China.

Heart failure across the range of preserved ejection fraction in United States clinical practice

Introduction

Recent clinical trials of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have observed varying patient profiles by ejection fraction (EF), with attenuation of treatment benefits as EF increases. In routine clinical practice, the degree to which patients hospitalized for HF with EF≥60% may differ from those with lower EF is unknown.

Purpose

To compare patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes across the range of EF among patients hospitalized for HFpEF.

Methods

Using the Humedica electronic medical records database between Jan 2010 and Dec 2020, patients hospitalized for a primary diagnosis of HF with EF&gt;40% and who were haemodynamically stable at admission, without concurrent acute coronary syndrome or end-stage renal disease, and treated with intravenous (IV) diuretic agents within 48 h of admission were identified. Patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes were compared by EF ranges of 41–49%, 50–59%, and ≥60%.

Results

Of 47,026 patients hospitalized with HFpEF, 6,335 (13%) had EF 41–49%, 18,603 (40%) had EF 50–59%, and 22,088 (47%) had EF≥60%. Across all 3 groups, patients were similar with respect to age (median 77 years for each group), race (83–84% White, 12–13% Black), systolic blood pressure (137–138 mmHg at admission), and eGFR (63–64 mL/min/1.73 m2 at admission). With progressively higher EF group, the proportion of women increased (45% vs 54% vs 65%) and median NT-proBNP decreased (4,221 vs 2,945 vs 2,234 pg/mL). Patients with EF ≥60% had the lowest rates of coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, and the highest rates of chronic pulmonary disease (Figure 1, Panel A). Discharge medications were generally similar, with exception of less beta-blocker use and more calcium channel blocker use among those with EF ≥60% (Figure 1, Panel B). Discharge use of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor therapies were each &lt;1% in all groups. Hospital length of stay (median 4 days for each group) and in-hospital mortality (1.1–1.3%) were similar across groups, but rates of in-hospital acute respiratory failure were higher among patients with EF ≥60% (27% vs 230-25% for lower EF groups). Rates of 30-day and 12-month post-discharge clinical events were high irrespective of EF, without meaningful differences between groups (Figure 2).

Conclusion

In a contemporary real-world population of US patients hospitalized for HF with EF &gt;40%, nearly half had an EF≥60%. While clinical profiles and discharge medications varied, post-discharge outcomes were similarly poor irrespective of EF. There remain important opportunities to improve the care and outcomes for patients with HF across the range of preserved ejection fraction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): MyoKardia, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb

Population estimates of obstructive and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the UK and Germany

Background

While numerous publications have estimated the prevalence of diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), none have quantified the real-world proportion of obstructive and non-obstructive HCM using nationally representative data sources in any European countries.

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed HCM and its subtypes in the UK and Germany.

Methods

Patients with HCM were identified in the UK from 01 Apr 2009 to 30 Oct 2020 and Germany from 2011 to 2019. UK patients with HCM were identified using electronic health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care data linked with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) secondary care data using ICD-10 (I42.1, I42.2), Read, Medcode, SNOMED, and OPCS codes. German patients with HCM were identified using a nationally representative administrative claims data pool (WIG2 Benchmark database) from several German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI)-insurances using ICD-10 and OPS codes. Obstructive HCM was identified as any obstructive HCM diagnosis, any HCM diagnosis with septal reduction therapy, and any HCM diagnosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO; not in German claims data). Non-obstructive HCM was any non-obstructive or unspecified HCM diagnosis without evidence of any obstructive HCM. Annual prevalence was calculated for each year in the respective study periods and average annual prevalence across the study period.

Results

The average annual prevalence rate of HCM was 4.15/10,000 in the UK and 8.61/10,000 in Germany, while the average annual prevalence rate of obstructive HCM was 2.84/10,000 in the UK and 4.18/10,000 in Germany (Table). The proportion of HCM that was obstructive HCM was 68% in the UK and 49% in Germany. The prevalence rates of diagnosed HCM and obstructive HCM tended to increase over time (Figure).

Conclusion

The prevalence of HCM, obstructive HCM and the proportion of HCM that is obstructive varied between the UK and Germany. The prevalence of HCM was generally consistent with previously published estimates. Although there are limitations with coding in administrative data, it is important to differentiate obstructive HCM from non-obstructive HCM given their unique treatments and disease progression and management, especially since at least 49–68% of HCM is obstructive.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bristol Myers-Squibb

A semiparametric model for between-subject attributes: Applications to beta-diversity of microbiome data

The human microbiome plays an important role in our health and identifying factors associated with microbiome composition provides insights into inherent disease mechanisms. By amplifying and sequencing the marker genes in high-throughput sequencing, with highly similar sequences binned together, we obtain operational taxonomic units (OTUs) profiles for each subject. Due to the high-dimensionality and nonnormality features of the OTUs, the measure of diversity is introduced as a summarization at the microbial community level, including the distance-based beta-diversity between individuals. Analyses of such between-subject attributes are not amenable to the predominant within-subject-based statistical paradigm, such as t-tests and linear regression. In this paper, we propose a new approach to model beta-diversity as a response within a regression setting by utilizing the functional response models (FRMs), a class of semiparametric models for between- as well as within-subject attributes. The new approach not only addresses limitations of current methods for beta-diversity with cross-sectional data, but also provides a premise for extending the approach to longitudinal and other clustered data in the future. The proposed approach is illustrated with both real and simulated data.

[Effectiveness, safety and cost of urinary follicle stimulating hormone in controlled ovarian stimulation in China: multi-center retrospective cohort study of 102 061 in vitro fertilization cycles]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness, safety and cost between urinary follicle stimulating hormone (uFSH) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in China. Methods: Data were collected from 16 reproductive centers in China covering oocytes collection time from May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Eligible patients were over 18 years old, adopting COS with uFSH (uFSH group) or rFSH (rFSH group) as start gonadotropins (Gn), and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and (or) intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertilisation, excluding frozen embryo recovery cycle. Generalised estimating equation was used to address the violation of independency assumption between cycles due to multiple IVF cycles for one person and clustering nature of cycles carried out within one center. Controlling variables included age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone level, cause of infertility, ovulation protocol, type of fertilisation, number of embryos transferred, number of days of Gn use. Results: Totally 102 061 cycles met eligibility criteria and were included in the analyses. In terms of effectiveness, after controlling relevant unbalanced baseline characteristics, compared with rFSH group, the high oocyte retrieval (>15 oocytes was considered high retrieval) rate of uFSH group significantly decreased in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol (OR=0.642, P<0.01) and in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (OR=0.556, P=0.001), but the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle and the live birth rate per transfer cycle significantly increased (OR=1.179, OR=1.169, both P<0.01) in both agonist and antagonist protocols. For safety, multiple analysis result demonstrated that in the agonist protocol, compared with rFSH group, the incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of uFSH group significantly decreased (OR=0.644, P=0.002). The differences in ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the uFSH and rFSH groups were not significant (P=0.890, P=0.470) in all patients. In terms of cost, compared with rFSH group, the uFSH group had lower total Gn costs for each patient (P<0.01). Conclusion: For patients who underwent COS, uFSH has better safety, and economic profiles over rFSH in China.

Epidemiological features and sociodemographic factors associated with mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018

BACKGROUND

Mumps is an acute infectious disease that spreads widely around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological features and sociodemographic factors associated with mumps in mainland China from 2004 to 2018.

METHODS

Incidence data for mumps during the period 2004-2018 were collected from the Public Health Sciences Data Center of China. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to explore the trends of mumps. Space-time clustering analysis was conducted to spatial and temporal aggregation areas of mumps. A generalized linear model was used to explore sociodemographic factors associated with the incidence of mumps.

RESULTS

Average annual incidence of mumps was 21.44/100,000 in mainland China. It was increased dramatically during 2004-2012 (APC = 7.51, 95%CI: 2.28 to 13.00). After 2012, it remained stable, however, significantly increased in intermediately developed regions from 2015 to 2018 (APC = 25.84, 95%CI: 3.59 to 52.86). The first-level spatial and temporal aggregation areas were distributed in Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia and Shaanxi, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangxi, with gathering times from Jan 1, 2006 to Dec 31, 2012 (RR = 1.87, P < 0.001). The percentage of the population aged 0-14 years, number of health workers per capital, and number of passengers were found to be positively associated with the incidence of mumps.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, after 2012, the incidence of mumps in mainland China remained stable. High-risk periods, clusters of regions and sociodemographic factors for mumps were identified, which will help the government develop disease- and location-specific interventive measures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effective adsorption of antimony (V) from contaminated water by a novel composite manganese oxide/oxyhydroxide as an adsorbent

To obtain an efficient and low-cost adsorbent for the Sb(V) removal in Sb(V)-contaminated water, a novel composite manganese oxide/oxyhydroxide (CMO) was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The results revealed that the as-prepared CMO adsorbent possessed a porous structure consisting of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles and MnOOH nanorods. Batch experiments showed that the adsorption behaviours were well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, reaching the maximum adsorption capacity of 119.63 mg/g at 25 °C. The application of CMO adsorbent showed that the Sb(V) removal efficiency in 6.24 L Sb(V)-containing water with a concentration of 3.6 mg/L was more than 90%. The reusability of CMO adsorbent demonstrated that the Sb(V) removal efficiency was still more than 80% even after five times of regeneration. The adsorption mechanism for Sb(V) can be described as ligand exchange between hydroxyl groups on the adsorbent surface and hydroxyl groups in Sb(OH)₆^- molecules by forming inner-sphere complexes. Those results suggested that the CMO adsorbent can be considered as a potential adsorbent to remove Sb(V) from contaminated water.

[MiR-4484 regulates the expression of integrin α 6 in gastric cancer tissues and its significance]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of integrin α 6 (ITGA6), miR-4484 and the pathologic stage of gastric cancer. Methods: Gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric mucosa tissues adjacent to cancer (>5 cm from tumor margin) of 30 patients with primary gastric cancer who underwent direct surgical resection without adjuvant therapy from June to September 2017 in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were selected. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-4484 and ITGA6, western blot was used to detect the expression level of ITGA6 protein, dual luciferase reporter gene was used to verify the relationship between ITGA6 and miR-4484. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between miR-4484 and ITGA6 expression levels in gastric cancer tissues. Results: The expression level of ITGΑ6 in gastric cancer (32.30±13.47) was higher than that in matched normal gastric tissues (24.55±10.25, P=0.015), the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.660 and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 43.3% and 96.7%, respectively. The expression level of miR-4484 in gastric cancer (4.11±2.87) was lower than that of matched normal gastric tissues (5.75±2.80, P=0.029), the area under the ROC curve was 0.690 and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 30.0% and 86.7%, respectively. The expression level of miR-4484 was negatively correlated with ITGA6 in gastric cancer tissues (r=-0.621, P<0.001). The expression level of ITGA6 protein in gastric cancer tissues (0.65±0.19) was higher than that in normal adjacent tissues (0.26±0.12, P<0.001). Compared with ITGA6 3'UTR wild-type+ miR-NC group, ITGA6 3'UTR wild-type+ miRNA mimics group had lower luciferase activity (50.69±5.10, 34.00±1.19, P<0.001), while the luciferase activity of ITGA6 3'UTR wild-type+ ASO miR-4484 group was higher than that of ITGA6 3'UTR wild-type+ miR-NC group (82.44±6.37, 50.69±5.10, P<0.001), indicated that ITGA6 was the direct target gene of miR-4484. The expression levels of miR-4484 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 (4a and 4b) gastric cancer tissues were 9.98±2.24, 5.28±2.03, 2.92±2.04 and 4.11±2.87, respectively, with statistical significance (P<0.001). The expression levels of ITGA6 in N0, N1, N2 and N3 gastric cancer tissues were 29.55±8.32, 21.71±3.75, 24.60±8.79 and 40.69±15.83, respectively, with statistical significance (P=0.022). The expression levels of miR-4484 in N0, N1, N2 and N3 gastric cancer tissues were 5.01±3.52, 5.48±2.76, 5.88±1.83 and 2.30±1.56, respectively, with statistical significance (P=0.032). The expression levels of ITGA6 in M0 and M1 gastric cancer tissues were 26.28±7.66 and 52.08±8.12, respectively, with statistical significance (P<0.001). The expression levels of miR-4484 in M0 and M1 gastric cancer tissues were 4.95±2.74 and 1.34±0.80, respectively, with statistical significance (P<0.001). Conclusions: ITGA6 is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues, while miR-4484 is downregulated in the gastric cancer group, and its expression level is related to the clinicopathological features of gastric cancer. ITGA6 is the direct target gene of miR-4484, implicates that miR-4484 may inhibit the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by regulating the expression of ITGA6. Both miR-4484 and ITGA6 may be the new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets of gastric cancer.

[Observation of microstructure and vessel density changes in the superficial retinal layer in buried optic disc drusen patients]

Objective: To investigate the changes of the microstructure and vascular density in the superficial retinal layer of buried optic disc drusen (ODD) patients. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 36 ODD eyes (20 patients) and 26 normal control eyes were recruited in Beijing Union Medical College Hospital from January 2018 to July 2020. Measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit lamp, fundus examination and visual field examination were performed. The images and data of spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were analyzed and summarized. The differences of nasal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and macular superficial vascular density (VD) between ODD patients and normal controls were compared by independent sample t-test or Mann Whitney U test (the right eye was selected in bilateral ODD patients). Results: The 20 ODD patients and 26 normal controls were all female. There was no significant difference in age between the two groups (P>0.05). The BCVA and visual field examination was normal in all ODD patients. The SD-OCT examination showed an oval low signal shadow under the nasal outer nuclear layer of the optic disc, or local accumulation like a medium signal shadow with a clear boundary, and a high signal capsule in ODD patients. The RNFL in the upper nasal side of the ODD group was significantly different from the normal control group [(102.6±19.1) μm vs. (119.0±13.8) μm; t=-2.81; P<0.01]. Compared with normal control group [101.0 (100.0, 102.0) μm], the average GCC thickness in the ODD group [97.0 (89.3, 99.8) μm] was significantly different (U=48.50; P<0.01). The OCTA en-face scan showed that the vascular network in the macular area of the affected eyes was sparser than that of the control eyes. There was significant difference in superficial macular VD beteeen the ODD group (48.5%±2.8%) and the control group (51.0%±2.3%) (t=-2.63; P<0.05). Conclusions: There is thinning in the RNFL upper nasal side and GCC layer of the macular region in buried ODD patients, and the superficial VD of the macular region in buried ODD patients is lower than that in the normal controls.

[The progress in the application of optical coherence tomography angiography in multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory reactive autoimmune disease characterized by diffuse axonal degeneration of the central nervous system. The exact etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Optical coherence tomography angiography is a new technology of angiography, which can obtain the images of each layer of blood vessels in the scanning area. It is non-invasive, fast and quantifiable. Observation of retinal vasculopathy may assist in the evaluation of brain diseases. This article reviews the previous research results at home and abroad of ocular blood flow changes observed by optical coherence tomography angiography in MS in recent years, in order to provide reference for the study of the underlying pathogenesis of MS and clinical evaluation.

Transcriptomic analysis and validation reveal the pathogenesis and a novel biomarker of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is the main factor that leads to the deterioration of the disease. Currently, the diagnosis of AECOPD mainly relies on clinical manifestations, good predictors or biomarkers are lacking. We aim to reveal specific biomarkers and potential pathogenesis of AECOPD and provide a research basis for the diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Four patients with AECOPD, four patients with stable COPD, and five control subjects were enrolled for RNA sequencing and KEGG analysis. The mRNA level of target genes was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with an expanded sample size (30 patients with AECOPD, 27 patients with stable COPD, and 35 control subjects). ELISA and immunofluorescence were used to identify the target proteins. Furthermore, the expression and function of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed in animal models of COPD.

Results

RNA sequencing showed that 54 genes were up-regulated and 111 genes were down-regulated in the AECOPD. Differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in WNT signaling pathway, et al. QPCR revealed that multi-genes of the WNT/β-catenin signaling were significantly down-regulated in AECOPD (P < 0.05), and β-catenin protein was significantly decreased in plasma of AECOPD and stable COPD (P < 0.01), while phosphorylated β-catenin was significantly up-regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AECOPD (P < 0.05). Similarly, WNT ligands, WNT receptors, and downstream signaling molecules were down-regulated, with an increased phosphorylated β-catenin protein in animal models of COPD. Activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway by lithium chloride reduced the expression of phosphorylated β-catenin and ameliorated the COPD-like airway inflammation in mice.

Conclusion

WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is down-regulated in AECOPD patients and in animal models of COPD. Increased expression of phosphorylated β-catenin in the blood might be a potential biomarker of AECOPD. Activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway may also represent a therapeutic target for AECOPD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-01950-w.

Incidence of malignancies among patients with chronic hepatitis B in US health care organizations, 2006-2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes hepatocellular carcinoma but its association with other cancers is not well established. We compared age-adjusted incidence of primary cancers among 5,773 HBV-infected persons with US cancer registries during 2006-2018. Compared with the US population, substantially higher incidence among HBV-infected persons was observed for hepatocellular carcinoma (Standardized rate ratio [SRR] 30.79), gastric (SRR 7.95), neuroendocrine (SRR 5.88), cholangiocarcinoma (SRR 4.62), and ovarian (SRR 3.72) cancers, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SRR 2.52). Clinicians should be aware of a heightened potential for certain non-hepatic malignancies among hepatitis B patients, as earlier diagnosis favors improved survival.

[A case of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after uneventful cataract surgery in a diabetic patient]

A diabetic patient complained of sudden visual field defect on the third day after cataract surgery. The fundus examination showed optic disc edema in the left eye, which was diagnosed as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy by optical coherence tomography and visual field examinations. The optic neuropathy was induced by the excessive application of tropicamide phenylephrine eye drops by herself before cataract surgery. After timely treatment, the patient's vision and visual field recovered well.

Urinary complement proteins and risk of end-stage renal disease: quantitative urinary proteomics in patients with type 2 diabetes and biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between urinary complement proteins and renal outcome in biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

Untargeted proteomic and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses and targeted proteomic analysis using parallel reaction-monitoring (PRM)-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the abundance of urinary complement proteins in healthy controls, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN. The abundance of each urinary complement protein was individually included in Cox proportional hazards models for predicting progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

Untargeted proteomic and functional analysis using the KEGG showed that differentially expressed urinary proteins were primarily associated with the complement and coagulation cascades. Subsequent urinary complement proteins quantification using PRM showed that urinary abundances of C3, C9, and complement factor H (CFAH) correlated negatively with annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, while urinary abundances of C5, decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and CD59 correlated positively with annual rate of eGFR decline. Furthermore, higher urinary abundance of CFAH and lower urinary abundance of DAF were independently associated with greater risk of progression to ESRD. Urinary abundance of CFAH and DAF had a larger area under the curve (AUC) than that of eGFR, proteinuria, or any pathological parameter. Moreover, the model that included CFAH or DAF had a larger AUC than that with only clinical or pathological parameters.

CONCLUSION

Urinary abundance of complement proteins was significantly associated with ESRD in patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN, indicating that therapeutically targeting the complement pathway may alleviate progression of DN.

MiRNA-128-3p induces osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via activating the Wnt3a signaling

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the biological function of miRNA-128-3p in influencing the progression of osteoporosis by inducing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs via activating the Wnt3a signaling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Dynamic expression levels of miRNA-128-3p in osteogenically differentiated MSCs at the different time points were detected by qRT-PCR. The binding sites in the seed sequence of miRNA-128-3p and Wnt3a were predicted using the bioinformatic tool, and their interaction was further confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Co-regulation of miRNA-128-3p and Wnt3a on relative levels of osteogenesis-associated genes, ALP activity and mineralization ability in glucocorticoid-induced MSCs were assessed.

RESULTS

MiRNA-128-3p was gradually upregulated with the prolongation of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Overexpression of miRNA-128-3p reversed the declines in glucocorticoid-induced expression levels of osteogenesis-associated genes (Bglap, RUNX2 and BMP-2), ALP activity and mineralization ability in MSCs. Wnt3a was able to bind miRNA-128-3p. Its level was positively regulated by miRNA-128-3p in MSCs. Enhanced ALP activity and mineralization ability in glucocorticoid-induced MSCs overexpressing Wnt3a were partially abolished by knockdown of miRNA-128-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

By positively regulating Wnt3a, miRNA-128-3p alleviates the progression of osteoporosis through inducing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.

The prevalence and clinical features of pulmonary embolism in patients with AE-COPD: A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) is highly controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the epidemiology and characteristics of PE with AE-COPD for current studies.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for studies published prior to October 21, 2020. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals were used as effect measures for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies involving 3170 patients were included. The prevalence of PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in AE-COPD patients was 17.2% (95% CI: 13.4%-21.3%) and 7.1% (95% CI: 3.7%-11.4%%), respectively. Dyspnea (OR = 6.77, 95% CI: 1.97-23.22), pleuritic chest pain (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 2.06-5.12), lower limb asymmetry or edema (OR = 2.46, 95% CI:1.51-4.00), higher heart rates (MD = 20.51, 95% CI: 4.95-36.08), longer hospital stays (MD = 3.66, 95% CI: 3.01-4.31) were associated with the PE in the AE-COPD patients. Levels of D-dimer (MD = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.80-2.23), WBC counts (MD = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.14-2.70) were significantly higher and levels of PaO2 was lower (MD = -17.20, 95% CI: -33.94- -0.45, P<0.05) in the AE-COPD with PE group. The AE-COPD with PE group had increased risk of fatal outcome than the AE-COPD group (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.43-3.50).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PE during AE-COPD varies considerably among the studies. AE-COPD patients with PE experienced an increased risk of death, especially among the ICU patients. Understanding the potential risk factors for PE may help clinicians identify AE-COPD patients at increased risk of PE.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021226568.

P–313 Endometrial receptivity analysis for personalized embryo transfer in patients with recurrent implantation failure: a retrospective analysis of a Chinese cohort

Study question

To quantify the effectiveness of endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA)-guided personalized embryo transfer (pET) in Chinese women.

Summary answer

ERA-guided pET may remarkably improve pregnancy and implantation rates among Chinese women with Recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

What is known already

RIF is a major cause of infertility, and endometrial receptivity is widely accepted to impact implantation failure. Precision prediction of the WOI, the time when the endometrium is most receptive to the implantation of the embryo, is, therefore, of great significance to improve implantation prospects. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of ERA for the prediction of the WOI, and how pET, timed by ERA, improves implantation and pregnancy rates; however, the efficacy of ERA-guided pET remains unknown for Chinese women.

Study design, size, duration

Patients in Chengdu Xi’nan Gynecology Hospital (Chengdu, China) who were undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) at the blastocyst stage on day five or day six during the period from November 2019 through September 2020 were recruited for this study. A total of 145 eligible patients were included in the study and assigned to the ERA group (n = 67) or the control group (n = 78). Clinical pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Endometrial specimens were collected the from ERA group. Total RNA was extracted from endometrial specimens, the transcriptomic sequencing data were processed using RNA-Seq and the endometrial receptivity status was assessed by the ERA predictor. The endometrium was classified as receptive or non-receptive according to the ERA assessment, and pET was done at the time determined by ERA in the ERA group. Subjects in the control group did not receive ERA and underwent blastocyst transfer normally.

Main results and the role of chance

The demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the ERA and control groups (P &gt; 0.05). The ERA test identified 10.45% of samples as receptive and 89.55% of samples as non-receptive in the ERA group, with 70.15% of samples presenting a pre-receptive profile. We observed higher cumulative pregnancy (74.63% vs. 64.10%) and cumulative implantation rate (47.32% vs. 21.68%) rates, and a lower biochemical pregnancy rate (18.00% vs. 34.00%) in the ERA group when compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, we found higher pregnancy (67.16% vs. 39.74%) and implantation (46.54% vs. 16.94%) rates as well as a lower biochemical pregnancy rate (17.78% vs. 45.16%) after the first ERA test in the ERA group when compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.01).

Limitations, reasons for caution

First, this is a retrospective analysis, which is relatively more biased than prospective clinical trials. Second, the study sample is considerably small. Third, only 10.45% of the subjects were identified as presenting a receptive profile, which limits the comparisons of clinical outcomes between patients with receptive and non-receptive endometria.

Wider implications of the findings: This study demonstrates that the ERA test helps to determine the optimal timing for embryo transfer, improve pregnancy and implantation rates in patients with RIF, and guides the clinical application of the ERA test.

Trial registration number

approval No. 2020–018

[Evaluation of the fresh air purification system in the classroom under heavy pollution weather]

Evaluate the effect of the fresh air purification system on the improvement of indoor PM_2.5 levels in a primary school classroom in Jinan City, Shandong Province. Our purpose is to explore the optimal operating time of the fresh air system and the main factors that affect the fresh air purification system to improve indoor air quality. From December 9, 2019 to December 10, 2019, two classrooms of the same area on the third floor of a primary school building in Jinan City, Shandong Province were selected as monitoring points. During the operation of the fresh air purification system, the PM_2.5 concentration in the classroom is reduced by an average of 48.1%-61.5% compared to the outdoor PM_2.5 concentration. After running for about 2 hours, the indoor PM_2.5 concentration decreased to a relatively stable concentration level. The operating time of the fresh air purification system, student activities between classes, indoor temperature, indoor relative humidity, and outdoor PM_2.5 concentration are important factors that affect the indoor particulate removal rate. In the case of a certain amount of fresh air and indoor area, closing doors and windows and appropriately extending the operation time of the fresh air purification system can improve the air quality in the classroom to a certain extent and protect the health of students.

P–371 Clinical value assessment between endometrial receptivity array and immune profiling in patients with implantation failure

Study question

To evaluate whether the pregnancy outcomes could be improved in implantation failure patients by endometrial receptivity array, endometrial immune profiling, or a combination of both.

Summary answer

There was no statistical difference between different endometrial receptivity evaluation and treatment in improving the clinical pregnancy rate.

What is known already

Both endometrial receptivity array and endometrial immune profiling were promised to improve the endometrial receptivity and subsequent clinical pregnancy. However, less is known about the efficiency between each other and whether the combination could further enhance their clinical value.

Study design, size, duration

Between November 2019 and September 2020, 143 women with a history of at least two or more consecutive implantation failure in IVF/ICSI treatment in Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital were included. They were divided into three groups: ‘ERA + Immune Profiling’ (n = 70), ‘Immune Profiling’ (n = 41), and ‘ERA’ (n = 32).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Inclusion criteria were age ≤ 38, with normal uterus and uterine cavity. All patients were suggested to evaluate endometrial receptivity by ERA test (Igenomix, Valencia, Spain) and endometrial immune profiling based on immunohistochemistry simultaneously, who would be free to choose each or both evaluation approaches. Personal Embryo Transfer and/or personal medical care were adopted according to evaluation results. Clinical pregnancy was confirmed by gestational sacs observed under ultrasonography.

Main results and the role of chance

The overall prevalence of displaced window of implantation (WOI) is 84.3%, and nearly 74.8% (83/111) patients were diagnosed as endometrial immune dysregulation. Clinical Pregnancy rate and embryonic implantation rate decreased in the ‘Immune Test’ groups, but without a statistical difference (P = 0.311, and 0.158, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that different endometrial receptivity evaluation and treatment was not associated the clinical pregnancy rate, suggesting the performance of different endometrial receptivity evaluation and treatment is similar in improving the clinical pregnancy rate. Neither the immune profiling (CD56, P = 0.591; FOXP3, P = 0.195; CD68, P = 0.820; CD163, P = 0.926; CD1a, P = 0.561; CD57, P = 0.221; CD8, P = 0.427; CD138 CE, P = 0.372) nor histologic endometrial dating defined by Noyes criteria (P = 0.374) were associated with ERA phases.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although the selection of evaluation approaches was based on patients’ willingness, the variances of baseline characteristics and immune profiling existed in different groups. The immunological treatment efficacy based on immune profiling was not evaluated before embryo transfer.

Wider implications of the findings: To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the pregnancy outcomes after two typical endometrial receptivity evaluation approaches. The findings highlight the unsubstitutability for each assessment, indicating that both asynchronous and pathological WOI contribute to implantation failure.

Trial registration number

X2019004

Application of remote online learning in oral histopathology teaching in China

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of remote learning and virtual microscopy in oral histopathology teaching, a unique experience in China. The oral histopathology teaching in Nanjing Medical University has been extraordinary.

Material and Methods

98 third-year dental students of Grade 2016 took oral histopathology theoretical course face-to-face in 2019 (Traditional group). The 94 participants of Grade 2017 took online oral histopathology course using digital methods(E-Learning platform and Virtual Simulation Experiment Teaching Center for Dentistry) in 2020. During the practical laboratory sessions, the students in both Traditional group and Online group observed the same glass slides for morphological learning. A questionnaire survey explored students' attitudes towards the remote online learning. Results: The mean Theory test scores of the Online group (80.93±12.15) were significantly higher than those of the Traditional group (73.65±8.46) (P < 0.01). The mean total scores of the Online group (82.94±10.76) were significantly higher than those of the Traditional group (77.25±7.55) (P < 0.01). The percentage of high total test score (test score > 85) of the Online group (54%) was also significantly higher than that of the Traditional group (15%) (P< 0.01). Furthermore, both remote learning and virtual microscopy courses were well accepted by students according to the questionnaire.

Conclusions

This study found that remote learning and virtual technology have a positive impact on oral histopathology. The findings reveal that the application of remote online learning has enhanced oral histopathology teaching in China.

Key words:Oral histopathology, dental undergraduate students, virtual microscopy, remote online learning, questionnaire.

Association between periodontal disease and prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Periodontal disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacterial infection which may lead to various systematic diseases. Recently, increasing studies have explored the correlation of periodontal disease with the risk of prostate cancer. However, the findings were inconsistent. Hence, this study aims to investigate the association between periodontal disease and the risk of prostate cancer by a meta-analysis.

Material and Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched for publications up to July 17, 2020. Cohort and case-control studies evaluating the risk of prostate cancer in patients with periodontal disease were included. A fixed or random-effect model was used to calculate the summary relative risk (RR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI). All analyses were conducted using Stata 12.0 software.

Results

Seven studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled estimates showed that periodontal disease was significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer (RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.07-1.27; P = 0.001). Findings of sensitivity analyses proved that the overall results were robust.

Conclusions

Periodontal disease may be considered as a potential risk factor for prostate cancer. Although it’s a possibility, males should be more aware of their oral health and implement effective measures to prevent and treat periodontal disease.

Key words:Periodontal disease, periodontitis, prostate cancer, meta-analysis

[Expression of nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase in gastric cancer and its biological and clinicopathological significance]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in gastric cancer (GC) and explore its biological and clinicopathological significance.

OBJECTIVE

We screened the candidate genes associated with the classification and prognosis of gastric cancer by analyzing GEO, Oncomine and TCGA datasets. The molecular pathways and protein interaction network involving these candidate genes were analyzed using STRING, GSEA, David and Cytoscape software. The expressions of the candidate genes in 28 pairs of gastric cancer and adjacent tissues were detected with qRTPCR, and CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were carried out to analyze the effects of modulation of NNMT expression on proliferation, invasion and migration of different gastric cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVE

NNMT was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and was negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Pathway analysis showed that the high expression of NNMT was associated with adhesion-related pathway molecules such as extracellular matrix receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and cytokine receptors, while its low expression was associated with base mismatch repair and riboflavin metabolism. Protein interaction analysis showed that NNMT interacted with 16 differentially expressed proteins such as AURKA and was co-expressed with TAGLN, PTRF, AKAP12 and IGF2BP2. In clinical tissue specimens, qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of NNMT mRNA was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). In gastric cancer cell lines, overexpression of NNMT was found to significantly promote cell proliferation, invasion and migration, while NNMT knockdown produced obvious inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, invasion and migration.

OBJECTIVE

NNMT is highly expressed in gastric cancer and negatively correlated with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. The high expression of NNMT promotes the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, suggesting the potential of NNMT as prognostic marker of gastric cancer.

The role of neutrophils in asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory disease，characterized by airway inflammation，airway hyperresponsiveness，reversible airway obstruction and airway remodeling，in which a variety of cells including airway inflammatory cells and structural cells are involved. Previous studies have shown that asthma is mainly driven by Th2 cytokines IL-4，IL-5，and IL-13，leading to airway eosinophil inflammation. With further research，however，it has been found that neutrophils are also closely related to asthma. Numbers of neutrophils are elevated in airway through increased chemotaxis and decreased apoptosis，which is earlier than eosinophils，leading to airway neutrophilic inflammation. Neutrophils can produce elastase，myeloperoxidase，neutrophil extra- cellular traps，chemokines and cytokines，participating in the occurrence and development of asthma. The antagonists against these molecules，such as anti-IL-8 receptor antibody，anti-IL-17 antibody，and DNase，have shown positive effects on neutrophilic asthma，but further studies are needed to support their clinical application. This article mainly reviews the role of neutrophils in asthma and related mechanisms.

[A multicenter prospective randomized controlled clinical study of 5-fluorouracil in different mass concentrations combined with triamcinolone in the treatment of keloids]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of 5-fluorouracil in different mass concentrations combined with triamcinolone in the treatment of keloids. Methods: From March 2018 to March 2019, 29 patients with 31 keloids receipted in the Department of Plastic Surgery of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 11 patients with 20 keloids receipted in the Department of Dermatology of Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Area Hospital, and 9 patients with 9 keloids receipted in the Fuzhou Heisey-Dea Aesthetic Clinic were included in this prospectively randomized control study, with 27 males and 22 females, aged (30±9) years. According to the random number table, the keloids were divided into low mass concentration group (19 keloids, 17 patients), medium mass concentration group (21 keloids, 19 patients), and high mass concentration group (20 keloids, 17 patients). Then 5-fluorouracil at mass concentrations of 0.5, 5.0, and 12.5 mg/mL combined with triamcinolone acetonide were injected respectively, once every 4 weeks, for a total of 3 times. Before the first treatment and in 3 months after the last treatment, the appearance of keloids was evaluated by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and pain and pruritus of keloids were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Then the score differences before and after the treatment were calculated. In 6 months after the last treatment, the patients' efficacy satisfaction was evaluated by efficacy satisfaction rating scale. Adverse reactions during the treatment were recorded. In the follow-up of one year after the last treatment, the recurrence rates of keloids were counted. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, paired sample t test, least significant difference t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, or Fisher's exact probability test. Results: Before the first treatment, the appearance VSS scores of appearance of keloids in the three groups were similar (F=0.039, P>0.05). In 3 months after the last treatment, the appearance VSS scores of keloids in low mass concentration group were significantly higher than those in medium mass concentration group and high mass concentration group (t=2.267, 4.086, P<0.05 or P<0.01). In 3 months after the last treatment, the appearance VSS scores of keloids in low mass concentration group, medium mass concentration group, and high mass concentration group were significantly decreased compared with those before the first treatment (t=18.222, 44.272, 22.523, P<0.01). The differences of appearance VSS scores of keloids in low mass concentration group before and after treatment were significantly lower than those in medium mass concentration group and high mass concentration group (t=-4.096, -6.357, P<0.01), and the differences of appearance VSS scores of keloids in medium mass concentration group before and after treatment were significantly lower than those in high mass concentration group (t=-2.368, P<0.05). Before the first treatment, the pain and pruritus VAS scores of keloids in the three groups were similar (χ²=0.149, P>0.05). In 3 months after the last treatment, the pain and pruritus VAS scores of keloids in low mass concentration group were significantly higher than those in medium mass concentration group and high mass concentration group (Z=2.191, 4.386, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the pain and pruritus VAS scores of keloids in medium mass concentration group were significantly higher than those in high mass concentration group (Z=2.276, P<0.05). In 3 months after the last treatment, the pain and pruritus VAS scores of keloids in medium mass concentration group and high mass concentration group were significantly decreased compared with those before the first treatment (Z=-3.904, -3.844, P<0.01). The differences of pain and pruritus VAS scores of keloids in low mass concentration group before and after treatment were significantly lower than those in medium mass concentration group and high mass concentration group (Z=-4.265, -6.104, P<0.01). In 6 months after the last treatment, the efficacy satisfaction scores of the corresponding patients of keloids were (88±8) points in high mass concentration group, which were significantly higher than (76±8) points in medium mass concentration group and (60±8) points in low mass concentration group (t=-3.820, -6.675, P<0.01), and the efficacy satisfaction scores of the corresponding patients of keloids in medium mass concentration group were significantly higher than those in high mass concentration group (t=-2.984, P<0.05). There was only statistically significant difference in pain within the 3 groups (P<0.01). In the follow-up of one year after the last treatment, the recurrence rate of keloids in high mass concentration group was significantly lower than that in low mass concentration group (χ²=8.313, P<0.01), and the recurrence rate of keloids in medium mass concentration group was similar to the recurrence rates in low mass concentration group and high mass concentration group (P>0.05). Conclusions: After treating keloids with high mass concentration of 5-fluorouracil combined with triamcinolone acetonide, the symptoms were significantly improved, the efficacy satisfaction of patients was increased, with no obvious adverse reactions but long lasting efficacy. Their overall effects are better than treatment using medium and low mass concentrations of 5-fluorouracil, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Dynamic monitor of CT scan within short interval in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis for nonneutropenic patients: a retrospective analysis in two centers

Background

In nonneutropenic patients with underlying respiratory diseases (URD), invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening disease. Yet establishing early diagnosis in those patients remains quite a challenge.

Methods

A retrospective series of nonneutropenic patients with probable or proven IPA were reviewed from January 2014 to May 2018 in Department of Respiratory Medicine of two Chinese hospitals. Those patients were suspected of IPA and underwent lung computed tomography (CT) scans twice within 5–21 days. The items required for IPA diagnosis were assessed by their host factors, mycological findings and CT scans according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (MSG) criteria (EORTC/MSG criteria).

Results

Together with the risk factors, mycological findings and nonspecific radiological signs on first CT, ten patients were suspected of IPA. With the appearance of cavities on second CT scan in the following days, all patients met the criteria of probable or possible IPA. Except one patient who refused antifungal treatment, nine patients received timely antifungal treatment and recovered well. One of the nine treated IPA cases was further confirmed by pathology, one was confirmed by biopsy.

Conclusions

Dynamic monitor of CT scan provided specific image evidences for IPA diagnosis. This novel finding might provide a noninvasive and efficient strategy in IPA diagnosis with URD.

Dietary Inflammatory Index in relation to bone mineral density, osteoporosis risk and fracture risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that pro-inflammatory diets, as measured by higher Dietary Inflammatory Index scores, are significantly associated with lower BMD of lumbar spine and total hip as well as elevated risk of osteoporosis and fractures. These findings may contribute to the development of public health strategies.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory Index (DII) is a method to assess the inflammatory potential of diets; it has been reported to be associated with several diseases. However, the relation between DII and bone health remains controversial for the inconsistent findings from previous studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the underlying relationships between DII and bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis risk, and fracture risk.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for all relevant epidemiological studies published up to May 1, 2020. Fixed-effects model or random-effects model was employed to pool the study-specific effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eleven studies with a total of 127,769 participants were included. We found that continuous DII was negatively associated with BMD of lumbar spine (odds ratios [OR]: 0.990; 95% CI: 0.984, 0.995) and total hip (OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.990, 0.999), but not femoral neck (OR: 0.998; 95% CI: 0.994, 1.002). Moreover, the highest category of DII displayed significantly associations to increased risk of osteoporosis (ES: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.48) and fractures (ES: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.59) compared with the lowest category of DII, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis indicated that diets with high pro-inflammatory components might increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures and lower BMD of lumbar spine and total hip. More prospective studies involving populations of diverse ages and genders are expected to further verify the universality of the results.

The relationship between intestinal flora changes and osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease and the improvement effect of probiotics

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the changes in intestinal flora and the occurrence of osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease and the improvement effect of probiotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 Sprague Dawley (SD) model rats with colitis were selected as research objects. All rats were randomly divided into two groups, including: bowel disease group and osteoporosis group, with 50 rats in each group. Stool samples were collected from all rats, and Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli and Bifidobacteria were cultured and counted. The relationship between the occurrence of related osteoporosis and intestinal flora was analyzed as well. Thereafter, the rats in osteoporosis group were randomly divided into two subgroups, namely, control group (n=25) and observation group (n=25). Observation group was treated with probiotics by gastrogavage, while the control group was treated with the same volume of physiological saline. Next, the changes in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteoprotegerin ligand [receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)], procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), bone mineral density (BMD), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP), calcium concentration (Ca), and inflammatory cytokine levels were compared between the two groups after intervention.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis group had significantly more Escherichia coli and notably fewer Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria than bowel disease group (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the occurrence of osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease was negatively correlated with the count of Escherichia coli, whereas was positively related to the counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria (p<0.05). Moreover, the levels of serum OPG, PICP, TRACP, and Ca in observation group were remarkably higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). However, the levels of serum RANKL, BALP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) were markedly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis in rats with inflammatory bowel disease has a negative association with the count of Escherichia coli, and a positive correlation with the counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. In addition, treatment with probiotics can effectively alleviate osteoporosis symptoms in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by influencing the level of corresponding cytokines.

Atosiban Combined with Ritodrine for Late Threatened Abortion or Threatened Premature Labor Patients with No Response to Ritodrine: A Clinical Trial

Background

Premature labor is an important cause of infant death and long-term disability. This study aimed to explore the safety and effectiveness of combining the tocolytic agents atosiban and ritodrine to extend gestation.

Material/Methods

The study included 52 patients with late threatened abortion and threatened premature labor between 20^0/7 and 33^6/7 weeks’ gestation who were administrated continuous tocolytic agents for 48 h. Patients were divided into a research group receiving ritodrine combined with atosiban, owing to having no response to ritodrine alone (n=30), and a control group receiving ritodrine alone (n=22). The mean infusion rate and duration of tocolytic administration, gestation extension, pregnancy outcomes, and adverse effects were recorded. Routine blood tests, including C-reactive protein, and cultures for leukorrhea, candida, and mycoplasma were performed before and 1 week after treatment.

Results

Patients receiving ritodrine with atosiban had a mean gestation extension of 42.53±31.70 days. The extension of gestation of the research group was statistically shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05). The fetal loss rate, newborn birth weight, and Apgar score at 1 min were similar between the 2 groups (all, P>0.05). The research group had a lower incidence of palpitations than the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

For patients with late threatened abortion or threatened premature labor not controlled with ritodrine alone, ritodrine combined with atosiban extends gestation and improves pregnancy outcomes. For patients with abnormal uterine contractions, routine testing for reproductive tract infection should be performed. When infection is present, anti-infective therapy should be administered.

[Ocular toxicity induced by tamoxifen: an overview]

By reviewing the recent articles regarding the ocular side effect of tamoxifen when treating breast cancer and glioma, this article summarized the incidence and the potential mechanism of the side effects of tamoxifen, and the specific ocular toxicity including keratopathy, cataract, retinopathy, optic neuropathy. This review would provide guidance for clinical ophthalmologists to early identify and appropriately manage tamoxifen induced ocular diseases. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 232-236).

Functions of a C-type lectin with a single carbohydrate-recognition domain in the innate immunity and movement of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

C-type lectins (CTLs) are a superfamily of proteins found in almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. They play an important role in innate immune defences, development and epidermal structure. Here, a CTL with one carbohydrate-recognition domain containing a highly conserved Gln-Pro-Asp (QPD) motif was identified in Tribolium castaneum and given the name TcCTL5. Spatiotemporal analyses showed that Tcctl5 was highly expressed in the late pupa stage and mainly existed in the central nervous system and haemolymph. The transcript level of Tcctl5 was prominently induced after bacterial infection. Recombinant TcCTL5 proteins (rTcCTL5) were found to bind to lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and tested bacteria and induce microbial agglutination in the presence of Ca²⁺ . Interestingly, when Tcctl5 was knocked down, the transcript level of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (attacin1, defensins3, coleoptericin1 and cecropins3) was prominently downregulated after induction with Gram-negative Escherichia coli. More interestingly, Tcctl5 was knocked down, leading to increased mortality and loss of locomotor activity, which exhibited less travel distances among early adults. These results demonstrate that Tcctl5 plays an important role in the innate immune reaction and the movement of T. castaneum. Thus, it may represent an alternative molecular target for pest control and thus reduce the use of pesticides in agricultural production.