[Epidemiological and spatial-temporal clustering characteristics of pertussis in Hebei Province from 2013 to 2022]

Objective: To analyze the spatial-temporal epidemiological characteristics of pertussis from 2013 to 2022 in Hebei Province and to provide a reference for improving prevention and control measures. Methods: Based on the data of pertussis reported in Hebei Province during 2013-2022 to analyze the popular characteristic, the ArcGIS 10.8 software was used to construct a ring map and to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis; the SaTScan 10.1 software was used for spatial-temporal scan statistics. Results: There were 6 715 cases of the cumulative report in Hebei Province from 2013 to 2022 without death. The annual report incidence was 0.90/100 000. The overall incidence rate showed an upward trend from 2013 to 2019, and during 2020-2021, it showed a sharp decline, but in 2022, it showed a sharp increase. Summer and autumn are the peak seasons of the epidemic. The incidence was highest in age group <1 year (48.67%), and the lowest age group in age group ≥15 years (0.45%) and mainly scattered children (78.03%); the incidence about men is higher than women. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the onset of pertussis has spatial clustering, and high-high clusters were found in Langfang, Baoding, and Cangzhou, the top three countries with reported incidence. The area covered by a low-low cluster was consistent with the distribution of the corresponding low-incidence areas in this study. Space-time scan detects five statistically significant areas, and three zones were concentrated in 2022. Conclusions: The incidence of pertussis in Hebei had obvious season, population, and area-specific differences. There was obvious spatiotemporal and clustering, so the control of key areas should target the characteristics of time and space.

[Patient-reported outcomes of locally advanced gastric cancer undergoing robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy: a randomized controlled study]

Objective: To compare the patient-reported outcomes and short-term clinical outcomes between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods: This single-center prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from October 2020 to August 2022. Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who were to undergo radical gastrectomy were selected and randomly divided into two groups according to 1∶1, and received robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery, respectively. Patient-reported outcomes and short-term clinical outcomes (including postoperative complications, surgical quality and postoperative short-term recovery) were compared between the two groups by t test, Mann-Whitney U test, repeated ANOVA, generalized estimating equation, χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 237 patients were enrolled for modified intention-to-treat analysis (120 patients in the robotic group, 117 patients in the laparoscopic group). There were 180 males and 59 females, aged (63.0±10.2) years (range: 30 to 85 years). The incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the robotic group and laparoscopic group (16.7% (20/120) vs. 15.4% (18/117), χ2=0.072, P=0.788). The robotic group had higher patient-reported outcomes scores in general health status, emotional, and social domains compared to the laparoscopic group, differences in time effect, intervention effect, and interaction effect were statistically significant (general health status: χ2 value were 275.68, 3.91, 6.38, P value were <0.01, 0.048, 0.041; emotional: χ2 value were 77.79, 6.04, 6.15, P value were <0.01, 0.014, 0.046; social: χ2 value were 148.00, 7.57, 5.98, P value were <0.01, 0.006, 0.048). However, the financial burden of the robotic group was higher, the differences in time effect, intervention effect and interaction effect were statistically significant (χ2 value were 156.24, 4.08, 36.56, P value were<0.01, 0.043,<0.01). Conclusion: Compared to the laparoscopic group, the robotic group could more effectively relieve postoperative negative emotions and improve recovery of social function in patients.

Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in renal space-occupying lesion puncture biopsy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in percutaneous renal space-occupying lesion puncture biopsy.

METHODS

Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous needle biopsies were performed on 55 patients with renal space-occupying lesions, and the results were analyzed retrospectively. The US group included 36 patients receiving conventional US, and the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) group included 22 patients, including 19 patients receiving CEUS directly and 3 patients receiving additional enhanced ultrasound due to the first conventional ultrasound puncture failure. The relevant data were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that the successful rate of obtaining effective tissue (100% vs. 75%) and the puncture accuracy (100% vs. 88.89%) in CEUS group were significantly higher than those in US group (P < 0.05). CEUS-guided puncture biopsy of renal mass, especially in the case of urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis, outperforms conventional ultrasound, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous renal space-occupying lesion puncture biopsies aided by CEUS yield more effective tissue and improved puncture accuracy.

[Effects of microRNA-106b on migration and invasion of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell NCI-H2452]

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of microRNA-106b in the process of migration and invasion of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell NCI-H2452. Methods: In April 2017, the expression level of miRNA-106b in malignant pleural mesothelioma cells (NCI-H2452, MSTO-211H, NCI-H2052) and normal mesothelial cells MeT-5A was detected and analyzed. Using NCI-H2452 cells as a model, the NCI-H2452 cell model with miRNA-106b overexpression was established by transfecting miRNA-106b mimics. The expression level of miRNA-106b in the cells was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The effect of miRNA-106b on the migration and invasion ability of NCI-H2452 cells was analyzed. The gene expression data of malignant mesothelioma and the downstream target gene data of miRNA-106b in public databases were analyzed to screen the downstream target genes of miRNA-106b in mesothelioma cells that affect cell migration and invasion ability, and to verify the expression of this gene in NCI-H2452 cells with miRNA-106b overexpression. Results: The expression of miRNA-106b in three MPM cells was decreased compared with MeT-5A cells (P<0.001) . The expression level of miRNA-106b was significantly increased after transfection of miRNA-106b mimics (P<0.001) . The scratch migration levels of the experimental group were 28.45%±4.37%, 38.12%±4.82% and 50.06%±8.92% at 24h, 31h and 48h, respectively. Compared with the control group, the migration level decreased by 37.48%±2.65%, 49.21%±3.45% and 68.14%±3.81% (P<0.01) . The number of cell migration and invasion decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group (P<0.001) . Public databases were used to screen and analyze the possibility that TCF21 gene, as a downstream target gene, could affect the migration and invasion ability of MPM cells. The expression level of TCF21 gene was increased after transfection of miRNA-106b mimics in NCI-H2452 cells (P=0.009) . Conclusion: MiRNA-106b can inhibit the migration and invasion of NCI-H2452 cells and increase the expression of TCF21 gene.

Automated Estimation of Quantitative Lesion Water Uptake as a Prognostic Biomarker for Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Large-Vessel Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Net water uptake is qualified as an imaging marker of brain edema. We aimed to investigate the ability of net water uptake to predict 90-day functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large-vessel occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 295 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled. Automated ASPECTS-net water uptake was calculated on the admission CT. The relationship between ASPECTS-net water uptake and 90-day neurologic outcome was assessed. The independent predictors of favorable outcome (mRS score ≤2) were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves and stratified by the ASPECTS.

RESULTS

Favorable 90-day outcomes were observed in 156 (52.9%) patients. ASPECTS-net water uptake (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.90), NIHSS scores (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.96), age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), and vessel recanalization (OR, 7.78; 95% CI, 3.96-15.29) were independently associated with favorable outcomes at 90 days (all, P < .01). A lower ASPECTS-net water uptake independently predicted a good prognosis, even in the subgroup of patients with low ASPECTS (≤5) (P < .05). An outcome-prediction model based on these variables yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.856 (95% CI, 0.814-0.899; sensitivity, 76.3%; specificity, 81.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

ASPECTS-net water uptake could independently predict 90-day neurologic outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large-vessel occlusion. Integrating ASPECTS-net water uptake with clinical models could improve the efficiency of outcome stratification.

Parallel subgenome structure and divergent expression evolution of allo-tetraploid common carp and goldfish

How two subgenomes in allo-tetraploids adapt to coexistence and coordinate through structure and expression evolution requires extensive studies. In the present study, we report an improved genome assembly of allo-tetraploid common carp, an updated genome annotation of allo-tetraploid goldfish and the chromosome-scale assemblies of a progenitor-like diploid Puntius tetrazona and an outgroup diploid Paracanthobrama guichenoti. Parallel subgenome structure evolution in the allo-tetraploids was featured with equivalent chromosome components, higher protein identities, similar transposon divergence and contents, homoeologous exchanges, better synteny level, strong sequence compensation and symmetric purifying selection. Furthermore, we observed subgenome expression divergence processes in the allo-tetraploids, including inter-/intrasubgenome trans-splicing events, expression dominance, decreased expression levels, dosage compensation, stronger expression correlation, dynamic functionalization and balancing of differential expression. The potential disorders introduced by different progenitors in the allo-tetraploids were hypothesized to be alleviated by increasing structural homogeneity and performing versatile expression processes. Resequencing three common carp strains revealed two major ecotypes and uncovered candidate genes relevant to growth and survival rate.

[Chronic toxicity of Multi-walled carbon nanotubes in human pleural mesothelial cells]

Objective: To explore the chronic toxicity and its potential mechanism of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in human pleural mesothelial cells. Methods: A sustainable exposure of MeT-5A cells to MWCNT at 10 μg/cm(2) for one year was conducted in 2016. During the exposure, the cell images and cell proliferation was recorded every 4 weeks. The cell apoptosis, cell cycle, cell migration and cell invasion were compared between the control cells and the cells after MWCNT exposure. Finally, the gene expression was screened with Affymetrix clariom D assay, and some of the significantly differential expressed genes was verified by RT-PCR. Results: Compared with the control group, the proliferation ability of the cells in the 1-year exposed group was significantly increased, and the rate of proliferation was about 2-3 times as that in the Control Group (F=481.32, P<0.05) . MeT-5A cells all showed cell cycle arrest effect, which showed the increase of G1 phase and the decrease of s phase and G2 phase (F=14.94, P<0.05) . The apoptosis rate of cells in the treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group after 6 months (F=15.12, P<0.05) , but the early apoptosis rate and the total apoptosis rate of cells in the treated group were not significantly different from those in the control group after 1 year (F=3.97, P<0.05) . The cell migration and invasion were both promoted by MWCNT. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes was screened, to find 2, 878 genes with more than 2 folds changes. To further verified, RT-PCR was conducted with PIK3R3、WNT2B、VANGL2、ANXA1, and their expression changes were consistent with above. Conclusion: MWCNT might have a carcinogenic potential to MeT-5A cells after the long term exposure.

[microRNA-30d can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of human mesothelial cell MSTO-211H]

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism of microRNA-30d (miR-30d) in the process of proliferation, migration and invasion of malignant mesothelioma cell line MSTO-211H. Methods: In April 2017, the human MSTO-211H cells was used to establish miR-30d overexpressed MSTO-211H cell model by transfection of miR-30d mimics. The qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression level of miR-30d in the cells transfected miR-30d mimics. The effects of miR-30d on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of MSTO-211H cells were analyzed by CCK-8 experiment, flow cytometry, cell scratch experiment and Transwell method. Results: After transfection of miR-30d, the expression level of miR-30d in the MSTO-211H+miR-30d cells group was significantly higher than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (P<0.01) . The cell activity of MSTO-211H+miR-30d group (105.13%±2.35%) was significantly lower than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (115.40%±1.35%) , and the level of apoptosis (3.97%±0.36%) was significantly higher than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (1.47%±0.10%) (P<0.01) . The relative migration areas at 12 and 24 h of MSTO-211H+miR-30d cells group (9.35±3.16 μm(2) and 58.19±1.82 μm(2)) were significantly lower than MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group (54.42±5.26 μm(2) and 88.32±1.96 μm(2)) (P<0.01) . Compared with the MSTO-211H+miR NC cells group, the numbers of cell migration and cell invasion were reduced in the MSTO-211H+miR-30d cells group (P<0.01) . Conclusion: miR-30d can regulate the progression of malignant pleural mesothelioma by inhibiting the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of MSTO-211H cells.

The correlation between ultrasonographic features, bFGF, and the local invasiveness of thyroid papillary carcinoma

The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between ultrasonographic features, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and the local invasiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).A total of 350 samples of thyroid nodules were collected. Routine ultrasonography was performed before the operation and routine pathological diagnosis and bFGF detection were performed after the operation.'These 350 samples of thyroid nodules included 90 samples of nodular goiter, 36 samples of focal thyroiditis, and 224 samples of PTC. A total of 326 thyroid nodules were examined for bFGF. The results revealed that the difference in the expression of bFGF between the benign and malignant groups was statistically significant (P < .05) and the difference in the positive expression of bFGF between the invasive and non-invasive PTC groups was statistically significant (P < .05).Whether the shape of PTC is regular or not and whether there is micro-calcification in PTC and other ultrasonographic features, the size and location of the lesions and the age of the patient help make a preliminary prediction of local invasiveness before the operation. Postoperative detection of bFGF is helpful for further risk assessments of PTC.

[Partial superficial parotidectomy versus superficial parotidectomy for treatment of parotid benign tumors: evidence-based medicine analysis]

Objective:The aim of this study is to systematically assess the postoperative outcomes of partial superficial parotidectomy（PSP） and superficial parotidectomy（SP） by systematic literature review and Meta-analysis, and to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of the appropriate surgical approach in clinical process. Method:Relevant studies that compared the outcomes of PSP and SP for the parotid benign tumors were searched in Pubmed, CNKI and Wanfangdata databases, and Meta-analysis was performed using software RevMan 5.0. Result:24 studies were selected for the Meta-analysis. A total of 2 795 participants were included in those studies, of whom 1 301 underwent PSP and 1 494 underwent SP. The recurrence rates for PSP and SP were 1.14%（10 of 874） and 0.6%（6 of 993）, respectively. There were no statistically significant difference in recurrence rate between PSP and SP. The rates of transient facial nerve paresis for PSP and SP were 11.60%（122 of 1 052） and 27.37%（350 of 1 279）, respectively. The rates of permanent facial nerve paralysis for PSP and SP were 1.04%（6 of 579） and 4.46%（31 of 695）, respectively. The incidences of Frey's syndrome in PSP group and SP group were 9.20%（95 of 1 033） and 30.32%（409 of 1 349）, respectively. The rate of salivary fistulafor PSP and SP were 5.38%（37 of 688） and 11.25%（65 of 578）. PSP could reduce the risk for complications compared with SP. Conclusion:This systematic review with meta-analysis suggests that PSP has a similar recurrence rate as SP, but PSP can significantly reduce the postoperativecomplications.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury with Consecutive, Multidose Use of Iodinated Contrast in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Currently, CTA is the imaging technique most frequently used to evaluate acute ischemic stroke, and patients with intracranial large-vessel occlusion usually undergo endovascular treatment. This single-center, prospective, cohort study showed that consecutive, multidose use of contrast during CTA and DSA does not increase the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients with acute ischemic stroke, though acute kidney injury tended to have a higher incidence in the contrast multiexposure group (P = .172).

Cannulation of Occluded Inferior Petrosal Sinuses for the Transvenous Embolization of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Usefulness of a Frontier-Wire Probing Technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pursuing an alternative access route for transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas can be challenging in patients with an occluded inferior petrosal sinus. We found that cannulation of even a completely occluded inferior petrosal sinus is feasible, especially when using a standard hydrophilic-polymer-jacketed 0.035-inch guidewire as a frontier-wire for probing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2002 to 2017, the frontier-wire technique was tried in 52 patients with occluded inferior petrosal sinuses for transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas at our center. Technical success was defined as access into the affected cavernous sinus compartment with a microcatheter through the occluded inferior petrosal sinus and deployment of at least 1 coil. The complications and treatment outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

The frontier-wire technique was applied in 52 patients with 57 occluded inferior petrosal sinuses (52 ipsilateral and 5 contralateral inferior petrosal sinuses). Technical success rates were 80.8% (42/52) of patients and 73.7% (42/57) of inferior petrosal sinuses. Alternative transvenous routes were used in 3 patients, and transarterial access was used in 7 patients. Complete embolization of fistulas was achieved in 82.2% (37/45) of patients in the transvenous embolization group and in 14.3% (1/7) of patients in the transarterial group. No procedure-related morbidity or mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas, even through a completely occluded inferior petrosal sinus, is feasible. The difficulty of passing the microcatheter can be minimized by prior probing of the occluded inferior petrosal sinus using a standard 0.035-inch guidewire; the trace of the guidewire on the roadmap image serves as a guide for microcatheter navigation through the inferior petrosal sinus on fluoroscopy.

[Dynamic investigation of nutritional risk in patients with malignant tumor during hospitalization]

Objective: To prospectively investigate the changes in nutritional status of patients with malignant tumors during hospitalization by using nutritional risk screening (NRS2002), and to analyze the correlation between the nutritional status and clinical outcomes . Methods: This was a prospective and parallel research done by multi-center collaboration from 34 hospitals in China from June to September 2014.Hospitalized patients with malignant tumors inthese departments (Department of Gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, oncology, general surgery, thoracic surgery and geriatrics)were investigated. Only the patients with age≥ 18 years and hospitalization time between 7-30 days were included. During hospitalization, the physical indexes of human bodywere measured, and the NRS 2002 scores, and monitored the nutritional support at the time points of admission and 24 hours before discharge were recorded.And whether there was a nutritional risk in hospitalized patients and its association with clinical outcomes were investigated. Results: A total of 2 402 patients with malignancies were enrolled in this study. Seventy fourpatients who did not complete NRS2002 were eliminated, and 2 328 patients were included. The number of the main diseases was the top five, including 587 cases of colorectal cancer, 567 cases of lung cancer, 564 cases of gastric cancer, 146 cases of esophageal cancer, and 119 cases of liver tumor. At the time of discharge, compared with admission, the BMI, body weight, grip and calf circumferences of patients with malignant tumor were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The total protein, albumin, prealbumin and hemoglobin were significantly lower than those at admission (P<0.05). In 2 328 patients who were completed nutritional risk screening, the rate of malnutrition at admission was 11.1% (BMI =18.5, 258/2 328) and the rate of malnutrition at discharge was 10.9% (BMI =18.5, 254/2 328), there were no significant differences (χ(2)=0.019 7, P=0.888). There were 1 204 patients with nutritional risk at admission (51.7%, NRS2002 score≥3)and 1 352 patients with nutritional risk at discharge (58.1%, NRS2002 score≥3), with significant differences (χ(2)=49.9, P<0.001). The incidence of nutritional risk in patients with colorectal, stomach, and lung tumors at discharge was significantly higher than that at admission (P<0.05). The infective complications and other complications of patients with nutritional risk were significantly greater than those without nutritional risk at admission and at discharge.ICU hospitalization stay of patients with nutritional risk was increased significantly than those without nutritional risk at admission(P=0.042). Hospitalization expenses of patients with nutritional risk was increased significantly than those of patients without nutritional risk at discharge(P<0.01). Conclusion: The patients with malignant tumor have a higher incidence rate of malnutrition at both admission and discharge and malnutritionhas correlation with adverse clinical outcomes.The aboveindicators did not improve significantly at discharge.Doctors should pay more attention to the nutritional status (screening and evaluation)of patients before discharge and use appropriate and adequate nutrition support in order to prevent the weight loss and improve the life quality of patients.

Localized Marked Elongation of the Distal Internal Carotid Artery with or without PHACE Syndrome: Segmental Dolichoectasia of the Distal Internal Carotid Artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Segmental intracranial dolichoectasia of the distal ICA is a feature of PHACE syndrome or a sporadic phenomenon. We evaluated the relationship between intracranial dolichoectasia of the distal ICA and PHACE syndrome and illustrated the characteristic radiologic findings of the lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intracranial dolichoectasia of the distal ICA was identified in 20 patients at our institution from 2005 to 2016 through a review of diagnostic cerebral angiography results. All radiologic images were reviewed to determine the vascular morphologic dispositions around the distal ICA, including dysplasia, mural calcification, vessel wall enhancement, lumen narrowing, and aneurysm formation. Medical records were reviewed to determine the symptoms of PHACE syndrome. Subsequently, the correlation between radiologic findings and PHACE syndrome was assessed.

RESULTS

In this cohort, which had a strong female predominance (male/female ratio= 2:18), intracranial dolichoectasia had a more ipsilateral vascular morphologic disposition. Mural calcification was detected more frequently in elderly patients, whereas vessel wall enhancement was detected more frequently in younger patients. Follow-up images showed a slow progression of the lesions. However, no significant differences in the vascular morphologic disposition and brain structural changes were observed between patients with (n = 11) and without (n = 9) PHACE syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The striking elongation and tortuosity of the distal ICA generally appeared to be a type of congenital lesion occurring early in embryogenesis as either a sporadic phenomenon or an arterial change associated with PHACE syndrome. Imaging findings revealed various mural abnormalities with a benign clinical course.

[Changes of microRNAs profiling in mesothelial cells exposed to multi-walled carbon nanotubes]

Objective: To explore the cytotoxicities of MWCNT to the mesothelial cells and screen the changes of microRNA profile after exposure to MWCNT. Methods: A LDH method was used to test the cytotoxicities of MWCNT to MeT-5A cell lines. And then the differentially expressed miRNAs between mesothelioma cells and normal mesothelial cells were selected from previous work of research group. Among the significant expression changed miRNAs, 5 were verified by RT-qPCR in mesothelioma cells. The same five ones were further tested in MeT-5A cells exposed to 10 μg/cm² MWCNT for 8, 24, 48, 72 h by RT-qPCR. Target genes of 5 miRNAs were predicted using Targetscan and miRanda softwares. David6.7 was used to perform GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis of target genes. All the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Dunnett-T test in SPSS17.0. Results: After 24 h exposure to MWCNT, cell proliferation was significantly suppressed at more than 20 μg/cm² concentration. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, 5 were chosen to further vestified, namely hsa-miR-155 (up-regulated) , hsa-miR-30 d-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p, hsa-miR-28-5p and hsa-miR-324-5p (down-regulated) , which were consistent with the miRNA array results. The 5 miRNAs also had the same expression changes in MeT-5A cells after exposure to 10 μg/cm² MWCNT for different time periods. The potential target genes of the 5 miRNAs may be AKAP13, CCND3, Twist and E-Cadherin, which mainly involved in TGF-β signal pathway, small cell lung cancer, etc. Conclusion: MWCNT could induce to MeT-5A cells, and also cause miRNA expression changes. The differential changed miRNAs may involve in cancer related signal pathways.

[Extracapsular dissection versus superficial parotidectomy for treatment of parotid benign tumors: evidence based medicine analysis]

Objective:The aim of this study is to systematically assess the clinical outcomes of extracapsular dissection (ECD) and superficial parotidectomy (SP), and to provide evidences for the clinical decision for treatment of parotid gland benign tumors. Method:Relevant studies that compared the outcomes of extracapsular dissection and superficial parotidectomy for the parotid benign tumors were searched in Pubmed, CNKI and Wangfang data databases, and Meta-analysis was performed using software RevMan 5.0. Result:Fifteen studies were selected for the Meta-analysis. A total of 2 929 participants were included in those studies, of which 1 796 underwent ECD and 1 133 underwent SP. The recurrence rates for ECD and SP were 1.29% (23 of 1 776 cases) and 1.48% (16 of 1 081 cases), respectively. There were no statistically significant in recurrence rate between ECD and SP. The rates of transient facial nerve paresis for ECD and SP were 5.48% (74 of 1 350) and 22.94% (139 of 606), that of permanent facial nerve paralysis were 0.66% (8 of 1 221) and 2.71% (15 of 554). The incidences of Frey's syndrome in ECD group and SP group were 1.91% (26 of 1 360) and 16.71% (111 of 664), that of fistula in were 0.53% (5 of 946) and 2.96% (10 of 338). ECD could reduce the risk for complications compared with SP. Conclusion:This systematic review with Meta-analysis suggests that ECD has a similar recurrence rate as SP with fewer postoperative complications. ECD may be considered as an alternative surgical modality for select benign parotid tumor.

Cross-cultural translation of the Lysholm knee score in Chinese and its validation in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury

Background

The Lysholm Knee Score (LKS) is widely used and is one of the most effective questionnaires employed to assess knee injuries. Although LKS has been translated into multiple languages, there is no Chinese version even though China has the largest population of patients with knee-joint injuries. The objective of our study was to develop the Chinese version of LKS (C-LKS) and assess its reliability, validity and responsiveness in Chinese patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Methods

Study participants were mainly recruited among patients with ACL injuries scheduled for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction at our hospital. First, we developed the C-LKS in a five-step translation and cross-cultural adaptation procedure. Next, we calculated the Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of C-LKS respectively.

Results

Overall, 126 patients with ACL injuries successfully completed the questionnaires. Acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.726) as well as excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.935) was found for C-LKS. Good or moderate correlation (r = 0.514–0.837) was determined among C-LKS and International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), physical subscales of SF-36; C-LKS also had fair or moderate correlation (r = 0.207–0.462) with the other subscales of SF-36, which adequately illustrated that good validity was included in C-LKS. In addition, good responsiveness was also observed in C-LKS (ES = 1.36,SRM = 1.26).

Conclusions

We have shown that our developed C-LKS questionnaire is reliable, valid and responsible for the evaluation of Chinese-speaking patients with ACL injuries and it would be an effective instrument.

Genetic analysis of QTL for eye cross and eye diameter in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellites and SNPs

A group of 107 F1 hybrid common carp was used to construct a linkage map using JoinMap 4.0. A total of 4877 microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers isolated from a genomic library (978 microsatellite and 3899 SNP markers) were assigned to construct the genetic map, which comprised 50 linkage groups. The total length of the linkage map for the common carp was 4775.90 cM with an average distance between markers of 0.98 cM. Ten quantitative trait loci (QTL) were associated with eye diameter, corresponding to 10.5-57.2% of the total phenotypic variation. Twenty QTL were related to eye cross, contributing to 10.8-36.9% of the total phenotypic variation. Two QTL for eye diameter and four QTL for eye cross each accounted for more than 20% of the total phenotypic variation and were considered to be major QTL. One growth factor related to eye diameter was observed on LG10 of the common carp genome, and three growth factors related to eye cross were observed on LG10, LG35, and LG44 of the common carp genome. The significant positive relationship of eye cross and eye diameter with other commercial traits suggests that eye diameter and eye cross can be used to assist in indirect selection for many commercial traits, particularly body weight. Thus, the growth factor for eye cross may also contribute to the growth of body weight, implying that aggregate breeding could have multiple effects. These findings provide information for future genetic studies and breeding of common carp.

[Comparative study of main components of ginseng on immune function of rats]

Ginseng and its effective components are famous for their influence to enhance human immunity, regulate endocrine and antioxidant action. However, the different effects of different components are not clear. In this study, Wistar rats were used to study the effects of main components of ginseng, including total ginsenoside, panaxadiol saponins, panaxtrol saponin and ginseng polysaccharide. The results showed that the effects of panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide on improving animal immune organ weight, plasma interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), plasma gamma-interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were better than that of the other groups. Total ginsenoside and panaxtrol saponin can effectively increase the concentration of spleen NK cells (NKC) while panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide can significantly increase the concentrations of rat plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). As for the effect of increasing organization nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), total ginsenoside is better than that of other groups. In brief, different components in ginseng possess different effects on enhancing immunity, regulating endocrine and resisting oxidation. Panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide are better in enhancing immune, and total ginsenoside shows advantages in resisting oxidation and stress.

[Heritability of body weight and fork length for Oncorhynchus masou masou]

Body weight and body length have been considered as the most important production traits for the fish genetic improvement. For cold-water fish, body length was usually substituted by fork length. In order to estimate the heritability of body weight and fork length of the sixth generation Oncorhynchus masou masou, which was introduced into China, the method of unbalanced nest design and an artificial insemination technigue were used. Twenty-nine full-sib families and fourteen half-sib families were obtained. Body weight and fork length of O. masou masou were measured in 12 and 24 months after fertilization. Based on full-sib and half-sib families data, the causal components of phenotypic variance were calculated. The results showed that, (1) during the whole growth phase of O. masou masou, the coefficient variation (CV) of fork length was higher than body weight, and CV of 12-month old was higher than that of 24-month old; (2) body weight and fork length of O. masou masou among sires and dams among sires were significant difference (P<0.01) both at 12 months and at 24 months; (3) the maternal component estimates were significantly larger than those of paternal ones for body weight and fork length traits both at 12 months and at 24 months; (4) for 12 months of O. masou masou the heritabilities of body weight and fork length were 0.41~0.51 and 0.46~0.54, respectively. For 24 months the values were 0.55~0.60 and 0.53~0.59, respectively; and (5) it was concluded that the heritability of growth traits in O. masou masou was relatively high and this highlights the potential to improve its growth through selective breeding. This study shows important data supporting for further genetic improvement of O. masou masou.

Amplification of rainbow trout microsatellites in Brachymystax lenok

Brachymystax lenok is a cold freshwater fish accustomed to inhabit relatively high concentration of dissolved oxygen and clean upper streams. Here we present 13 polymorphic microsatellite primer pairs from rainbow trout to amplify in 32 B. lenok individuals from Ussuri River of China. The number of alleles ranged from two to seven with an average of 3.9 per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0625 to 0.9677. One locus showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These 13 loci will provide a good basis for investigation of B. lenok population structure and genetic diversity in different distribution region.

[The transducing pathway of Ca2+ influx during progesterone-initiated acrosome reaction of guinea pig sperm]

Progesterone and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) could initiate the acrosome reaction (AR) in guinea pig spermatozoa, which was independent of extracellular Cl- in vitro, and a potentiation effect between progesterone and GABA was demonstrated. Antagonists of GABAA receptor/Cl- channel, picrotoxin and bicuculline, have no effect on the progesterone-induced AR, but they can significantly inhibit the GABA-induced AR in (Cl-)-containing medium. While in (Cl-)-deficient medium, picrotoxin has significant inhibitory effect on both progesterone- and GABA-induced AR, both progesterone- and GABA-induced AR are inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine. These results suggest that a GABAA/Cl- receptor complex and a Ca2+ channel might be involved in the influx of extracellular Ca2+ during the progesterone-induced AR.

[Photodynamic treatment of bladder cancer. Report of 117 cases]

The clinical data on photodynamic treatment of bladder carcinoma in 117 patients confirmed that the treatment of bladder carcinoma of 1 cm to 2 cm in diameter may obtain better results. Carcinoma of 2-4 cm in diameter should be treated with increasing energy density and repeated exposure. If the carcinoma is larger than 4 cm in diameter or is involving the deep muscle and the cervix of the bladder, the treatment would be unsatisfactory. The tumor free rate in the 117 patients was 94%. The total recurrence rate was 30.1% after 8 years' follow-up. Finally, the indications for photodynamic treatment and the causes of recurrence were discussed.