[Correlation analysis between Pirani score and talo-navicular angle,calcaneo-cuboid angle and tibio-calcaneall angle of infant clubfoot under ultrasound]

Objective: To explore the evaluation effect of ultrasonography and Pirani score on tarsal deformity, treatment effect and pseudo-correction of congenital clubfoot in infants and young children, and the correlation between the two methods. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 26 children (40 feet) with congenital clubfoot who were evaluated by ultrasonography in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected. There were 16 males and 10 females. The age at the first ultrasound examination was (M(IQR)) 9.0 (18.0) days (range: 1 to 46 days). All patients were treated with Ponseti method by the same physician. The Pirani scores before and after treatment and at the last examination, and the talonavicular angle, calcaneocuboid angle and tibiocalcaneal angle measured by ultrasound were collected, and the treatment and follow-up were recorded. Paired sample t test, repeated measures analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for data comparison, and Spearman correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the efficacy of ultrasound in evaluating different Pirani scores. Results: The number of plaster fixation in 26 children was 4.0 (1.0) times (range: 2 to 8 times). The medial talonavicular angle and posterior tibiocalcaneal angle were significantly improved after treatment and at the last follow-up compared with those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). There was no difference in lateral calcaneocuboid angle before and after treatment and at the last follow-up (F=1.971, P>0.05). Pseudo-correction occurred in 2 cases (2 feet) during the treatment, with an incidence of 5%. Correlation analysis showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between talonavicular angle and Pirani midfoot score (r=0.480, P<0.01). There was no correlation between calcaneocuboid angle and Pirani midfoot score (r=0.114, P=0.105). There was a moderate negative correlation between tibial heel angle and Pirani hindfoot score (r=-0.566, P<0.01). The cut-off point of Pirani midfoot score of 1.5 was 38.78°, the sensitivity was 0.90, the specificity was 0.56, and the area under the curve was 0.75. The cut-off value of angle was 27.51 °, the sensitivity was 0.16, the specificity was 0.92, and the area under the curve was 0.44.The cut-off points of Pirani midfoot score of 3.0 were 45.08°and 9.96°, the sensitivity was 0.94 and 0.91, the specificity was 0.37 and 0.42, and the area under the curve was 0.59 and 0.62, respectively. The cut-off values of Pirani hindfoot score of 2.0 and 3.0 were 167.46° and 160.15°, respectively. The sensitivity was 0.75 and 0.67, the specificity was 0.81 and 0.83, and the area under the curve was 0.78 and 0.71, respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound can complement with Pirani score, visually and dynamically observe the morphology and position changes of talonavicular joint, calcaneocuboid joint and tibiotalocalcaneal joint, monitor the recovery and pseudo-correction of tarsal bones, and better evaluate the therapeutic effect.

[Correlations between the average Young's modulus and histopathological characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the histopathological factors affecting the stiffness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: Ninety-six patients with PTC confirmed by surgery and pathology in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected, including 101 nodules. Two-dimensional ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) were performed before surgery and the average Young's modulus (Emean) of PTC nodules were measured. Histopathological examinations on the nodules were conducted after surgery to decide the lesion size, number of lesions, calcification type, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells. The correlations between the lesion size, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells and the Emean were analyzed. The Emeans of nodules with different numbers of lesions, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, and different pathological calcification types were compared. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the histopathological factors influencing the Emean. Results: The ranges of the lesion sizes, degrees of fibrosis, microvascular density, numbers of tumor cells, and the Emeans of the 101 investigated PTC nodules were (1.29±0.95) cm, (30.64±18.37)%, (101.64±30.7) vessels per high power field, (373.52±149.87) cells per high power field, and (36.47±19.62) kPa, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the lesion size of PTC and the degree of fibrosis were positively correlated with the Emean (r=0.660, P＜0.001; r=0.789, P＜0.001), while the microvessel density was negatively correlated with the Emean (r=-0.198, P=0.047). The Emean of the group with capsular and extracapsular invasion was higher than that of the group without (P=0.014). There were statistical differences in the Emeans among different types of pathological calcification (P＜0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the lesion size (β=0.325, P＜0.001), degree of fibrosis (β=0.563, P＜0.001), psammoma bodies (β=0.177, P=0.001), stromal calcification (β=0.164, P=0.003), and mixed calcification of both psammoma bodies and stroma (β=0.163, P=0.003) were independent influencing factors for the Emean. The degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact on the Emean. Conclusions: The Emean of PTC lesions was correlated with the histopathological characteristics of PTC. The lesion size, degree of fibrosis, and calcification had significant impact on the Emean, among which the degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact.

Correlation study between bone metabolic markers, bone mineral density, and sarcopenia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between bone metabolism markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and sarcopenia.

METHODS

A total of 331 consecutive patients aged ≥ 60 years who were hospitalized between November 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled. Participants were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia criteria (AWGS, 2019). The clinical data, bone metabolism markers (β-CTX, N-MID, and TP1NP), and BMD were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Age, β-CTX, and N-MID of the sarcopenia group were higher than those of the non-sarcopenia group (P < 0.05), but the BMD T values were lower than those of the non-sarcopenia group (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that increased femoral neck BMD (FNBMD) was a protective factor for sarcopenia, while increased β-CTX was a risk factor. Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis showed that the diagnostic indices of sarcopenia were positively correlated with FNBMD and negatively correlated with β-CTX and N-MID. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that BMI and FNBMD significantly positively affected muscle strength and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). The FNBMD significantly positively affected physical performance, while β-CTX significantly negatively affected muscle strength, ASM, and physical performance.

CONCLUSION

Increased FNBMD may be a protective factor against sarcopenia, and increased β-CTX may be a risk factor. The FNBMD significantly positively affected the diagnostic indices of sarcopenia, while β-CTX significantly negatively affected them. BMD and bone metabolism marker levels may be considered in early screening for sarcopenia.

[Challenges and opportunities in the development of telesurgery]

Telesurgery, which utilizes remote communication technology and surgical robots for operations, is an emerging method that breaks the constraints of space on surgical procedures and is an important development direction for future surgery. With a vast territory, telesurgery has the potential to become a candidate method to improve the uneven distribution of regional medical resources. In recent years, with the development and maturity of China's domestic surgical robot technology and communication technology, China has made rapid progress in the field of telesurgery, but is still in the primary stage of development, facing many challenges and also taking advantage of opportunities. The next 20 years will be a golden opportunity for the development of telesurgery worldwide, and it is a hopeful view that Chinese surgeons will seize the opportunity and face the challenges to lead the development of telesurgery.

[Single hydrogen-methane breath test for the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial growth]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of a single hydrogen-methane breath test (SHMBT) for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Method: The current investigation was a cross-sectional study. Questionnaires and SHMBTs were administered to 162 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (case group) and 69 healthy volunteers (control group). Differences in SHMBT results between the two groups were assessed,and cut-off values of CH4 (methane) and H2 (hydrogen) were analyzed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Lastly,archived SHMBT data from 2 655 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (validation set) were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the SHMBT with respect to SIBO. The Chi-square test,the Mann-Whitney U test,Spearman's Rank correlation analysis,and the Z test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Based on the international recommended diagnostic criteria for SIBO,which are fasting CH4 ≥10 ppm (parts per million) or H2 ≥20 ppm,the SHMBT-positive rate in the case group was significantly higher than that of control group (35.2% vs. 21.7%, χ2=4.08, P=0.043). Levels of CH4 and H2 were higher in the case group than in the control group [CH4: 3(2,7) vs. 3(1,3) ppm, H2: 11(4,22) vs. 10(5,15) ppm],and the difference in CH4 levels was statistically significant (Z=6.22,P=0.001). ROC curves were generated based on whether the subjects had gastrointestinal symptoms. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.633 for CH4 alone,0.531 for H2 alone, and 0.620 for CH4 combined with H2. The cut-off values were fasting CH4≥4 ppm,fasting H2≥13 ppm,and fasting CH4 ≥5 ppm (or CH4≥4 ppm and H2≥24 ppm),respectively. Measuring CH4 alone and CH4 combined with H2 was effective for determining the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (P<0.05). When CH4 alone or CH4 combined with H2 were used as diagnostic indicators of SIBO, the respective SHMBT-positive rates in the validation set were 34.2% and 30.4%. These rates did not significantly differ from the SIBO-positive rate of 32.0% obtained via the international recommended diagnostic criteria (P>0.05). The specificity of CH4 alone was 79.9%,and the accuracy of CH4 alone was 68.8%. The specificity of CH4 combined with H2 was 85.0%,and the accuracy of CH4 combined with H2 was 71.7%. Conclusion: Rapid one-time determination of CH4 and H2 in exhaled breath may a viable diagnostic method for SIBO, and using CH4 combined with H2 (i.e.,fasting CH4≥5 ppm, or CH4 ≥4 ppm and H2 ≥24 ppm) as cutoff values may be feasible.

Safety and Efficacy of Radiotherapy Combined with Chemotherapy for Recurrent Metastatic Renal Pelvic and Ureteral Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To retrospectively investigate the safety and efficacy of radiotherapy combined with systemic chemotherapy for recurrent metastatic renal pelvic and ureteral carcinoma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 109 patients were enrolled in this study, including 44 patients in the Radio-chemotherapy group and 65 patients in the Chemotherapy group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the clinical baseline characteristics of the two groups by 1:1 matching. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) before and after matching. Prognostic factors were analyzed by Cox proportional risk model. Treatment-related adverse events were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 14.5 months. Multivariate analysis showed that radiotherapy was a good independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with recurrent metastatic renal pelvic and ureteral carcinoma (HR: 0.327, 95% CI: 0.157∼0.680, P = 0.003). After matching, there were 40 patients in the Radio-chemotherapy group and 40 patients in the Chemotherapy group, and the median PFS and median OS in the Radio-chemotherapy group were better than those in the Chemotherapy group (PFS: 10.4 months vs. 6.7 months, P = 0.035; OS: 43.5 months vs. 18.8 months, P<0.001). The 1-year OS and 2-year OS of the Radio-chemotherapy group were higher than those of the Chemotherapy group (1-year OS: 88.1% vs. 70.4%; 2-year OS: 81.1% vs. 39.3%). In addition, in the Radio-chemotherapy group, patients treated with radiotherapy before first-line chemotherapy failure had longer PFS than those treated with radiotherapy after chemotherapy failure (median PFS: 15.7 months vs. 6 months, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the incidence of grade 3∼4 toxicities between the Radio-chemotherapy group and the Chemotherapy group (52.3% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.878).

CONCLUSION

For patients with advanced renal pelvic and ureteral carcinoma, adding radiotherapy on the basis of systemic chemotherapy is well tolerable and expected to bring long-term survival benefits to patients, and the benefits of early interventional radiotherapy may be more obvious.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Boost to Bladder Tumor for Bladder Preservation in Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Previous studies showed that selective bladder-sparing approach using TMT is an established therapy of MIBC with outcomes that are comparable to those of radical cystectomy. However, it has been shown that the 5-year local recurrence in the bladder is greater than 40% after TMT. One of the possible reasons was that the RT dose to the bladder tumor or tumor bed was insufficient. Thus, we assessed the effectiveness and safety of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) boost to bladder tumor or tumor bed for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 59 consecutive patients with cT2-4 bladder cancer underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). TURBT was visibly complete in 25 cases. Patients received SABR to the tumor or tumor bed in the bladder followed by conventionally fractionated RT (CFRT) to pelvis and total bladder with concomitant weekly radio-sensitizing chemotherapy. During SABR intravesical installation of isovolumetric saline through urinary catheter ensured adequate bladder filling. Response rate was assessed by cystoscopic evaluation and pelvic MRI or CT. Toxicities were reported per the RTOG acute and late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Schema.

RESULTS

The median age of all patients was 76 years (35-90 years). All patients completed SBRT boost and 61% patients received concurrent Gemcitabine chemotherapy. After a median follow-up time of 28 months, the rate of local control (LC) at 3 years was 90.0%. The overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates at 3 years were 61.6% and 77.5%, respectively. Of the surviving patients, 84.4% have a disease-free and functioning bladder. Acute grade 3 gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) toxicities occurred in only 1.7% of the patients. Late grade 3 GU toxicity occurred in 5.1% of the patients. No patients experienced grade 4 GI or GU toxicities.

CONCLUSION

SABR boost followed by chemoradiation to the pelvis was found to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment for MIBC patients who are either not candidates for cystectomy or who desire bladder preservation. Randomized study is required to further evaluate this novel tri-modality treatment paradigm.

Effect of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Highly Malignant Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer: An Interim Analysis of Non-Randomized Comparative Trials

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Gleason grade group 5 (GG5) prostate cancers is aggressive with high metastatic rates and is not sensitive to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Even the presence of a limited (tertiary) Gleason pattern 5 component may have high aggressive biological behavior. This study aims to prospectively evaluate whether a non-androgen receptor pathway therapy - adjuvant chemotherapy could improve clinical outcomes among non-metastatic prostate cancer with the above highly malignant characters.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This prospective non-randomized clinical trial included non-metastatic prostate cancer patients with pathologically proven Gleason score of 9-10 or tertiary Gleason pattern 5. Each subject was allowed to decide whether to receive four to six cycles chemotherapy of docetaxel after receiving a standard treatment (i.e., radical surgery ± radiotherapy or radical radiotherapy combined with long-term ADT). The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS). Event was defined as any of biochemical failure or imaging failure, or change of systemic therapy due to PSA arises, or death. The secondary end points were distant metastasis-free survival (MFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 188 consecutive patients were enrolled from November 2019 to November 2022. Median prostate-specific antigen was 26.6 ng/ml. 52% had T3b to T4 disease, 27% had N1 disease. 140 patients received standard therapy only, and 48 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy after radical therapy. The median follow-up time was 18.4 (3.0-36.7) months. The estimated 36-month EFS of the chemotherapy group and the control group were 94.7% vs. 72.8% (p = 0.044). There were 1 event who added novel endocrine therapy in the chemotherapy group, and 21 events in the control group, including 6 cases of biochemical recurrence and 9 cases of lymph node and distant metastasis, 4 cases that changed systemic therapy and 2 cases died. The MFS of the two groups at 36 months were 100% and 90.7%, respectively (P = 0.143). After the 1:1 propensity score match, the EFS and MFS of the two groups were 94.7% and 80.8% (P = 0.069), and 100% and 93.1% (P = 0.132), respectively. The urinary toxicity of grade 2 and 3 in the chemotherapy group and the control group were 4.2% and 7.1% (P = 0.134) while the grade 2 rectal toxicity were 5.0% and 10.4% (P = 0.317), respectively. No grade 4 toxicity occurred. Considering the chemotherapy-related side effects, grade 3 or above toxicity were leukopenia (41.7%), alopecia (27.1%), thrombocytopenia (2.1%) and edema (2.1%).

CONCLUSION

Results of this interim analysis shows that the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy after standard radical therapy tends to improve the overall recurrence and metastasis free survival of patients with highly malignant prostate cancer, and the adverse effects are tolerable, which should be confirmed by long-term follow-up results.

Outcomes of Targeted Therapy Plus Immunotherapy and High-Dose Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) for Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Patients

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is one of the treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) but is limited by a lack of data to evaluate targeted therapy plus immunotherapy concurrently with high-dose SABR to multiple sites. We evaluated the safety and disease control for mRCC patients who concurrently received the above tri-modality treatment.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients were treated with SABR (40-70 Gy/5-10 fractions) for small lesions or partial-SABR (tumor center boosted with 6-8 Gy/3-5 fractions with 50-60 Gy/20-25 fractions to the whole tumor volume) for bulky tumors or tumors adjacent to critical organs. When SABR/partial-SABR was not feasible, a moderate fractionated radiotherapy plan, usually 60Gy/20 fractions were applied. of Targeted therapy plus immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitor) was not interrupted during or after radiotherapy (RT). Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. The PFS1 was defined as the first progression since the start of RT. The PFS2 was defined as the second progression after the second RT course, if new metastases occurred after first RT were all re-irradiated, and the systemic therapy was not changed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for time-to-event endpoints.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients, with a median age of 57 yr, were enrolled. The median follow-up was 12 months. There were 75% of patients with intermediate-risk and 18% with favorable-risk disease. 61% of the patients were oligometastatic. 71% had clear cell renal cancer. There were 241 metastases while 161 (67%) were irradiated. 80% of the lesions received SABRP/partial SABR. 1 patient with 14 lesions irradiated received proton therapy. All the surviving patients are continuing using targeted therapy while 81% patients complete at least 1-year PD-1 therapy. 10 patients (20%) had grade 3 drug-related AEs: pneumonitis (n = 2), elevated alanine transaminase (n = 4), myositis (n = 1), hand-foot syndrome myositis (n = 1), enteritis (n = 1), fatigue (n = 1). There were 1 grade 4 AEs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. No grade 3-5 RT-related AEs was found. ORR and DCR for irradiated lesion were 51% and 98%. Median OS and PFS2 was not reached. Median PFS1 was 14(6-22) months. Estimated 1- and 2-yr OS, PFS1 and PFS2 were 90% and 90%, 56% and 38%, 74% and 51% respectively. Univariate analysis showed that an PFS1 benefit was found in patients who received radiation before systemic therapy failure (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

We investigated the high-dose RT in combination of concurrent targeted and immunotherapy in patients with metastatic RCC. We found that this treatment regimen was well tolerated, with good cancer control. Early use of high-dose RT to multi-lesions may improve PFS. Partial-SABR for bulky lesions close to critical organs could be safely and effectively applied under certain circumstances. These encouraging findings warrant further investigation.

[Effects of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography-assisted free medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing foot wounds]

Objective: To investigate the effects of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA)-assisted free medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing foot wounds. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2018 to August 2021, 18 patients with foot soft tissue defects who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Spine and Trauma Orthopedics of the Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, including 13 males and 5 females, aged 19 to 55 years, with a wound area of 4.0 cm×3.0 cm-9.0 cm×8.0 cm at admission. Before the operation, CT scanner was used to scan the area from the supracondylar femur to the middle segment of the fibula of patients, and the obtained data were extracted into the Mimics16.0 software and analyzed to determine the pre-selected perforator, and then the image data of the pre-selected perforator side were analyzed further, and the body surface projection position of the perforating point of the medial sural artery in the calf region was marked. Based on the above examination, the flap was designed and cut according to the shape and area of the patient's foot tissue defect, and the area of flaps ranged from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×9.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or covered by skin grafting. The type of perforator, the diameters of perforator at the beginning and outlet point, and the location of the outlet point of perforator of the medial sural artery were observed under 3D-CTA examination before operation and compared to see if they were consistent with the observation under intraoperative condition. The survival of the flaps after operation was recorded. During follow-up, the satisfaction of patients with the wound repair effects, the sensory recovery of the recipient flaps, the healing of the donor wound, and whether there were complications affecting limb functions were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with Kappa consistency test and equivalence test, and the 95% confidence intervals of measurement difference of perforator diameter and outlet point position of perforator were -0.50-0.50 mm and -2.0-2.0 cm, respectively. Results: The types of medial sural artery perforators observed during operation were type Ⅰ in 3 cases, type ⅡA in 6 cases, type ⅡB in 8 cases, and type Ⅲ in 1 case, which was consistent with the results of 3D-CTA before operation (Kappa=1.00, P<0.05). The blood vessel diameter detected by 3D-CTA before operation at the beginning of perforator of medial sural artery was (1.81±0.39) mm, and the blood vessel diameter at the outlet point of the perforator was (0.83±0.21) mm, which were close to the actual intraoperative measurement of (1.83±0.43) and (0.86±0.22) mm, respectively; equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence intervals of the measurement differences of diameter of medial sural artery perforator at beginning and outlet point were -0.18-0.22 and -0.08-0.14 mm, respectively, with both P values <0.05. The preoperative 3D-CTA detected that the perforating position at the deep fascia of the perforator of the medial sural artery, namely the vertical distance with the popliteal fold was (12.2±1.4) cm, and the horizontal distance with the posterior midline was (2.6±0.7) cm, which were respectively close to the actual intraoperative measurement of (12.4±1.4) and (2.6±0.7) cm; equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence intervals of the measurement differences in the vertical distance with the popliteal fold and the horizontal distance with the posterior midline of the outlet point of medial sural artery perforator were -1.06-1.26 and -0.46-0.66 cm, respectively, with both P values <0.05. After surgery, all flaps of 18 patients survived without vascular crisis. After 1 year of follow-up, the satisfaction degree of 16 patients was excellent and 2 patients was good with the wound repair effects, with a satisfaction ratio of 16/18; the sensory recovery of flap was evaluated as S3 in 11 cases and S2 in 7 cases; the donor wounds healed well without obvious scar or contracture, with no effect on limb joint functions. Conclusions: The medial sural artery perforator flap achieved good results in repairing foot wound with high degree of patient satisfaction. Preoperative application of 3D-CTA can realize the standardization, systematization, and visualization of artery perforator flap.

[Current status of research on short-term urogenital function after transanal total mesorectal excision and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision]

Thanks to the new surgical approach, transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has a better operative field exposure than laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision (laTME), especially for male patients with obesity, pelvic stenosis or prostate hypertrophy. Nevertheless, whether the urogenital function and quality of life after taTME are better as compared to laTME requires further study. According to the existing studies, taTME and laTME are not significantly different in symptoms of the urology system for male patients, but some large sample clinical studies show that the incidence of urethral mechanical injury after taTME is higher. Unfortunately, there is no elaboration on that for females. The sexual function of male patients after taTME and laTME is both impaired. The sexual function of male patients will be relieved to different degrees over time, but there is no significant difference. Compared with laTME, taTME shows advantages in the sexual function for female patients. There is no significant difference in short-term urogenital system function between taTME and laTME at present. As a new surgical approach, the impact on urogenital system function after taTME is acceptable. However, whether there is a significant difference in urogenital function between taTME and laTME needs further research. In addition, functional results still need comprehensive evaluation, and preoperative baseline evaluation also needs to be enhanced. The functional evaluation for male and female should be carried out separately rather than confused. Questionnaire for evaluation of functional results also needs to be verified.

[Clinical application of expanded internal mammary artery perforator flap combined with vascular supercharge in reconstruction of faciocervical scar]

Objective: To summarize the clinical experience of expanded internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap combined with vascular supercharge in reconstruction of faciocervical scar. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. From September 2012 to May 2021, 23 patients with postburn or posttraumatic faciocervical scars who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, including 18 males and 5 females, aged from 11 to 58 years, all of whom were reconstructed with expanded IMAP flaps. At the first stage, one or two skin and soft tissue expander (s) with appropriate rated capacity were implanted in the anterior chest area according to the location and size of the scars. The IMAP, thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery, and lateral thoracic artery were preserved during the operation. The skin and soft tissue expanders were inflated with normal saline after the operation. The flaps were transferred during the second stage. The dominant IMAP was determined preoperatively using color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) blood flow detector. The faciocervical scars were removed, forming wounds with areas of 9 cm×7 cm-28 cm×12 cm, and the perforators of superficial temporal artery and vein or facial artery and vein were preserved during the operation. The flaps were designed according to the area and size of the wounds after scar resection with the dominant IMAP as the pedicle. Single-pedicle IMAP flaps were used to repair small and medium-sized wounds. For larger defects, the blood perfusion areas of vessels in the anterior chest were evaluated by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). In situations where the IMAP was insufficient to nourish the entire flap, double-pedicle flaps were designed by using the thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery or lateral thoracic artery for supercharging. Pedicled or free flap transfer was selected according to the distance between the donor areas and recipient areas. After transplantation of flaps, ICGA was conducted again to evaluate blood perfusion of the flaps. The donor sites of flaps were all closed by suturing directly. Statistics were recorded, including the number, rated capacity, normal saline injection volume, and expansion period of skin and soft tissue expanders, the location of the dominant IMAP, the total number of the flaps used, the number of flaps with different types of vascular pedicles, the flap area, the flap survival after the second stage surgery, the occurrence of common complications in the donor and recipient areas, and the condition of follow-up. Results: Totally 25 skin and soft tissue expanders were used in this group of patients, with rated capacity of 200-500 mL, normal saline injection volume of 855-2 055 mL, and expansion period of 4-16 months. The dominant IMAP was detected in the second intercostal space (20 sides) or the third intercostal space (5 sides) before surgery. A total of 25 expanded flaps were excised, including 2 pedicled IMAP flaps, 11 free IMAP flaps, 4 pedicled thoracic branch of supraclavicular artery+free IMAP flaps, and 8 free IMAP+lateral thoracic artery flaps, with flap areas of 10 cm×8 cm-30 cm×14 cm. After the second stage surgery, tip necrosis of flaps in three patients occurred, which healed after routine dressing changes; one patient developed arterial embolism and local torsion on the vascular pedicle at the anastomosis of IMAP and facial artery, and the blood supply recovered after thrombectomy and vascular re-anastomosis. Fourteen patients underwent flap thinning surgery in 1 month to 6 months after the second stage surgery. The follow-up for 4 months to 9 years showed that all patients had improved appearances of flaps and functions of face and neck and linear scar in the donor sites of flaps, and one female patient had obvious nipple displacement and bilateral breast asymmetry. Conclusions: The expanded IMAP flap is matched in color and texture with that of the face and neck, and its incision causes little damage to the chest donor sites. When combined with vascular supercharge, a double-pedicle flap can be designed flexibly to further enhance the blood supply and expand the flap incision area, which is a good choice for reconstruction of large faciocervical scar.

[Controversy on the age of initiation in colorectal cancer screening]

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health issue all over the world. Screening has been shown effective in improving the survival rate and decreasing the deaths of colorectal cancer. Several organizations have released guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. However, detailed recommendations like the age to begin remain controversial. This paper summarizes the recommended different age groups in initiating the colorectal cancer screening program from a few guidelines and analyzes the reasons for the inconsistency, thus facilitating the drafting of colorectal cancer screening guidelines in China.

Genome-wide association study and inbreeding depression on body size traits in Qira black sheep (Ovis aries)

Qira black sheep is a famous indigenous sheep breed in China. The objectives of this study are to identify candidate genes related to body size, and to estimate the level of inbreeding depression on body size based on runs of homozygosity in Qira black sheep. Here, 188 adult Qira black sheep were genotyped with a high density (630 K) SNP chip and genome-wide association study for body weight and body size traits (including withers height, body slanting length, tail length, chest girth, chest width, and chest depth) were performed using an additive linear model. In consequence, 12 genome- and chromosome-wide significant SNPs and, accordingly, six candidate genes involved in muscle differentiation, metabolism and cell processes were identified. Of them, ZNF704 (zinc finger protein 704) was identified for body weight; AK2 (adenylate kinase 2) and PARK2 (parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) for tail length; MOCOS (molybdenum cofactor sulfurase) and ELP2 (elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 2) for chest width; and MFAP1 (microfibril associated protein 1) for chest girth. Additionally, inbreeding depressions on body size were observed in the current herd. These results will provide insightful understandings into the genetic mechanisms of adult body size, and into the conservation and utilization of Qira black sheep.

[Bladder cancer incidence, mortality and temporal trends in China]

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of bladder cancer in 2015 and temporal trends in China. Methods: From 501 cancer registries in China, we collected data of cancer new cases, deaths and populations in 2015. After qualified, sex-specific, area-specific, age-specific and overall incidence/mortality rates (including age-standardized rates by Chinese standard population and by world standard population) and estimated cases of bladder cancer were calculated. Annual Percent Change (APC)/Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) fitted from Log-line model was applied to evaluate the temporal trends of bladder cancer incidence/mortality rates from 1998 to 2015. Results: Bladder cancer is the 13(th) most common cancer in China. The crude, age-standardized by China standard population and by world standard population rates were 5.80/10(5), 3.60/10(5) and 3.57/10(5) for incidence, and 2.37/10(5), 1.31/10(5) and 1.32/10(5) for mortality, respectively. The incidence of bladder cancer ranked 7(th) in male. The incidence and mortality of male were 3.8 and 4.0 times as high as those of female. Bladder cancer incidence in urban area was 1.4 times as high as that in rural area. Incidence in western areas and middle areas of China were similar, which were lower than that in eastern areas. Geographical distribution characteristics of mortality was along with incidence.Both incidence and mortality remained low before 45 and 55 years old, then they increased rapidly and peaked at 80-84 and over 85 years old age group. Temporal trend analysis suggested that bladder cancer incidence in China increased in 1998-2007 (APC=2.58, P<0.001), while decreased from 2007 to 2015 (APC=-3.82, P<0.001). Bladder cancer mortality declined gradually, with APCs for 1998-2003 and 2003-2015 of 3.65% (P=0.002) and 1.42% (P<0.001). Conclusions: Bladder cancer is one of the main cancers in China. Its epidemiological distributions varies among different sex, area and age group. Both incidence and mortality of bladder cancer decline. More efforts on tobacco control should be made, and awareness of early diagnosis and early treatment could be enhanced for the middle-aged and elderly.

[Analysis of liver cancer screening results and influencing factors of urban residents in Zhejiang Province from 2013 to 2018]

Objective: To analyze the results of liver cancer screening for urban residents in Zhejiang Province from 2013 to 2018 and explore the influencing factors of the detection rate. Methods: From September 2013 to August 2019, six urban communities in Hangzhou (Jianggan District and Gongshu District), Ningbo (Haishu District, Yinzhou District and Jiangbei District), and Quzhou (Kecheng District) were selected as study sites. All permanent residents aged 40-74 (with local household registration and living in the local area for more than 3 years) were selected as the research subjects by using cluster sampling method. Patients with confirmed cancers and other serious medical and surgical diseases were excluded. A total of 166 293 research subjects were included. Basic demographic characteristics and risk factors of subjects were obtained through questionnaire surveys. The cancer risk assessment system was used to evaluate the liver cancer risk of subjects. Clinical screening participation and screening results for subjects at high risk of liver cancer were obtained from participating hospitals. The high-risk rate of liver cancer, clinical screening rate, detection rate of positive lesions, and detection rate of suspected liver cancer were analyzed. Poisson regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of detection rate. Results: The age of 166 293 subjects was (56.01±8.40) years, of which 41.36% (68 777) were males. A total of 23 765 high-risk subjects for liver cancer were screened (the high-risk rate was 14.29%). Among them, a total of 12 375 subjects participated in clinical screening for liver cancer, with a screening rate of 52.07% (12 375/23 765). A total of 297 cases of positive lesions were detected and the detection rate was 2.40% (297/12 375). A total of 8 cases of suspected liver cancer were detected, with a detection rate of 0.06% (8/12 375). The results of multivariate Poisson regression model analysis showed that compared with men, people who never smoked, never ate pickled food, had low oil content, and had no history of hepatobiliary disease, female, people who were smoking or had smoked, sometimes ate pickled food, ate higher oil content, and had a history of hepatobiliary disease had a higher detection rate of positive lesions. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) (95%CI) values were 1.98 (1.45-2.70), 2.23 (1.61-3.09)/2.08 (1.31-3.28), 1.82 (1.22-2.70), 1.44 (1.08-1.91), and 1.45 (1.05-2.00), respectively. Compared with those aged from 40 to 49 years old and without HBsAg test, the IRR (95%CI) of suspected liver cancer in people aged 70 to 74 years old and HBsAg positive were 16.30 (1.32-200.74) and 6.43 (1.24-33.22), respectively. Conclusion: The urban cancer early diagnosis and early treatment project in Zhejiang Province has good compliance in clinical screening of liver cancer. Abdominal ultrasound examination and serum alpha-fetoprotein detection are helpful to detect liver cancer and its precancerous lesions in the high-risk population of liver cancer.

MiR-212-5p inhibits the malignant behavior of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells by targeting TBX15

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of microRNA-212-5p (miR-212-5p) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 pairs of ccRCC clinical samples were collected. Renal ccRCC cells (786-O) and embryonic kidney cells (293T) were cultured in vitro. The ability of cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Transwell migration assay was used to detect the abilities of cell invasion and migration. The relative protein and mRNA expressions of miR-212-5p were detected by Western blot and quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, respectively. Furthermore, bioinformatics online sites and luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to predict and verify the potential targets of miR-212-5p, respectively.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-212-5p in ccRCC tissues and cell lines was significantly inhibited. Bioinformatics online sites and luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that T-box transcription factor TBX15 (TBX15) was the potential target gene of miR-212-5p. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the proliferation, cell cycle, cell invasion and migration of ccRCC cells were obviously restricted after up-regulation of miR-212-5p. However, the above functional effects were significantly abolished in ccRCC cells after co-transfection with miR-212-5p mimics and LV-TBX15.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-212-5p acted as a tumor suppressor gene in ccRCC. Through targeting TBX15, miR-212-5p significantly inhibited the malignant behavior of ccRCC cells. Our findings revealed that miR-212-5p/TBX15 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ccRCC.

The effects of psychological intervention on anxiety symptoms of COVID19-positive patients isolated in hospital wards

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to explore the effects of psychological intervention on alleviating anxiety in patients in novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) isolation wards.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 24th, 2020 and March 5th, 2020, 103 patients were studied. Among these, 32 were patients in the isolation ward of the Infectious Disease Department in Baoding Second Hospital with suspected 2019-nCoV, and 71 patients diagnosed with 2019-nCoV were in the Tangshan Infectious Disease Hospital. Of the 103 patients included, 97 cases were observed in isolation. Using a self-control study design, each patient's anxiety was scored on a self-rating anxiety scale before receiving the psychological intervention (on the 7th day of isolation) and after receiving the intervention (on the 14th day of isolation). The severity of anxiety was evaluated based on the anxiety score before receiving the intervention. The anxiety scores before and after receiving the intervention were then compared using the paired t-test, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

After receiving the psychological intervention once or twice a week, the anxiety of the patients improved significantly after one week.

CONCLUSIONS

The anxiety of patients with 2019-nCoV in isolation wards can be alleviated through psychological intervention. By alleviating patient anxiety, this intervention also helps patients maintain their psychological wellbeing, which promotes rehabilitation and helps with the control of 2019-nCoV.

[Results and cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening program among urban residents in Zhejiang province, 2013-2018]

Objective: To analyze the results and cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program among Zhejiang urban residents so as to provide evidence for further optimization of CRC screening strategies. Methods: Based on the Cancer Screening Program in Urban China which was conducted in Zhejiang province from 2013-2018, data related to the rates on compliance and detection through the CRC screening program among the 40-74 year-old residents were analyzed. Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences among groups, and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to explore the potential risk factors. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was calculated by using the cost per lesion detected as the indicator. Results: Among all the 166 285 participants who completed the risk assessment questionnaire, 21 975 (13.2%) were recognized as under the high risk of CRC and 4 389 (20.0%) of them received the colonoscopy. The detection rates of CRC, advanced adenoma, and non-advance adenoma were 0.3% (11 cases), 2.7% (119 cases), and 5.2% (229 cases), respectively. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that factors as age, gender, education level, smoking, drinking alcohol, previous fecal occult blood test (FOBT), polyp history, and family history of CRC were significantly associated with the compliance rate of colonoscopy while age, smoking and polyp history were significantly associated with the detection rate of advanced neoplasms (CRC and advanced adenoma). The costs were ￥22 355.74 Yuan for every CER advanced neoplasm detection and ￥264 204.18 Yuan per CRC detection, respectively. The CER decreased along with ageing. Sensitivity analysis showed that CERs were expected to decrease when the compliance rate of colonoscopy was increasing. Conclusions: The current screening program seems effective in detecting the precancerous colorectal lesions, but the relatively low compliance rate of colonoscopy restricting both the diagnostic yields and economic benefits. It is necessary to improve the awareness and acceptance of colonoscopy among the high-risk CRC population.

Accuracy Analysis of Distinguishing the Cooperation Degree during Image Completion Test by Eye Movement Parameters

Abstract

Objective To analyze the differences in accuracy of different eye movement parameters in distinguishing the cooperation and non-cooperation during image completion test of patients with mental disorders caused by craniocerebral trauma. Methods One hundred and forty cases of patients with mental disorders caused by craniocerebral trauma who took psychiatric impairment assessments were collected. The 21 pictures from "image completion" of Wechsler intelligence test were used as stimulating pictures, then divided into cooperation group and non-cooperation group according to binomial forced-choice digit memory test and expert opinions. The eye movement parameters of research subjects during completion of images were obtained by the SMI eye-tracker. The accuracy of eye movement parameters in distinguishing the cooperation or non-cooperation of patients with mental disorders caused by craniocerebral trauma in psychiatric impairment assessments were evaluated by the ROC curve. Results During the process of the image completion test, the area under curve （AUC） value of frequency of blink, frequency of fixation, pupil size, frequency of saccade, latency of saccade, average acceleration of saccade, the average and peak longitudinal velocity of saccade was above 0.5. When it comed to a specific stimulating picture, the AUC value of frequency of blink in looking at a specific stimulating picture could be above 0.8, and the AUC value of X axis diameter of pupil size could be above 0.7. Conclusion The accuracy of eye movement parameters in distinguishing the cooperation or disguise of patients with mental disorders caused by craniocerebral trauma is related with the stimulating picture. The accuracy of frequency of blink in distinguishing cooperation and non-cooperation is better than that of other eye movement parameters.

Initial-switched boosting bifurcations in 2D hyperchaotic map

Recently, the coexistence of initial-boosting attractors in continuous-time systems has been attracting more attention. How do you implement the coexistence of initial-boosting attractors in a discrete-time map? To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel two-dimensional (2D) hyperchaotic map with a simple algebraic structure. The 2D hyperchaotic map has two special cases of line and no fixed points. The parameter-dependent and initial-boosting bifurcations for these two cases of line and no fixed points are investigated by employing several numerical methods. The simulated results indicate that complex dynamical behaviors including hyperchaos, chaos, and period are closely related to the control parameter and initial conditions. Particularly, the boosting bifurcations of the 2D hyperchaotic map are switched by one of its initial conditions. The distinct property allows the dynamic amplitudes of hyperchaotic/chaotic sequences to be controlled by switching the initial condition, which is especially suitable for chaos-based engineering applications. Besides, a microcontroller-based hardware platform is developed to confirm the generation of initial-switched boosting hyperchaos/chaos.

Working Memory of Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Brain Trauma Based on fNIRS

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the activation characteristics of the prefrontal cortex of people with mild cognitive impairment （MCI） due to brain trauma during working memory tasks. Methods The psychological experiment design software E-prime was used and N-back paradigm was adopted as working memory task. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy （fNIRS） was used to detect changes in cortical oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations of 22 channels within the prefrontal lobe of 24 people with MCI due to brain trauma （study group） and 27 healthy volunteers （control group） with matching gender and age. Behavioral data, such as the number of keystroke errors and reaction time, were recorded simultaneously. Independent samples t test and non-parametric test were used to compare the mean value of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration change, the number of key errors and the mean value of reaction time of the two groups in each task. Results （1） The differences in the number of errors and reaction time between the two groups in 1-back and 2-back tasks had statistical significance （P<0.05）.The main effects of task load and group were both significant （task F=14.11, P=0.001 1; group F=10.39, P=0.001 5）. （2） During the 1-back task, the differences in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration changes of the 22 channels between the two groups had no statistical significance （P>0.05）. During the 2-back task, the differences in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration changes of the two groups in channel 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22 had statistical significance （P<0.05）. （3） In the 1-back task, the left frontal pole and dorsolateral prefrontal area in both groups were activated. In the 2-back task, the activation areas of the control group were the left frontal pole area and the left dorsolateral prefrontal area, while that of the study group almost covered most of the left and right frontal pole areas, which were scattered and the right area was activated, too. Conclusion Patients with MCI due to brain trauma have obvious working memory impairment, and during the 2-back working memory task, the activation of the prefrontal lobe decreased, but the activation range was wider.

[Analysis on the age of onset of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Zhejiang Province from 2000 to 2015]

Objective: To study the age of onset of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Zhejiang province from 2000 to 2015. Methods: Based on the incidence data of cancer from 14 national cancer registration areas in Zhejiang province between 2000 and 2015, the incidence rate, average/standardized average age of onset, and age-specific incidence proportion were calculated, and standardized by Segi's world population. The population was divided into 7 age groups (0-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, ≥80 years old). The average age of onset and age-specific incidence proportion were analyzed by using a linear regression. The change trend of the proportion; the average annual percent change (AAPC) of the incidence rate was calculated by using the Joinpoint log-linear regression model. The birth cohort was constructed by using the standardized incidence rate and the year of onset of cancer, and the distribution characteristics of the age groups were described. Results: From calendar year 2000 to 2015, the average age of onset of malignant tumors in Zhejiang Province decreased from 59.7 to 57.6, with an average annual percent decrease of 0.09 year (P=0.033). After the merge of age groups, the standardized incidence proportion of 30-49 and ≥60 years old group standardization increased by an average annual change of 0.38% and decreased by an average annual change of 0.39%, respectively (both P values <0.001). The results of the log-linear regression model showed that the standardized incidence rate of the 30-39 and 40-49 years old age groups increased rapidly, with the AAPC (95%CI) about 5.2% (4.4%-6.0%) and 3.4% (2.5%-4.3%), respectively. The incidence rate of female increased rapidly, especially for 30-39 and 40-49 years old age groups with the AAPC about 6.2% (5.1%-7.2%) and 4.9% (4.0%-5.9%), respectively. The results of the birth cohort analysis showed that the population with different birth years in the same age groups saw an increasing trend with the increase of the birth year. Conclusion: The age of onset of malignant tumors in the cancer registration areas in Zhejiang Province is getting younger. The incidence rate and number of people with malignant tumors in 30-49 years old age group is evident. These characteristics are more obvious in female than that in male.

Application of Mismatch Negative in Evaluation of Severity of Mental Disorders due to Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective To explore the applied value of mismatch negative （MMN） in evaluation of severity of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury. Methods Thirty-five patients（case group） that conform to the diagnostic criteria of organic （traumatic brain injury） mental disorder in ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders criteria were selected. Twenty-four healthy subjects （normal control group） that matched the case group in terms of gender, age composition ratio and educational level were selected. All subjects were evaluated by Activity of Daily Living Scale （ADL） and Social Disability Screening Schedule （SDSS） and then examined by Event-Related Potential （ERP）. A statistical analysis of the data was made by SPSS 22.0 software. Results The 32 patients and 24 normal control subjects completed the study. The scores of ADL and SDSS were significantly higher in the case group than in the normal control group （P<0.05）. The latency of Fz, FCz, Cz and Pz in the case group was significantly longer than that in the normal control group （P<0.05）. In the case group, the latency of Fz, FCz, Cz and Pz was positively correlated with the scores of ADL and SDSS （P<0.05）. The equation can be well fitted with the scores of ADL and SDSS. The latency and amplitude of Fz, FCz, Cz and Pz were used as concomitant variables and whether or not the subjects had mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury as dependent variables. Conclusion The latency of MMN can be used as an indicator in potential evaluation of the severity of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury, which means that the longer the latency of MMN is, the more severe mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury may be. The combined application of ADL, SDSS and MMN can be an objective indicator in preliminary judgment of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury.

[Incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in cancer registries of Zhejiang Province, 2010-2014]

From 2010 to 2014, a total of 17 150 new cases of thyroid cancer (TC) reported in cancer registration areas of Zhejiang province, the crude incidence rate of TC was 29.28/100 000. Using the Chinese Census in 2000 and the World Segi's population as the standard population, the age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 24.11/100 000 and 20.65/100 000 respectively. 256 TC death cases reported in all, the crude mortality rate was 0.44/100 000, the age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by World standard population (ASMRW) were 0.23/100 000 and 0.23/100 000 respectively. The ASIRC had a upward trend [annual percent change (APC)=28.62%, 95%CI: 21.00%-36.72%, t=13.10, P=0.001], while the ASMRC trend seemed stable (APC=0.73%, 95%CI: -7.47%-9.66%, t=0.27, P=0.803).

[Value of shear wave elastrography image classification in the diagnosis of breast masses]

Objective: To analyze the image features of shear wave elastrography (SWE) in breast masses, and to evaluate their values in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions. Methods: A total of 361 patients with 403 breast lesions who simultaneously underwent conventional ultrasound and SWE examination from February 2015 to January 2018 were selected. Diagnosis in all patients was confirmed by aspiration biopsy or operative pathology. The SWE images were collected and the elastic images were divided into 5 types. The SWE image features of different breast pathological types were summarized, and their values in benign and malignant breast lesion diagnoses were evaluated. Results: The main features of benign breast lesion were type Ⅰ and Ⅱ, the main features of the malignant lesion were type Ⅳ and Ⅴ, and the proportion of which were 43.6% (71/163), 37.4% (61/163), 22.1% (53/240) and 57.9% (139/240), respectively. Type Ⅲ accounted for a certain proportion in both benign and malignant lesions. The SWE image features of benign and malignant lesions were compared and a significant difference was observed (P<0.001). The type Ⅴ features were mainly observed in invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma and other types of invasive carcinoma, while the type Ⅳ features were mostly presented in ductal carcinoma in situ and mucinous carcinoma. Fibroadenoma, fibroadenosis accompanied with fibroadenoma, and fibroadenosis were featured with type Ⅰ. Both intraductal papilloma and benign phyllodes tumor were mostly type Ⅱ, while type Ⅲ and Ⅴ were more common in chronic granulomatous mastitis. When type Ⅰ and typeⅡof breast lesions were classified as benign features while type Ⅳ and Ⅴ were malignant features, the sensitivity and specificity of breast malignant lesion diagnosis were 91.2% and 84.7% by application of SWE combined with breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS). The sensitivity of combined diagnosis was slightly lower than that of conventional ultrasound (P>0.05), but the specificity was significantly higher than conventional ultrasound (P<0.01). Conclusion: The SWE is a simple and effective method. Combination of SWE with conventional ultrasound may improve the diagnostic differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions.

[A case report of primary ectopic meningioma on occipital subcutaneous soft tissue]

A 65 years old male patient found one lump (A) located in left occipital subcutaneous soft tissue, which was gradually enlarging since thirty years ago. And the patient found another lump (B) located in left shoulder since five years ago. The pathological results showed typical features and immunophenotype of (A) lump resembling intracranial meningothelial meningioma, and (B) lump was a lipoma. No local recurrence or metastasis could been found for 2 months after excision.

The importance of expressing PDCD4 and PDCD5 anti-oncogenes in glioma

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor of the brain, which is difficult to be completely resected. The recurrence and mortality rates are high and the prognosis is poor. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of anti-oncogene programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) and programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) in glioma and their influence on the progression of the disease in order to provide new therapeutic approaches. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was used to investigate PDCD4 mRNA and PDCD5 mRNA expression in 66 glioma patients who served as the study group and 22 patients who suffered from craniocerebral injuries or hematencephalon who were used as controls. The experimental group was divided into a low malignant group (tumors grade I - II) and a high malignant group (tumor grades III-IV). The PDCD4 mRNA and PDCD5 mRNA expression in the experimental group was 0.545±0.202 and 0.687±0.174 and in the control group was 0.942±0.131 and 0.868 ± 0.190, respectively (P less than 0.05). The PDCD4 mRNA and PDCD5 mRNA expressions in the low malignant group were 0.628±0.240 and 0.750±0.198, respectively, and in the high malignant group were 0.464±0.185 and 0.553±0.170, respectively (P less than 0.05). The results showed a downregulation of PDCD4 mRNA and PDCD5 mRNA expression in the experimental group compared with the control group. This downregulation was correlated with the pathological grade of glioma. In the high malignant group the PDCD4 mRNA and PDCD5 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased compared with the low malignant group and the control group. PDCD4 mRNA and PDCD5 mRNA expressions are promising targets for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma.

[Application of Activities of Daily Living Scale in Mild Psychiatric Impairment Assessment]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the application of activities of daily living （ADL） scale in mild psychiatric impairment assessment under the guideline of Classification of Human Body Disability Caused by Injury.

METHODS

A total of 124 subjects with organic mental disorders and mild psychiatric impairments （levels 7 to 10）, and 106 healthy controls were included in. All participants were assessed by the ADL scale, physical self-maintenance scale （PSMS） and instrumental activities of daily living （IADL） scale. The difference between the scores of control group and study group, and the relationship of impairment level and the scores were compared, and the threshold value was determined according to the ROC curve.

RESULTS

The total scores of ADL, IADL and PSMS were significantly different between the control group and the study group （P<0.05）. The scores of ADL, IADL, PSMS were significantly different among the impairment levels （P<0.05）, which showed a relativity with impairment level. The scores of ADL corresponding to levels 10, 9, 8 and 7 were 14-17, 18-23, 24-29 and 30-34, respectively, which showed a good correlation between the conclusion according to the scale and the expert's opinion （κ= 0.914, P<0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

The score of ADL was significantly related to mild psychiatric impairment, and the higher ADL score represents the more severe disability, which can be used as a reference index for preliminarily judging the level of mild psychiatric impairment.

The role of osteopontin and its receptor in meningioma development and progression

Meningiomas are common in intracranial tumors, the majority of which are benign with slow growth and low recurrence rate. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of osteopontin and its receptor CD44 (Cluster of differentiation -44) in meningioma development and progression. A total of 2 groups were included, namely an experimental group with 54 meningioma patients and a control group with 30 patients with internal and external decompression. The disease group included subjects, from whom meningioma tissue specimens were collected during surgery for tumor excision, whereas the control group included subjects who were subjected to scalp laceration and provided normal meninx tissues. The expression of osteopontin and CD44 was determined by immunohistochemistry. Osteopontin expression was negative in normal meninx, and its expression was increased in meningioma tissues (P less than 0.05). The positive expression of osteopontin increased according to the histological grade of meningioma (r=0.417, P less than 0.001). A highly significant difference was noted between non-invasive and invasive meningiomas (P less than 0.001). The positive expression of CD44 correlated with the grade of meningioma and its invasiveness (P less than 0.05), although it exhibited no correlation with the degree of peritumoral edema (r=0.033, P>0.05). The increased expressions of osteopontin and CD44 were observed in all grades of meningioma, and correlated with its development (r=0.961, P less than 0.001). Osteopontin and CD44 play important roles in the development and progression of meningioma and can be used as prognostic markers for tumor recurrence and progression as well as therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs.

[Current situation and prospect of diagnosis and treatment of tuberous sclerosis related renal angiomyolipoma]

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant disease involving multiple organs and multiple systems. The main manifestation is renal angiomyolipoma in the kidney. It is the most common cause of death in adults, because of its high incidence, rapid growth and bleeding. The incidence of this disease is low and the cognition is not enough, so the diagnosis and treatment are lack of standardization. Recently, the expert consensus of the diagnosis and treatment of tuberous sclerosis related renal angiomyolipoma has been established in China. This content fills the gap in this field in China. With the development of precision medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases are also progressing.

Coagulation in hindbrain membrane meningioma patients treated with different injections using acute hypervolemic hemodilution

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in coagulation in meningioma patients treated with different injections using the method of acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH). One hundred fifty hindbrain membrane meningioma patients were randomly divided into 5 groups, 30 per group. The first group were injected 40ml/time with Danhong after anesthesia induction; the second group were injected with 40ml~60ml/time Kangai and combined with interventional chemotherapy and embolization procedure; the third group of AHH were injected with polygeline 15ml/kg; the fourth group were injected with hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) sodium chloride in doses of 15ml/kg; the control group underwent basic treatment for lowering blood pressure and lowering blood fat. The changes of coagulation index were recorded before and after surgery and before and after the injection of different medications. Compared to the control group, for the first group of AHH, after being treated for 10 days and 30 days, the concentrations of bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), bone Gla protein (BGP) and pro-collagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) were higher than that of the control group, the levels of endotoxin (ET) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were decreased compared to the control group (p less than 0.05); for the second group of AHH, after being treated for 10 days, the index of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fg) were not significantly changed, but the related level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly decreased (p less than 0.05). Comparing the coagulation function index after surgery in the third and fourth groups, there were no significant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) level, heart rate (HR) value presented a low decrease, central venous pressure (CVP) level increased and the level of interleukin IL-6 showed a steady state after increasing. Analyzing the levels of interleukin IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) after surgery, it was seen that in the third group they increased and in the fourth group they decreased (p less than 0.05). Danhong injection improved the coagulation function and microcirculation of patients, Kangai injection and interventional chemotherapy and embolization restrained the appearance of tumor angiogenesis, AHH operation with polygeline injection and hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) sodium chloride kept blood flow in normal parameters.

[Applied Value of Electroencephalogram in Assessment of Mild Psychiatry Impairment]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the applied value of electroencephalogram （EEG） in assessment of psychiatric impairment among patients with mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

According to the ICD-10, a total of 271 subjects were enrolled and assessed with the criterion of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury. Activity of Daily Living Scale （ADL）, Functional Activities Questionnaire （FAQ） and Social Disability Screening Schedule （SDSS） were used to evaluate the severity of patients. All the participants were tested by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale （WAIS） and examined by EEG.

RESULTS

Totally 215 patients accomplished the study. The results of Glasgow Coma Scale （GCS）, the severity of craniocerebral injury and the scores of FAQ, SDSS and ADL showed significant difference among the patients with different severity of EEG （P<0.05）. The grades of psychiatric impairment showed significant difference among the patients with different abnormal EEG （P<0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

EEG can reflect the severity of craniocerebral injury, assist evaluate the social function and activity of daily living of patients with mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury, and distinguish the mild psychiatric impairment grades, which suggest that EEG has a certain reference value in the assessment of psychiatric impairment.

[The application of captopril challenge test in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism]

Objective: To evaluate the value of captopril challenge test (CCT) in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods: A total of 674 patients [(45.0±13.7) years, men 341, women 333] admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2000 to 2015 were analyzed. Among them, 222 subjects were with essential hypertension (EH), 28 were with pheochromocytoma (PHEO), 246 were with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) and 178 were with aldosterone producing adenoma (APA). All patients received CCT. 24 h urine sodium was measured in partial patients. Plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone (ALD) were detected. Results: Compared with EH [PRA: before 0.5(0.2, 0.9) μg·L(-1)·h(-1,) after 0.8(0.4, 1.5) μg·L(-1)·h(-1;) ALD: before (393±122) pmol/L, after (360±97) pmol/L] and PHEO [PRA: before 0.3(0.1, 0.9) μg·L(-1)·h(-1,) after 0.4(0.1, 1.6) μg·L(-1)·h(-1;) ALD: before (396±108) pmol/L, after (374±114) pmol/L], lower levels of PRA and higher levels of ALD before and after CCT were observed in PA patients [PRA: before 0.1 (0.1, 0.2) μg·L(-1)·h(-1,) after 0.1 (0.1, 0.2) μg·L(-1)·h(-1;) ALD: before (468±216) pmol/L; after (457±199) pmol/L]. After CCT, the suppression rate of ALD [2.8% (-8.8%, 15.4%) vs 6.6% (-4.3%, 17.6%)] and increasing rate of PRA [0(0, 50%) vs 50%(0, 200%)] in PA patients were lower than those in EH patients. The ALD/PRA ratio (ARR) were higher in PA than that in EH or PHEO patients. In the EH subjects, ALD levels of seated posture were higher than those of recumbent posture both before and after receiving captopril, but with no changes in ARR after CCT. No significant differences in ALD and ARR (before and after receiving captopril) were observed between seated and recumbent position in the PA group. The ARR after CCT tended to decrease in EH subjects with elevated urine-sodium compared with those with normal urine-sodium. No changes could be viewed in ALD and PRA levels between normal urine-sodium and elevated urine-sodium groups among APA, IHA and EH patients either before or after CCT. Among patients with APA, the ALD levels before CCT and the ARR after CCT were lower in the patients with AngiotensionⅡ(AngⅡ) reactive than those without. A ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimal cutoff value was 46.2 (ALD unit: ng/dl; PRA unit: μg·L(-1)·h(-1)) for ARR after challenge in diagnosing PA, with the sensitivity of 88.7% and specificity of 84.8%. Conclusions: ARR after 25 mg captopril had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of PA with the cutoff of 46.2. Seated CCT could replace recumbent CCT as a more confirmatory test. The PRA increasing rate should be taken into consideration when diagnosis of PA.

[Surgery treatment of ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigation the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) syndrome.

METHODS

The clinical characters of 57 cases of ecotopic ACTH syndrome from Jan. 1996 to Dec. 2016 were collected and analyzed. The 57 cases included 32 males and 25 females. The age ranged from 11 to 68 years (average 32 years). ACTH levels significantly increased from 16.5 to 365.6 pmol/L, with average 77.6 pmol/L (normal range <10.1 pmol/L). The pituitary MRI did not found lesions. The CT showed that their bilateral adrenal glands diffused small nodular changes or nodular hyperplasia. The 57 cases were divided into 3 groups according to different treatment options. In the study, 25 ectopic ACTH syndrome cases (44%) were group A, without identified source of ectopic hormone, were treated with bilateral or unilateral adrenalectomy due to the severity of the disease and difficulty of operation. Group B was composed of 16 cases (28%) diagnosed as ectopic ACTH syndrome by finding ectopic ACTH tumors and surgical resection. Group C included 16 cases (28%) with nonsurgical therapy. Different treatment results and prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the study, 40 cases of the 57 had been followed up for 6 months to 10 years. In group A, of the 25 cases with bilateral or unilateral adrenalectomy, 4 died of diabetes and severe pulmonary infection, 18 survived, and 3 were lost to the follow-up, and the survival rate was 81% (18/22). In group B, of the 16 cases with radical tumor resection, 5 died of tumor recurrence 0.5-6.0 years after operation, 3 survived, and 8 were lost to the follow-up, and the survival rate was 37.5% (3/8). In group C, of the 16 non-operation patients, 4 with radiotherapy and chemotherapy died of metastases, diabetes or pulmonary infection, 6 with chemotherapy died of pulmonary infection within 1 year and the others were lost to the follow-up, and the survival rate was 0.

CONCLUSION

Ectopic ACTH syndrome is difficult to treat. Adrenalectomy is effective for the management of ectopic ACTH syndrome, especially for those patients with severe Cushing's syndrome, but the primary tumor can not be located.

[MicroRNA differential expression profile in tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2-/- MEFs and normal cell line TSC2+/+ MEFs]

OBJECTIVE

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, but the molecular events contributing to TSC are not well understood. However, little is known about the role of microRNAs in TSC. To explore the microRNA differential expression profile between tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2^-/- MEFs and normal type cell line TSC2^+/+ MEFs, and to provide new clues to study the mechanism of microRNA function in tuberous sclerosis complex.

METHODS

TSC2^-/- MEFs and TSC2^+/+ MEFs cell lines were cultured in vitro, each with three samples chosen as the experimental group and the control group respectively. Total RNA was isolated using TRizol and purified with RNeasy mini kit according to manufacturer's instructions. RNA quality and quantity were measured by using nanodrop spectrophotometer and RNA integrity was determined by gel electrophoresis. Total RNAs were extracted by TRizol, followed by RNA quantification and quality control. MicroRNA profiles were analyzed by microarray and the threshold value used to screen up-regulated more than 2-fold change or down-regulated less than 0.5-fold change compared with controls. Real-time PCR was used to validate the reliability of microarray. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation.

RESULTS

Fourteen microRNAs, including miR-18a-5p, miR-376c-3p, miR-136-5p, miR-467c-5p, miR-467b-5p, miR-5104, miR-3098-3p, miR-30a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-18a-3p, miR-19b-1-5p, miR-19a-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-155-5p, were up-regulated, while twenty-six microRNAs, including miR-200b-3p, miR-450a-1-3p, miR-542-5p, miR-199b-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-466c-5p, miR-450a-5p, miR-450b-5p, miR-542-3p, miR-351-5p, miR-322-3p, miR-199a-3p, miR-335-5p, miR-10b-5p, miR-351-3p, miR-155-3p, miR-497a-5p, miR-503-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-1843a-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-490-5p, miR-450a-2-3p, miR-322-5p, miR-214-3p, miR-450b-3p, were down-regulated in tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2^-/- MEFs compared with normal type cell line TSC2^+/+ MEFs (P<0.05). Real-time PCR confirmed the expressions of miR-136-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-302b-3p, miR-10b-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-199a-5p consistent with the microarray data (P<0.05). Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-199a-5p significantly inhibited cell proliferation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

There are differences in the expression of miRNA between the tuberous sclerosis complex cell line TSC2^-/- MEFs and normal cell line TSC2^+/+ MEFs. MiRNA-199a-5p plays an important role in tuberous sclerosis complex, which may be developed as an important molecular target for the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex.

[Serum uric acid is associated with disease severity and an important predictor for clinical outcome in patients with pulmonary hypertension]

Objective: The growing body of literature showed a link between uric acid and pulmonary hypertension (PH), but the impact of hyperuremia on outcome of patients with PH has not been well defined. Therefore, the present study was performed to analyze the impact of uric acid on outcome of PH patients. Methods: One hundred seventy-three PH patients (112 females, mean age 38 years old), who were hospitalized in our department between January 2010 and December 2015, were included in our study, the PH diagnosis was made based on right heart catheterization examination result (mean pulmonary artery pressure≥25 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)). PH patients were divided into mild to moderate PH group (Rp/Rs≤0.6, n=97) and severe PH group (Rp/Rs>0.6, n=76). Fifty-one patients (33 females, mean age 45 years old) without PH based on right heart catheterization were included as control subjects. All participants were followed up for a median of 24 months(6-71 months). Clinical endpoints were defined as cardiogenic death or heart-and-lung transplantation. Results: Uric acid was positively correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance(r=0.398, P<0.01), systemic vascular resistance(r=0.244, P<0.01) and mean right atrial pressure (r=0.26, P<0.01), and was negatively correlated with cardiac index(r=-0.278, P<0.01)and mixed venous oxygen saturation (r=-0.322, P<0.01)in PH patients. Serum uric acid level was significantly higher in patients with severe PH than in patients with mild-to-moderate PH and the control subjects (both P<0.05). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), 425.5 μmol/L was found to be the best cut-off value of serum uric acid level to predict the outcome of PH patients (sensitivity 50%, specificity 72%). During follow-up, patients with higher level of uric acid (>425.5 μmol/L) were linked with poorer clinical outcome compared to patients with uric acid <425.5 μmol/L(P=0.027). Conclusion: Our findings suggests that uric acid is associated with the severity of PH and higher uric acid level serves as an important predictor for poor clinical outcome of PH patients.

[Eye Movement Characteristics of Cooperation Degree during Image Completion Test in Psychiatric Impairment Assessment]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the difference of eye movement characteristics between uncooperative and cooperative subjects with mental disorder after cerebral trauma.

METHODS

Thirty-nine subjects which needed psychiatric impairment assessment were selected. According to the binomial forced-choice digit memory test （BFDMT）, all subjects were divided into cooperative and uncooperative groups. The subjects were asked to take the image completion test from Wechsler adult intelligence scale. Meanwhile, the data of eye movement track, fixation, saccade, pupil and blink were recorded by the track system of eye movement.

RESULTS

There were significantly differences （P<0.05） in the data of saccade between cooperative （10 cases） and uncooperative groups （29 cases）. The frequency, time, amplitude, acceleration of saccadic in uncooperative group were significantly higher than cooperation group. The saccade latencies of cooperation group increased more than uncooperative group. There was a significant difference （P<0.05） in total discrete distance, average distance and total time of fixation between two groups, while the average duration time, number and frequency of fixation had no significantly difference （P>0.05） between two groups. And the blink frequency of cooperation group was higher than uncooperative group.

CONCLUSIONS

Eye movement can be an objective index for the primary judgment of cooperation level.

[Survival analysis of surgically treated renal cell carcinoma: an analysis of 10-year data from single center]

OBJECTIVE

To explore how clinical features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) relate to cancer patients' prognosis and survival.

METHODS

A total of 1 497 renal cell carcinoma patients received surgical treatments in Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College were admitted between January 2002 and December 2012. Telephone interviews and complimentary medical records review were carried out to acquire follow-up data, including post-surgery adjuvant therapy, disease progression and survival.

RESULTS

There were 1 326 of all 1 497 RCC cases successfully followed up, including 899 male and 427 female cases. The median age was 54(18) years (M(QR)). There were 1 049 T1 cases (79.11%), 139 T2 cases (10.48%), 125 T3 cases (9.43%), and 13 T4 cases (0.98%). As for types of surgery, there were 584 (44.04%) nephron-sparing surgery cases, and 742 (55.96%) radical nephrectomy cases. As for pathological subtypes, it included 1 153 (86.95%) clear cell renal cell carcinoma cases, and 173 (13.05%) non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma cases. Median length of follow-up was 43.6 months. During follow-up, 147 patients developed RCC related progression, with a median progression free survival of 18.2 months.Sixty-four patients died from RCC related progression, with a median cancer specific survival (CSS) of 27.7 months. RESULTS of data analysis showed that CSS rates of 1-, 5-, 10-year of T1 stage post-surgical RCC were 99.61%, 97.24%, 92.08%, respectively; CSS rates of 1-, 5-, 10-year of T2 stage were 98.51%, 92.01%, 85.08%, respectively; and CSS rates of 1-, 5-, 10-year of T3-4 stage were 92.40%, 77.99%, 42.56%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that signs of lung metastasis, signs of bone metastasis, tumor N stage, pathological subtype, microscopic sarcomatoid changing, and types of progression were major risk factors for RCC cancer specific survival (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is the primary choice of treatment in RCC. The survival is not same with different T stage. T stage affects the progression of renal cell carcinoma. N stage, lung and bone symptoms, pathological type, sarcomatoid changes and postoperative metastasis of renal cell carcinoma will affect the mortality of patients.

[Effects of chrysin on sphere formation and CK2α expression of ovarian cancer stem-like cells derived from SKOV3 cell line]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether inhibitory effect of chrysin on sphere formation of ovarian cancer stem-like cells(spheroids derived from human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell line ) is involved in the down-regulating of the protein expression of casein kinase CK2α.

METHODS

SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells obtained by suspension culture in stem cell-condition medium using ultra-low adhesion plate were treated with various concentrations (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 μmol/L) of chrysin. Sphere formation assay was used to determine the sphere forming rate of SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expressions of CK2α and cancer stem cell markers CD133 and CD44. Silence of CK2α by siRNA and ectopic expression of CK2α by transfection with pcDNA3.1-CK2α plasmid were used to explore the mechanism underlying the effect of chrysin on sphere formation of SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells.

RESULTS

Chrysin (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 μmol/L) significantly reduced the sphere forming rate of SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells, in a concentration-dependent manner (22.3%±2.5% vs 14.7%±2.1%, 8.6%± 1.7% and 3.8% ± 1.1% respectively; P<0.05). In addition, chrysin (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 μmol/L) obviously down-regulated the protein expressions of CK2α, CD133 and CD44 in SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells. In combination with CK2α siRNA transfection and chrysin synergistically decreased sphere formation (P<0.05) and the protein expressions of CK2α, CD133 and CD44 in SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells. However, transfection with pcDNA3.1-CK2α plasmid attenuated inhibitory effects of chrysin on sphere formation capability and the expressions of CK2α, CD133 and CD44 of SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells.

CONCLUSION

Down-regulation of CK2α protein expression is involved in the inhibition effect of chrysin on the sphere formation capability of SKOV3-derived ovarian cancer stem-like cells.

[Study on the contribution rate of follow-up formula to the nutrient intake of infants and young children aged 7-24 months in China]

Objective: To determine the contribution of follow-up formula (FUF) to the nutrient intake of 7-24-month-old infants and young children. Methods: The cluster random sampling method and the convenience sampling method were used in combination, and geographic and economic factors were taken into consideration. Four areas of China (Beijing, Hebei, Guangxi, Guangdong) were selected, with 120 infants chosen from each of these areas (half of which were 7-12 months old, and half were 13-24 months old). A dietary survey was completed by a continuous 24-hour weighing method over two days. Questionnaires were completed by their caregivers which included weighing the FUF and supplementary food given to the infant, and recording the frequency of breast feeding and any supplementary nutrients. A total of 518 questionnaires were distributed, and 472 questionnaires qualified for inclusion. Nutrient intake was calculated using the China food composition, infant formula food nutrient content and infant nutrition supplement brand-label information databases, and then the nutrient intake proportion (the percentage of estimated energy requirement (EER%), recommended nutrient intake (RNI%) or adequate intake (AI%)), and the contribution rate of FUF were analyzed. Results: A total of 472 infants were investigated (227 infants aged 7-12 months old, 245 infants aged 13-24 months old). The findings revealed that the median energy intake of 7- 12-month-old and 13- 24-month-old infants were 2 530.08 kJ and 3 445.48 kJ, respectively, which accounted for 85.18% and 94.14% of EER, respectively; and the median intake of protein reached 91.50% and 105.88% of their RNI/AI, respectively. For micronutrients, the median intake of vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, niacin, vitamin E, potassium, zinc and manganese in 7- 12-month-old infants and vitamin B₂, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese in 13-24-month-old children accounted for 82.00% and 114.29% of RNI/AI (RNI%/AI%), respectively. The intake of vitamin B₆, iron and selenium in 7-12-month-old infants and vitamin B₁, vitamin B₆, vitamin C, calcium and selenium in 13-24-month-old children was less than 80% RNI/AI. Furthermore, some nutrients showed higher intake levels, such as vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in 7-12-month-old infants and vitamin A and phosphorus in 13-24-month-old children, which were higher than 130% RNI/AI. In total, 40.53% (92) of infants aged 7-12 months and 52.65% (129) of children aged 13- 24 months were fed FUF as part of their diet, and its contribution rate to macronutrients was 29.69% for carbohydrates and 51.77% for fats, and to micronutrients was 2.04% for manganese and 74.24% for vitamin C. Conclusion: FUF contributes to the nutrient intake of infants and young children aged from 7-24 months old at different rates depending on the macronutrient or micronutrient analyzed.

[Review of hot topics in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in 2016]

With the aging of the population, changes in diet and medical examination popular, the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China are increasing year by year. Over the past year, a large number of clinical and basic researchers focus on various perspectives of prostate cancer, which may provide new direction for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. In this paper, the near year important progress in the forefront of prostate cancer has been reviewed and summed up in two major aspects: diagnosis and treatment.

Purification and detoxification of petroleum refinery wastewater by electrocoagulation process

The treatment of synthetic oily wastewater having the characteristics of a typical petroleum refinery wastewater (PRW) by electrocoagulation (EC) using iron and aluminum electrodes was conducted in an electrolytic reactor equipped with fluid recirculation. During the treatment, the emulsion stability was followed by the measurement of Zeta potential and particle sizes. Effects of some operating conditions such as electrodes material, current density and electrolysis time on removal efficiencies of turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were investigated in detail. The PRW purification by the EC process was found to be the most effective using aluminum as the anode and cathode, current density of 60 A/m(2) and 30 min of electrolysis time. Under these conditions, the process efficiencies were 83.52% and 99.94%, respectively, for COD and turbidity removals which correspond to final values of 96 mg O2/L and 0.5 NTU. A moderate energy consumption (0.341 kWh) was needed to treat 1 m(3) of PRW. Besides, the ecotoxicity test proved that toxic substances presented in the PRW, and those inhibiting the germination growth of whet, were eliminated by the EC technique.

Ultrasound diagnosis in gynecological acute abdomen

As ultrasound diagnosis is applied more frequently in gynecological acute abdomen, we carried out this study to discuss the diagnosis of endometriosis with ultrasound imaging and analyze the efficacy of microRNA used for diagnosing endometriosis and evaluating prognosis by comparing differentially expressed microRNA in subjects with or without endometriosis. Ultrasound examination results and clinical pathological examination results of 60 cases of gynecological acute abdomen were compared. Blood samples were collected from patients with endometriosis. Of 60 cases, 38 cases recurred in 20 months after surgery and the remaining 22 cases had no recurrence in the 30-month follow-up. Additionally, blood was collected from 40 patients without endometriosis as control. Then total RNA was extracted from these blood samples to determine the difference of expression of microRNA (miR-17-5p, miR-20a, miR-199a and miR-141). Compared to healthy subjects, the endometriosis patients showed significantly increased expression of miR-199a, but the expression of miR-17-5p, miR-20a and miR-141 had an obvious decrease; the differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.01). For recurred cases, miR-199 showed a remarkably high expression and miR-17-5p and miR-20a expressed significantly low.

Investigation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in phosphodiesterase 4D gene in Mongol and Han patients with ischemic stroke in Inner Mongolia

We investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at 87 sites of the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene in Mongol and Han patients with ischemic stroke in Inner Mongolia. SNPs in 226 patients with ischemic stroke (case group, 110 Mongol patients, 116 Han patients) and 220 patients without neurological disease (control group, 102 Mongol patients, 118 Han patients) were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and gene sequencing. The genotype and allele frequencies of all groups were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in genotypes in the PDE4D gene at 87 sites between the case and control groups (P > 0.05). The C allele frequency in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The CC genotype and C allele frequencies in the Mongol case subgroup were higher than those in the Mongol control subgroup (P < 0.05). The CC genotype and C allele frequencies in the Han case subgroup were higher than those in the Han control subgroup (P < 0.05). In the case group, there were no significant differences at 87 sites for genotypes and allele frequencies between the Mongol and Han subgroups. In the control group, there were no significant differences at 87 site genotypes and allele frequencies between the Mongol and Han subgroups. The increase in the C allele frequency at 87 SNP sites in PDE4D may increase ischemic stroke risk. We found no differences in the risk between Mongol and Han populations in Inner Mongolia.

Application of the electro-Fenton process for cutting fluid mineralization

Organic compound is the main pollutant in industrial effluent. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are inefficient for the removal of toxic or non-biodegradable organic pollutants. Advanced electrochemical depollution is a very efficient and economic method, suitable when the wastewater contains toxic and recalcitrant organic pollutants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the application of the electro-Fenton (EF) process for the degradation and mineralization of a stable oil-in-water emulsion (0.01% in v/v). The effects of operating parameters such as cathode material (graphite, Ti/Pt and steel), nature (Na2SO4, NaNO3 and NaCl) and dose of electrolyte (25-75 mM), initial ferrous ions concentration (1-75 mM), current intensity (0.1-0.2 A) and operating time, on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, were studied. Results showed that the EF method can be used efficiently for the degradation of stable cutting oil emulsion. For considered initial conditions (bubbling compressed air at 1 L/min, 0.15 A, pH 3, [Na2SO4]=0.05 M, [FeSO4]=0.015 M, COD0=400 mg O2/L), the best removal efficiencies were obtained under the following conditions: graphite as cathode material, 180 min for treatment duration and 0.05 M [Na2SO4]. For these conditions, treatment of 250 mL of emulsion led to 93.6% of cutting fluid mineralization, which correspond to 25 mg O2/L of final COD, 19 kWh/m3 of treated wastewater and 24.039 kWh/kg of COD removal.

Enhanced anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge of low organic content in a novel digester

A novel digester, termed an internal circulation anaerobic digester (ICAD), was developed to intensify sludge digestion. It consists of reaction zone, settling zone, thickening zone, riser and downcomer. Internal circulation in the digester is intensified by backflow biogas. The mesophilic ICAD treating thermal pretreated waste activated sludge with volatile suspended solids (VSS)/suspended solids (SS) of 0.45-0.49 was conducted in this study to reduce and stabilize the low organic content sludge. The results showed that the VSS removal rate and biogas rate reached 46.0% and 0.72 m(3)/kg VSS(fed) at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 15 days. VSS/SS and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) of the effluent sludge ranged from 0.39 to 0.41 and 274 mg/L to 473 mg/L, respectively, under various HRTs from 10 to 27 days. The degradation ability of ICAD derived from the improved mass transfer by internal circulation and long solid retention time at short HRT is compared with continuous stirred tank reactor.

Correlation analysis between starch properties and single nucleotide polymorphisms of waxy genes in common rye (Secale cereale L.)

To understand the relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the waxy gene and starch parameters in common rye, we performed sequence characterization, enzyme activity testing, amylopectin/amylose ratio evaluation, starch property testing, and correlation analysis. Specific primers were used to clone waxy from 20 rye cultivars. Sequence analysis showed that waxy was 2852 bp, including 11 exons, and sequence similarity across the 20 cultivars was over 98%. The Waxy protein showed >95% similarity with those from wheat, rice, and barley, the closest genetic relationship being with wheat Wx-A type. Waxy had multiple SNPs, most of which were located in the exons. Amino acid variants were found to be mainly distributed in the catalytic domain in an imbalanced state. Multi-factor correlation analysis revealed significant correlation among starch pasting parameters in rye flour. The Waxy protein activity was significantly negatively correlated with the amylose content and amylopectin/amylose ratio. However, pasting parameters, Waxy enzyme activity, and amylopectin/amylose content ratio were not correlated. The correlation of SNPs, the key catalytic site of Waxy, with starch parameters and enzyme activity suggested that both starch pasting parameters and Waxy protein activity were influenced by No. 260 amino acid (aa). Further, the 141 and 152 aa loci were found in the enzyme-catalyzing domain of Waxy. Interestingly, Waxy enzyme activity was also influenced by the 363 aa locus in the pliable region. These results provide important theoretical regarding the high-throughput quality identification of noodle starch, functional studies, directional selection, and molecular markers of wheat Wx subunits.

Simple sequence repeat-based association analysis of fruit traits in eggplant (Solanum melongena)

Association mapping based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) provides a promising tool to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in plant resources. A total of 141 eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) accessions were selected to detect simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with nine fruit traits. Population structure analysis was performed with 105 SSR markers, which revealed that two subgroups were present in this population. LD analysis exhibited an extensive long-range LD of approximately 11 cM. A total of 49 marker associations related to eight phenotypic traits were identified to involve 24 different markers, although no association was found with the trait of fruit glossiness. To our knowledge, this is the 1st approach to use a genome-wide association study in eggplant with SSR markers. These results suggest that the association analysis approach could be a useful alternative to traditional linkage mapping to detect putative QTLs in eggplant.