Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5-15  keV/c^{2}, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1  MeV/c^{2} is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

[Epidemic trends and prevention and control of seasonal influenza in China after the COVID-19 pandemic]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of non-pharmaceutical interventions, which were implemented to curb the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), significantly modified the seasonal pattern of influenza. The intensity of influenza activity markedly decreased and B/Yamagata lineage was no longer detected. As the national influenza sentinel surveillance data shown, clear seasonal patterns were observed for influenza between 2012-2019, annually with an average of 14.57% of specimens tested positive for influenza virus. However, the seasonal pattern of influenza was disrupted after the outbreak of COVID-19. In the 2020-2021 season, influenza demonstrated an extremely low activity (yearly positivity rate<1.0%), followed by a resurgence of winter peak in the 2021-2022 season. Following the downgrade of management of COVID-19 to Class B in China in December 26, 2022, social activities gradually resumed, leading to the rebound of influenza activity with an out-of-season ciculation. After COVID-19 pademic, other respiratory infectious diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and mycoplasma pneumonia were alternatively or concurrently circulated with influenza. The prevention and control of influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases emphasizes a multi-disease prevention strategy, including long-term and continuous monitoring the epidemic trends in influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, promoting influenza and COVID-19 vaccination among key populations, and strengthening the knowledge and public awareness of prevention and control for respiratory infectious diseases, etc.

[Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study]

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

[Changes in epidemic intensity of influenza during 2014-2020 in Shanghai]

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the influenza surveillance network and compare the epidemic intensity of influenza during 2014-2020 in Shanghai. Methods: Based on the weekly reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) and laboratory-confirmed influenza cases from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. This study first evaluated the data reporting and specimen collection of ILI cases for each sentinel hospital, and then calculated the percentage of ILI (ILI%), the proportion of specimens tested positive for influenza, and the incidence of influenza among all ILI outpatient and emergency visits to measure the epidemic intensity of influenza. Finally, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was applied to quantify the changes in epidemic intensity of influenza in 2020. Results: The proportion of influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals with a score of less than 5 in the evaluation of ILI data reporting and samples collection were 9.68% and 21.05% in 2020 in Shanghai, respectively. ILI% was estimated to be 1.51% (95%CI: 1.50%-1.51%) and 2.31% (95%CI: 2.30%-2.32%), respectively for 2014-2019 and 2020; the proportion of specimens tested positive was 24.27% (95%CI: 24.02%- 24.51%) and 7.15% (95%CI: 6.78%-7.54%), respectively; and the incidence of influenza was 3.66‰ (95%CI: 3.62‰-3.70‰) and 1.65‰ (95%CI: 1.57‰-1.74‰), respectively. ARIMA model showed that ILI% was increased by 45.25% in 2020 in Shanghai, and the proportion of specimens tested positive and the incidence of influenza were reduced by 78.45% and 51.80%, respectively. Conclusions: In 2020, the performance of influenza surveillance system has changed, ILI% has increased, the proportion of specimens tested positive and the incidence of influenza has decreased in Shanghai. The change in the quality of influenza surveillance is also a potential factor affecting the epidemic intensity of influenza. In the future, the quality control of influenza surveillance network still needs to be further strengthened.

Safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and efficacy of UB-311 in participants with mild Alzheimer's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2a study

BACKGROUND

Anti-amyloid vaccines may offer a convenient, affordable, and accessible means of preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease. UB-311 is an anti-amyloid-β active immunotherapeutic vaccine shown to be well-tolerated and to have a durable antibody response in a phase 1 trial. This phase 2a study assessed the safety, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy of UB-311 in participants with mild Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

A 78-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre, phase 2a study was conducted in Taiwan. Participants were randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive seven intramuscular injections of UB-311 (Q3M arm), or five doses of U311 with two doses of placebo (Q6M arm), or seven doses of placebo (placebo arm). The primary endpoints were safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of UB-311. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of investigational product. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02551809).

FINDINGS

Between 7 December 2015 and 28 August 2018, 43 participants were randomised. UB-311 was safe, well-tolerated, and generated a robust immune response. The three treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with the highest incidence were injection-site pain (14 TEAEs in seven [16%] participants), amyloid-related imaging abnormality with microhaemorrhages and haemosiderin deposits (12 TEAEs in six [14%] participants), and diarrhoea (five TEAEs in five [12%] participants). A 97% antibody response rate was observed and maintained at 93% by the end of the study across both UB-311 arms.

INTERPRETATION

These results support the continued development of UB-311.

FUNDING

Vaxxinity, Inc. (Formerly United Neuroscience Ltd.).

[Prediction of protection probability against Omicron BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5 variants in symptomatic infections with prototype strain based on neutralization antibody levels]

Objective: To predict the protection probability of different clinical outcomes after reinfection with Omicron variant in symptomatic and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients who infected with prototype strain. Methods: The data used in this study were derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis which systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Europe PMC databases, included published and uploaded studies of dynamic changes of neutralizing antibodies in symptomatic COVID-19 patients from 1 January 2020 to 2 October 2022 and extracted the literature information, study design, serological experiment information and antibody results. According to the scatter distribution characteristics of antibody titer data, a generalized additive model based on Gaussian distribution was used to fit the titer value of neutralizing antibody based on logarithmic conversion and the dynamic change pattern of neutralizing antibody in symptomatic and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients infected with prototype strain over time was obtained. In this study, the fitted antibody titers of patients on the 28th, 51st, and 261st day after symptom onset was selected to predict the protection probability. Results: Neutralizing antibodies produced in symptomatic and unvaccinated patients infected with prototype strain could provide protection against Omicron reinfection, and the probability of protection gradually decreased with time. Neutralizing antibody level on day 28 after symptom onset provided protection probability of 30.3% (95%CI: 20.0%-45.5%) against reinfection, 51.5% (95%CI: 33.4%-75.9%) against symptomatic reinfection, and 91.2% (95%CI: 77.1%-97.7%) against severe reinfection caused by Omicron BA.5. The protection probability against Omicron BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5 reinfections decreased significantly 261 days after symptom onset, showing 9.6%-12.9%, 18.4%-23.9% and 63.1%-70.3% against three clinical outcomes, respectively. At the same time point and against the same clinical outcome, the protection probability of BA.1 was the highest, followed by BA.4 and BA.5. Conclusions: Neutralizing antibodies induced in symptomatic and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients previously infected with the prototype strain have limited protection probability against Omicron BA.5 reinfections and symptomatic reinfections. The protection probability against Omicron BA.5 reinfections is 30.3% 28 days after symptom onset and decreases to about 10% after 261 days. However, the protection probability against severe reinfections is considerable, with over 90% 28 days after symptom onset and still exceeding 60% after 261 days.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

A Randomized First‐in‐Human Study With UB‐312, a UBITh® α‐Synuclein Peptide Vaccine

Background

α‐Synuclein (αSyn) is believed to play a central role in Parkinson's disease (PD) neuropathology and is considered a target for disease modification. UB‐312 is a synthetic αSyn peptide conjugated to a T helper peptide and is expected to induce antibodies specifically against oligomeric and fibrillar αSyn, making UB‐312 a potential immunotherapeutic for synucleopathies.

Objective

To investigate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of UB‐312 vaccination in healthy participants and to determine a safe and immunologically optimal dose for the first‐in‐patient study.

Methods

Fifty eligible healthy participants were enrolled in a 44‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. Participants in seven cohorts were randomized to three intramuscular UB‐312 or placebo injections at weeks 1, 5, and 13 (doses ranging between 40 and 2000 μg). Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events, clinical laboratory, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and neurological and physical examinations. Immunogenicity was assessed by measuring serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anti‐αSyn antibody concentrations.

Results

Twenty‐three participants received all three vaccinations of UB‐312. Most adverse events were mild, transient, and self‐resolving. Common treatment‐emergent adverse events included headache, nasopharyngitis, vaccination‐site pain, lumbar puncture‐site pain, and fatigue. UB‐312 induced dose‐ and time‐dependent antibody production. Antibodies were detectable in serum and CSF of all participants receiving the 300/300/300 μg UB‐312 dose regimen. The average CSF/serum ratio was 0.2%.

Conclusions

UB‐312 was generally safe, well tolerated, and induced anti‐αSyn antibodies in serum and CSF of healthy participants. The 100 and 300 μg doses are selected for further evaluation in participants with PD. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

A multitope SARS-COV-2 vaccine provides long-lasting B cell and T cell immunity against Delta and Omicron variants

Background

The Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 are currently responsible for breakthrough infections due to waning immunity. We report phase I/II trial results of UB-612, a multitope subunit vaccine containing S1-RBD-sFc protein and rationally designed promiscuous peptides representing sarbecovirus conserved helper T cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes on the nucleocapsid (N), membrane (M), and spike (S2) proteins.

Method

We conducted a phase I primary 2-dose (28 days apart) trial of 10, 30, or 100 μg UB-612 in 60 healthy young adults 20 to 55 years old, and 50 of them were boosted with 100 μg of UB-612 approximately 7 to 9 months after the second dose. A separate placebo-controlled and randomized phase II study was conducted with 2 doses of 100 μg of UB-612 (n = 3,875, 18–85 years old). We evaluated interim safety and immunogenicity of phase I until 14 days after the third (booster) dose and of phase II until 28 days after the second dose.

Results

No vaccine-related serious adverse events were recorded. The most common solicited adverse events were injection site pain and fatigue, mostly mild and transient. In both trials, UB-612 elicited respective neutralizing antibody titers similar to a panel of human convalescent sera. The most striking findings were long-lasting virus-neutralizing antibodies and broad T cell immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs), including Delta and Omicron, and a strong booster-recalled memory immunity with high cross-reactive neutralizing titers against the Delta and Omicron VoCs.

Conclusion

UB-612 has presented a favorable safety profile, potent booster effect against VoCs, and long-lasting B and broad T cell immunity that warrants further development for both primary immunization and heterologous boosting of other COVID-19 vaccines.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04545749, NCT04773067, and NCT04967742.

Funding

UBI Asia, Vaxxinity Inc., and Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

[Efficacy of early interdisciplinary palliative care based on WARM model in non-small-cell lung cancer]

Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of the early interdisciplinary palliative care based on WARM model (whole, assessment, revaluation, management) on the quality of life, psychological state, pain and nutritional status in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 60 patients from Chongqing University Cancer Hospital with newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC from Oct 15, 2019 to Jun 12, 2020 were enrolled. According to the method of random number table, the patients were divided into two groups: standard oncologic care group (SC, n=30) and early palliative care group (EPC, n=30). SC group only received standard oncological care, while EPC group received standard oncological care and additional comprehensive treatment from a MDT consisted of medical oncologists, palliative care nurses, dietitians and psychologists. The quality of life [functional assessment of cancer therapy-lung (FACT-L) scale], psychological state [hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)], nutritional status [patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA)], and cancer pain status [numerical rating scale (NRS)] were observed and compared between the two groups before and after the 6 months treatment, respectively. Results: A total of 45 patients completed 6 months treatment, including 24 males and 21 females, aged 38-82 (60.5±1.7), with 23 patients in the EPC group and 22 patients in the SC group. Patients assigned to EPC group had a better quality of life than those assigned to SC group [FACT-L scale: (122.3±1.6) vs (111.8±2.1), P<0.001]. Fewer patients had anxiety and depressive symptoms in the EPC group than those in the SC group [HADS anxiety subscale: (1.1±0.3) vs (2.9±0.4), P<0.001; HADS depression subscale: (0.7±0.3) vs (3.6±0.4), P<0.001]. The PHQ-9 results showed that 100.0% (23/23) patients were free of depression in the EPC group, while 45.5% (10/22) patients were free of depression in SC group (P<0.001). Furthermore, patients in the EPC group had a better nutritional status [moderate malnutrition: 60.9% (14/23); no malnutrition: 39.1% (9/23)] than those in the SC group [severe malnutrition: 40.9% (9/22); moderate malnutrition: 50.0% (11/22); no malnutrition: 9.1% (2/22)] (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in NRS score between EPC group and SC group (P=0.140). Conclusion: Early interdisciplinary palliative care based on WARM model can improve the quality of life, psychological state and nutritional status in NSCLC patients.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of quadrivalent influenza vaccination for older adults aged 60 and above in mainland China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of government fully-funded quadrivalent influenza vaccination (QIV) program for older adults aged 60 and above in mainland China. Methods: Based on decision tree model in the previous research on the cost-effectiveness analysis of TIV immunization, we extended the structure of model and updated the key parameters such as influenza patients' healthcare seeking behavior, vaccine cost, vaccine coverage and vaccine efficacy/effectiveness to estimate influenza-associated outpatient consultations, hospitalizations, respiratory disease excess mortality and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) between the QIV and no vaccination or TIV program. And incremental cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were evaluated between the QIV and no vaccination or TIV program from the societal perspective. The time frame of the study is one year. All costs were adjusted to 2019 using the consumer price index. Results: Comparing the fully-funded QIV and no vaccination or TIV for older adults aged 60 and above is separately expected to prevent 45 070 or 2 718 influenza-associated influenza-like illness (ILI) outpatients, 21 451 or 1 294 influenza-associated severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) hospitalizations, 19 346 or 1 167 influenza-associated respiratory excess deaths and avoid 155 234 or 9 363 QALY loss each year. Compared with no vaccination, introducing QIV into National Immunization Program (NIP) is expected to increase the cost of 11.71 billion yuan from the societal perspective. The incremental cost per QALY gained between QIV and no vaccination was 75 325 yuan per QALY, which is higher than willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold (one-fold gross domestic product per capita is considered as WTP: 70 892 yuan) and means no cost effective. Introducing QIV rather than TIV into NIP will cost 7.98 billion yuan from the societal perspective and the ICER was 852.54 thousand yuan per QALY which is much higher than WTP and means no cost effective as well. The threshold of vaccination cost between QIV and no vaccination or TIV should no more than 113.41 or 6.83 yuan when the two comparators' scenarios above are all cost effective. Conclusion: Under the condition of current vaccine effectiveness and vaccine cost, comparing fully-funded QIV with no or TIV vaccination program is not cost effective for people aged 60 years or older.

Effect of Na2O and ZnO on the microstructure and properties of laser cladding derived CaO-SiO2 ceramic coatings on titanium alloys

To improve the bioactivity of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), CaO-SiO₂ coatings on titanium alloys were fabricated using laser cladding method. The effect of Na₂O and ZnO on the microstructure and properties of the prepared coatings was discussed. The microstructure of the CaO-SiO₂ coatings consists of cellular grains and cellular dendrites. The mutual diffusion of elements occurs between the coating and substrate. The base CaO-SiO₂ coating is composed of different phases including CaTiO₃, α-Ca₂(SiO₄), SiO₂, TiO₂ and CaO. The formation of CaTiO₃ in the ceramic layer was analyzed through thermodynamics. Na₂O has little influence on the microstructure, average hardness and wear resistance. When ZnO is added to the precursor, the microstructure turns to cell dendrite, and ZnO and Zn₂SiO₄ appear in the corresponding coating. The addition of ZnO reduces the average hardness and wear resistance of the ceramic layer. The in vitro soaking in SBF shows that the laser cladding coating has the ability to form an apatite layer.

[Agreement of EV-A71 neutralization assay: serial 4-fold versus 2-fold dilution comparison]

Objective: To evaluate consistency between 2-fold serial and 4-fold serial diluted neutralization tests against Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) in estimating titer, Geometric mean titer (GMT), seroprevalence, and seroincidence. Methods: Based on a prospective cohort of 1-9 years old children, mothers and infants established in Anhua County, Hunan Province, during 2013-2018, from which 92 participants with a total of 386 blood specimens were sampled and tested with a 2-fold serial dilution and a 4-fold serial dilution neutralization tests against EV-A71 at the same time. Agreement was estimated using the Bland-Altman method. Stratified analysis was conducted to estimate effect dilution approach on GMT, seroprevalence and seroincidence. Results: The mean difference (0.04, 95%CI:-0.02-0.10) between the two dilution approaches was not significant. However, the limits of agreement (LOA) (-1.12-1.21), with the 95% confidence interval of upper LOA (1.10-1.31) and of lower LOA (-1.22--1.02), significantly exceeded the Clinic accept interval (-1, 1) indicating insufficient agreement between the two approaches in practice. While the dilution approaches did not affect estimates of GMT of the total population and the positive population, and seroincidence with seroconversion only, the differences were 2, 6 and 2%, respectively (P>0.05). Estimates of seroincidence with at least 4-fold increase and seroconversion/4-fold increase were significantly higher using a 4-fold dilution neutralization test compared to the 2-fold dilution neutralization test with 8% (95%CI: 1%-12%) and 9% (95%CI: 1%-17%), respectively. Conclusion: The 2-dilution and 4-dilution neutralization tests yielded comparable results when estimating the population's GMT; however, the difference between the two is not negligible when assessing the seroincidence.

[Clinical study on bilamina cortical grafting technique for reconstruction of severely atrophic alveolar ridges in anterior maxillae]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome of the bilaminar cortical wall building grafting technique for reconstruction of vertical and horizontal alveolar ridge defects in the esthetic zone. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted between January, 2007 and December, 2015. The sample was composed of 24 patients who received bilaminar cortical wall building augmentation in the esthetic zone in Department of Fourth Clinical Division, Peking University School of Stomatology. The 24 patients (11 female and 13 male) had age of (37.8±13.4) years (20-54 years). A bone block harvested from the lateral aspect of the mandibular ramus was bisected into two cortical laminae, which were then used to reconstruct the buccal and palatal walls of an alveolar ridge defect. The inter-laminar space was filled with particulate autogenous bone and the whole graft was covered with anorganic bone graft and collagen membrane. Bone width and vertical measurements were measured at the time of surgery and reentry surgery. Integration of the graft, implant survival rates and complications were recorded. Results: Overall, 24 patients with 35 sites who were included were followed for (7.1±1.9) years. Graft integration (24/24) and implant survival rates (35/35) were determined as 100%. The average horizontal and vertical bone gain was (6.47±2.46) and (5.01±1.12) mm with resorption rates of 9.0% and 10.9%, respectively. One patient showed soft-tissue dehiscence with peri-implant mucositis were observed 9 years after surgery. More than 1.5 mm of buccal bone plate were observed using cone beam computed tomography. Conclusions: This technique was effective and reliable for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophic alveolar ridges in anterior maxillae. Autogenous graft combined with coverage by allogeneic bone graft and collagen membrane provided successful augmentation with low bone resorption.

Cognitive Enhancing Effect of High-Frequency Neuronavigated rTMS in Chronic Schizophrenia Patients With Predominant Negative Symptoms: A Double-Blind Controlled 32-Week Follow-up Study

Accumulating studies have shown that high-frequency (HF) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may improve cognitive dysfunction of the patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), but with inconsistent results. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of different frequencies of neuronavigated rTMS in ameliorating cognitive impairments and alleviating the psychotic symptoms. A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 20 Hz rTMS (n = 40), 10 Hz rTMS (n = 40), or sham stimulation (n = 40) for 8 weeks, and then followed up at week 32. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was performed to assess the cognitive functions of the patients at baseline, at the end of week 8, and week 32 follow-up. Psychotic symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at the end of week 2, week 4, week 6, week 8, and week 32 follow-up. Our results demonstrated that 20 Hz rTMS treatment produced an effective therapeutic benefit on immediate memory of patients with chronic SCZ at week 8, but not in the 10 Hz group. Interestingly, both 10 Hz and 20 Hz rTMS treatments produced delayed effects on cognitive functions at the 6-month follow-up. Moreover, in both 10 Hz rTMS and 20 Hz rTMS, the improvements in RBANS total score were positively correlated with the reduction of PANSS positive subscore at the 6-month follow-up. Stepwise regression analysis identified that the visuospatial/constructional index, immediate memory index, and prolactin at baseline were predictors for the improvement of cognitive impairments in the patients. Our results suggest that add-on HF rTMS could be an effective treatment for cognitive impairments in patients with chronic SCZ, with a delayed effect. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier-NCT03774927.

[Progress in emergence profile design for implant restorations in the esthetic area]

In the implant restoration of aesthetic area, the contour design of restoration has an important influence on the esthetic effect. The shape of subgingival portion of prosthesis, that is, the emergence profile plays an important role in aesthetic effect and health of the soft tissue. There are few studies on the contour design, indications, influencing factors of the emergence profile of the implant prosthesis. Most of the theoretical support for the contour design of implant restorations comes from the natural teeth restoration, but the design of implant and natural teeth restorations is not the same. This paper mainly reviews the design of emergence profile for implant restorations in the esthetic area, and provides and provides reference for clinical doctors.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

[Cost-effectiveness of potential government fully-funded influenza vaccination in population with diabetes in China]

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of potential government fully-funded influenza vaccination for diabetics in our country. Methods: From the societal perspective, a decision tree model was developed to compare outcomes (including impact on the influenza-related outpatient consultation, hospitalization and excess mortality, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY), as well as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER)) of a national fully-funded vaccination programme in the population with diabetes and status quo (i.e., vaccinated with out-of-pocket payment, with a uptake rate of zero), using the published data with regarding to influenza related ILI (influenza-like illness) consultation rate, hospitalization rate and excess mortality rate, health-related quality of life and economic burden, diabetes prevalence, population size, health seeking behaviour, vaccine uptake rate, vaccine efficacy/effectiveness, etc. A time horizon of 1 year was used in the present analysis, and all costs were expressed in CNY in 2016 using the consumer price index. All results are presented in M (P(25), P(75)). Results: In the scenario of 40% vaccination coverage in the population with diabetes, government fully-funded vaccination programme was estimated to cost 1.71 (1.67, 1.75) billions CNY, and expected to prevent 110 000 (81 000, 143 000) influenza-related ILI consultations, 36 000 (28 000, 44 000) influenza-related SARI hospitalizations and 12 000 (9 000, 16 000) influenza-related deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. A total of 108 000 (82 000, 142 000) QALY were estimated to be gained. The ICER was 10 088 (7 365, 14 046) CNY per QALY gained. The probability of cost-effectiveness of the fully-funded vaccination programme was 99.1% at a threshold of 53 680 CNY per QALY gained (GDP per capita in 2016). Conclusion: Government fully-funded influenza vaccination in population with diabetes is cost-effective, and thus is recommended as the key strategy of diabetes prevention and control.

[Clinical analysis of 555 outpatients with hand, foot and mouth diseases caused by different enteroviruses]

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of outpatients with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by different serotypes of enteroviruses. Methods: This was a prospective study. From February 2017 to March 2018, 563 outpatients with HFMD were enrolled by systematic sampling in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Children's Hospital. Throat swabs were collected to determine the serotypes via PCR. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected by standard questionnaire. All cases were followed up twice at 2 and 9 weeks after the initial outpatient visit through telephone interview. A total of 563 cases were enrolled and 555 (98.6%) cases were positive for human enteroviruses, including 338 (60.9%) males. Analyses were stratified by enterovirus serotypes, Chi square test or Fisher's exact test, Rank sum test was used for comparison among different groups. Results: The age of 555 cases was 24.2 (16.4, 41.3) months. Among them 44.0% (224 cases) were identified as coxsackievirus (CV)-A6, while 189 cases, 35 cases, 14 cases and 73 cases were identified as CV-A16, enterovirus (EV)-A71, CV-A10 and other serotypes, respectively. Fever (≥37.5 ℃) was present in 51.4% (285/555) of laboratory confirmed cases. The proportions of fever in cases of CV-A6 (68.9%(168/244)) and CV-A10 (12/14) were significantly higher than those in cases of CV-A16 (31.7%(60/189),χ(2)=57.344,14.313,both P=0.000), other serotypes (43.8%(32/73),χ(2)=15.101 and 8.242, P=0.000 and 0.004) and EV-A71 (37.1%(13/35), χ(2)=13.506 and 9.441, P=0.000 and 0.002) respectively. There was no significant difference between CV-A6 and CV-A10 in presentation of fever (χ(2)=1.785, P=0.182). There were 359 cases (64.7%) with eruptions in mouth, hands, feet and buttocks. Cases infected with EV-A71 had the highest proportions (74.3%(26/35)) of rash emerging simultaneously in mouth, hands, feet, and buttocks. The proportion in cases of CV-A16, CV-A6, CVA10 and other serotype were 73.5% (139/189), 61.9% (151/244), 7/14 and 49.3% (36/73), respectively. The proportion of rash on other parts of body, such as face, limbs or torso in cases infected with CV-A6 (16.8% (41/244)) was the higherest and the proportion in cases of CV-A16, EV-A71, CV-A10 or other serotypes were 8.5% (16/189) , 5.7% (2/35) , 1/14, 6.8% (5/73) , respectively. None of these cases developed serious complications. Desquamation occurred in 45.5% (179/393) cases 7.5 (5.0, 9.0) days after disease onset and 13.5% (53/393) cases showed onychomadesis 31.0 (18.0, 33.5) days after disease onset. The proportion of desquamation and onychomadesis associated with CV-A6 (64.2% (95/148) and 31.8% (47/148)) was significantly higher than CV-A16 (31.8% (49/154) and 1.3% (2/154), χ(2)=33.601 and 52.482, both P=0.000) and other serotypes (38.0%(19/50) and 6.0%(3/50),χ(2)=10.236 and 12.988, P=0.001 and 0.000). Desquamation appeared more in cases of CV-A6 than in cases of CV-A10 (2/11,χ(2)=9.386, P=0.002), with the proportion of onychomadesis higher in CV-A6 than in EV-A71 (3.3% (1/30),χ(2)=11.088, P=0.001). Conclusion: Clinical manifestation such as fever, rash emerging parts, desquamation and onychomadesis are different among outpatient HFMD cases infected with CV-A16, CV-A6, EV-A71, CV-A10 and other enteroviruses.

[Analysis of radiation workers health status in a city]

Objective: To investigate the health status of radiation workers in a city and provide evidence for the health management of radiation workers. Methods: To investigate the health status of radiation workers in a city and provide evidence for the health management of radiation workers. Results: The majority of radiation workers are engaged in diagnostic radiology, male is more than female. The abnormal rate of micronuclear (0.59‰) and chromosome aberration (0.47%) was highest in nuclear medicine workers. The abnormal rate of micronuclear and chromosome aberration was similar with interventional and diagnostic radiology. Expect for micronuclear (χ(2)=32.945, P<0.01) and chromosome aberration (χ(2)=75149.737, P<0.01) , other radiation sensitive indicators have no difference. The abnormal rate of thyroid function (18.8%) (χ(2)=12.084, P<0.01) , micronuclear (0.25‰) (χ(2)=57.359, P<0.01) , chromosome aberration (0.08%) (χ(2)=17.209, P<0.01) in group whose service length exceeding 20 years was higher than other service length groups. There is no statistical difference in other radiation sensitive indicators among different service length group. Conclusion: Long-term low doses of ionizing radiation could affect radiation worker's health, expecially radiation workers engaged in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. We must pay attention to occupaitonal health care and management to ensure radiation worker's health.

[Comparison of epidemiological characteristics of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in five countries of Asia and Africa]

Objective: To understand characteristics of demographic, seasonal and spatial distribution of H5N1 cases in major countries of Asia (Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, China) and Africa (Egypt). Methods: Through searching public data resource and published papers, we collected cases information in five countries from May 1st, 1997 to November 6th, 2017, including general characteristics, diagnosis, onset and exposure history, etc. Different characteristics of survived and death cases in different countries were described and χ(2) test was used to compare the differences among death cases and odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI value was used to compare death risk in different countries. Results: A total of 856 cases were reported in five countries with Egypt had the most cases (44.3%). The highest number of cases were reported in 2015 (18.3%). 53% cases were reported from January to March, and 96.1% of cases had the history of poultry exposure. 64.2% (43 cases) cases in China had live poultry market exposure, but the sick/dead poultry exposure was the major exposure for cases in other four countries. 452 death cases were reported in five countries, and the fatality rate was 52.8%. With Egypt as the reference group, the highest death risk was seen in Indonesia (OR (95%CI): 11.52 (7.46-17.77)), followed by Cambodia (OR (95%CI): 4.27(2.37-7.69)) and China (OR (95%CI): 2.87 (1.73-4.74)). The age distribution of death cases among 5 countries was statistically significant, and the highest fatality rate was in 15-54 years group in Egypt (83.6%, 102 cases), while in Cambodia the highest fatality rate was in 0-14 years group (76.9%, 30 cases). The highest number of deaths were reported in 2006, and 48.3% were reported from January to March. There was difference in exposure routes among 5 countries (χ(2)=43.85, P=0.001), 63.2% (24 cases) of the death cases in China had live poultry market exposure. 92.9% (79 cases), 83.3% (40 cases) and 100.0% (38 cases) death cases in Indonesia, Vietnam and Camodia had sick/dead poultry exposure, respectively;and 81.6% (31 cases) of the death cases in Egypt had backyard poultry exposure. Conclusion: The geographical distribution, seasonal age, gender, exposure matter and outcome of H5N1 cases in five countries were different.

[Strategy for prevention and control of imported infectious disease]

The process of globalization increases the risk of global transmission of infectious diseases, resulting in pressure for country's prevention and control of imported infectious disease. Based on the risk assessment of disease importation and local transmission, a strategy that conducting importation prevention and routine prevention and control before the importation of disease and taking emergency control measures after the importation of disease was developed. In addition, it is important to take part in global infectious disease response action, aid the countries with outbreak or epidemic to actively decrease the risk of disease importation.

[Hospitalization burden of hand, foot and mouth disease in Anhua county of Hunan province, 2013-2016]

Objective: To estimate the serotype and age-specific hospitalization burden associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Anhua county of Hunan province, between October 2013 and September 2016. Methods: We collected hospitalization records of HFMD patients from 6 virological surveillance hospitals, and reimbursement records through new rural cooperative medical system from 23 township health centers to estimate the age-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua. Combined with the results of virological surveillance, the serotype-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua, was estimated. Results: During the three years, it was estimated that 3 541 clinical diagnosed HFMD cases, including 3 146 laboratory-confirmed HFMD cases, were hospitalized in Anhua, but only one was diaguosed as being severe. The estimated average hospitalization rate was 723/100 000(95%CI: 699/100 000-747/100 000) for clinical diagnosed HFMD and 642/100 000 (95%CI: 620/100 000-665/100 000) for laboratory-confirmed HFMD between October 2013 and September 2016. The cases caused by Cox A16 (208/100 000) and Cox A6 (202/100 000) had higher hospitalization rates compared with the cases caused by EV71 (130/100 000), Cox A10 (38/100 000) and other enterovirus (64/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). HFMD-associated hospitalization rates peaked in children aged 1 year (3 845/100 000), and then decreased with age. Compared with the hospitalized HFMD caused by EV71 and Cox A16, Cox A6-associated hospitalizations mainly occurred in younger age groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed a substantial hospitalization burden associated with mild HFMD caused by EV71, Cox A16, Cox A6 and Cox A10, especially in young children, in Anhua.

[Analysis of risk factors of 19 fractured implants]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and possible risk factors of 19 fractured implants out of 8 468 implants in 3 184 cases. Methods: During the 22-year clinical practice, clinical records of 18 patients with 19 fractured implants in 3 184 cases with 8 468 implants were analyzed to determine the following factors: location of the fractured implants, prosthodontics option, date of implant fracture, dimensions of fractured implants, complications prior to implant fracture and parafunctional habit. An evaluation of fractured implants was performed to identify possible factors that may predispose an implant to a higher risk of fracture. Results: Overall, the average duration of service of the implants was (7.0±4.5) years. Implant fracture occurred in 7 Camlog implants, 7 Nobel replace implants, 3 Ankylos implants and 2 Brånemark implants. No Thommen implant fractures were recorded. Amongst the 19 fractured implants, 8 occurred at the thinnest wall portion of the implant neck, 8 at the end of screw and 3 at the self-tapping thread region. All fractures were observed after functional loading. Furthermore, 9/19 (47.4%) of fractures occurred in the maxilla, indicating similar incidence rates in both arches (P=0.065). Most of fractures (16/19) occurred in the molar region and 18/19 in single implant-supported restorations. Totally 17 cases had received metal occlusal restorations. In 6 cases (35.5%), previous bone destruction apically extending to the level of implant fracture was documented before any clinical signs of fracture. Three fractured implants were removed and simultaneously re-implanted with larger-diameter implants, while the rest of the cases were left to heal, followed by a second-stage surgery. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this analysis, the study demonstrated that appropriate implant-abutment connection design, implant diameter, prosthetic strategy and bone resorption are crucial to the long-term performance of implants. There is no significant difference of fractures rates in both archs.

[Clinical evaluation of socket shield technique in maxillary anterior region]

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcome of socket shield technique in maxillary anterior region. Methods: Nine patients were treated with socket shield technique in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from February 2012 to December 2015 were enrolled in this study. Ten implants were placed and restored immediately. After 12-48 months' follow-up (averaged 32 months), the peri-implant hard and soft tissue were clinically evaluated. Results: No implants were lost during the observation period, resulting a cumulate 32-month survival. The pink esthetic score (PES) was 13.5. Mesial and distal bone loss were 0.17 mm and 0.22 mm respectively. Conclusions: To achieve good esthetic results, socket shield technique may be an option for maxillary anterior region immediate implant placement.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

The association of fruit and vegetable consumption with changes in weight and body mass index in Chinese adults: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Findings regarding the benefits of fruit and vegetables (FV) on weight control are inconsistent and little is known among Chinese populations. Therefore, we examined the relationship between change in FV consumption, weight, and change in body mass index (BMI) among Chinese adults, participants of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Two waves of CHNS conducted in 2006 and 2011 were used. Continuous FV consumption increase was considered as the exposure and changes in weight and BMI as outcomes. Change in FV consumption was categorized into quintiles. Analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression models, after controlling for potential confounders such as energy intake, physical activity, and smoking, were used to describe the relationship between change in FV consumption and change in weight and BMI.

RESULTS

A total of 4357 participants aged 18-65 years were included in this study. The respective weight and BMI gains in male individuals were 1.81 kg and 0.73 kg/m² in the fifth quintile of FV change relative to individuals in the first quintile (3.67 kg for weight gain and 1.48 kg/m² for BMI gain). An increase in FV consumption by 100 g was associated with a 211 g weight loss (B = -2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.34, -0.89, P < 0.001) and a decrease in BMI by 0.94 kg/m² (B = -0.94; 95% CI, -1.36, -0.46, P < 0.001) in men; and a 140 g weight loss (B = -0.14; 95% CI, -0.97, 0.69, P = 0.74) and a decrease in BMI by 0.29 kg/m² BMI (B = -0.29; 95% CI, -0.63, 0.06, P = 0.11) in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase in FV consumption was associated with statistically significant weight loss and decrease in BMI among Chinese men, and, although suggested, weight loss among women was not significant. Considering the protective effect of FV on human health, increasing FV consumption in the Chinese population is recommended.

[Analysis on the epidemiological features of human brucellosis in northern and southern areas of China, 2015-2016]

Different epidemiological features of human brucellosis appeared in both northern and southern areas of China. The disease was seen endemic in the northern and dispersal in the southern provinces. Appropriate strategies for brucellosis prevention and control should be developed, according to the different epidemiological characteristics in the northern or southern areas.

Association between obesity phenotypes and incident hypertension among Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between obesity phenotype and the risk of hypertension among Chinese adults.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Two waves of data were collected in 2009 and 2011 by the China Health Nutrition Survey. According to International Diabetes Federation and Chinese obesity criteria, participants were divided into four groups: metabolically healthy non-overweight/obesity (MHNO), metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO), metabolically abnormal non-overweight/obesity (MANO), and metabolically abnormal overweight/obesity (MAO). Logistic regression model was performed to estimate the risk of hypertension with obesity phenotype.

RESULTS

Among a total of 4604 adults aged 18-65 years at baseline, 467 developed hypertension during the 2-year follow-up period. After adjusting for several potential confounders, significantly increased risks for hypertension were found for participants in MHO (odd ratio [OR]: 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-2.27), MANO (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02-2.86), and MAO (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 2.54-4.42) group compared with the MHNO group.

CONCLUSION

Metabolically abnormal individuals, regardless of their body weight status, showed significantly higher risks for hypertension compared with healthy non-overweight/obese group. Furthermore, MHO individuals had significantly increased risk of incident hypertension.

Autotransplantation of third molars with completely formed roots into surgically created sockets and fresh extraction sockets: a 10-year comparative study

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the long-term clinical outcomes of mature third molar autotransplantation in surgically created sockets and fresh extraction sockets with regard to survival and functional success rates. A total of 65 third molars with completely formed roots were autotransplanted in 60 patients (average age 33.1 years). Thirty-six of the teeth were autotransplanted into surgically created sockets with or without guided bone regeneration (GBR; delayed autotransplantation), while 29 were autotransplanted into fresh extraction sockets (immediate autotransplantation; control group). All patients underwent annual clinical and radiographic examinations (average follow-up 9.9 years, range 7-13 years). The survival rates for the control, GBR, and no GBR groups were 93.1%, 95.2%, and 80.0%, respectively, with no significant differences among the groups. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups with regard to the frequency of inflammatory root resorption or root ankylosis. Age did not influence the clinical outcomes. These results suggest that the autotransplantation of third molars with completely formed roots is effective in both surgically created and fresh extraction sockets and provides a high long-term success rate if cases are selected and treated appropriately.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Hyporhamphus sajori (Beloniformes: Hemiramphidae) inferred from mtDNA control region and msDNA markers

This paper presents preliminary data on the genetic diversity and population structure of Hyporhamphus sajori by analysing a 510 bp sequence in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and eight polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci. The H. sajori individuals from different locations were indistinguishable from one another based on mtDNA variation, as demonstrated with a neighbour-joining tree and minimum spanning network analysis. Low level of genetic diversity and the absence of population structure in H. sajori from the north-west Pacific Ocean, combined with negative indices for neutral evolution in these populations, suggest that H. sajori underwent a population expansion after a recent bottleneck. The Structure analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and the pair-wise Φ_ST values after Bonferroni correction using eight microsatellite loci provided no clear inference on the genetic differentiation and thus no evidence of population structure of H. sajori. The genetic connectivity among locations might be due to fairly high gene flow via transport of eggs and larvae by the Kuroshio and Tsushima warm current. This study revealed low levels of genetic diversity and suggested high level of contemporary gene flow among populations of H. sajori in the East (Japan) Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Evaluation of Quantitative Computed Tomography Cortical Hip Quadrant in a Clinical Trial With Rosiglitazone: A Potential New Study Endpoint

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measurements have been used extensively to ascertain information about bone quality and density due to the 3-dimensional information provided and the ability to segment out trabecular and cortical bones. QCT imaging helps to improve our understanding of the role that each bone compartment plays in the pathogenesis and prognosis of fracture. This study was conducted to explore longitudinal changes in femoral neck (FN) cortical bone structure using both volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and cortical shell thickness assessments via QCT in a double-blind, randomized, multicenter clinical trial in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study also examined whether treatment-associated changes in the cortical bone vBMD and thickness in femoral neck quadrants could be evaluated. Subjects were randomized to rosiglitazone (RSG) or metformin (MET) for 52 wk followed by 24 wk of open-label MET. A subset of 87 subjects underwent QCT scans of the hip at baseline, after 52 wk of double-blind treatment, and after 24 wk of treatment with MET using standard full-body computed tomography scanners. All scans were evaluated and analyzed centrally. Cortical vBMD at the FN was precisely segmented from trabecular bone and used to assess a possible therapeutic effect on this bone compartment. QCT analysis showed reductions in adjusted mean percentage change in vBMD and in absolute cortical thickness occurred with RSG treatment from baseline to week 52, whereas changes with MET were generally minimal. The reductions observed during RSG treatment for 1 yr appeared to partially reverse during the open-label MET phase from weeks 52 to 76. The femoral neck quadrant may provide utility as a potential endpoint in clinical trials for the understanding of the therapeutic effect of new entities on cortical bone vs trabecular bone; however, further clinical validation is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol (GSK study number AVD111179) was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00679939.

[Technical guideline for human rabies prevention and control (2016)]

In order to promote the prevention and control programs on rabies in our country, to regulate the prevention and disposition of rabies and to reduce the deaths caused by rabies, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has organized a panel of experts, in the reference with Guidelines issued by WHO, American Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the latest research progress from home and abroad, and compiled this document-"Technical Guidelines for Human Rabies Prevention and Control (2016)". The Guidelines conducted a systematic review on the etiology, clinical characteristics, laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology of rabies and provided evidence on varieties, mechanisms, effects, side-effects and security of rabies vaccine, as well as on other preparations on passive immunity of its kind, on methods related to prevention and disposition of exposure etc, finally to have come up with the recommendation on the above mentioned various techniques. The guidelines will be used by staff working on prevention and control of rabies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at all levels, from the departments of outpatient and divisions of infection and emergency control in all the medical institutions. The guideline will be updated and revised, following the research progress from home and abroad.

[Chromosome aberration and micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes in radiation workers]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate chromosome aberration and micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes in workers engaged in radiation for a long time, to reduce occupational hazard caused by ionizing radiation, and to further strengthen health surveillance.

METHODS

A total of 366 members of medical staff engaged in radiation work who underwent physical examinations in Hangzhou Hospital of Prevention and Treatment of Occupation Diseases from 2014 to 2015 were enrolled as radiation group, consisting of staff engaged in X-ray diagnosis, diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy, and interventional radiology. Another 100 members of medical staff without exposure to radiation were enrolled as control group. Whole blood culture was used to measure chromosome aberration and micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

RESULTS

The radiation group had a significantly higher rate of chromosome aberration than the control group (0.30% vs 0.09% , χ(2)= 13.43, P<0.01), as well as a significantly higher micronucleus frequency than the control group (2.09‰ vs 0.08‰, χ(2)=74.4, P<0.01). The abnormal rates of chromosome aberration and micronucleus showed no significant differences across radiation workers with different working years (P>0.05). The staff engaged in X-ray diagnosis, diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy, and interventional radiology had rates of chromosome aberration of 0.25%, 0.25%, 0.23%, and 0.41%, respectively, which showed a significant difference between the staff at these four posts (χ(2)=8.22, P<0.05); the micronucleus frequencies in the staff at these four posts were 1.36‰, 1.28‰, 1.14‰, and 3.79‰, respectively, and showed a significant difference between the staff at these four posts (χ(2)=251.09, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Radiation workers are exposed to lowdose ionizing radiation for a long time, which may cause significant increases in the rate of chromosome aberration and micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

A DXA Whole Body Composition Cross-Calibration Experience: Evaluation With Humans, Spine, and Whole Body Phantoms

New densitometer installation requires cross-calibration for accurate longitudinal assessment. When replacing a unit with the same model, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry recommends cross-calibrating by scanning phantoms 10 times on each instrument and states that spine bone mineral density (BMD) should be within 1%, whereas total body lean, fat, and %fat mass should be within 2% of the prior instrument. However, there is limited validation that these recommendations provide adequate total body cross-calibration. Here, we report a total body cross-calibration experience with phantoms and humans. Cross-calibration between an existing and new Lunar iDXA was performed using 3 encapsulated spine phantoms (GE [GE Lunar, Madison, WI], BioClinica [BioClinica Inc, Princeton, NJ], and Hologic [Hologic Inc, Bedford, MA]), 1 total body composition phantom (BioClinica), and 30 human volunteers. Thirty scans of each phantom and a total body scan of human volunteers were obtained on each instrument. All spine phantom BMD means were similar (within 1%; <-0.010 g/cm2 bias) between the existing and new dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry unit. The BioClinica body composition phantom (BBCP) BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) values were within 2% with biases of 0.005 g/cm2 and -3.4 g. However, lean and fat mass and %fat differed by 4.6%-7.7% with biases of +463 g, -496 g, and -2.8%, respectively. In vivo comparison supported BBCP data; BMD and BMC were within ∼2%, but lean and fat mass and %fat differed from 1.6% to 4.9% with biases of +833 g, -860 g, and -1.1%. As all body composition comparisons exceeded the recommended 2%, the new densitometer was recalibrated. After recalibration, in vivo bias was lower (<0.05%) for lean and fat; -23 and -5 g, respectively. Similarly, BBCP lean and fat agreement improved. In conclusion, the BBCP behaves similarly, but not identical, to human in vivo measurements for densitometer cross-calibration. Spine phantoms, despite good BMD and BMC agreement, did not detect substantial lean and fat differences observed using BBCP and in vivo assessments. Consequently, spine phantoms are inadequate for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry whole body composition cross-calibration.

Marker-assisted selection in breeding silkworm strains with high tolerance to fluoride, scaleless wings, and high silk production

In the silkworm (Bombyx mori), tolerance to fluoride and scaleless wings are controlled by the dominant gene Dtf (dominant tolerance to fluoride) and recessive gene nlw (no Lepidoptera wings), respectively, and these genes have been mapped by using simple sequence repeat and sequence tag site markers. Marker-assisted evaluation and selection of silkworms with fluoride tolerance and scaleless wings were used for predicting fluoride resistance and scaleless wings in backcrossed animals. A silkworm strain was bred using this method, and its economic characteristics were found to be similar to those of commercial silkworms. These methods will therefore be useful for silkworm breeding programs and in screening for two or more characteristics of interest for segregating populations.

Electroacupuncture decreases the urinary bladder pressure in patients with acute gastrointestinal injury

The present study investigates the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on urinary bladder pressure (UBP) in patients with acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI). Twenty patients with AGI admitted to the First Hospital of Jiaxing intensive care unit from December 2011 to June 2013 were evaluated. Conventional group patients (n = 10) were administered moderate enteral nutritional support, and electroacupuncture group patients (n = 10) were administered enteral nutritional support followed by EA at bilateral Zusanli (ST-36), Shangjuxu (ST-37), Hegu (LI-4), and QuChi (LI-11) acupoints. UBP was then measured every 6 h and the serum creatinine once daily for 7 days. There were no statistically significant patient demographic differences in the study groups (P > 0.05). The initial UBP of both patient groups was ≥12 mmHg. On days 6 and 7, the UBP significantly decreased in the EA group compared to the conventional group (P < 0.05). The serum creatinine concentration on day 7 was significantly lower in the EA group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05). Based on these results, electroacupuncture contributed to gastrointestinal motility recovery in patients with AGI. This procedure may reduce UBP and provide organ-protective effects in AGI patients.

Rapid-onset antidepressant action of ketamine: potential revolution in understanding and future pharmacologic treatment of depression

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The current pharmacotherapeutic treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) generally takes weeks to be effective. As the molecular action of these drugs is immediate, the mechanistic basis for this lag is unclear. A drug that has a more rapid onset of action would be a major therapeutic advance and also be a useful comparator to provide valuable mechanistic insight into the disorder and its treatment.

COMMENT

Recent evidence suggests that ketamine produces rapid-onset antidepressant action. Important questions are as follows: is it specific or coincidental to other effects; is there a dose-response relationship; and is the mechanism related to that of current antidepressants. NMDA receptor antagonism is unlikely the explanation for ketamine's antidepressant action.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

It is not an exaggeration to state that the new findings, if validated, might produce a revolution in understanding and treating depressive disorders.

Central endoscopy reads in inflammatory bowel disease clinical trials: The role of the imaging core lab

Clinical trials in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are evolving at a rapid pace by employing central reading for endoscopic mucosal assessment in a field that was, historically, largely based on assessments by local physicians. This transition from local to central reading carries with it numerous technical, operational, and scientific challenges, many of which can be resolved by imaging core laboratories (ICLs), a concept that has a longer history in clinical trials in a number of diseases outside the realm of gastroenterology. For IBD trials, ICLs have the dual goals of providing objective, consistent assessments of endoscopic findings using central-reading paradigms whilst providing important expertise with regard to operational issues and regulatory expectations. This review focuses on current approaches to using ICLs for central endoscopic reading in IBD trials.

CTC1 increases the radioresistance of human melanoma cells by inhibiting telomere shortening and apoptosis

Melanoma has traditionally been viewed as a radioresistant cancer. However, recent studies suggest that under certain clinical circumstances, radiotherapy may play a significant role in the treatment of melanoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that telomere length is a hallmark of radiosensitivity. The newly discovered mammalian CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex has been demonstrated to be an important telomere maintenance factor. In this study, by establishing a radiosensitive/radioresistant human melanoma cell model, MDA-MB-435/MDA-MB-435R, we aimed to investigate the association of CTC1 expression with radiosensitivity in human melanoma cell lines, and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. We found that CTC1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly increased in the MDA-MB-435R cells compared with the MDA-MB-435 cells. Moreover, the downregulation of CTC1 enhanced radiosensitivity, induced DNA damage and promoted telomere shortening and apoptosis in both cell lines. Taken together, our findings suggest that CTC1 increases the radioresistance of human melanoma cells by inhibiting telomere shortening and apoptosis. Thus, CTC1 may be an attractive target gene for the treatment of human melanoma.

Lipomembranous changes associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

Lipomembranous changes are distinctive histopathological findings, which include the presence of cystic cavities lined by crenulated, hyaline membranes in adipose tissue. It is likely that ischaemia is fundamental to the development of these lesions, and that lipomembranes are formed from the products of degenerating fat cell membranes by some unknown mechanism. Such changes may be seen, although rarely, in many types of subcutaneous inflammatory processes. However, an association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rare. We report a patient with SLE who had the histological features of lipomembranous changes associated with vasculopathy.