[Clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand. Methods: This study was a retrospective non-randomized controlled study. From February 2015 to February 2023, 24 patients (15 males and 9 females, aged 12-55 years) with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand, who met the inclusion criteria and were repaired with flap transplantation and tendon grafting or tendon anastomosis, were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to different intervention time for postoperative rehabilitation treatment of patients, the patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group and early rehabilitation group, with 12 cases in each group. Patients in early rehabilitation group received rehabilitation treatment immediately after surgery under the rehabilitation guidance of specialized rehabilitation physicians based on the characteristics of different postoperative periods. Patients in conventional rehabilitation group began rehabilitation treatment from the third week after surgery, and their rehabilitation treatment was the same as that of patients in early rehabilitation group from the second week after surgery. The patients in 2 groups were treated in the hospital until the sixth week after surgery. The occurrence of flap vascular crisis and tendon rupture were observed within 6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks of surgery, the manual muscle test was used to measure the pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, and grip force of the affected hand; the total action motion method was used to evaluate the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand, and the excellent and good ratio was calculated; the Carroll upper extremity function test was used to score and rate the function of the affected hand. Results: Within 6 weeks after surgery, only 1 patient in conventional rehabilitation group suffered from venous crisis, and the flap survived after the second surgical exploration and anastomosis of blood vessels; there was no occurrence of tendon rupture in patients of 2 groups. After 6 weeks of surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, or grip force of the affected hand between the two groups of patients (P>0.05); the excellent and good ratio of the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was 11/12, which was higher than 7/12 in conventional rehabilitation group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05); the affected hand function score of patients in early rehabilitation group was 90±6, which was significantly higher than 83±8 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=2.41, P<0.05); the function rating of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was obviously better than that in conventional rehabilitation group (Z=2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions: Early rehabilitation treatment for patients with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand after repair surgery can improve hand function, but it would not increase surgery related complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

[Comparison of short-term safety of two anastomotic techniques when resecting Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: a multicenter retrospective cohort study]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the short-term safety of two digestive tract reconstruction techniques, laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted end-to-side anastomosis, following radical resection of Siewert Type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed relevant clinical data of 139 patients who had undergone radical surgery for Siewert Type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. These included 89 patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from November 2021 to July 2023, 36 patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from December 2020 to June 2021, and 14 patients treated at the Yuncheng Central Hospital in Shanxi Province from September 2021 to November 2022. The group consisted of 107 men (77.0%) and 32 women (23.0%) of mean age 62.5±9.3 years. Forty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis (overlap group), and 91 laparoscopic-assisted end-to-side anastomosis (end-to-side group). Clinical data, surgical information, pathological findings, postoperative recovery, and related complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in general clinical data between the overlap and end-to-side anastomosis groups (all P>0.05), indicating comparability. There was no significant difference in operation time (267.2±60.1 minutes vs. 262.8±70.6 minutes, t=0.370, P=0.712). However, the intraoperative blood loss in the overlap group (100 [50, 100] mL) was significantly lower compared to the end-to-side group (100[50, 175] mL, Z=2.776, P=0.005). Compared to the end-to-side group, longer distances between the tumor and distal resection margin proximal(1.7±1.0 cm vs. 1.3±0.9 cm, t=2.487, P=0.014) and the tumor and distal resection margin (9.5±2.9 cm vs. 7.9±3.5 cm, t=2.667, P=0.009) were achieved in the overlap group. Compared with the end-to-side group, the overlap group achieved significantly earlier postoperative ambulation (1.0 [1.0, 2.0] days vs. 2.0 [1.0, 3.0] days, Z=3.117, P=0.002), earlier time to first drink (4.7±2.6 days vs. 6.2±3.0 days, t=2.851, P=0.005), and earlier time to first meal (6.0±2.7 days vs. 7.1±3.0 days, t=2.170, P=0.032). However, the hospitalization costs were higher in the overlap group (113, 105.5±37, 766.3) yuan vs. (97, 250.2±27, 746.9) yuan; this difference is significant (t=2.818, P=0.006). There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative hospital stay, total number of lymph nodes cleared, or time to first postoperative flatus (all P>0.05). The incidence of surgery-related complications was 22.9%(11/48) in the overlap group and 19.8% (18/91) in the end-to-side group; this difference is not significant (χ²=0.187, P=0.831). Further comparison of complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification also showed no significant differences (Z=0.406, P=0.685). Conclusions: Both laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted end-to-side anastomosis are feasible for radical surgery for Siewert Type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis achieves longer proximal and distal resection margins and better postoperative recovery; however, end-to-side anastomosis is more cost-effective.

[A randomized controlled trial on the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns]

Objective: To explore the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January 2021 to January 2023, 60 elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group (30 cases, 17 males and 13 females, aged (65±3) years) and combined rehabilitation group (30 cases, 16 males and 14 females, aged (64±3) years) according to the random number table. For patients in both groups, the red-light treatment was started after the lower limb wounds healed or when the total area of scattered residual wounds was less than 1% of the total body surface area. After 2 weeks of red-light treatment, the patients in conventional rehabilitation group were given conventional rehabilitation treatments, including joint stretching, resistance, and balance training; in addition to conventional rehabilitation treatments, the patients in combined rehabilitation group were given exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode three times a week, mainly including dumbbell press, Bobath ball horizontal support, and high-level pulldown trainings. The training time for patients in both groups was 12 weeks. Before training (after 2 weeks of red-light treatment) and after 12 weeks of training, the upper limb and lower limb motor functions of the patients were evaluated using the simple Fugl-Meyer scale, the physical fitness of patients was evaluated using the simple physical fitness scale, and the patient's risk of falling was evaluated by the time consumed for the timed up and go test. The adverse events of patients that occurred during training were recorded. After 12 weeks of training, a self-designed satisfaction survey was conducted to investigate patients' satisfaction with the training effect. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and chi-square test. Results: Before training, the scores of upper limb and lower limb motor functions of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the scores of upper limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -11.42 and -13.67, respectively, P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The score of lower limb motor function of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 28.9±2.6, which was significantly higher than 26.3±2.6 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=-3.90, P<0.05), and the scores of lower limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -4.14 and -6.94, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, the individual and total scores of physical fitness of patients between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those before training (with Z values of -4.38, -3.55, -3.88, -4.65, -4.58, -4.68, -4.42, and -4.48, respectively, P<0.05), and the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those in conventional rehabilitation group (with Z values of -3.93, -3.41, -3.19, and -5.33, P<0.05). Before training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in the two groups was close (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in combined rehabilitation group was (28.0±2.1) s, which was significantly shorter than (30.5±1.8) s in conventional rehabilitation group (t=4.94, P<0.05). Moreover, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in both conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group was significantly shorter than that before training (with t values of 14.80 and 15.86, respectively, P<0.05). During the training period, no adverse events such as muscle tissue strain, edema, or falling occurred in any patient. After 12 weeks of training, the satisfaction score of patients with the training effect in combined rehabilitation group was 13.5±1.2, which was significantly higher than 8.5±1.4 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=21.78, P<0.05). Conclusions: The exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode can significantly promote the recovery of lower limb motor function and physical fitness of elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns, and effectively reduce the patient's risk of falling without causing adverse events during the training period, resulting in patient's high satisfaction with the training effect.

[Clinical analysis of adult oculomoclonus-myoclonus syndrome with vertigo]

The clinical manifestation, physical and laboratory examination, electrophysiological, and imaging data of 2 female adult OMS patients with vertigo were analyzed at the Department of Neurology of the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from February 2021 to March 2022. The treatment strategy and clinical outcome were followed up. The two female patients were aged 42 and 66 years. Anti-NMDA receptor antibody and anti-GABAB receptor antibody were detected in serological screening, respectively. The two patients met the diagnostic criteria for OMS, and one was screened for breast tumor. The clinical symptoms of the two patients were relieved after immunomodulation therapy. OMS is a group of rare clinical syndromes; its clinical evaluation process should be standardized and the etiology should be actively searched for.

[Morphological changes of upper airway in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion after bimaxillary surgery and correlation analysis]

PURPOSE

To analyze the morphological changes of the upper airway and related influencing factors in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion after bimaxillary surgery.

METHODS

Twenty skeletal Class Ⅲ patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy(BSSRO) for maxillary advancement and mandibular setback were selected. The patients received CT scans before(T0) and 3-6 months after surgery, and the images were reconstructed three-dimensionally with Dolphin Imaging 11.9 software. Changes in the volume, cross-sectional area, and landmarks of each soft and hard tissue of the airway were measured. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 25.0 software package.

RESULTS

The volume of nasopharyngeal airway increased after operation (P＜0.05), and the volume of oropharyngeal airway decreased significantly(P＜0.01). The cross-sectional area of the airway at the plane of the second cervical vertebra was significantly decreased (P＜0.01), and the coronal and sagittal diameters were decreased(P＜0.05). The change of nasopharyngeal airway volume was moderately positively correlated with the sagittal change of the posterior nasal spine (r=0.460, P＜0.05), and the change of oropharynx and laryngopharyngeal airway volume was positively correlated with the vertical change of the midpoint of the soft palate(r=0.496, 0.696, P＜0.05). The airway cross-sectional area in the second and third cervical vertebra planes and the sagittal diameter of the airway in the third cervical vertebra plane were positively correlated with the vertical changes of the midpoint of the soft palate(r=0.474, 0.629, 0.547, P＜0.05). The change of airway cross-sectional area at the third cervical vertebra plane was moderately negatively correlated with the change of mandibular plane angle(r=-0.536, P＜0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The volume and cross-sectional area of oropharyngeal airway in skeletal Class Ⅲ patients after bimaxillary surgery will decrease. However, the total upper airway volume doesn't change significantly. The changes in the upper airway are correlated with the changes in some soft and hard tissue landmarks.

[Construction of a dual fluorescent reporter system for tracing horizontal transfer of mcr-1-carrying plasmid]

The green fluorescent reporter gene was inserted into the gene interval of polymyxin resistant mcr-1-carrying plasmid (pSH13G841) by homologous recombination of suicide plasmid. At the same time, E. coli J53 with red fluorescent reporter gene was constructed. Using the ability of spontaneous conjugation of drug resistant plasmid (pSH13G841), pSH13G841-GFP plasmid was transferred into J53 RFP bacteria to construct a double fluorescent labeled donor bacterium. The two light-emitting systems could stably and spontaneously express fluorescence without mutual interference. The dual fluorescence report system constructed can be used for visual tracing horizontal transfer of mcr-1-carrying plasmid, the subsequent model can study the colonization, transfer and prognosis of drug-resistant bacteria/drug-resistant genes mcr-1 by using mouse in vivo imaging technology.

[Analysis of the clinical characteristics of 25 cases with parenchymal neuro-Behcet's disease]

Objective: To retrospectively investigate the clinical data, radiological characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with parenchymal neuro-Behcet's disease (P-NBD) with particular emphasis on dizziness. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of clinical data from 25 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of P-NBD who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between 2010 and 2022. The median age of the population was 37 years (range: 17-85 years). Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed, including gender, age of onset, disease duration, clinical manifestations, serum immune indicators, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) routine biochemical and cytokine levels, cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment, and outcome. Results: The majority of patients were male (16 cases; 64.0%), the mean age of onset was (28±14) (range: 4-58 years), and the disease course was acute or subacute. Fever was the most common clinical presentation, and the complaint of dizziness was not uncommon (8/25 patients). Analysis of serum immune indices, including complement (C3 and C4), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrotic factor-alpha were abnormal in 80.0% of patients (20/25). Most of the 16/25 patients who underwent lumbar puncture tests had normal intracranial pressure and increased CSF white cell count and protein [median values were 44 (15-380) ×10⁶/L and 0.73 (0.49-2.81) g/L, respectively]. Of the five patients who underwent CSF cytokine tests, four patients had abnormal results; of these, an elevated level of IL-6 was most common, followed by IL-1 and IL-8. The most common site of involvement in cranial MRI was the brainstem and basal ganglia (60.0% respectively), followed by white matter (48.0%) and the cortex (44.0%). Nine cases (36.0%) showed lesions with enhancement and six cases (24.0%) showed mass-like lesions. Three patients (12.0%) patients had lesions in the spinal cord, most frequently in the thoracic cord. All patients received immunological intervention therapy; during follow up, the majority had a favorable outcome. Conclusions: P-NBD is an autoimmune disease with multiple system involvement and diverse clinical manifestations. The symptom of dizziness is not uncommon and can be easily ignored. Early treatment with immunotherapy is important and can improve the outcome of these patients.

[The efficacy and safety of intravenous sucrose iron therapy for recurrent iron deficiency anemia]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron supplementation in patients with recurrent iron deficiency anemia (IDA) . Methods: This retrospective analysis of 90 patients with recurrent IDA from May 2012 to December 2021 was conducted, comparing the efficacy and safety of the intravenous iron therapy group and the oral iron therapy group. Results: Among the 90 patients with recurrent IDA, 20 were males and 70 were females, with a median age of 40 (range: 14-85) years. A total of 60 patients received intravenous iron supplementation and 30 received oral iron supplementation. The hematologic response rates in the intravenous iron group were significantly higher than those in the oral iron group at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment [80.0% (48/60) vs 3.3% (1/30) and 96.7% (58/60) vs 46.7% (14/30), all P<0.001, respectively]. The median increase in hemoglobin levels was also significantly higher in the intravenous iron group than in the oral iron group [38 (4, 66) g/L vs 7 (1, 22) g/L at week 4 and 44.5 (18, 80) g/L vs 19 (3, 53) g/L at week 8, all P<0.001]. The intravenous iron group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who achieved normal hemoglobin levels than the oral iron group (55.0% vs 0 and 90% vs 43.3%, all P<0.001, respectively). Iron metabolism indicators were tested before and after 8 weeks of treatment in 26 and 7 patients in the intravenous and oral iron groups, respectively. The median increase in serum ferritin (SF) levels in the intravenous iron group 8 weeks after treatment was 113.7 (49.7, 413.5) μg/L, and 54% (14/26) of these patients had SF levels of ≥100 μg/L, which was significantly higher than the median increase in SF levels in the oral iron group [14.0 (5.8, 84.2) μg/L, t=4.760, P<0.001] and the proportion of patients with SF levels of ≥100 μg/L (P=0.013). The incidence of adverse reactions was 3.3% (2/60) in the intravenous iron group, which was significantly lower than that in the oral iron group [20.0% (6/30), P=0.015]. Conclusion: Intravenous iron supplementation is more effective for hematologic response, faster hemoglobin increase, and higher iron storage replenishment rates compared with oral iron supplementation in patients with recurrent IDA, and it is well tolerated by patients.

[Analysis of the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal surgery for sinonasal and skull base adenoid cystic carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal surgery for sinonasal and skull base adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and to analyze the prognostic factors. Methods: Data of 82 patients (43 females and 39 males, at a median age of 49 years old) with sinonasal and skull base ACC who were admitted to XuanWu Hospital, Capital Medical University between June 2007 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were staged according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition. The disease overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results: There were 4 patients with stage Ⅱ, 14 patients with stage Ⅲ, and 64 patients with stage Ⅳ. The treatment strategies included purely endoscopic surgery (n=42), endoscopic surgery plus radiotherapy (n=32) and endoscopic surgery plus radiochemotherapy (n=8). Followed up for 8 to 177 months, the 5-year OS and DFS rates was 63.0% and 51.6%, respectively. The 10-year OS and DFS rates was 51.2% and 31.8%, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that late T stage and internal carotid artery (ICA) involvement were the independent prognostic factors for survival in sinonasal and skull base ACC (all P<0.05). The OS of patients who received surgery or surgery plus radiotherapy was significantly higher than that of patients who received surgery plus radiochemotherapy (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Endoscopic transonasal surgery or combing with radiotherapy is an effective procedure for the treatment of sinonasal and skull base ACC. Late T stage and ICA involvement indicate poor prognosis.

[Exploration of family rehabilitation model for children with scar contracture after hand burns]

Objective: To explore the family rehabilitation model for children with scar contracture after hand burns and observe its efficacy. Methods: A retrospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. From March 2020 to March 2021, 30 children with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burns of hands, who met the inclusion criteria, were hospitalized in the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to the rehabilitation model adopted, 18 children (23 affected hands) were included in a group mainly treated by family rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as family rehabilitation group), and 12 children (15 affected hands) were included in another group mainly treated by hospital rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as hospital rehabilitation group). In the former group, there were 11 males and 7 females, aged (4.8±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (3.1±0.8) d after wound healing; in the latter group, there were 7 males and 5 females, aged (4.6±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (2.8±0.7) d after wound healing. The children in hospital rehabilitation group mainly received active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, supplemented by independent rehabilitation training after returning home; after 1-2 weeks of active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, the children in family rehabilitation group received active and passive rehabilitation training at home under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists through WeChat platform. Both groups of children were treated for 6 months. During the treatment, they wore pressure gloves and used hand flexion training belts and finger splitting braces. Before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, the modified Vancouver scar scale, the total active movement of the hand method, and Carroll quantitative test of upper extremity function were used to score/rate the scar of the affected hand (with the difference of scar score between before treatment and after treatment being calculated), the joint range of motion (with excellent and good ratio being calculated), and the function of the affected limb, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, equivalence test, Fisher's exact probability test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The differences of scar scores of the affected hands of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group between after 6 months of treatment and those before treatment were 3.0 (2.0, 7.0) and 3.0 (2.0, 8.0) respectively (with 95% confidence interval of 2.37-5.38 and 1.95-5.91). The 95% confidence interval of the difference between the differences of the two groups was -2.43-2.21, which was within the equivalent boundary value of -3-3 (P<0.05). The excellent and good ratios of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group were 3/23 and 2/15 respectively before treatment, and 15/23 and 12/15 respectively after 6 months of treatment. The ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.58 and 2.30, respectively, P<0.05), but the ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 0.39 and 0.55, respectively, P>0.05). The functional ratings of the affected limbs of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.98 and 3.51, respectively, P<0.05), but the functional ratings of the affected limbs between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 1.27 and 0.38, respectively, P>0.05). Conclusions: The WeChat platform assisted rehabilitation treatment with mainly family rehabilitation, combined with hand flexion and extension brace can effectively reduce the scarring after children's hand burns, improve the joint range of motion of the affected hands, and promote the recovery of affected limb function. The effect is similar to that of hospital-based rehabilitation providing an optional rehabilitation, treatment method for children who cannot continue to receive treatment in hospital.

[A prospective randomized controlled study on the effects of progressive core muscle group training combined with lower limb intelligent rehabilitation training for burn patients with lower limb dysfunction]

Objective: To observe the effect of progressive core muscle group training combined with lower limb intelligent rehabilitation training on burn patients with lower limb dysfunction. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. From March 2017 to May 2020, 60 patients with motor and balance dysfunction after deep partial-thickness burns or full-thickness burns of both lower extremities who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University. They were divided into simple intelligent rehabilitation group (30 cases, 20 males and 10 females, aged (40±3) years) and combined rehabilitation group (30 cases, 16 males and 14 females, aged (39±3) years) according to the random number table method. The patients in both groups started red light treatment after the wound healing or when the scattered residual wound area was less than 5% total body surface area. After 2 weeks of red light treatment, patients in the combined rehabilitation group started progressive core muscle group training on the basis of lower limb intelligent rehabilitation training in simple intelligent rehabilitation group, and the training time was 6 weeks. Before and after 6 weeks of training, the lower limb motor function was evaluated with the simple Fugl-Meyer scale, the balance capacity was evaluated with the Berg balance scale, and the walking capacity was evaluated with the Holden walking ability rating scale. After 6 weeks of training, a self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate patients' satisfaction for the treatment effect. The patients were followed up for 6 months after the treatment to observe the balance stability of standing on one foot in the flexion position and their participation in activities of daily life. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, and chi-square test. Results: Before training, the lower limb motor function score of patients in simple intelligent rehabilitation group was 24.9±2.7, which was close to 23.9±2.3 in combined rehabilitation group (P>0.05). After 6 weeks of training, the lower limb motor function score of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 29.6±3.9, which was significantly higher than 27.3±3.8 in simple rehabilitation group (t=-2.28, P<0.05). The lower limb motor function scores of patients in combined rehabilitation group and simple intelligent rehabilitation group after 6 weeks of training were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -6.50 and -3.21, respectively, P<0.01). After 6 weeks of training, the balance capacity score of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 41±7, which was significantly higher than 36±5 in simple intelligent rehabilitation group (t=-2.68, P<0.05); the balance capacity scores of patients in combined rehabilitation group and simple intelligent rehabilitation group after 6 weeks of training were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -8.72 and -8.09, respectively, P<0.01). After 6 weeks of training, the walking capacity grading of patients in combined rehabilitation group was significantly improved compared with that in simple intelligent rehabilitation group (χ2=-2.14, P<0.05), and the walking capacity grading of patients in simple intelligent rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group after 6 weeks of training was significantly improved compared with that before treatment (with χ2 values of -4.94 and -5.26, respectively, P<0.01). After 6 weeks of training, the satisfaction score for the treatment effect of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 13.7±1.2, which was significantly higher than 7.8±1.4 in simple intelligent rehabilitation group (t=22.84, P<0.01). The patients in both groups could stand on one foot to maintain balance in the flexion position of lower limb, and their activities of daily life were not affected 6 months after treatment. Conclusions: On the basis of conventional rehabilitation therapy, the combination of progressive core muscle group training and lower limb intelligent rehabilitation training can significantly promote the recovery of lower limb motor and balance function of burn patients.

[Endoscopic transoral resection of metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach: a single center review study]

Objective: To summarize the clinical experience and treatment results of endoscopic transoral resection of metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes (MRPLN) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach. Methods: The clinical data of 37 patients with NPC who underwent endoscopic transoral surgery via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach for MRPLN in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. There are 28 males and 9 females, aged from 31 to 72 years. The clinicopathological features such as gender, age, primary tumor stage, stage, side and size of MRPLN were recorded and analyzed. The surgical procedures of endoscopic transoral resection of MRPLN via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach were described. The MRPLN resection, perioperative complications and follow-up results were also summarized. Results: The primary tumors of 37 cases were determined as rT1 stage in 2 cases, rT2 stage in 30 cases and primary T2 stage in 5 cases in this study. There were 33 cases of unilateral MRPLN(89.2%), 4 cases of bilateral ones (10.8%), 36 cases in N1 stage, and 1 case in N3 stage. Single lymph node was detected in 23 cases(62.2%), and 2-5 lymph nodes in 14 cases(37.8%). Endoscopic transoral surgery via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach was completed in all cases. Total MRPLN resection was obtained in 35 cases (94.6%) with one-stage operation, and subtotal resection was achieved in 2 cases whose MRPLN involved the wall of internal carotid artery. No serious complications occurred in the perioperative period. During the follow-up period (median follow-up period 53.1 months), no recurrence of MRPLN was observed in patients who received total resection. And 8 patients (21.6%) died from different causes. Conclusion: Endoscopic transoral surgery via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach for MRPLN is a practicable and effective surgical option, but the long-term effect still needs longer follow-up and summary of bulk cases.

Isoliquiritigenin mitigates oxidative damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro by regulating Nrf2-dependent Signaling Pathway via Targeting of SIRT1

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is a crucial factor leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury (EBI). Isoliquiritigenin has been verified as a powerful anti-oxidant in a variety of diseases models and can activate sirtuin 1 and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. However, the effects of isoliquiritigenin against EBI after SAH and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

PURPOSE

The primary goal of this study is to verify the therapeutic effects of isoliquiritigenin on EBI after SAH and the possible molecular mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

A prechiasmatic cistern SAH model in rats and a hemoglobin incubation SAH model in primary neurons were established. Isoliquiritigenin was administered after SAH induction. EX527 was employed to inhibit sirtuin 1 activation and ML385 was used to suppress Nrf2 signaling.

METHODS

In our study, neurological scores, brain edema, biochemical estimation, western blotting, and histopathological study were performed to explore the therapeutic action of isoliquiritigenin against SAH.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that isoliquiritigenin significantly mitigated oxidative damage after SAH as evidenced by decreased reactive oxygen species overproduction and enhanced intrinsic anti-oxidative system. Concomitant with the reduced oxidative insults, isoliquiritigenin improved neurological function and reduced neuronal death in the early period after SAH. Additionally, isoliquiritigenin administration significantly enhanced Nrf2 and sirtuin 1 expressions. Inhibition of Nrf2 by ML385 reversed the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of isoliquiritigenin against SAH. Moreover, inhibiting sirtuin 1 by EX527 pretreatment suppressed isoliquiritigenin-induced Nrf2-dependent pathway and abated the cerebroprotective effects of isoliquiritigenin. In primary cortical neurons, isoliquiritigenin treatment also ameliorated oxidative insults and repressed neuronal degeneration. The beneficial aspects of isoliquiritigenin were attributed to the promotion of sirtuin 1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways and were counteracted by EX527.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that isoliquiritigenin exerts cerebroprotective effects against SAH-induced oxidative insults by modulating the Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant signaling in part through sirtuin 1 activation. Isoliquiritigenin might be a new potential drug candidate for SAH.

Species identity and combinations differ in their overall benefits to Astragalus adsurgens plants inoculated with single or multiple endophytic fungi under drought conditions

Although desert plants often establish multiple simultaneous symbiotic associations with various endophytic fungi in their roots, most studies focus on single fungus inoculation. Therefore, combined inoculation of multiple fungi should be applied to simulate natural habitats with the presence of a local microbiome. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to test the synergistic effects between three extremely arid habitat-adapted root endophytes (Alternaria chlamydospora, Sarocladium kiliense, and Monosporascus sp.). For that, we compared the effects of single fungus vs. combined fungi inoculation, on plant morphology and rhizospheric soil microhabitat of desert plant Astragalus adsurgens grown under drought and non-sterile soil conditions. The results indicated that fungal inoculation mainly influenced root biomass of A. adsurgens, but did not affect the shoot biomass. Both single fungus and combined inoculation decreased plant height (7-17%), but increased stem branching numbers (13-34%). However, fungal inoculation influenced the root length and surface area depending on their species and combinations, with the greatest benefits occurring on S. kiliense inoculation alone and its co-inoculation with Monosporascus sp. (109% and 61%; 54% and 42%). Although A. chlamydospora and co-inoculations with S. kiliense and Monosporascus sp. also appeared to promote root growth, these inoculations resulted in obvious soil acidification. Despite no observed root growth promotion, Monosporascus sp. associated with its combined inoculations maximally facilitated soil organic carbon accumulation. However, noticeably, combined inoculation of the three species had no significant effects on root length, surface area, and biomass, but promoted rhizospheric fungal diversity and abundance most, with Sordariomycetes being the dominant fungal group. This indicates the response of plant growth to fungal inoculation may be different from that of the rhizospheric fungal community. Structural equation modeling also demonstrated that fungal inoculation significantly influenced the interactions among the growth of A. adsurgens, soil factors, and rhizospheric fungal groups. Our findings suggest that, based on species-specific and combinatorial effects, endophytic fungi enhanced the plant root growth, altered soil nutrients, and facilitated rhizospheric fungal community, possibly contributing to desert plant performance and ecological adaptability. These results will provide the basis for evaluating the potential application of fungal inoculants for developing sustainable management for desert ecosystems.

[Impact of endoscopic endonasal approach on quality of life in patients with anterior skull base intra-extracranial extension meningioma]

Objective: To summarize the experience of endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of anterior skull base with intra-extracranial extension meningioma, and to analyze the perioperative quality of life of patients, and to discuss the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Methods: A total of 83 cases of anterior skull base with intra-extracranial extension meningioma admitted to Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2007 to October 2019, who underwent endoscopic endonasal approach tumor resection, were retrospectively analyzed. The quality of life of the patients were evaluated by Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire (ASBQ) before and after surgery. The surgical techniques, extent of tumor resection, postoperative complications and the changes of patients' quality of life were summarized and analyzed. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 57 anterior skull base with intra-extracranial extension meningioma patients were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 23 males and 34 females, aging (48.6±16.6) years. Fifty cases (87.7%) reached or exceeded Simpson gradeⅠ resection, and 7 cases underwent subtotal resection. Symptoms relief was as follows: headache relief in 45/50 (90%), vision improvement in 18/19 (94.7%), olfaction improvement in 6/45 (13.3%), mental symptoms improvement in 3/9 (33.3%), and seizure relief in 5/7 (71.4%). Postoperative complication included mental symptoms in 5 cases, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 2 cases, epilepsy in 2 cases, frontal lobe hemorrhage in 1 case, and intracranial infection in 1 case. The follow-up period was 38 to 144 months. There were two cases recurring and no death. ASBQ assessment showed significant improvement in general condition, physical function, role function, mood disorder, pain, vision impairment, and sleep disturbance at 1 month postoperatively, with continued improvement thereafter, and reached stable at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal approach surgery is able to achieve safe and effective tumor resection for anterior skull base intra-extracranial extension meningioma, and the quality of life of patients can be improved steadily.

[Correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the association between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and the independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Methods: Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who visited the Atrial Fibrillation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021, were selected. According to left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV), they were divided into normal left atrial appendage function group (297 patients with LAAFV ≥ 40 cm/s) and abnormal left atrial appendage function group (85 patients with LAAFV<40 cm/s). Baseline data and transesophageal echocardiography images were collected from all the patients. The occurrence of thrombotic events was recorded. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Results: There were significant differences in gender, type of atrial fibrillation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, anticoagulant therapy, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, international normalized ratio (INR), left atrial diameter, proportion of patients with right atrial enlargement, left ventricular ejection fraction, inner diameter, sum of inner diameter, depth, and sum of depth of all angles of the left atrial appendage, and incidence of thrombotic events between the two groups (all P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that abnormal left atrial appendage function was closely associated with thrombotic events (β=1.168 P=0.002), and left atrial diameter (OR=1.084, 95%CI 1.019-1.153, P=0.011) and persistent atrial fibrillation (OR=2.323, 95%CI 1.226-4.403, P=0.010) were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Conclusions: Abnormal left atrial appendage function is closely associated with thrombosis. The left atrial diameter and persistent atrial fibrillation were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function.

[Cone-beam CT analysis of the correlation between incisor root resorption rate and tooth movement index in adult patients with fixed orthodontics appliance]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the root resorption rate and tooth movement of the maxillary and mandibular incisors before and after orthodontic treatment in adult patients using cone-beam CT (CBCT), and to explore the related factors that affect the apical root resorption. Methods: In this retrospective study, 23 adult patients with classⅠor class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion [2 males and 21 females, mean age (23.4±6.3) years, treatment time (2.1±0.7) years] who received orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance in Department of Oral & Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 2017 to June 2021 were enrolled. Full-column CBCT examination was performed before and after treatment. A three-dimensional model was established to observe and record the volume of the maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors before and after treatment. The change of the incisal edge, the angle of rotation of the incisal edge, and the direction of the long axis of the tooth were also measured. The root resorption in each tooth before and after treatment was compared, and the root resorption rate was calculated. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the root absorption rate before and after treatment with age, treatment time and tooth movement. Results: After treatment, the tooth volume of the maxillary and mandibular central and lateral incisors decreased significantly (P<0.01). The root absorption volumes were (20.2±6.0) mm3 and (11.2±4.7) mm3 in maxillary central and lateral incisors, and (14.7±4.6) mm3 and (14.8±5.0) mm3 in mandibular central and lateral incisors, respectively. The root absorption rates were (9.49±1.75)% and (9.13±3.24)% in maxillary central and lateral incisors, and (8.56±3.43)% and (9.13±3.24)%, in mandibular central and lateral incisors, respectively (F=0.56, P=0.640). The root resorption rate of maxillary central incisors had a weak positive correlation with the change of sagittal distance of incisal edge (r=0.36, P=0.015). The root resorption rate of mandibular central incisors had a moderate positive correlation with the vertical movement distance (r=0.48, P=0.001). The root resorption rate of mandibular lateral incisors was weakly positively correlated with the vertical movement of incisal edge and the treatment time (r=0.35, P=0.016; r=0.34, P=0.021), and was moderately positively correlated wit the change of sagittal movement of incisal edge (r=0.44, P=0.002). Conclusions: During orthodontic treatment, both maxillary and mandibular incisors had a certain degree of root resorption, which was related to sagittal and vertical movement of the incisors and the time of orthodontic treatment.

[Young mammary Paget's disease patients with underlying breast invasive ductal carcinoma: clinicopathological features and prognosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological factors and prognostic status of young Mammary Paget's disease (MPD) patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Methods: In this study, we defined the age at diagnosis below 40 years old as young patients, and retrospectively analyzed data from 123 MPD-IDC patients who were admitted at the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from June 2002 to February 2019. Patients were divided into the young group (≤40 years old, 15 cases) and the old group (>40 years old, 108 cases) according to the age of onset, and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of the two groups were compared. Cox regression model analysis was used to analyze the prognosis influencing factors. Results: The proportions of patients in the young group with non-menopausal, axillary lymph node metastasis, and Ki-67 index ≥15% were 93.3% (14/15), 73.3% (11/15), and 86.7% (13/15), respectively, which were higher than those in the old group [45.4% (49/108), 39.8%(43/108), and 60.2% (65/108), respectively] , with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). At an average follow-up of 63.2 months, patients in the young group had a significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) compared with that of the old group (P=0.012), while the difference in overall survival (OS) between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.161). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that axillary lymph node status was an independent influencing factor on OS (HR=3.339, 95% CI: 1.121-9.943) in patients with MPD-IDC, while age was not. Conclusion: Compared with the old group, young patients with MPD-IDC have a higher incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis, high Ki-67 expression, and a shorter DFS, but age is not an independent influencing factor on DFS or OS in patients with MPD-IDC.

[Analysis of factors associated with the structure of the gut microbial community in HIV/AIDS patients in some areas of Henan province]

Objective: To investigate the related factors associated with the structure of the gut microbial community in HIV infection/AIDS cases (HIV/AIDS) in Henan province. Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to select 122 cases who were receiving Antiviral Treatment (ART) or ART-naive in Henan. Whole blood and stool specimens were collected. Genomic DNA of stool samples was extracted, and the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 high-throughput sequencing system. The analysis was performed mainly at the genus level, and the 30 genera with the highest abundance were selected as a measure of the gut microbial community structure. The correlation between community structure and related factors was analyzed using redundancy analysis and Envfit function. Results: 122 cases were finally completed sequencing and analysis, the average BMI was (23.62±2.78) kg/m² and the average age was (47±13) years. Among them, male accounted for 66.39% (81/122), and heterosexual transmission route constituted the largest ratio, accounting for 51.64% (63/122). 36 cases were treatment naive (29.51%, 36/122). The top five dominant genera of the total population (122 cases) were Prevotella, Roseburia, Megamonas, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium and the top five dominant genera of the ART population (86 cases) were Prevotella, Megamonas, Bacteroides, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium. The top five dominant genera of the ART-naive population (36 cases) appeared as Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Bacteroides and Megamonas. In the total population, ART (P<0.001) was the most significant factors of community structure. Other significant factors were: duration of diagnosis (P=0.009), viral load (P=0.022) and anti-HCV (P=0.018). ART was positively correlated with Megamonas and negatively correlated with Prevotella, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium, while the other three factors of duration of diagnosis, viral load and anti-HCV were positively correlated with Prevotella, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium and negatively correlated with Megamonas. In the ART-naive population, duration of diagnosis (P=0.003) were the factors significantly associated with community structure. Duration of diagnosis was positively correlated with Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Megamonas and Prevotella and negatively correlated with Bacteroides. Conclusion: ART and duration of diagnosis were factors significantly associated with gut microbial community structure and had a significant impact on multiple high-abundance genera.

[Cone-beam CT measurement of morphological changes of the root and alveolar bone of the central incisor during orthodontic treatment with extraction]

PURPOSE

To study the effect of orthodontic treatment with extraction on root resorption and alveolar bone morphology of the central incisor in adult patients.

METHODS

Eleven adult patients receiving orthodontic treatment were enrolled, and asked to take cone-beam CT(CBCT) scanning before and after treatment. Root resorption of the upper and lower central incisors after treatment, changes in alveolar bone thickness and height of alveolar bone were measured and compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 software package.

RESULTS

The length of the tooth and root was reduced to a certain degree. The change in root length of the maxillary incisor was larger than that of the mandibular incisor. The alveolar bone width of the lingual and palatal neck of the central incisor showed some reduction, and alveolar bone width of the palatal neck of the upper central incisor and the middle lingual side of the mandibular central incisor changed to a certain extent. The width of the alveolar bone in the middle labial side of the mandibular central incisor increased, but the alveolar bone on the lingual and palatal side increased after orthodontic treatment, which was more obvious than that of the maxillary central incisor.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic treatment with tooth extraction is accompanied by a certain degree of root resorption of the central incisor and alveolar bone on the lingual and palatal side. However it is also accompanied by an increase in the amount of alveolar bone on the labial side. More fenestration and dehiscence are observed in the mandible.

Identification of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related lncRNA prognostic signature for patients with glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a strikingly heterogeneous and lethal brain tumor with very poor prognosis. LncRNAs play critical roles in the tumorigenesis of GBM through regulation of various cancer-related genes and signaling pathways. Here, we focused on the essential role of EMT and identified 78 upregulated EMT-related genes in GBM through differential expression analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). A total of 301 EMT-related lncRNAs were confirmed in GBM through Spearman correlation analysis and a prognostic signature consisting of seven EMT-related lncRNAs (AC012615.1, H19, LINC00609, LINC00634, POM121L9P, SNHG11, and USP32P3) was established by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Significantly, Kaplan-Meier analysis and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve validated the accuracy and efficiency of the signature to be satisfactory. Quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR assay demonstrated the expression alterations of the seven lncRNAs between normal glial and glioma cell lines. Functional enrichment analysis revealed multiple EMT and metastasis-related pathways were associated with the EMT-related lncRNA prognostic signature. In addition, we observed the degree of immune cell infiltration and immune responses were significantly increased in high-risk subgroup compared with low-risk subgroup. In conclusion, we established an effective and robust EMT-related lncRNA signature which was expected to predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response for GBM patients.

[Research advances on the regulation of interleukin-17 signal transduction and the implication of interleukin-17 in sepsis]

Sepsis remains a leading cause of death in critical patients. Both excessive inflammatory response and long-term immunosuppression can lead to the death of sepsis patients. As a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays an important role in the body's inflammatory response and immune system. The signal transduction of IL-17 is a key link in maintaining the body's health and participating in the onset and development of sepsis. This review mainly summarizes and discusses the regulation of IL-17 signal transduction and pathogenic and protective role of IL-17 in sepsis.

A20 Establishes Negative Feedback With TRAF6/NF-κB and Attenuates Early Brain Injury After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB-ty -50mediated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). As an important negative feedback regulator of NF-κB, A20 is essential for inflammatory homeostasis. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that A20 attenuates EBI by establishing NF-κB-associated negative feedback after experimental SAH. In vivo and in vitro models of SAH were established. TPCA-1 and lentivirus were used for NF-κB inhibition and A20 silencing/overexpression, respectively. Cellular localization of A20 in the brain was determined via immunofluorescence. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were applied to observe the expression of members of the A20/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/NF-κB pathway and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α). Evans blue staining, TUNEL staining, Nissl staining, brain water content, and modified Garcia score were performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of A20. A20 expression by astrocytes, microglia, and neurons was increased at 24 h after SAH. A20 and inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased while TRAF6 expression was elevated after NF-κB inhibition. TRAF6, NF-κB, and inflammatory cytokine levels were increased after A20 silencing but suppressed with A20 overexpression. Also, Bcl-2, Bax, MMP-9, ZO-1 protein levels; Evans blue, TUNEL, and Nissl staining; brain water content; and modified Garcia score showed that A20 exerted a neuroprotective effect after SAH. A20 expression was regulated by NF-κB. In turn, increased A20 expression inhibited TRAF6 and NF-κB to reduce the subsequent inflammatory response. Our data also suggest that negative feedback regulation mechanism of the A20/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway and the neuroprotective role of A20 to attenuate EBI after SAH.

[Effects of hand continuous passive motion system combined with functional training and pressure gloves in treating early scar contracture after burn on the back of the hand]

Objective: To observe the effects of hand continuous passive motion (CPM) system combined with functional training and pressure gloves in treating early scar contracture after burn on the back of the hand. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2017 to December 2019 with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burn on the back of the hand. According to the treatment methods applied, 13 patients were enrolled into pressure glove alone group (9 males and 4 females, aged (31±6) years), 14 patients were enrolled into pressure glove+functional training group (11 males and 3 females, aged (30±5) years), and 16 patients were enrolled into pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group (10 males and 6 females, aged (29±5) years). All the patients in the three groups received skin grafting on the back of the hand. The corresponding rehabilitation treatment was started 6-8 days after wound healing, and the treatment lasted for 3 months. Before treatment and after 3 months of treatment, the total active motion range of the hand was measured to evaluate the motion range of the hand joint and the ratio of excellent and good was calculated; the Carroll upper limb function evaluation method was used to evaluate the upper limb function score, and the difference before and after treatment was calculated; the Vancouver Scar Scale was used to evaluate the scar score, and the difference before and after treatment was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, McNemar's exact probability test, one-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni correction, least significant difference test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and paired sample t test. Results: The ratio of excellent and good of the motion range of the hand joint of patients in pressure glove alone group, pressure glove+functional training group, and pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group were 2/13, 2/14, and 3/16 respectively before treatment, and 4/13, 6/14, and 14/16 respectively after 3 months of treatment. The ratio of excellent and good of the motion range of the hand joint of patients was significantly higher in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in the other two groups after 3 months of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with that before treatment, the ratio of excellent and good of the motion range of the hand joint of patients in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group was significantly increased after 3 months of treatment (P<0.01). Before treatment, the upper limb function score and hand scar score of patients in the three groups were similar (F=0.598, 0.035, P>0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the upper limb function score of patients was significantly higher in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in pressure glove alone group (P<0.05); the hand scar score of patients was significantly lower in pressure glove+functional training group and pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in pressure glove alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the hand scar score of patients was significantly lower in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group than in pressure glove+functional training group (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the upper limb function scores of patients were significantly increased (t=-5.295, -7.252, -15.342, P<0.01) and the hand scar scores of patients were significantly decreased (t=13.361, 16.982, 40.334, P<0.01) in pressure glove alone group, pressure glove+functional training group, and pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group after 3 months of treatment. The differences in upper limb function score and hand scar score of patients before and after treatment in pressure glove+functional training+CPM system group were significantly higher than those in pressure glove+functional training group and pressure glove alone group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The differences in upper limb function score and hand scar score of patients before and after treatment in pressure glove+functional training group were significantly higher than those in pressure glove alone group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Hand CPM system combined with functional training and pressure gloves can significantly improve the motion range of hand joint in treating early scar contracture after burn on the back of the hand, with better restoration of hand function and improvement of hand scar. Its effect is better than routine rehabilitation treatment such as functional training, etc., which is worthy of clinical reference.

[Effect of iron deficiency level on oral iron absorption]

Objective: To study the effect of iron deficiency level for oral iron absorption in iron deficient patients. Methods: 37 non-pregnant female patients who were diagnosed with iron deficiency and 13 healthy females who completed their physical examination at the outpatient department of the Anemia Center of the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital from July 2018 to June 2020 were included. Hepcidin and C2-C0 of oral iron absorption test were analyzed in different iron deficiency and serum ferritin level. Results: The median of Hepcidin in IDA, ID/IDE and healthy control group were 4.9 (2.17-32.86) , 26.98 (11.02-49.71) and 69.89 (42.23-138.96) μg/L (P<0.001) , respectively. Hepcidin level of IDA group was lower than that of ID/IDE group (adjusted P=0.005) and healthy control (adjusted P<0.001) . Hepcidin level of ID/IDE group had no significant difference compared with healthy control (adjusted P=0.22) . The mean of C2-C0 in IDA, ID/IDE and healthy control group were (35.30±21.68) , (37.90±14.06) and (23.57±10.14) μmol/L (P=0.130) , respectively. Multilinear regression analysis showed C0, SF, sTFR and HGB were independent factors for Hepcidin in iron deficient patients, with an equation of Hepcidin=-31.842-0.642*C0+2.239*SF+1.778*sTFR+0.365*HGB-0.274*RET-HB. We didn't find independent factor of C2-C0. Conclusion: The degree of iron deficiency had an effect on oral iron absorption. Patients of ID/IDE group absorbed iron more slowly than patients of IDA group. Iron deficient patients with normal gastrointestinal function absorbed more iron by oral administration when they were in a more serious iron deficient stage. Hepcidin was a better parameter to distinguish iron absorption level among different iron deficient patients than C2-C0 of oral iron absorption test.

[Adsorption and Desorption Behaviors of Antibiotics on TWP and PVC Particles Before and After Aging]

In recent years, microplastics (MPs), a new type of pollutant, have been widely dispersed in aquatic ecosystems. Compared with typical MPs (PVC, PP, PE, and PS), tire wear particles (TWP) exhibit significant differences in composition, additives, and characteristics. In this study, the adsorption and desorption of organic pollutants were compared between the typical MPs and TWP. With TWP and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles as adsorbents, oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) as adsorbates, the adsorption and desorption of organic pollutants by TWP and PVC particles before and after aging were studied. Correctly understanding the behavior of MPs in an aquatic environment is of great significance. The results indicated that during the UV aging process, both TWP and PVC exhibited cracks, pits, and bulges on the particle surface, increased specific surface areas, increased strength of oxygen-containing functional groups, and enhanced hydrophilicity. The adsorption modes of TWP and PVC before and after aging were in two stages:surface adsorption and liquid film diffusion. TWP has a better fit for the Freundlich model, belonging to multi-layer adsorption, while PVC has a better fit for the Langmuir model, belonging to monolayer adsorption. The carrier effect of TWP on antibiotics was better than that of PVC, with the adsorption capacity of OTC on virgin TWP and PVC reaching 5.14 mg·g^-1 and 1.38 mg·g^-1, respectively. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of OTC on the aged TWP and PVC reached 5.82 mg·g^-1 and 2.13 mg·g^-1, respectively, which was better than with the virgin samples. The desorption capacity of aged TWP and PVC for antibiotics was better than the virgin materials, while the desorption rate was lower. In the same desorption solution, the desorption effect of TWP on antibiotics before and after ageing was better than that of PVC. The desorption effect of TWP and PVC on antibiotics in a simulated intestinal fluid environment was significantly better than that in an ultra-pure water environment.

Molecular mechanisms of inhibitor bindings to A-FABP deciphered by using molecular dynamics simulations and calculations of MM-GBSA

Adipocyte fatty-acid binding protein (A-FABP) plays a central role in many aspects of metabolic diseases. It is an important target in drug design for treatment of FABP-related diseases. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations followed by calculations of molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were implemented to decipher molecular mechanism correlating with binding of inhibitors 57Q, 57P and L96 to A-FABP. The results show that van der Waals interactions are the leading factors to control associations of 57Q, 57P, and L96 with A-FABP, which reveals an energetic basis for designing of clinically available inhibitors towards A-FABP. The information from PCA and cross-correlation analysis rationally unveils that inhibitor bindings affect conformational changes of A-FABP and change relative movements between residues. Decomposition of binding affinity into contributions of individual residues not only detects hot spots of inhibitor/A-FABP binding but also shows that polar interactions of the positively charged residue Arg126 with three inhibitors provide a significant contribution for stabilization of the inhibitor/A-FABP bindings. Furthermore, the binding strength of L96 to residues Ser55, Phe57 and Lys58 are stronger than that of inhibitors 57Q and 57P to these residues.

[Expression of iron-regulating erythroid factors in different types of erythropoiesis disorders]

目的

研究Erythroferrone（ERFE）等铁代谢红系调节因子（iron-regulatory erythroid factor）在不同类型红系造血异常疾病中的表达情况。

方法

采用ELISA方法检测2016年1月至2019年11月共47例真性红细胞增多症（PV）、纯红细胞再生障碍（PRCA）、自身免疫性溶血性贫血（AIHA）和骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）患者血浆ERFE、生长分化因子15（GDF15）、生长分化因子11（GDF11）和扭转原肠胚形成同系物（TWSG1）的表达，分析铁代谢调节因子与红系造血异常类型及旺盛程度（以骨髓有核红细胞比例反映）的适配性。

结果

血浆GDF15表达水平在PV、PRCA、AIHA、MDS各组依次为266.01（112.40,452.37）、110.63（81.41,220.42）、52.11（32.61,171.66）、276.53（132.16,525.70）ng/L，均显著高于正常对照组的37.45（19.65,57.72）ng/L（P值均<0.01）。不同类型红系造血异常患者血浆TWSG1表达水平与正常对照组比较差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。血浆GDF11表达水平仅在PV组患者中明显高于正常对照组[74.75（10.95,121.32）ng/L对36.90（3.38,98.34）ng/L，P<0.01]，而PRCA、AIHA、MDS 3组患者与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。PV组血浆ERFE水平为129.63（47.02, 170.03）ng/L，AIHA组血浆ERFE水平最高为121.76（68.12,343.11）ng/L，二者均明显高于正常对照组的43.23（35.18,65.41）ng/L（P值均<0.01）；PRCA组、MDS组血浆ERFE水平分别为48.92（44.59，84.83）、40.47（26.97,72.87）ng/L，与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。骨髓有核红细胞比例与ERFE（r＝0.458，P＝0.001）呈正相关，而与GDF15（r＝−0.163，P＝0.274）、GDF11（r＝0.120，P＝0.421）、TWSG1（r＝−0.166，P＝0.269）无明显相关性。

结论

铁代谢红系调节因子在不同红系造血异常疾病的表达谱不尽一致，ERFE与红系造血旺盛程度相关度最高。

[Fibrosis-driving cells in patients with primary myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndromes with myelofibrosis]

Objective: To compare fibrosis-driving cells in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with myelofibrosis (MF) (MDS-MF) . Methods: Bone marrow biopsy sections of patients with newly diagnosed PMF and MDS (10 each randomly selected for MF-0/1, MF-2, and MF-3) were stained with specific immunofluorescence antibodies to label Gli1, LeptinR, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) , CD45, and ProcollagenⅠ. Images captured by confocal microscopy were analyzed by Fiji-ImageJ to calculate the cell counts of Gli1(+), LeptinR(+) cells, and fibrosis-driving cells including α-SMA(+), α-SMA(+)/Gli1(+), α-SMA(+)/LeptinR(+), and ProcollagenⅠ(+)/CD45(+) cells. Results: Patients with PMF and MDS with MF-2/3 had higher LeptinR(+), α-SMA(+), α-SMA(+)/Gli1(+), and Procollagen Ⅰ(+)/CD45(+) cell counts compared with those with MF-0/1 (all P values<0.05) . However, patients with PMF with MF-2/3 presented with higher Gli1(+) and α-SMA(+)/LeptinR(+) cell counts than those with MF-0/1 (P=0.001 and 0.006) , whereas these cells were similar between patients with MDS with MF-0/1 and MF-2/3 (P=0.169 and 0.067) . In patients with MF-0/1, all fibrosis-driving cells did not differ between PMF and MDS (all P>0.05) . However, in patients with MF-2/3, Procollagen Ⅰ(+)/CD45(+) cell counts were higher in patients with PMF compared with those with MDS (P=0.007) , while other fibrosis-driving cell counts were similar between these two groups (all P>0.05) . MF grade and fibrosis-driving cell counts were not correlated with overall survival in patients with either PMF or MDS. Conclusion: α-SMA(+) cells in patients with PMF originated from both Gli1(+) and LeptinR(+) cells, whereas α-SMA(+) cells in patients with MDS-MF only originated from Gli1(+) cells; patients with PMF had higher ProcollagenⅠ(+)/CD45(+) cell counts than those with MDS-MF.

[Genetic characteristics and prognostic values of RAS mutations in patients with myelofibrosis]

目的

分析骨髓纤维化（MF）患者RAS基因突变的分子特征及其临床特点和预后意义。

方法

收集2011年12月至2019年12月在我中心有二代基因测序数据的226例MF患者临床资料，回顾性分析RAS基因突变特征、与临床和实验室参数之间的关系，及对总生存（OS）期的影响。

结果

226例原发性骨髓纤维化（PMF）及真性红细胞增多症（PV）或原发性血小板增多症（ET）后骨髓纤维化（post-PV/ET MF）患者中，共14例（6.2％）检出RAS基因突变：NRAS突变9例（4.0％），KRAS突变8例（3.5％），NRAS及KRAS突变并存3例（1.3％）。所有NRAS突变均发生在第12-13号密码子。RAS基因突变多为亚克隆突变，常与SETBP1、SRSF2、MPL共同发生。伴RAS基因异常患者平均突变基因个数（3.36个）与无RAS基因异常组（1.77个）相比，差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。RAS基因突变患者与无突变患者相比，外周血单核细胞水平升高（P＝0.003），血小板水平减低（P＝0.026），骨髓原始细胞比例升高（P＝0.022），脾脏肋缘下≥10 cm患者比例更高（P＝0.005）。突变组患者非常高危（VHR）染色体核型比例（18.2％，2/11）显著高于无突变组患者（2.3％，3/133）（P＝0.031）。单因素分析中，NRAS基因突变的MF患者及PMF患者的OS时间较无突变患者显著缩短（P＝0.001，P＝0.008）。多因素分析显示，NRAS突变是影响OS的独立预后不良因素。

结论

RAS突变常与外周血单核细胞水平升高、血小板计数减低、骨髓原始细胞比例升高、VHR染色体核型等高危临床特征及实验室参数相关，多为发生在MF晚期的亚克隆突变。伴NRAS基因突变PMF及MF患者的OS时间显著缩短。

[PTX3 promotes proliferation, invasion and drug resistance of neuroblastoma cells in children by regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway]

Objective: To investigate the effect of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) on the proliferation, invasion and drug resistance of pediatric neuroblastoma cells and its mechanism. Methods: si-RNA (si-RNA group), si-PTX3 (si-PTX3 group), siRNA+ pcDNA3.1 (siRNA+ pcDNA3.1 group), si-PTX3+ pcDNA3.1 (si-PTX3+ pcDNA3.1 group), siRNA+ pcDNA3.1-Toll-like receptor 4 (siRNA+ pcDNA3.1-TLR4 group) and si-PTX3+ pcDNA3.1-TLR4 (si-PTX3+ pcDNA3.1-TLR4 group) were transfected into SH-SY5Y cells. Collected 32 cases of tumor tissue and cancerous tissue in children with childhood neuromaternal cells who were treated at Zhumadian center hospital from July 2016 to August 2019. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain (RT-qPCR) reaction and immunohistochemistry experiments were used to detect the protein expressions of PTX3 in neuroblastoma tissues and normal tissues. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) was used to detect the proliferation effect of PTX3 on neuroblastoma cell SH-SY5Y. Western blot experiment was used to detect the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), resistance-related proteins including P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP-1), and invasion-related protein matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). Results: PTX3 mRNA expressions in neuroblastoma tissues were 0.87±0.07, higher than 0.13±0.06 of normal tissues, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), The expression of the immunohistochemistry test PTX3 protein was consistent with the qRT-PCR results. Compared with the si-RNA group (0.95±0.08; 1.02±0.10), the mRNA and protein expressions of PTX3 in the si-PTX3 group (0.25±0.05; 0.45±0.66) decreased, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The number of EdU positive cells, invasion rate, VEGF, MMP-1, P-gp and MRP-1 protein expressions in si-RNA group were (31.86±1.86)%, (28.12±2.96)%, (0.58±0.07), (0.44±0.06), (0.46±0.08) and (0.51±0.05), respectively, higher than (19.73±1.22)%, (8.45±1.06)%, (0.25±0.05), (0.19±0.03), (0.19±0.06) and (0.16±0.07) in si-PTX3 group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The Number of EdU positive cells [(19.49±1.68)%], invasion rate [(8.48±1.36)%], VEGF protein expression (0.10±0.15), P-gp (0.18±0.07) , TLR4 (0.45±0.06), p-p65 (0.25±0.05) protein expressions in si-PTX3+ pcDNA3.1 group were relatively lower compared with siRNA+ pcDNA3.1 group [(38.21±2.67)%, (26.39±2.14)%, 0.49±0.05, 0.52±0.06, 0.93±0.14 and 0.82±0.06] (all P<0.05). The number of EdU-positive cells [(62.73±5.18)%], invasion rate [(50.45±3.25)%], VEGF protein expression (2.17±0.17), P-gp (2.15±0.16), TLR4 (2.68±0.16), p-p65 (2.48±0.13) protein expressions in the siRNA+ pcDNA3.1-TLR4 group increased compared with siRNA+ pcDNA3.1 group (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Inhibition of PTX3 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y, and reduce drug resistance. Its mechanism may be achieved by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This result can provide a new perspective for pediatric neuroblasts tumor diagnosis and clinical treatment.

[Pathological characteristics of megakaryocytes in myeloproliferative neoplasms and their correlation with driver gene mutations]

Objective: To investigate the pathological characteristics of megakaryocytes in myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN)and their correlations with driver gene mutations. Methods: Trephine specimens administered for 160 patients with MPN from February 2012 to October 2017 were reevaluated according to the World Health Organization(WHO)'s(2016)diagnostic criteria. Results: This cohort of patients included 72(45.0%)men, with the median age of 59(range, 13-87)years, comprising 39 with polycythemia vera(PV), 33 with essential thrombocythemia(ET), 37 with prefibrotic/early-primary myelofibrosis(pre-PMF), 37 with overt PMF, 1 with post-ET MF, 2 with post-PV MF, and 11 with MPN-unclassifiable(MPN-U)after the re-diagnosis. With PV, ET, pre-PMF, and overt PMF changes, proportions of dense clusters, hypolobulated nuclei, and naked nuclei of megakaryocytes gradually increased, whereas erythropoiesis gradually decreased. Proportions of reticulin, collagen, and osteosclerosis grades of ≥1 also increased. Dense clusters, hypolobulated nuclei, and naked nuclei of megakaryocytes were negatively correlated with erythropoiesis and positively correlated with granulopoiesis and fibrosis. In patients with pre- and overt PMF, dense clusters and naked nuclei of megakaryocytes were positively correlated with fibrosis. Patients with JAK2V617F MPN had significantly increased erythropoiesis(P=0.022). Patients with CALR-mutated MPN were characterized by increased loose and dense clusters; paratrabecular distribution and naked nuclei of megakaryocytes(P=0.055, P=0.002, P=0.018, P=0.008); and increased reticulin, collagen, and osteosclerosis(P=0.003, P<0.001, P=0.001). In patients with pre- and overt PMF, patients with JAK2V617F had increased cellularity(P=0.037). CALR-mutated patients had increased dense clusters and giant sizes of megakaryocytes, collagen, and osteosclerosis(P=0.055, P=0.059, P=0.011, P=0.046). Conclusion: Megakaryocytes showed abnormal MPN morphology and distribution, which were related to fibrosis. CALR mutation was probably associated with abnormal morphology and distribution of megakaryocytes and fibrosis.

Circular RNAs: Promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a group of non-coding RNA characterized by the presence of covalent bonds linking 3' and 5' ends, act as miRNA sponges to participate in the tumorigenesis. Being stable, conserved and cell- or tissue-specific, circRNAs have shown their potentials as molecular markers for cancer. Convenient and noninvasive approaches may be developed based on the roles of circRNAs to diagnose or predict the prognosis of tumors. Although most of the potential mechanisms are not entirely clear, circRNAs have shown a universal and critical role in regulating cellular processes of cancers. This review summarized the classification, formation, characteristics, detection, and biological functions of circRNAs. We proposed the possibility of using circRNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Circular RNA in cancer development and immune regulation

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single‐stranded RNAs with closed loop structures formed by covalent bonds of head and tail. Exploration of circRNAs is continually increasing; however, their functional relevance largely remains to be elucidated. In general, they are stable, abundant, conserved and expressed in tissue‐specific manner. These distinct properties and their diverse cellular actions indicate that circRNAs modulate transcription and translation, and may even function as translation templates. Growing evidence reveals that circRNAs contribute to various physiological and pathological processes, including the initiation and progression of cancer. In this review, we present the current knowledge about circRNAs in cancer development, as well as their potential for use as biomarkers and even therapeutic targets. CircRNA’s role in immune regulation and antitumour immunotherapy is also discussed. In addition, possible challenges in antitumour therapy are raised, and current progress and future perspectives are provided.

[One case successfully rescued acute poisoning caused by misadministration of large amount of glufosinate]

Objective: To report a case of acute glufosinate-ammonium poisoning cause respiratory cardiac arrest and grass amine poisoning cases of successful rescue. Methods: The clinical data of a case of acute glufosinate-ammonium poisoning admitted to a third-class a hospital in April 2018 were analyzed and summarized. Results: The patient was poisoned by oral administration of a large amount of glufosinate-ammonium. Respiratory and cardiac arrest occurred during treatment and resuscitation was successful Later, the nervous system showed impaired function, The patients were treated with complete gastrointestinal cleansing, hemoperfusion, and the protection of important organs. Conclusion: For a large number of patients with oral glufosinate-ammonium poisoning, we should pay close attention to the damage of nervous system while taking active and conventional detoxification treatment.

[Efficacy and safety of early initiation of sacubitril-valsartan therapy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure]

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of the initiation of sacubitril-valsartan （ARNI） therapy, as compared with ACEI therapy, after hemodynamic stabilization among patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure （ADHF）. Methods: A total of 199 hospitalized patients for ADHF in our department from January 2017 to June 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. According to the medication early after hemodynamic stabilization, patients were divided into ARNI group (n=92) and ACEI group (n=107). Among the included patients, 61 patients with newly diagnosed heart failure at the time of admission were also divided into ARNI group (n=30) and ACEI group (n=31) according to the applied medication. Clinical baseline data and follow-up results of enrolled patients were collected through the electronic medical records at admission, outpatient and telephone follow-up. The primary effectiveness observation index was left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) measured by echocardiography; the secondary observation index was death from any causes and hospitalization for heart failure. Safety outcomes were the incidences of symptomatic hypotension, worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, and angioedema. Results: The clinical baseline characteristics were similar between ARNI group and ACEI group（all P>0.05）. The duration of follow up was (15.2±6.5) months in all patients enrolled, (12.3±5.0) months in ARNI group, and (18.2±6.5) months in ACEI group. At the end of follow-up, prevalence of an absolute LVEF increase of more than 5% was 48.9% (45/92) in ANRI group and 25.2% (27/107) in ACEI group (P=0.001). Percent of LVEF increase to more than 50% was 17.4% (16/92) in ANRI group and 3.7% (4/107) in ACEI group (P=0.001). Percent of patients with more than 10 mm LVEDD reduction was 14.1% (13/92) in ANRI group and 3.7% (4/107) in ACEI group (P=0.009). All-cause mortality rate was 5.7% (5/88) in ARNI group and 15.3% (13/85) in ACEI group (P=0.038). Rate of re-hospitalization due to heart failure was 50% (46/92) in ARNI group and 71% (76/107) in ACEI group（P=0.002）.The rates of symptomatic hypotension, worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, and angioedema were similar between ARNI group and ACEI group (all P>0.05). In patients with first diagnosed heart failure，percent of LVEF increase to more than 50% was 30% (9/30) in ANRI group and 6.5% (2/31) in ACEI group (P=0.017). Percent of more than 10 mm LVEDD reduction was 26.7%(8/30) in ANRI group and 3.2%(1/31) in ACEI group (P=0.012). Percent of an absolute LVEF increase of more than 5% was 53.3% (16/30) in ANRI group and 51.6% (16/31) in ACEI group (P=0.893). Re-hospitalization due to heart failure was 23.3% (7/30） in ARNI group and 73.3% (11/31) in ACEI group（P<0.01）. Rate of all-cause death tended to be lower in patients receiving ARNI (3.4% (1/29)) as compared to patients receiving ACEI (13.0% (3/23), P=0.197）. Conclusions: Among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction hospitalized for ADHF, the initiation of ARNI therapy after hemodynamic stabilization is associated with a more significant improvement of cardiac remodeling and pump function than ACEI therapy and satisfactory safety. In ADHF patients with first diagnosed heart failure, initiation of ARNI therapy after hemodynamic stabilization can more effectively improve cardiac remodeling and pump function than treatment with ACEI.

[Expressions and effects of autophagy-related genes in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis of mice]

Objective: To investigate the expressions and effects of autophagy-related genes in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis of mice. Methods: (1) Totally 72 male BALB/c mice aged 6 weeks were divided into blank control group, simple phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group, and bleomycin group according to the random number table, with 24 mice in each group. Mice in blank control group received no treatment, and 100 μL of PBS and bleomycin (1 mg/mL) were respectively injected subcutaneously in the back skin of mice in simple PBS and bleomycin group, once a day for 28 days. On injection day (ID) 7, 14, 21, and 28, 6 mice in each group were collected to observe the skin change on the back of mice with naked eyes. After the observation, the mice were sacrificed and skin tissue on the back was taken. Skin tissue of mice on ID 28 was collected to measure the thickness of skin tissue by routine hematoxylin-eosin staining and observe skin tissue morphology by Masson staining. Skin tissue on ID 7, 14, 21, and 28 was taken to detect content of hydroxyproline by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA and protein expressions of p62, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ (LC3 Ⅱ) and Beclin-1 were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. (2) Skin tissue of mice in blank control group in experiment (1) was taken to culture fibroblasts (Fbs) in 3rd-6th passages. The cells were divided into blank control group, simple PBS group, and bleomycin group according to the random number table, with 6 wells in each group. Cells in blank control group were not stimulated, and cells in simple PBS group and bleomycin group were stimulated with 20 μL of PBS and bleomycin (1 mg/mL) for 72 h, respectively. Cellular immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression of LC3 Ⅱ. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) Skin on the back of mice in blank control group and simple PBS group was thin and ruddy, and the veins were clear on ID 7, 14, 21, and 28. Several raised ridges were visible on the puncture site of mice in simple PBS group from ID 14. Skin on the back of mice was ruddy, with several raised ridges visible on the puncture site of mice in bleomycin group on ID 7, the skin turned slightly white on ID 14, the skin turned white obviously with unclear surrounding blood vessels on ID 21, and the skin turned white and the surrounding blood vessels could not be recognized on ID 28. (2) On ID 28, the skin thicknesses of mice in blank control group and simple PBS group were similar (t=0.79, P>0.05). Compared with that in blank control group and simple PBS group, the skin thickness of mice in bleomycin group was significantly increased (t=0.50, 0.50, P<0.01). (3) On ID 28, the skin tissue structure of mice in blank control group and simple PBS group was similar, with a small amount of orderly arranged collagen and evenly distributed hair follicle; the number of collagen of skin in mice of bleomycin group was increased obviously and arranged disorderly, and the number of hair follicle was decreased significantly. (4) On ID 7, 14, 21, and 28, the content of hydroxyproline in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group was significantly higher than that in blank control group and simple PBS group (t=0.99, 0.98, 0.50, 0.51, 0.50, 0.50, 0.52, 0.51, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (5) On ID 7, p62 mRNA expression in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group was significantly lower than that in simple PBS group (t=0.93, P<0.05). On ID 14 and 21, the mRNA expressions of p62, LC3 Ⅱ, and Beclin-1 in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (t=0.74, 0.70, 0.58, 0.49, 0.51, 0.74, P<0.05) and simple PBS group (t=0.94, 0.65, 0.65, 0.77, 0.49, 0.51, P<0.05). On ID 28, the mRNA expressions of p62 and Beclin-1 in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group were significantly lower than those in blank control group (t=0.50, 0.44, P<0.05) and simple PBS group (t=0.97, 0.55, P<0.05), and that of LC3 Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in blank control group and simple PBS group, respectively (t=0.51, 0.98, P <0.01). (6) On ID 7, 14, 21, and 28, the protein expressions of LC3 Ⅱ in blank control group, simple PBS group, and bleomycin group were 0.167±0.042, 0.122±0.016, 0.553±0.078, 0.118±0.035, 0.120±0.023, 0.117±0.061, 0.581±0.039, 0.159±0.065, 0.233±0.027, 0.304±0.031, 1.020±0.010, 0.089±0.045. On ID 14, the protein expressions of p62 and Beclin-1 in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (t=0.86, 0.89, P<0.05) and simple PBS group (t=0.42, 0.89, P<0.05). On ID 21, the protein expressions of p62, LC3 Ⅱ, and Beclin-1 in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group were significantly higher than those in blank control group and simple PBS group (t=0.82, 0.45, 0.50, 0.79, 0.51, 0.50, P<0.01). On ID 28, the protein expressions of p62, LC3 Ⅱ, and Beclin-1 in the skin tissue of mice in bleomycin group were significantly lower than those in blank control group and simple PBS group (t=0.77, 0.54, 0.52, 0.50, 0.51, 0.50, P<0.05). (7) After culture for 72 h, the expression of LC3 Ⅱ in Fbs of bleomycin group was significantly lower than that of blank control group and simple PBS group, respectively. Conclusions: In the process of bleomycin stimulating skin fibrosis, autophagy-related genes increase firstly and then decrease. When the autophagy process is activated, it is expected to reverse the process of skin fibrosis.

[Effect of silent information regulator 1 on the LPS induced lncRNA expression of macrophages in mice]

Objective: To investigate the effect of Silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) on the expression profile of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in macrophages upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Methods: Peritoneal macrophages (PM) were isolated from nine wild-type C57BL/6 male mice (wild-type group) and nine myeloid-specific Sirt1 knock-out mice (knock-out group). RNA samples were extracted from macrophages stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS. Sequencing and the differentially expressed lncRNA were screened after the RNA was quantified. The threshold set for up-and down-regulated genes was a fold change (wild-type group/knock-out group) ≥2 and P≤0.05. Afterwards, gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted and co-expression network map was constructed. Results: Four hundred and forty five lncRNA genes were differentially expressed (185 lncRNA genes were up-regulated and 260 lncRNA genes were down-regulated). Two hundred mRNA genes were differentially expressed (113 mRNA genes were up-regulated and 87 mRNA genes were down-regulated). It was found that the differentially expressed lncRNA genes and the predicted corresponding target genes were mainly distributed in the regions of biological processes of macrophage inflammatory response, macrophage chemotaxis and cell metabolism by GO and pathway enrichment analysis. Conclusion: lncRNA expression profile changes significantly in LPS induced macrophages isolated from Sirt1 knock out mice, which is closely related to the function of macrophages.

[The anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of JAK1 inhibitor SHR0302 versus Ruxolitinib in SET2 cell line and primary cells]

目的

探究选择性JAK1抑制剂SHR0302和芦可替尼对骨髓增殖性肿瘤（MPN）细胞株SET2细胞和MPN患者原代细胞的影响以及分子作用机制。

方法

CCK8法检测不同浓度SHR0302和芦可替尼对SET2细胞增殖能力的影响；集落形成实验检测SHR0302和芦可替尼对MPN患者原代细胞红系爆式集落形成单位（BFU-E）的作用；多因子检测试剂盒MSD检测SHR0302和芦可替尼对SET2细胞IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-2、IL-8、IL-12p70蛋白表达水平的影响；以Western blot法检测SHR0302和芦可替尼对SET2细胞JAK-STAT信号通路分子磷酸化水平的影响。

结果

0.1、1.0、2.5、5.0 µmol/L SHR0302作用SET2细胞24、48、72 h，细胞增殖抑制率随药物浓度的增大而增高（P< 0.001）；0.01、0.05、0.10 µmol/L芦可替尼作用SET2细胞48、72 h，细胞增殖抑制率亦随药物浓度的增大而增高（P<0.001），且均在72 h抑制作用最显著。2.5 µmol/L SHR0302、0.1 µmol/L芦可替尼作用SET2细胞72 h，细胞增殖抑制率分别为（59.94±0.60）％、（64.00±0.66）％，提示SHR0302的增殖抑制作用弱于芦可替尼。与对照组比较，0.1、1.0、5.0 µmol/L SHR0302和0.1、0.2、0.4 µmol/L芦可替尼均浓度依赖性地抑制MPN患者BFU-E形成，1.0 µmol/L SHR0302对MPN患者BFU-E集落形成抑制程度与0.2 µmol/L芦可替尼相当。除IL-12外，1.6 µmol/L SHR0302作用SET2细胞24 h可明显抑制炎性介质蛋白IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-2、IL-8表达（P<0.01），与1.0 µmol/L芦可替尼对炎性介质抑制作用相当。不同浓度SHR0302作用SET2细胞3 h后JAK-STAT信号通路显著抑制，在1.0 µmol/L时可显著抑制p-STAT1（Tyr701）、p-STAT3（Tyr705）蛋白磷酸化，在5.0 µmol/L时可使p-JAK1（Tyr1022/1023）、p-STAT5（Tyr694）蛋白磷酸化水平明显下调（P<0.05），而芦可替尼在0.1 µmol/L即可明显抑制下游STAT蛋白磷酸化水平。

结论

SHR0302能有效抑制MPN细胞株和患者原代细胞的增殖以及炎性因子表达，其机制可能与下调p-JAK1及其下游p-STAT1、p-STAT3、p-STAT5蛋白磷酸化水平相关，但其抗增殖、抗炎作用弱于芦可替尼。

[Application of adipose stem cells in tissue repair and reconstruction]

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue, and they have potentials of self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. Compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, ASCs have many advantages, such as easy access, easy cultivation, and abundant content, which are valuable seed cells in the field of repair and reconstruction. In recent years, with the deepening of the researches on differentiation, regulation, and function of ASCs, the clinical application of ASCs has gradually increased with good therapeutic effects.

[Preliminary application value of ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutritional suspension as mixed medium in locating indwelling nasointestinal tube in critically ill patients]

Objective: To evaluate the value of ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutrition suspension as mixed medium in locating indwelling nasointestinal tube in critically ill patients. Methods: Total of 45 critically ill patients had nasointestinal tube indwelled were collected from June 1,2018 to April 1,2019 in the Intensive Care Unit of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, including 30 males and 15 females, with an average age of (63±17) years.Enteral nutritional suspension Peptisorb Liquid was used as research medium,with the ultrasonic imaging performance of it confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.The optimal mixing ratio of microbubble ultrasound contrast agent and Peptisorb Liquid was confirmed by in vitro experiment, then the mixture was quietly placed and its stability was dynamically observed. The nasointestinal tube was confirmed in the digestive tract by conventional ultrasound and then the ultrasound contrast mode turned on. Ultrasound contrast agent with Peptisorb Liquid as mixed medium was injected into the nasointestinal tube and the tube direction and end position were observed and recorded in real time. Abdominal X-ray examination or CT was used as the gold standard for verifying the location of the nasointestinal tube and the same result represented successful positioning. Results: The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Peptisorb Liquid had good ultrasound imaging uniformity and penetrating power, which could clearly show the range and boundary of the filling intestine cavity; the in vitro experiment showed that the ultrasound contrast agent prepared with the microbubble ultrasound contrast agent and Peptisorb Liquid by the ratio of 1∶1 000 and 1∶500 which had the best imaging effect and the best distribution uniformity, with the best stability within 10 minutes after quietly placed. Nasointestinal tubes were successfully located by using ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutritional suspension as mixed medium in 95.6%(43/45) of the patients collected in this study,including success at one attempt in 39 cases, the operating time was (1.6±0.5) minutes and 4 cases were successfully located after multiple operations with (5.1±0.5) minutes, the tube bent in the stomach in one case and flexed back into the stomach from the descending duodenum in another. The operation failed in 2 cases (4.4%). No significant complications occurred during the examination. Conclusion: The ultrasound contrast agent with enteral nutritional suspension as mixed medium has the advantages of both, which can conveniently, safely and effectively locate the direction and end position of nasointestinal tube in critically ill patients.

[The application of Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire (ASBQ) in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors]

Objective: To develop the Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire(ASBQ) and to verify its application in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors. Methods: The following steps were finished including getting the permission from the author of the original English scale, translating and back-translating, tentative test, discussing the consequence and cultural debugging. From October 2016 to December 2018, 51 patients with skull base tumors from Xuanwu Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital were enrolled as an experimental group, aged from 24 to 70 years old, with 19 males and 32 females, which included 27 patients with anterior skull base tumor and 24 patients with middle skull base tumor. From December 2016 to January 2018, 46 healthy volunteers were selected as a control group, aged from 18 to 36 years old, including 26 females and 20 males. The subjects in the test group and the control group were rigorously tested with official manuscripts and judged whether the manuscript was applicable. The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data of the test group, the anterior skull base group, the middle skull base group and the control group to evaluate the performance of the scale. Results: Both the rate of the recovery and efficiency in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group were 100%, with the average time of completion of (8.7±3.2), (11.2±4.0) and (7.3±2.1) min, respectively in each group. The r value of test-retest reliability was 0.96, 0.99 and 0.97 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group, with the split-half reliability coefficient of 0.91, 0.90 and 0.96, with the entire scale Cronbach's coefficient of 0.91, 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. The content validity and the construct validity of the scale were good enough, and the criteria validity was-0.483,-0.509 and -0.489 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group. The scale could well distinguish the difference of the quality of life between the preoperative and postoperative patients in experimental group and the middle skull base group. The difference of the quality of life in anterior skull base group was not found between preoperative and postoperative patients. Conclusion: The Chinese version of ASBQ has good reliability and validity, which is suitable for a wide range of Chinese patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors to assess their quality of life.

Down-regulated expression of Tim-3 promotes invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells

To explore how Tim-3 is expressed and how its expression influences invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. A total of 188 CRC patients were prospectively collected for this study. Meanwhile, 135 normal controls were incorporated during the same period. Intestinal samples of the CRC radical cancerous tissues, paracancerous tissues ( 5.0 cm beyond the cancer tissue) were collected for the following experiment. Furthermore, peripheral venous blood samples (10 ml) were collected from each subject. Immunohistochemical analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot were performed for the detection of Tim-3 in different tissues. The immunohistochemical staining results showed that a positive Tim-3 signal was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus, observed as yellow or brown granules. Tim-3 was largely expressed in colon carcinoma tissues and normal colon mucosa tissues but was rarely expressed in the cell membrane. RT-qPCR results indicated that Tim-3 mRNA levels were significantly lower in CRC tissues than in paracancerous tissues and normal colon mucosa tissues. A trend of decreased Tim-3 mRNA levels was also found in the paracancerous tissues compared with the normal colon mucosa tissues (all P < 0.05). Western blot results revealed reduced Tim-3 protein expression in CRC tissues compared with normal colon mucosa tissues and paracancerous tissues, and Tim-3 protein expression was much lower in the paracancerous tissues than in the normal colon mucosa tissues (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, obviously lower Tim-3 mRNA levels were found in the poorly differentiated CRC patients and in those with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis (all P < 0.05). Collectively, Tim-3 expression was mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus, showing down-regulated expression in colon carcinoma tissues compared with normal and paracancerous tissues. Reduced Tim-3 expression may promote CRC invasion and metastasis providing a medical reference for the treatment of CRC.

Enhanced magnetic circular dichroism by subradiant plasmonic mode in symmetric graphene oligomers at low static magnetic fields

Giant magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) that shows a different response to incident wave with left or right-handed circular polarization under external magnetic field is promising for magneto-optical sensing, revealing symmetry and degeneracy information of electronic states. However, traditional methods and materials that are used to obtain significant MCD involve highly strong external magnetic field. Based on the excitation of subradiant plasmonic mode and Fano resonance in graphene oligomers in the mid-infrared region, we numerically demonstrate that MCD is enhanced three times larger than the previously reported method, based on the resonance of electric dipole plasmonic mode. This giant MCD is attributed to the remarkably different excitation efficiency of subdradiant plasmonic mode due to the interparticle coupling under left or right-handed circular polarization incidence and external magnetic field. Our results offer an effective mechanism to enhance MCD signal at the nanoscale, which facilitates the sensing, spintronic, nanophotonics and other such fields.

[The impact of meisoindigo on apoptosis and proliferation of SET2 cell line by JAK-STAT pathway]

Objective: To observe the effect of meisoindigo on apoptosis and proliferation of JAK2/V617F heterozygous mutation cell line-SET2 cell line to further explore the role of JAK-STAT pathway in this effect. Methods: Cell apoptosis after treated with different concentration of meisoindigo (0, 5, and 10 μmol/L) was evaluated by flow cytometry at different time points (24, 48, 72 h). Cell proliferation with CCK8 test was evaluated at different time points (24, 48, 72, 96 h) after administered with different concentration of meisoindigo (0, 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L). After treatment with different concentration of meisoindigo (0, 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L), SET2 cells were collected after 12 h, and then cultured in incomplete methylcellulose-based medium for clone formation. JAK-STAT signaling pathway and apoptosis related protein by Western blot test were evaluated 12 h after administered with different concentration of meisoindigo (0, 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L). Results: At different time points after treated with meisoindigo, the apoptosis rate of SET2 cell lines increased (P<0.01) with the inhibited proliferation (P<0.01), and the decreased clone formation rate of SET2 cell lines [0 μmol/L meisoindigo: (4.48±1.19)%, 20 μmol/L meisoindigo: (2.55±0.36)%; Dunnett P=0.020] in the presence of augmented concentrations of meisoindigo. At 12 hours after administration with meisoindigo, the reduced expressions of JAK2, P-JAK2, P-STAT1, P-STAT3, P-STAT3, STAT5, the decreased anti-apoptosis proteins BCL-2, BCL-XL and the increased pro-apoptosis protein BID, BIM were observed in the presence of increased concentrations of meisoindigo. Conclusion: Meisoindigo played an important role during the apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation in ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm cell-SET2 cell lines, which might be related to the inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling pathway with up-regulation of pro-apoptosis protein and down-regulation of anti-apoptosis protein.

Broadband reflective lens in visible band based on aluminum plasmonic metasurface

We demonstrate a flat optical lens based on plasmonic reflectarray metasurface, which consists of a planar array of hyperbolic-shaped aluminum (Al) nanoantenna separated from an Al ground plane by a SiO₂ spacer. The gradual change in the width of the Al nanoantenna enables unique broadband (400-700 nm) to focus on the visible band because of its hyperbolic reflection-phase profile. The focal length of metalens is quickly decreased with the increase of wavelength in the short wavelength region (400-550 nm), compensating the chromatic aberration in traditional lenses. In long wavelength region (550-700 nm), the focal length has only a slight change, thereby minimizing chromatic aberration. Furthermore, the proposed metalens creates a small focal spot beyond diffraction limit, while maintaining high focusing efficiency. Our method of simple and anisotropic nanoantenna is used to realize wide phase tuning range offers a novel strategy to design braodband metalens, and our metalens has widespread applications in compact camera, telescope, and microscope.

[Targeted sequencing analysis of hyper-eosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukemia]

Objective: Analysis of the molecular characteristics of eosinophilia. Methods: Targeting sequence to 24 patients with chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) with rearrangement of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1 and 62 patients with hyper-eosinophilic syndrome (HES). Mutation annotation and analysis of amino acid mutation using authoritative databases to speculate on possible pathogenic mutation. Results: Thirty-seven kinds of clonal variant were detected from 17 patients with CEL, no recurrent mutation site and hot spot region were found. No pathogenic mutation was detected in 19 patients with PDGFRA rearrangement, but pathogenic mutations of ASXL1, RUNX1 and NRAS were detected from 2 patients with FGFR1 rearrangement who progressed to acute myeloid leukemia and 1 patient with PDGFRB rearrangement who progressed to T lymphoblastic lymphoma, respectively. One hundred and two kinds of clonal abnormalities were detected in 49 patients with HES. The main hot spot mutation regions included: CEBPA Exon1, TET2 Exon3, ASXL1 Exon12, IDH1 Y208C, and FGFR3 L164V. CRRLF2 P224L and PDGFRB R370C point mutations were detected separately in 2 patients with HES who treated with imatinib monotherapy and achieved hematologic remission. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of CEL with PDGFRA, PDGFRB or FGFR1 rearrangement is usually single, and the progression of the disease may involve other driver mutation. A variety of genes with hot mutation regions may be involved in the pathogenesis of HES, and some mutation sites are sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

[Clinical application of Acutegastrointestinal injury grading system assocaited with clinical severity outcome in critically ill patients: a multi-center prospective, observational study]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of utilizing the current acute gastrointestinal injury(AGI) grading system, and explore the association of severity of AGI grade with clinical outcome in critically ill patients. Methods: The adult patients from 14 general ICUs in Zhejiang Province with an expected admission to ICU for at least 24 h were recruited, and all clinical, laboratory, and survival data were prospectively collected. The AGI grade was daily assessed based on GIsymptoms, feeding details and organ dysfunctionon the first week of admission to ICU.The intra-abdominal pressures(IAP) was measured using AbViser device. Results: Of 550 patients enrolled, mean values for age and APACHE Ⅱ score were (64.9±17.2) years and (19.5±7.4), respectively. 456 patients(82.9%) took mechanical ventilation, and 470 patients were identified for AGI. The distribution of AGI grade on the frist day of ICU admission were 50.6%(Ⅰ grade, n=238), 34.2%(Ⅱ grade, n=161), 12.4%(Ⅲ grade, n=58) and 2.8%(Ⅳ, n=13), respectively, while the distribution of the global AGI grade based on the 7-day AGI assessment of ICU admission were 24.5%(Ⅰ grade, n=115), 49.4%(Ⅱ grade, n=232), 20.6%(Ⅲ grade, n=97) and 5.5%(Ⅳ, n=26), respectively. 28- and 60-day mortality rate was 29.3%(n=161) and 32.5%(n=179), respectively. The patients with AGI had a higher 28-(31.1% vs 18.8%, P=0.025) and 60-day survival rate(34.7% vs 20.0%, P=0.01) than those with non-AGI, and also there were positive correlations between AGI grade and 28- and 60-day mortality(P<0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, the source of medicial admission, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, the use of vasoactive drugs, serum creatinine and lactate, mechanical ventilation, APACHE Ⅱ score, the AGI grade in the first day of ICU admission and feeding intolerance within the first week of ICU stay were significantly(P≤0.02) associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis including all these variables, the source of medical admission(χ(2)=4.34, P=0.04), diabete mellitus(χ(2)=3.96, P=0.05), the use of vasoactive drugs(χ(2)=6.55, P=0.01), serum lactate(χ(2)=4.73, P=0.03), the global AGI grade in the 7-day of ICU admission(χ(2)=7.10, P=0.008), and APACHE Ⅱ score(χ(2)=12.1, P<0.001) remained independent predictors for 60-day mortality.In the further subgroup analysis including 402 patients with 7-day survival, the feeding intolerance within the first week of ICU stay could provide independent and incremental prognostic value of 60-day mortality wtih increased χ(2)value of Cox regression model(χ(2)=52.2 vs 41.9, P=0.007) . Conclusion: The AGI grading system is useful for identifying the severity of gastrointestinal dysfunction, and could be used as a strong predictor of impaired outcome. The results provide evidence to support that feeding intolerance within 7 days of admission to ICU was an independent determinant of mortality.