Quantifying the influence of size, shape, and density of microplastics on their transport modes: A modeling approach

Microplastics (MPs) pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health, necessitating accurate predictions of their distributions in aquatic environments for effective risk mitigation. However, understanding MP transport dynamics is challenging because of the inadequate representation of MP characteristics such as size, shape, and density in numerical models. Further, the accuracy of the MP vertical profiles in existing models has not been thoroughly validated. Thus, we developed an MP transport model within the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model framework (FVCOM-MP) by integrating MP characteristics. We validated FVCOM-MP against experimental and analytical data, focusing on various MP transport modes and transitions. FVCOM-MP successfully replicates MP profiles in different transport modes, including the bedload, surface load, suspended load, and mixed load modes. Additionally, we introduce phase diagrams for classifying MP transport modes based on particle characteristics, enhancing our understanding of MP dynamics in aquatic systems. The transport modes for a number of real-world MP particles, including fishing line, plastic bag/bottle fragments, synthetic fibers, tire wear particles, polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene pellets, were analyzed with these phase diagrams.

Construction of prediction model for fetal growth restriction during first trimester in an Asian population

OBJECTIVE

To construct a prediction model for fetal growth restriction (FGR) during the first trimester of pregnancy and evaluate its screening performance.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that underwent routine ultrasound screening at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2019 and April 2022. Basic clinical information, ultrasound indicators and serum biomarkers of pregnant women were collected. Fetal weight assessment was based on the fetal growth curve for the Southern Chinese population. FGR was diagnosed according to Delphi consensus criteria. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical effectiveness of the model were evaluated in training and validation cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 1188 pregnant women were included, of whom 108 had FGR. Lasso regression identified seven predictive features, including history of maternal hypertension, maternal smoking or passive smoking, gravidity, uterine artery pulsatility index, ductus venosus pulsatility index and multiples of the median values of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. The nomogram prediction model constructed from these seven variables accurately predicted FGR, and the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve in the validation cohort was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74-0.90). The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test demonstrated good calibration, and the clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve supported its practical value in a clinical setting.

CONCLUSION

The multi-index prediction model for FGR has good predictive value during the first trimester. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Retrospective study of 70 cases with the head and neck non-parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma]

Objective: To analyze the treatment outcomes and prognoses of children with head and neck non-parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma (HNnPM RMS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with HNnPM RMS admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital from September 2012 to September 2022. The clinical features, comprehensive treatment modes and prognoses of the patients were analyzed. The overall survival rate (OS) and event free survival rate (EFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate analysis was performed using the Log-rank test. Results: A total of 70 children were included in this study, 38 males and 32 females, with a median age of 47 months (2-210 months). Pathological subtypes including the embryonal in 27 cases, the alveolar in 36 cases and the spindle cell and sclerosing in 7 cases. Thirty children (83.3%) with alveolar type were positive for FOXO1 gene fusion. All 70 children underwent chemotherapy, including 38 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 32 with adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixty of 70 children underwent surgery, of whom, 10 underwent two or more surgeries. There were 63 children underwent radiotherapy, including 54 with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, 4 with particle implantation and 5 with proton therapy. The median follow-up was 45 (5-113) months, the 5-year OS was 73.2%, and the 5-year EFS was 57.7%. Univariate analysis showed lymph node metastasis (χ2=5.022, P=0.025), distant metastasis (χ2=8.258, P=0.004), and high Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) group (χ2=9.859, P=0.029) as risk factors for poor prognosis. Before June 2016, the 5-year OS based on BCH-RMS-2006 scheme was 63.6%, and after 2016, the 5-year OS based on CCCG-RMS-2016 scheme was 79.6%. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary combined standardized treatment can offer good treatment outcome and prognosis for children with HNnPM RMS. Local control is a key to the efficacy of comprehensive treatment.

[Overview of design and construction of hypertensive disorders of a pregnancy-cohort in Shenzhen]

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) involves two major public health issues: mother-infant safety and prevention and controlling major chronic disease. HDP poses a serious threat to maternal and neonatal safety, and it is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as an important risk factor for long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD). In order to explore effective strategies to prevent and control the source of CVD and reduce its risk, we have established a cohort of HDPs in Shenzhen for the primordial prevention of CVD. The construction of the HDP cohort has already achieved preliminary progress till now. A total of 2 239 HDP women have been recruited in the HDP cohort. We have established a cohort data management platform and Biobank. The follow-up and assessment of postpartum cardiovascular metabolic risk in this cohort has also been launched. Our efforts will help explore the pathophysiological mechanism of HDP, especially the pathogenesis and precision phenotyping, prediction, and prevention of pre-eclampsia, which, therefore, may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and provide a bridge to linking HDP and maternal-neonatal cardiovascular, metabolic risk to promote the cardiovascular health of mothers and their infants.

Evolving Project ECHO: delivery of pediatric pain core competency learning for interprofessional healthcare providers

Introduction

Healthcare providers (HCPs) practicing in community settings are critical to improving access to pain care, yet there are significant gaps in training opportunities designed for interprofessional learners. Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO®) is an established model for delivering online HCP education through virtual clinics and cultivating a community of practice. However, to our knowledge, the integration of pain core competency education into the ECHO® model has not been previously attempted. This innovation could enhance the ECHO® model while also addressing the growing calls for more accessible interprofessional pain curricula. This paper describes efforts to implement and evaluate core competency curricula within the context of Pediatric Project ECHO for Pain, one of the first pediatric-pain focused ECHO programs in the world.

Methods

Needs assessments informed curricula development. The first delivered core competency model consisted of synchronous webinar-style sessions while the second model included a mixture of asynchronous (eLearning course) and synchronous (virtual clinical debrief) elements. A convenience sample of HCPs was recruited from ECHO program registrants. Participants completed baseline and follow-up surveys to assess core competency acceptability as well as impact on knowledge and self-efficacy related to managing pediatric pain. Usability of the eLearning platform (model 2 only) was also evaluated. Surveys used 5-point Likert scales to capture outcomes. A priori targets included mean scores ≥4/5 for acceptability and ≥80% of learners reporting knowledge and self-efficacy improvements. The study received local research ethics approval.

Results

The core competency was found to be highly acceptable to interprofessional learners (n = 31) across delivery models, surpassing a priori targets. Specifically, it was characterized as a worthwhile and satisfactory experience that was helpful in supporting learning. The core competency was also associated with improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy by 97% and 90% of learners, respectively. The eLearning platform was reported to have high usability with clinically realistic cases (100% of respondents) that were helpful to inform care delivery (94% of respondents).

Conclusion

The integration of core competency learning within the Project ECHO® model was a successful approach to deliver pediatric pain education to interprofessional HCPs.

[Procine recombinant NK-lysin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by downregulating FKBP3 and inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis: a proteomic analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential mechanisms that mediate the inhibitory effect of porcine recombinant NKlysin (prNK-lysin) against liver cancer cell metastasis.

METHODS

HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins in prNK-lysin-treated hepatocellular carcinoma SMMOL/LC-7721 cells in comparison with the control and PBS-treated cells. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially expressed proteins were performed using GO and KEGG databases. RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of polypeptide-N-acetylgalactosaminotransferase 13 (GALNT13), transmembrane protein 51 (TMEM51) and FKBP prolyl isomerase 3 (FKBP3) in the cells, and the protein expression of FKBP3 was verified using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Proteomic analysis identified 1989 differentially expressed proteins in prNK-lysin-treated cells compared with the control cells, and 2753 compared with PBS-treated cells. Fifteen proteins were differentially expressed between PBS-treated and the control cells, and 1909 were differentially expressed in prNK- lysin group compared with both PBS and control groups. These differentially expressed proteins were involved mainly in the viral process, translational initiation and RNA binding and were enriched mainly in ribosome, protein process in endoplasmic reticulum, and RNA transport pathways. RT-qPCR showed that compared with the control group, prNK-lysin treatment significantly increased the mRNA expressions of GALNT13 (P < 0.05) and TMEM51 (P < 0.01) and lowered FKBP3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Western blotting also showed a significantly decreased expression of FKBP3 protein in prNK-lysin-treated cells (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with prNK-lysin causes significant changes in protein expression profile of SMMOL/LC-7721 cells and inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by downregulating FKBP3 protein and affecting the cellular oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis pathways.

[Targeting microRNA-125b inhibited the metastasis of Alisertib resistance cells through mediating p53 pathway]

Objective: To clarify the mechanisms involvement in Alisertib-resistant colorectal cells and explore a potential target to overcome Alisertib-resistance. Methods: Drug-resistant colon cancer cell line (named as HCT-8-7T cells) was established and transplanted into immunodeficient mice. The metastasis in vivo were observed. Proliferation and migration of HCT-8-7T cells and their parental cells were assessed by colony formation and Transwell assay, respectively. Glycolytic capacity and glutamine metabolism of cells were analyzed by metabolism assays. The protein and mRNA levels of critical factors which are involved in mediating glycolysis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were examined by western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively. Results: In comparison with the mice transplanted with HCT-8 cells, which were survival with limited metastatic tumor cells in organs, aggressive metastases were observed in liver, lung, kidney and ovary of HCT-8-7T transplanted mice (P<0.05). The levels of ATP [(0.10±0.01) mmol/L], glycolysis [(81.77±8.21) mpH/min] and the capacity of glycolysis [(55.50±3.48) mpH/min] in HCT-8-7T cells were higher than those of HCT-8 cells [(0.04±0.01) mmol/L, (27.77±2.55) mpH/min and(14.00±1.19) mpH/min, respectively, P<0.05]. Meanwhile, the levels of p53 protein and mRNA in HCT-8-7T cells were potently decreased as compared to that in HCT-8 cells (P<0.05). However, the level of miRNA-125b (2.21±0.12) in HCT-8-7T cells was significantly elevated as compared to that in HCT-8 cells (1.00±0.00, P<0.001). In HCT-8-7T cells, forced-expression of p53 reduced the colon number (162.00±24.00) and the migration [(18.53±5.67)%] as compared with those in cells transfected with control vector [274.70±40.50 and (100.00±29.06)%, P<0.05, respectively]. Similarly, miR-125b mimic decreased the glycolysis [(25.28±9.51) mpH/min] in HCT-8-7T cells as compared with that [(54.38±12.70)mpH/min, P=0.003] in HCT-8-7T cells transfected with control. Meanwhile, in comparison with control transfected HCT-8-7T cells, miR-125b mimic also significantly led to an increase in the levels of p53 and β-catenin, in parallel with a decrease in the levels of PFK1 and HK1 in HCT-8-7T cells (P<0.05). Conclusions: Silencing of p53 by miR-125b could be one of the mechanisms that contributes to Alisertib resistance. Targeting miR-125b could be a strategy to overcome Alisertib resistance.

Pediatric Project ECHO® for Pain: implementation and mixed methods evaluation of a virtual medical education program to support interprofessional pain management in children and youth

BACKGROUND

Pediatric pain is a complex health challenge requiring a multi-modal management approach. It is critical that healthcare providers (HCPs) have access to ongoing, flexible education and mentorship specific to pediatric pain. However, there are significant gaps in available pain education and a need for more opportunities to support interprofessional training. Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO®) is a model for delivering online HCP education and cultivating a virtual community of practice. Within the pediatric pain setting, ECHO® has potential to improve local access to specialized pain knowledge, particularly among the physicians, nurses, and allied health providers who primarily manage these cases in community and hospital settings across rural and urban environments. The purpose of this study was three-fold. First, to evaluate the feasibility (participation levels, acceptability) of implementing Project ECHO® in the context of pediatric pain. Second, to measure preliminary program impacts on HCP knowledge, self-efficacy, and clinical practice. Third, to characterize HCP program engagement levels before and after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A needs assessment was conducted to identify interprofessional education gaps and inform the program curriculum. The no-cost Pediatric ECHO® for Pain program offered TeleECHO sessions (didactic and case-based learning) as well as foundational education. Surveys were distributed at baseline and 6 months to assess outcomes using 7-point Likert scales. Participant engagement was assessed for periods prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Eighty-five TeleECHO sessions were hosted, with a mean attendance of 34.1 ± 23.4 HCPs. Acceptability scores at 6 months (n = 33) ranged from 5.0 ± 1.4 to 6.5 ± 0.5. Participants reported statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvements in knowledge (7 out of 7 topics) and self-efficacy (8 out of 9 skills). Most participants reported positive practice impacts, including improved satisfaction with managing children with pain. Exploratory analyses showed a trend of greater engagement from ECHO® learners after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Project ECHO® is a feasible and impactful model for virtual education of interprofessional HCPs in managing pediatric pain.

[Efficacy and influencing factors of surgery combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of children with non-orbital head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and influencing factors of surgery combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of children with non-orbital head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS). Methods: Information from 45 children diagnosed as non-orbital HNRMS and subjected to surgery combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from August 2017 to July 2021 was analyzed. The patients included 25 males and 20 females, aged from 1 to 17 years old. The primary tumor site, pathological subtype, clinical stage, risk group, therapeutic regimen, resection range and outcome of all cases were also collected. The survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier method and the potential prognostic factors were investigated by Cox regression analysis. Results: Fifteen (33.3%) of 45 children achieved negative surgical margin under complete tumor resection. The postoperative pathological results showed that there were 20 cases of embryonic subtype, 19 cases of alveolar subtype and 6 cases of spindle sclerosis subtype. The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 4 to 71 months, with a median of 26 months. During the follow-up period, 13 children died, among whom brain metastasis was the most common cause of death, accounting for 7/13. The 3-year overall survival rate was 67.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that non-embryonic subtype (HR=6.26, 95%CI: 1.52-25.87, P=0.011) and failure to reach R0 resection (HR=9.37, 95%CI: 1.18-74.34, P=0.034) were independent risk factors affecting overall survival rate. Conclusion: Surgery combined with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can offer a good efficacy for children with non-orbital HNRMS. Non-embryonic subtype and resection without negative operative microscopic margins are independent risk factors for poor prognosis, and brain metastasis is the main cause of death in these children.

[A case-control study of occupational noise exposure induced high-frequency hearing loss and the risk of hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between high frequency hearing loss caused by occupational noise and the risk of hypertension. Methods: In March 2020, a case-control study was conducted. All noise exposed workers who participated in occupational health examination in Wuxi City in 2019 were selected as the study subjects (95432 cases in total) . The hypertension group was defined as the case group, and the normotensive group was defined as the control group. According to the hearing threshold, they were divided into the non high frequency hearing loss group (<40 dB) and the high frequency hearing loss group (≥ 40 dB) . Univariate statistical method and binary logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between high-frequency hearing loss and hypertension risk. Stratified analysis was used to compare the risk of hypertension among workers with high-frequency hearing loss of different ages and length of service. Results: There were significant differences in gender, age, length of service, enterprise scale, economic type and high-frequency hearing loss between control group and hypertension group (P<0.05) . Binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, length of service, enterprise scale and economic type, the risk of hypertension in the high-frequency hearing loss group was still increased (OR=1.062, 95%CI: 1.007~1.121, P=0.027) . The risk of hypertension in high-frequency hearing loss patients was higher than that in non high-frequency hearing loss patients in 20-39 years old and 40-59 years old age groups (OR=1.536, 95%CI: 1.353~1.743; OR=1.179, 95%CI: 1.111~1.250; P<0.05) . The risk of hypertension in high-frequency hearing loss patients in <5years, 5-9years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years and ≥20 years working age groups were higher than that in non high-frequency hearing loss groups (OR=1.926, 95%CI=1.007-1.121; OR=1.635, 95%CI=1.478-1.810; OR=1.312, 95%CI=1.167-1.474; OR=1.445, 95%CI=1.238-1.686; OR=1.235, 95%CI=1.043-1.463; P<0.05) . Conclusion: There is a certain relationship between high-frequency hearing loss caused by occupational noise and the risk of hypertension, and the risk of hypertension is different among high-frequency hearing loss patients of different ages and working years.

[Honokiol reduces doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in vitro by inhibiting pyroptosis via activating AMPK/Nrf2 signaling]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of honokiol (HKL) for reducing doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

H9c2 cells were divided into control group, DOX group, HKL + DOX group, and HKL+compound C+DOX group. After 24 h of corresponding treatment, the cells were examined for morphological changes and cell viability using CCK-8 assay. The mRNA expressions of the inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), p-AMPK and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) were detected with Western blotting; the expressions of NLRP3 and p-AMPK also detected with immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

DOX treatment caused swelling and significantly lowered the viability of H9c2 cells (P < 0.05), resulting also in increased mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β (P < 0.05) and protein expressions of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, NLRP3, caspase-1 and ASC (P < 0.05) but reduced protein levels of p-AMPK and Nrf2 (P < 0.05); fluorescence staining showed significantly increased NLRP3 expression and decreased expression of p-AMPK in DOX-treated cells (P < 0.05). All these changes in COX-treated cells were significantly alleviated by HKL treatment (P < 0.05). The application of compound C obviously mitigated the protective effects of HKL against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

HKL can alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting pyroptosis in H9c2 cells, and this effect is mediated by activation of AMPK to regulate Nrf2 signaling.

[Effects of ursolic acid on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in a rat model of AR after PM2.5 exposure]

Objective: To investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in a rat model of AR after PM2.5 exposure. Methods: Sixty healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (NC group), PM2.5 unexposed AR group (AR group), PM2.5 exposed AR group (ARE group), UA intervention AR group (AR+UA group), and UA intervention PM2.5 exposed AR group (ARE+UA group), with 12 rats in each group. AR model was performed by a basal sensitization with intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and followed by nasal instillation. PM2.5 exposure was carried out by inhalation exposure system at a concentration of 200 μg/m³ for 3 h/d for 30 days. UA intervention group was given UA intragastric administration at 20 mg/(kg·d). AR symptoms including sneezing, nasal scratching and nasal secretion of rats in each group were observed. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in nasal mucosa were tested. The pathological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by HE staining. The levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-6 and IL-17 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein microarray was used to measure the expression of multiple inflammation cell factors in nasal mucosa. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0. Results: After UA intervention, the frequency of nasal sneezing, scratching and nasal secretion in ARE+UA group were lower than those of ARE group (P<0.05). Pathological examination of nasal mucosa showed that ARE+UA group had less inflammatory granulocyte infiltration and less pathological damage to the epithelial layer than ARE group. The activities of SOD in nasal mucosa of ARE+UA group were higher than those of ARE group ((50.10±3.09) U/mg vs (20.13±1.30) U/mg, F value was 597.54, P<0.01). The contents of MDA in nasal mucosa of ARE+UA group were lower than those of ARE group ((57.78±12.36) nmol/g vs (124.12±9.40) nmol/g, F value was 115.51, P<0.01). The expression levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-6 and IL-17 proteins were lower in the ARE+UA group than those in ARE group ((11.61±0.27) ng/ml vs (20.30±0.67) ng/ml, (47.59±15.49) pg/ml vs (98.83±10.98) pg/ml, (623.30±8.75) pg/ml vs (913.32±9.06) pg/ml, F value was 283.42, 80.45, 683.73, respectively, all P<0.01). After UA intervention, protein microarray analysis showed that the expression of IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, chemokine CXCL7, IL-1α, IL-1β, MMP-8 and MCP-1 in ARE+UA group was decreased compared with ARE group while IFN-γ and IL-10 increased (all P<0.01). Conclusion: UA can reduce the aggravated AR symptoms and pathological damage of nasal mucosa, inhibit oxidative stress and release of inflammatory factors after PM2.5 exposure, and thus plays a protective role in the pathological damage of AR induced by PM2.5 exposure.

[Clinical characteristics and prognostic analyses of cervical neuroblastoma]

Objective: To determine the characteristics of cervical neuroblastoma and the effect of resection extent on survival and outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 32 children with cervical neuroblastoma treated at Beijing Children's Hospital between April 2013 and August 2020. Data were collected from the medical record. The individualized therapy was designed based on staging and risk group. Based on the extent of resection, patients were divided into incomplete and complete resection groups. Event free and overall survival rates were compared between two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The ages of patients ranged from 1 month to 81 months, with a median age of 11 months, including 7 males and 15 females. Twenty-nine patients (90.6%) presented with cervical painless mass. The average diameter of the primary tumors was (5.12±1.43) cm. Tumors were located in the parapharyngeal space in 25 cases (78.1%) and in the root of the neck in 7 cases (21.9%). None had MYCN amplification. According to International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS), 15 patients (46.9%) were identified as stage 1, 11 patients (34.3%) as stage 2B, 3 patients (9.4%) as stage 3 and 3 patients (9.4%) as stage 4. There were 12 patients (37.5%) at low risk, 17 patients (53.1%) at intermediate risk and 3 patients at high risk according to Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk classification system. All patients underwent tumor resection. Postoperatively Horner's syndrome occurred in 13 patients (40.6%), pneumonia in 9 patients (28.1%), pharyngeal dysfunction in 8 patients (25.0%) and transient hoarseness in 4 patients (12.5%). At a median follow-up of 36.5 months, the overall survival rate was 96.4%, with no significant difference between incomplete and complete resection groups (100.0% vs. 96.3%, χ²=0.19, P=0.667); the event free survival rate was 78.1%, with a significant difference between the two groups (40.0% vs. 85.2%, χ²=6.71, P=0.010). Conclusions: Primary cervical neuroblastoma has a young onset age, mostly in low and medium risk groups, and represents favorable lesions with good outcomes after multidisciplinary therapy. Less aggressive surgery with preservation of important structures is recommended. Complete resection should not be attempted if it would compromise vital structures.

Detection of blaKPC and blaNDM genes by duplex PCR with lateral flow dipsticks from sterile body fluid samples

Duplex polymerase chain reaction with lateral flow dipsticks (duplex PCR-LFD) was developed for the simultaneous detection of beta-lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (bla_KPC ) and beta-lactamase New Dehli metallo-beta-lactamase (bla_NDM ) genes in body fluid samples. This method was validated using well-characterized isolates. The assessment of the specificity of duplex PCR-LFD showed that there was no cross-reactivity with other targets. The detection limit of the duplex PCR-LFD assay was 20 CFU per ml for bla_KPC and bla_NDM . Among 177 sterile body fluid samples tested by the duplex PCR-LFD assay, 40 were bla_KPC -positive and five were bla_NDM -positive. The results obtained from 122 corresponding Gram-negative bacteria which were isolated from these clinical samples and tested by duplex PCR-LFD assay showed that there were 37 strains carrying bla_KPC genes in 40 bla_KPC -positive samples and three strains carrying bla_NDM genes in five bla_NDM -positive samples. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between the direct detection of bla_KPC and bla_NDM genes in clinical sterile body fluid samples and their corresponding clinical isolates. Therefore, duplex PCR-LFD can be effective for the simultaneous detection of bla_KPC and bla_NDM in clinical isolates and directly from clinical samples, which may be helpful for the administration of appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

[Genomic investigation of human Streptococcus suis infection in Shandong Province]

To investigate Streptococcus suis (S.suis) isolated from patients in Shandong province using genomic epidemiology and pathogenologic analysis. To provide the foundation to establish reasonable and accurate prevention and control measures of human S. suis infection. Molecular typing, whole genome phylogenetic tree, virulence gene typing, antibiotic resistance profile and mobile genetic elements carrying antibiotic resistance genes of isolated S. suis strains were investigated. The pathogenicity of isolated strains was also evaluated by comparing their capacity to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. S. suis infections in Shandong province were predominantly due to serotype 2 and sequence type 1 strains. The major symptoms were meningitis. The studied strains could be divided into five lineages. All strains belong to highly pathogenic type in Shandong province,Strains from lineage 2 possessed higher capacity to stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production than other strains did, even though other strains belong to highly pathogenic strains. In addition, multiple antibiotic resistance genes and corresponding mobile genetic elements werewidespread in S. suis strains from Shandong province, except strains from lineage 3. High diversities in genome, evolutionary path and pathogenicity of S. suis strains from Shandong province were revealed. It was necessary to surveillant the S. suis strain in genomic level.

[Survival analysis of silicosis patients in Wuxi City]

Objective: To analyze the living condition and influencing factors of silicosis patients in Wuxi City form 1975 to 2019. Methods: Through the monitoring of death causes of residents, the paper-based materials and online report system of diagnosis over the years, and the combination of public security and human social system to obtain 3721 cases of silicosis patients as subjects form August to December 2019. And the combination of Kaplan Meier method and life table method were used to carry out single factor survival analysis. Through Cox regression model to analyze the factors affecting the survival time of patients. Results: From 1975 to 2019, 3721 cases of silicosis and 1274 deaths have been reported in Wuxi City, with a mortality rate of 34.24% and a median survival time of 30.9 years. With the development of diagnosis time, the mortality decreased significantly (χ(2)=747.75, P<0.05) . Compared with the first stage silicosis patients, the risk of decreased survival time of the third stage silicosis patients increased (HR=1.486, P<0.05) . Compared with the non-smoking patients, the risk of decreased survival time of the smoking patients increased (HR=1.136, P<0.05) . Compared with the patients who were less than 30 years old, the risk of decreased survival time of patients with 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old and more than 60 years old were increased (HR=9.641, 13.650, 26.794, P<0.05) . Compared with the patients who received industrial and commercial insurance, the risk of decreased survival time of patients who received compensation from employers, basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, other social compensation and no compensation were increased (HR=3.137, 3.119, 5.129, 8.442, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The survival time of silicosis patients is related to the stage of silicosis, smoking condition, age of onset and social compensation. We should focus on controlling the above risk factors so as to improve the quality of life of patients and prolong their lives.

Inactivation of lncRNA HOTAIRM1 caused by histone methyltransferase RIZ1 accelerated the proliferation and invasion of liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death, causing more than 700,000 deaths every year. It has been demonstrated that Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) plays an important regulatory role in a series of diseases. However, the regulatory mechanism of LncRNAs in liver cancer has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore the interaction of lncRNA HOTAIRM1 and aberrant histone modification in liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of RIZ1 and miR-125b in liver cancer cells. Cell proliferation was measured using the CCK8 assay. ChIP-Real-time PCR confirmed the binding site of the promoter of HOTAIRM1 by H3K9me1. The direct target of HOTAIRM1 and miR-125b in liver cancer cells was measured by a luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8). Cell invasion was measured by transwell assays and cell migration was detected by wound healing assay.

RESULTS

The expression level of RIZ1 and miR-125b was upregulated, and HOTAIRM1 was downregulated in liver cancer cells. Transwell and CCK-8 assay showed that RIZ1 expression is associated with the proliferation, invasion and migration of liver cancer cells, silencing of RIZ1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in HEPG2 and HCC-LM3 cells. RIZ1 interference could significantly inhibit H3K9me1 expression. H3K9me1 protein can bind to HOTAIRM1 promoter directly. Furthermore, the bioinformatics prediction and luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-125b can interact with HOTAIRM1 by direct binding. HOTAIRM1 down-expression promoted HEPG2 cell growth and metastasis, which was further strengthened following the co-transfection of miR-125b. Furthermore, overexpressed HOTAIRM1 inhibited HCC-LM3 cell growth and metastasis and a complete reversal of the results seen when transfected with miR-125b.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we found that RIZ1 was upregulated in liver cancer cells and RIZ1-mediated H3K9me1 enrichment on the HOTAIRM1 promoter regulated the growth and metastasis of liver cancer cells by targeting miR-125b, which could further accelerate tumor proliferation, migration and invasion. It may serve as a therapeutic marker for liver cancer treatment.

[Comparison of different reconstruction procedures after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer]

Objective: To systematically compare the effect of Roux-en-Y with Billroth Ⅰ or Billroth Ⅱ in gastric cancer patients after distal gastrectomy by meta-analysis. Methods: Systematic search was conducted on the relevant electronic databases of Pubmed, Embase, Wanfang Database, CNKI and VIP from the established time to August 18, 2019. The randomized controlled trials about comparison of Roux-en-Y with Billroth Ⅰ or Billroth Ⅱ were strictly screened and analyzed by the software of Revman 5.3. Procedure and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, respectively. Results: A total of 783 relevant literatures were systematically retrieved, and 6 randomized controlled trials, including 954 patients, finally met the inclusion criteria after strict screening. The results of meta-analysis showed that operative time of Billroth Ⅰ was significantly shorter than that of Roux-en-Y (MD=-37.60, 95%CI:-50.79--24.40, P<0.001), intraoperative bleeding (MD=-21.64, 95%CI:-32.20--11.07, P<0.001) and the number of delayed gastric emptying (RR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.31-0.86, P=0.01) of Billroth Ⅰ were both significantly less than those of Roux-en-Y, while bile reflux (RR=8.17, 95%CI: 2.21-31.53, P=0.002) and residual gastritis (RR=1.75, 95%CI:1.43-2.14, P<0.000 01) of Billroth Ⅰ were both significantly higher than those of Roux-en-Y, other outcomes showed no significant difference. Compared with Roux-en-Y, operative time of Billroth Ⅱ was significantly shorter (MD=-19.73, 95%CI:-32.82--6.64, P=0.003), while bile reflux (RR=17.63, 95%CI: 4.50-69.02, P<0.001), residual gastritis (RR=1.94, 95%CI:1.15-3.26, P=0.01) and reflux esophagitis (RR=3.13, 95%CI: 1.31-7.45, P=0.01) of Billroth Ⅱ were all significantly higher, and there was no significant difference in other outcomes. Conclusion: Compared with Billroth Ⅰ and Billroth Ⅱ, the operation time of Roux-en-Y in gastric cancer patients undergoing distal gastrectomy is longer, but the incidences of bile reflux and residual gastritis are both lower, and the postoperative quality of life seems better.

Predicting non-elective hospital readmission or death using a composite assessment of cognitive impairment and frailty in elderly inpatients with cardiovascular diseases

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related complications are significant healthcare problems in the growing elderly population. Metabolic factors are the predominant risk factors for CVD, sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity are major modifiable risk factors for CVD. Age-associated cognitive decline and impairment are associated with an increased mortality. Cognitive and physical components of frailty have pathophysiologic rationale as risk factors for CVD. There is a clinical need to identify more practical screens that can assist us to definite cognitive impairment and physical frailty, then to determine which patients with CVD are at high risk of adverse outcomes, early management of these high-risk patients can reduce readmission rates, healthcare spending, and improve quality of care.

Purpose

We aimed to assess the utility of a combination developed using the mini-mental state examination + clock drawing test and the Fried phenotype for predicting non-elective hospital readmission or death within 6-month in elderly inpatients with CVD.

Methods

A single center prospective cohort was conducted between September 2018 and February 2019. Inpatients aged 65 years or older were recruited. All enrolled patients received a comprehensive geriatric assessment during hospitalization. The Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the cumulative incidence of events. The multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the association between frailty and cognitive status and the non-elective hospital readmission or death.

Results

A total of 542 patients were included; and a total of 113 patients (20.9%) died or were readmitted at 6-month. Overall 20% screened positive for cognitive impairment, including 8% were cognitive impairment combined with physical frailty, which were more older, more common in women and non-married group, had a lower education and a higher risk of malnutrition. Frail participants with normal (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.73, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.06–2.82, P=0.028) and impaired cognition (HR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.27–4.91, P=0.008) had a higher risk of non-elective hospital readmission or death than robust patients, after adjustment for age, sex, education level, marital status, the presence of diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and previous stroke.

Conclusions

The presence of physical frailty and cognitive frailty were powerful predictors of non-elective hospital readmission or death in elderly inpatients with CVD, and taking cognitive impairment into account in the frailty model may allow better prediction of adverse outcomes of frailty in the short time.

Kaplan-Meier survival curves

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Correlation between COX-2 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene polymorphism in peripheral blood cells of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and normal people, and to explore the correlation between polymorphism and the occurrence of NPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The genotype and allele distributions of gene loci COX-2-899 (G/C) and COX-2-1195 (G/A) in peripheral blood of 56 normal people and 114 NPC patients were analyzed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The genetic equilibrium was detected by TaqMan genotyping technique. Meanwhile, the risk factors for NPC were analyzed via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, the effects of risk factors, clinical features, and gene polymorphism of NPC on the prognosis and survival of patients were analyzed using univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis. Finally, the correlation of smoking, Epstein-Barr (EB) virus infection and COX-2-1195 gene polymorphism with NPC was explored via χ2-test.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the genotype and allele distributions at COX-2-1195 (G/A) between the two groups (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed at COX-2-899 (G/C) between the two groups (p>0.05). According to the results of univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, smoking and EB virus infection were risk factors for NPC (p<0.05). The χ2-test indicated that there was an evident gene polymorphism at COX-2-1195 in smokers and EB virus-infected people compared to non-smokers and non-infected people (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

COX-2-1195 gene polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to NPC. Smoking and EB virus infection are major risk factors for NPC, both of which can affect COX-2-1195 gene polymorphism.

Volcanic origin for Younger Dryas geochemical anomalies ca. 12,900 cal B.P

The Younger Dryas (YD) abrupt cooling event ca. 12.9 ± 0.1 ka is associated with substantial meltwater input into the North Atlantic Ocean, reversing deglacial warming. One controversial and prevailing hypothesis is that a bolide impact or airburst is responsible for these environmental changes. Here, highly siderophile element (HSE; Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, and Re) abundances and 187Os/188Os ratios were obtained in a well-dated sediment section at Hall's Cave, TX, USA to test this hypothesis. In Hall's Cave, layers below, above, and in the YD have 187Os/188Os ratios consistent with incorporation of extraterrestrial or mantle-derived material. The HSE abundances indicate that these layers contain volcanic gas aerosols and not extraterrestrial materials. The most likely explanation is that episodic, distant volcanic emissions were deposited in Hall's Cave sediments. Coupled 187Os/188Os ratios and HSE concentration data at close stratigraphic intervals are required to effectively differentiate between bolide and volcanic origins.

[Iodine status of vulnerable populations in Henan Province of China three years after the implementation of new iodized salt standard]

Iodine nutrition surveillance of vulnerable population was conducted in 18 cities of Henan Province in 2015. The medians and quartiles of urinary iodine concentration in women of reproductive-age (n=3 318), pregnant women (n=36 366), lactating women (n=4 153), infants <2 years of age (n=1 017), and children aged 8-10 years (n=4 806) were 202.1(124.0, 310.0), 192.4(133.6, 262.4), 168.3(119.1, 248.3), 214.2(156.1, 272.3) and 90.0 (121.8, 285.6) μg/L, respectively. Iodine status of the vulnerable populations was generally regarded as adequate in Henan Province. But the median of urinary iodine concentration of reproductive-age women were slightly above the adequate level. The proportions above iodine adequate level were 26.7% in reproductive-age women, 29.4% in pregnant women and 22.5% in children aged 8-10 years.

Experience of pediatric urogenital tract inserted objects: 10-year single-center study

INTRODUCTION

Urogenital tract foreign bodies (FBs) have been rarely reported in children, and the management is still challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to review a 10-year experience with urogenital tract FBs in a single center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the records of children suspected with urogenital tract FBs and first admitted to the hospital, including demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and management. The authors compared the surgery strategies in different locations of FBs and age, and the locations of FBs in different age groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-nine cases were reviewed, and 188 were confirmed to retain urogenital tract FBs (150 girls and 38 boys). The number of the patients increased progressively in the last 10 years and mainly concentrated in spring and summer in the last 4 years. The peak ages were 3-5 years old and 9-13 years old. General anesthesia surgeries were performed on 20 patients (Fig. 1). Vagina FBs were more likely to require day surgery, whereas bladder FBs required surgery in hospital. Patients younger than 6 years were more likely to be girls with vagina FBs, and patients older than 11 years were more likely to be boys with bladder FBs.

DISCUSSION

Urogenital tract FBs in children is a great challenge. As the vagina is shorter and wider than the urethra, girls with vagina FBs are usually treated by day surgery and adolescent boys of urethra FBs are treated by hospital surgery. Misdiagnosis may occur when patients conceal FBs insert history, have severe urinary tract infections, or have previous surgery history. Ultrasonography helps to reduce misdiagnosis. FBs should be taken into consideration when patients have new symptoms after hypospadias repair, and postoperative changes of hypospadias repair, such as urinary calculi, have been excluded. Appropriate surgery techniques, based on the size, nature, and location of FBs, should be performed for complete removal of FBs with minimal complications to reduce secondary injury. Sharp FBs could be migrated among the digestive system, urogenital system, and deep pelvic. If the procedure is difficult, patients with a stable needle can be conservatively managed with close follow-up. Nevertheless, symptomatic patients should be treated actively.

CONCLUSION

The awareness of potential severity of pediatric urogenital tract FBs should be raised. Appropriate toys and timely sex education help prevent children from urogenital tract FBs insertion. Selecting appropriate techniques for particular situations is the best way to reduce secondary injury, especially for cases with migrated FBs (needles), magnetic FBs, and postoperative FBs.

Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor of the urogenital system in children: a retrospective observational case series

INTRODUCTION

Pediatric Ewing sarcoma (ES)/primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor (PNET) occurring in the genitourinary system has been rarely reported. And the result of long-term follow-up is still a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and long-term outcomes of pediatric ES/PNET in the genitourinary system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All children with genitourinary system PNET from a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system was used to evaluate tumor grade.

RESULTS

Four patients were included. Three were boys, and 1 was a girl. The locations of the lesions were the penis in 1 patient, ureter in 1 patient, and kidney in 2 patients. Two patients were of AJCC stage IVB, and the other 2 patients were of stage IIA. In the follow-up ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 years, 3 patients had survival, and 1 patient died. The patient with penis PNET survived during the 8 years of follow-up. One patient with renal PNET had tumor thromboses in the renal vein, inferior vena cava, and right atrium, which was the first definite report in children (case 3).

DISCUSSION

Primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor as a highly malignant subgroup of blue round cell tumor is extremely rare in the genitourinary system, especially in children. The current case series represents the first report of penis PNET in children with the longest (8 years) follow-up and first definite report of pediatric renal PNET with vena cava and atrium tumor thrombus. In contrast to the previous literature, the patient with ureteral PNET in this study was much younger, who was the youngest child to be reported in the literature thus far. Although the key prognostic factor of the outcomes is detectable metastases at diagnosis, the patient with penis PNET and bone and lung metastasis in this series still survived. It was hypothesized from the data of present cases that young age was a protective factor, which was consistent with the previous literature. Aggressive therapy is not trivial for patients with multiple recurrences who can also be a long-term survivor. The survival outcomes of these high-stage patients were favorable with combination treatment. As the patient with penis PNET in this series had bone metastasis at his 7.5 years after definite diagnosis, five years of follow-up was not enough. The follow-up period should be extended, even to a lifetime follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with PNET have a better prognosis than adults. Aggressive combination treatment should be performed to improve prognosis and the survival rate. It is better to monitor the changes of the disease by extending the follow-up period.

Disposition kinetics of orbifloxacin in tissues of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) following a single intramuscular administration

BACKGROUND

Orbifloxacin is being widely used in China to treat fish infections in an extra-label manner, which may cause its potential residues in edible tissues.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to determine the disposition kinetics of orbifloxacin in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) following intramuscular administration for its further safe application in aquaculture industry.

METHODS

Tissue samples of skin, muscle, kidney, and liver were collected from six crucian carps reared at 25°C at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h following a single intramuscular injection at 7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW). The orbifloxacin concentrations in tissues were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with a fluorescence detector, then average concentrations versus time data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis to obtain the kinetic parameters.

RESULTS

The peak concentration of 5.68 ± 0.03 µg/g was calculated in kidney at 2 h, followed by muscle (5.51 ± 0.01 µg/g) at 4 h, liver (4.84 ± 0.20 µg/g) at 2 h, and skin (4.27 ± 0.08 µg/g) at 4 h. Area under concentration-time curve was calculated as 79.22, 94.72, 118.65, and 129.02 h·µg/g in kidney, liver, skin, and muscle, respectively. And the elimination half-lives were determined as 18.17, 18.41, 18.77, and 19.11 h in skin, kidney, muscle, and liver, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It was shown that orbifloxacin was well distributed into tissues while relatively slowly eliminated in crucian carp reared at 25°C following a single intramuscular injection.

[Association between hyponatremia and hemodynamic and prognosis in patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism]

Objective: To investigate the association between hyponatremia and hemodynamic and prognosis in patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 110 intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism patients (right ventricular dysfunction was confirmed by echocardiography and CT scan with or without the elevated levels of cardiac injury biomarkers) in the first and the second affiliated hospital of Harbin medical university from January 1,2011 to December 31, 2014. The patients were aged (58.4±14.9) years old.There were 49 males and 61 females.Patients were divided into 2 groups as non-hyponatremia group (plasma sodium>135 mmol/L, 93 cases) and hyponatremia group (plasma sodium≤135 mmol/L, 17 cases). Baseline clinical and hemodynamic parameters were obtained from these patients. All enrolled patients were followed up after discharge. Results: Heart rate ((106.7±21.9) beats per minute vs. (93.4±19.4) beats per minute, P=0.043),N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, (5 561±1 593) ng/L vs. (1 738±589) ng/L, P=0.005), mean pulmonary arterial pressure((42.6±12.6)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (33.9±13.3)mmHg, P=0.046), mean right atria pressure ((20.6±8.1)mmHg vs. (10.2±5.4)mmHg, P=0.014), systolic right atria pressure ((27.3±9.0)mmHg vs. (15.6±6.1)mmHg,P=0.013) and diastolic right atria pressure(6.5(4.3,15.5)mmHg vs. 5.0(2.0,8.0)mmHg,P=0.016) were significantly higher in hyponatremia group than in non-hyponatremia group,and systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in hyponatremia group than in non-hyponatremia group ((113.5±21.9)mmHg vs.(129.5±28.9)mmHg, P=0.048). Pearson correlation analysis showed that hyponatremia was negatively correlated with heart rate (r=-0.262, P=0.043), NT-proBNP (r=-0.227, P=0.048), mean pulmonary arterial hypertension (r=-0.259, P=0.046), mean right ventricular pressure (r=-0.296, P=0.047), mean right atria pressure (r=-0.550, P=0.001), systolic right atria pressure (r=-0.552, P=0.001), and diastolic right atria pressure (r=-0.542, P=0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 76.5%,70.6%,and 64.7% in the hyponatremia group, and 90.3%,86.0%,and 83.9% in the non-hyponatremia group(log-rank test, P=0.036).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that hyponatremia was an independent risk factor of death of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism patient(HR=4.126, 95%CI 1.982-11.343, P=0.036). Conclusion: Hyponatremia is associated with adverse hemodynamic and reduced survival in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.

[Clinical relevance of common inhibitory immune checkpoint genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the potential clinical relevance of inhibitory immune checkpoint genes, including PD1, PD-L1, CTLA4, LAG3 and TIM3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Expression were extracted from mRNA microarray data from 119 paired ESCC and adjacent normal tissues, which were collected from National Cancer Center/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between December 2005 and December 2007.Differential expression analyses and survival analyses were then performed to identify potential clinical relevance using R software. Results: Expression of PD-L1, CTLA4, LAG3 and TIM3 were significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). CTLA4 was significantly correlated with tumor location and age (P<0.05). PD1 and LAG3 were significantly associated with overall survival and were favorable prognostic factors in ESCC. Conclusions: Inhibitory immune checkpoint genes are commonly overexpressed in ESCC and are significantly associated with patients overall survival.These results provide important references in the application of immune checkpoints therapy in ESCC.

[Deltoid ligament augmentation and repairing in ankle fracture associated with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis]

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of the deep component augmentation and superficial component repairing and syndesmosis screw fixation in treating ankle fracture associated with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2017, 16 patients with ankle fracture combined with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis were treated with the deep component augmentation and superficial component repairing in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital.Of the patients, 13 were males and 3 were females, with an average age of (38±10) years (21-57 years). Nine cases were athletic injuries, 4 cases were daily-life injuries and 3 cases were traffic injuries.According to the Weber classification, 6 cases were type B, 10 cases were type C. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, 6 cases were supination external rotation Ⅳ injury, 9 cases were pronation external rotation Ⅳ injury, 1 case was pronation abduction Ⅲ injury.The surgical treatment method was rigid fixation of the lateral malleolus and deep deltoid ligament augamentation instead of syndesmosis screw fixation.The effect of the surgical method was observed. Results: The average follow up was (24±12) months (6-40 months). The mean degree of dorsiflexion was 17.8°±6.8° (5°-30°), with 3.8°±6.0° (0°-15°) less than that in normal side, the mean degree of plantar flexion was 46.9°±7.9°, with 1.9°±3.9° (0°-10°) less than that in normal side.The mean Philips and Schwartz score was 96.8±5.1 (82-100), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score was 97.4±4.6 (84-100). Conclusion: In the treatment of ankle fracture associated with deltoid ligament injury and syndesmosis diastasis, the deep component augmentation and superficial component repairing and proper rehabilitation can benefit the functional recovery.

[Diagnostic value of protein markers in plasma exosomes of lung squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the tumor-associated protein molecules carried by plasma exosomes of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma before treatment and analyze their value as clinical markers. Methods: Exosomes from 2 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma before treatment and 2 healthy controls were collected by ultracentrifugation. Proteomics was applied to analyze the protein expression profiles of exosomes. Candidate molecules were verified in another 30 exosomes samples from lung squamous cell carcinoma and healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Electron microscopy and particle-counting assay showed that high-quality exosomes were collected. The number of exosomes distributed from 45 to 135 nm in 2 cases of lung cancer patients were 7.89×10(11)/ml and 9.71×10(11)/ml, respectively, significantly higher than 2.76×10(11)/ml and 1.41×10(11)/ml in healthy controls. Proteomic analysis showed that proteins of exosomes in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients were very different from those of healthy controls, and some proteins are related to important functions in tumor progression. 14-3-3ζ from exosomes was selected and further verified as a marker, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was 0.68. The sensitivity and specificity of 14-3-3 ζ from exosomes were 60.0% and 80.0%, respectively, suggested that it could be used as a diagnostic marker for lung squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: The exosome counts in plasma and the protein molecules from exosomes, such as 14-3-3ζ, are closely related to the tumorigenesis, which can be used to assist clinical diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma patients.

[Risk factors analysis and prognosis of renal pelvis dilatation in high-risk infants in monocenter]

Objective: To explore the prognosis and risk factors of pyelectasis in high-risk infants. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Totally 960 high-risk infants, who accepted type B ultrasonic examination for fetus at 28th week of gestation and for newborns in 48 hours after birth, were included in the study in departments of obstetrics and eonatology, Shunyi Maternal and Children's Hospital of Beijing Children's Hospital during May 2012 to April 2013. The degree of pyelectasis was classified using Grignon grade and the paients were followed up for 3 years. The factors of epidemiology, high risk pregnant women, fetus and high-risk newborns that relate to pyelectasis were summarized. High-risk factors were analyzed by using logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results: Of 960 high-risk infants, 103 had abnormal urinary ultrasound results, 87 (9.1% of high-risk infants) were diagnosed with pyelectasis, 16 (1.7% of high-risk infants) were diagnosed with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. According to the degree of pyelectasis, 68 infants were Grignon grade Ⅰ, male:female ratio=5.8∶1, left side:right side ratio=1.91∶1; 19 infants were Grignon grade Ⅱ, male:female ratio=5.33∶1, left side:right side ratio=2.12∶1. Postnatal follow-up results showed that pyelectasis disappeared in 48 cases (55% of pyelectasis cae), 40 infants were Grignon grade Ⅰ (59% of all Grignon grade Ⅰ patients), 8 infants were Grignon grade Ⅱ (42% of all Grignon grade Ⅱ patients); The result of risk factors analysis showed that the risk of pyelectasis in males was 4.368 times that of females (95%CI: 2.33-8.189, P<0.05); the risk of pyelectasis in low birth weight infants was 22.434 times that of non low birth weight infants (95% CI: 5.883-85.547, P<0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of pyelectasis in high-risk infants was 9.1%. The mitigation rate of pyelectasis in Grignon grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ in fetal or newborn period is high. Patients in Grignon grade Ⅲ and above in fetal or new born period had high risk of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. The risk of pyelectasis of male was higher than that of female; the risk of pyelectasis of low birth weight infant was higher than appropriate for gestational age infants.

Production of recombinant human tektin 1, 2, and 4 and in vitro assembly of human tektin 1

Proteins predicted to be composed of large stretches of coiled-coil structure have often proven difficult to crystallize for structural determination. We have successfully applied EPR spectroscopic techniques to the study of the structure and assembly of full-length human vimentin assembled into native 11 nm filaments, in physiologic solution, circumventing the limitations of crystallizing shorter peptide sequences. Tektins are a small family of highly alpha helical filamentous proteins found in the doublet microtubules of cilia and related structures. Tektins exhibit several similarities to intermediate filaments (IFs): moderate molecular weight, highly alpha helical, hypothesized to be coiled-coil, and homo- and heteromeric assembly into long smooth filaments. In this report, we show the application of IF research methodologies to the study of tektin structure and assembly. To begin in vitro studies, expression constructs for human tektins 1, 2, and 4 were synthesized. Recombinant tektins were produced in E. coli and purified by chromatography. Preparations of tektin 1 successfully formed filaments. The recombinant human tektin 1 was used to produce antibodies which recognized an antigen in mouse testes, most likely present in sperm flagella. Finally, we report the creation of seven mutants to analyze predictions of coiled-coil structure in the rod 1A domain of tektin 1. Although this region is predicted to be coiled-coil, our EPR analysis does not reflect the parallel, in register, coiled-coil structure as demonstrated in vimentin and kinesin. These results document that tektin can be successfully expressed and assembled in vitro, and that SDSL EPR techniques can be used for structural analysis.