Amplitude Analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the coefficients associated to short-distance physics effects, sensitive to processes beyond the standard model, are extracted directly from the data through a q^{2}-unbinned amplitude analysis, where q^{2} is the μ^{+}μ^{-} invariant mass squared. Long-distance contributions, which originate from nonfactorizable QCD processes, are systematically investigated, and the most accurate assessment to date of their impact on the physical observables is obtained. The pattern of measured corrections to the short-distance couplings is found to be consistent with previous analyses of b- to s-quark transitions, with the largest discrepancy from the standard model predictions found to be at the level of 1.8 standard deviations. The global significance of the observed differences in the decay is 1.4 standard deviations.

Fraction of χ_{c} Decays in Prompt J/ψ Production Measured in pPb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The fraction of χ_{c1} and χ_{c2} decays in the prompt J/ψ yield, F_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}=σ_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}/σ_{J/ψ}, is measured by the LHCb detector in pPb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV. The study covers the forward (1.5 Collapse

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Enhanced Production of Λ_{b}^{0} Baryons in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of Λ_{b}^{0} baryons relative to B^{0} mesons in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} production cross sections shows a significant dependence on both the transverse momentum and the measured charged-particle multiplicity. At low multiplicity, the ratio measured at LHCb is consistent with the value measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, and increases by a factor of ∼2 with increasing multiplicity. At relatively low transverse momentum, the ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} cross sections is higher than what is measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, but converges with the e^{+}e^{-} ratio as the momentum increases. These results imply that the evolution of heavy b quarks into final-state hadrons is influenced by the density of the hadronic environment produced in the collision. Comparisons with several models and implications for the mechanisms enforcing quark confinement are discussed.

[Risks to predict blood loss and cranial nerve injury in carotid body paraganglioma resection]

Objective: To investigate clinical and imaging parameters to predict blood loss and cranial nerve injury (CNI) following carotid body paraganglioma (CBP) resection. Methods: A retrospective examination of clinical and imaging data was conducted on 63 patients who underwent CBP resection at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2016 to December 2022, including 23 males and 40 females, aged 26-87 years old. Three imaging parameters including tumor volume, the angle of contact with the internal carotid artery (ICA), and the distance to the base of skull (DTBOS) were gauged using the IMEDPACS software on CTA and MR imaging. The predictive efficacies of age, gender, Shamblin classification, and three imaging parameters for blood loss and CNI following surgery were analysed. Logistic composite parameter models were constructed and their predictive validity was assessed. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis underscored that only tumor volume (OR=1.381,95%CI:1.167-1.507,P=0.001) showed significant statistical correlations with blood loss following surgery. Area under curve (AUC) values of 0.910 for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed a sensitivity of 1.000 and a specificity of 0.694. Tumor volume (OR=1.126,95%CI:1.030-1.231, P=0.002) and DTBOS (OR=0.225,95%CI:0.081-0.630,P=0.005) were significantly associated with postoperative CNI. The analysis of logistic composite model showed AUC values for tumor volume, DTBOS and combination of the two parameters were 0.858, 0.788, and 0.872, respectively. The model for combination of tumor volume and DTBOS also proved superior in predicting postoperative CNI (Z=3.106, P<0.001), with a sensitivity of 0.833 and a specificity of 0.769. Conclusions: Tumor volume and DTBOS emerged as effective predictors for blood loss and/or CNI in patients with CBP resection. Moreover, the logistic composite parameter model outclassed single-parameter models in terms of their predictive clinical value.

[Disseminated nocardiosis caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an immunocompetent host: a case report]

Nocardiosis can be caused by various Nocardia spp., including Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica, Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum. As compared with the other Nocardia spp., Nocardia otitidiscaviarum appears to be rare which can spread through the bloodstream and affect multiple organs. The disease is usually seen in immunocompromised patients' but may also occur in immunocompetent patients. The clinical symptoms and laboratory and imaging examinations of the disease are nonspecific.Here, we reported a case of disseminated nocardiosis caused by infection with Nocardiosis otitidiscaviarum in an immunocompetent host to improve the knowledge and diagnosis of nocardiosis.

[Secular trends of age at menarche and age at menopause in women born since 1951 from a county of Shandong Province, China]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the secular trends of age at menarche and age at natural menopause of women from a county of Shandong Province.

METHODS

Based on the data of the Premarital Medical Examination and the Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening of the county, the secular trends of age at menarche in women born in 1951 to 1998 and age at menopause in women born in 1951 to 1975 were studied. Joinpoint regression was used to identify potential inflection points regarding the trend of age at menarche. Average hazard ratios (AHR) of early menopause among women born in different generations were estimated by performing multivariate weighted Cox regression.

RESULTS

The average age at menarche was (16.43±1.89) years for women born in 1951 and (13.99±1.22) years for women born in 1998. The average age at menarche was lower for urban women than that for rural women, and the higher the education level, the lower the average age at menarche. Joinpoint regression analysis identified three inflection points: 1959, 1973 and 1993. The average age at menarche decreased annually by 0.03 (P < 0.001), 0.08 (P < 0.001), and 0.03 (P < 0.001) years respectively for women born during 1951-1959, 1960-1973, and 1974-1993, while it remained stable for those born during 1994-1998 (P=0.968). As for age at menopause, compared with women born during 1951-1960, those born during 1961-1965, 1966-1970 and 1971-1975 showed a gradual decrease in the risk of early menopause and a tendency to delay the age at menopause. The stratified analysis presented that the risk of early menopause gradually decreased and the age of menopause showed a significant delay among those with education level of junior high school and below, but this trend was not obvious among those with education level of senior high school and above, where the risk of early menopause decreased and then increased among those with education level of college and above, and the corresponding AHRs were 0.90 (0.66-1.22), 1.07 (0.79-1.44) and 1.14 (0.79-1.66).

CONCLUSION

The age at menarche for women born since 1951 gradually declined until 1994 and leveled off, with a decrease of nearly 2.5 years in these years. The age at menopause for women born between 1951 and 1975 was generally delayed over time, but the trend of first increase and then decrease was observed among those with relatively higher education levels. In the context of the increasing delay in age at marriage and childbearing and the decline of fertility, this study highlights the necessity of the assessment and monitoring of women' s basic reproductive health status, especially the risk of early menopause.

[Analysis on survival time and influencing factors among reported HIV/AIDS in Yunnan Province, 1989-2021]

Objective: To analyze the survival time of reported HIV/AIDS and influencing factors of Yunnan Province from 1989 to 2021. Methods: The data were extracted from the Chinese HIV/AIDS comprehensive response information management system. The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The life table method was applied to calculate the survival probability. Kaplan-Meier was used to draw survival curves in different situations. Furthermore, the Cox proportion hazard regression model was constructed to identify the factors related to survival time. Results: Of the 174 510 HIV/AIDS, the all-cause mortality density was 4.23 per 100 person-years, the median survival time was 20.00 (95%CI:19.52-20.48) years, and the cumulative survival rates in 1, 10, 20, and 30 years were 90.75%, 67.50%, 47.93% and 30.85%. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model results showed that the risk of death among 0-14 and 15-49 years old groups were 0.44 (95%CI: 0.34-0.56) times and 0.51 (95%CI:0.50-0.52) times of ≥50 years old groups. The risk for death among the first CD4⁺T lymphocytes counts (CD4) counts levels of 200-349 cells/μl, 350-500 cells/μl and ≥501 cells/μl groups were 0.52 (95%CI: 0.50-0.53) times, 0.41 (95%CI: 0.40-0.42) times and 0.35 (95%CI: 0.34-0.36) times of 0-199 cells/μl groups. The risk of death among the cases that have not received antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 11.56 (95%CI: 11.26-11.87) times. The risk for death among the cases losing to ART, stopping to ART, both losing and stopping ART was 1.66 (95%CI:1.61-1.72) times, 2.49 (95%CI:2.39-2.60) times, and 1.65 (95%CI:1.53-1.78) times of the cases on ART. Conclusions: The influencing factors for the survival time of HIV/AIDS cases were age at diagnosis in Yunnan province from 1989 to 2021. The first CD4 counts levels, antiretroviral therapy, and ART compliance. Early diagnosis, early antiretroviral therapy, and increasing ART compliance could extend the survival time of HIV/AIDS cases.

[Response characteristics of tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy in first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the response characteristics of patients with locally advanced/metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsq-NSCLC) treated with tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy in the first line. Methods: Patients with nsq-NSCLC who achieved complete or partial remission after treatment with tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone in the RATIONALE 304 study, as assessed by an independent review board, were selected to analyze the response characteristics and safety profile of the responders. Time to response (TTR) was defined as the time from randomization to the achievement of first objective response. Depth of response (DpR) was defined as the maximum percentage of tumor shrinkage compared with the sum of the baseline target lesion length diameters. Results: As of January 23, 2020, 128 patients treated with tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy achieved objective tumor response (responders), representing 57.4%(128/223) of the intention-to-treat population, with a TTR of 5.1 to 33.3 weeks and a median TTR of 7.9 weeks. Of the responders (128), 50.8%(65) achieved first remission at the first efficacy assessment (week 6), 31.3%(40) at the second efficacy assessment (week 12), and 18.0%(23) at the third and subsequent tumor assessments. The percentages of responders who achieved a depth of tumor response of 30% to <50%, 50% to <70% and 70% to 100% were 45.3%(58/128), 28.1%(36/128) and 26.6%(34/128), respectively, with median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.0 months (95% CI: 7.7 to 9.9 months), 11.5 months (95% CI: 7.7 months to not reached) and not reached (95% CI: 11.8 months to not estimable), respectively. Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy were generally well tolerated in responders with similar safety profile to the overall safety population. Conclusion: Among responders to tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy for nsq-NSCLC, 82.0%(105/128) achieves response within the first two tumor assessments (12 weeks) and 18.0%(23/128) achieves response at later (18 to 33 weeks) assessments, and there is a trend toward prolonged PFS in responders with deeper tumor response.

[Application of robot-assisted laparoscopic sentinel lymph node tracing in treating endometrial carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the value of robot-assisted laparoscopic indocyanine green sentinel lymph node (SLN) tracing in treating endometrial carcinoma. Methods: Thirty-two patients with early-staging endometrial carcinoma were operated with laparoscopic comprehensive staging laparotomy from January 2019 to December 2021. At the same time, the SLN detection was performed by near-infrared fluorescence imaging tracer technology, in which the tracer was indocyanine green. Sixteen cases were injected with indocyanine green before laparoscopic surgery, and 16 cases were injected with indocyanine green before robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. The operation index, postoperative complications, prognosis, and lymph node dissection were compared between the two groups. Results: (1) The mean age of patients in the robot group was (54.7±8.1) years old, and was (54.9±8.8) years old in the laparoscopic group. There were no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.06, P=0.951). (2) Intraoperative blood loss [(131±40) vs (169±57) ml], hemoglobin difference before and after surgery [(11.2±5.4) vs (15.5±5.7) g/L], the length of stay after operation [(6.2±1.3) vs (8.6±1.4) days] between the robot group and the laparoscopic group were compared, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (3) SLNs were detected in all 16 patients in the robotic group, and a total of 41 SLNs were detected. SLNs were detected in 15 of the 16 patients in the laparoscopy group, and a total of 40 SLNs were detected. Compared with the laparoscopic group (15/16), the total detection rate of SLN in the robotic group (16/16), there were no statistical significance (χ²=1.03, P=0.310). Compared with the laparoscopic group (7/15), the SLN bilateral detection rate in the robotic group (10/16), there were also no significant difference (χ²=0.78, P=0.376). The number of lymph nodes detected in surgery group (16.6±4.1) were lower than those in the laparoscopy surgery group (21.0±7.1), while there were no statistically difference between the two groups (χ²=2.01, P=0.054). There was no tumor metastasis in the resected lymph nodes and SLN between the two groups. The false negative rate of SLN in diagnosing endometrial cancer postoperative lymph node metastasis was 0, and the negative predictive value was 100%. (4) The pelvic and retroperitoneal lymph nodes were divided into five regions, which were the left pelvis, the right pelvis, the presacral region, the deep inguinal region, and the abdominal aorta. The numbers of SLN of unilateral detection and bilateral pelvic detection between two groups showed no significant differences (all P>0.05). The left pelvis had the most SLN imaging in both groups, followed by the right pelvis, para-aortic, and deep groin. (5) There was one patient in both robotic group and laparoscopic group with postoperative complications, which were urinary retention and pelvic lymph node cyst respectively. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications between the two groups (χ²=0.97, P=1.000). The median follow-up time after operation was 14 months (range 6-24 months). During the follow-up period, no local recurrence or distant metastasis was found between the two groups of endometrial cancer patients. Conclusions: Compared with the laparoscopic group, the robot group has less intraoperative blood loss and shorter postoperative hospital stay. The bilateral detection rate of SLN in the group was better than that of laparoscopy.

[Safety and feasibility of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis technique for digestive tract reconstruction during complete laparoscopic right hemicolectomy]

Objective: To explore the clinical safety and feasibility of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis (ODA) in totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (TLRHC). Methods: From May 2017 to October 2019, of the 219 patients who underwent TLRHC at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, 104 cases underwent ODA (ODA group) and 115 cases underwent conventional extracorporeal anastomosis (control group) were compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and perioperative complications. Results: The length of the skin incision in the ODA group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(5.6±0.9) cm vs. (7.1±1.7) cm, P<0.05], and the time to first flatus and first defecation after surgery in the ODA group was significantly earlier than that in the control group [(1.7±0.7) days vs. (2.0±0.7) days; (3.2±0.6) days vs. (3.3±0.7) days, P<0.05]. While the anastomosis time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the time of first ground activities, the number of bowel movements within 12 days after surgery, postoperative hospital stay, tumor size, the distal and proximal margins, the number of lymph node harvested and postoperative TNM stage in the ODA group did not differ from that of the control group (P>0.05). The postoperative complication rates of patients in the ODA group and the control group were 3.8% (4/104) and 4.3% (5/115), respectively, and the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The application of ODA technology in TLRHC can significantly shorten thelength of skin incisionand the recovery time of bowel function, and can obtain satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Effect of concentrated growth factor on lower lip hypoesthesia after osseous genioplasty: a prospective, split-mouth, double-blind randomized controlled trial

Lower lip hypoesthesia is the most common complication following osseous genioplasty. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) has recently been shown to improve neural regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concentrated growth factor on neurosensory recovery after osseous genioplasty. Patients who underwent osseous genioplasty between June 2017 and February 2020 were enrolled. CGF was applied to the mental nerve on one side. The treatment side was randomized, and the other side was considered as the control. Lower lip hypoesthesia was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively (1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 9 months) using the two-point discrimination test and a 10-point visual analogue scale (self-reported paresthesia). The assessor was blinded. Twenty-six female patients completed the study. At 1 and 3 months, both the mean two-point discrimination value and mean visual analogue scale score were significantly lower in the CGF group than in the control group (P < 0.001). At 3 months, the percentage of patients with lower lip hypoesthesia in the CGF group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Both groups showed resolution of lower lip hypoesthesia at 6 months. Concentrated growth factor may accelerate the recovery of long-standing sensory nerve impairment following mental osteotomy.

[Analysis of correlation factors of hyponatremia in elderly patients with hip fracture during perioperative period]

Objective: To examine the risk factors of hyponatremia during perioperative period for elderly hip fracture patients. Methods: Clinical data of 1 001 patients with hip fracture over 60 years old who received surgical treatment at Department of Orthopedics,Seventh Medical Center,People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 327 males and 674 females with a median age of 81 years (range: 60 to 104 years).There were 584 cases(58.34%) intertrochanteric fractures and 417 cases(41.65%) femoral neck fractures.Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium concentration <135 mmol/L,and patients were divided into admission hyponatremia and postoperative hyponatremia according to the occurrence time of hyponatremia.Postoperative hyponatremia was divided into early postoperative hyponatremia (within 24 hours after surgery) and discharge hyponatremia (within 48 hours before discharge or death).Patients with hyponatremia can be divided into three types according to their condition changes:persistent hyponatremia,transient hyponatremia (hyponatremia on admission,but normal blood sodium after operation),and new postoperative hyponatremia (normal blood sodium on admission,hyponatremia after operation).The incidence rate,occurrence time and type of perioperative hyponatremia in elderly patients with hip fracture were analyzed,and univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the related factors of admission and postoperative hyponatremia. Results: Among 1 001 patients,126 patients (12.69%,126/1 001) had hyponatremia on admission,161 patients (16.3%,161/987) had hyponatremia after operation,140 patients (14.6%,140/960) had early postoperative hyponatremia,128 patients (14.0%,128/916) had discharge hyponatremia.Among the 916 patients with complete perioperative blood sodium concentration data,52 patients(5.7%) had persistent hyponatremia,64 patients(7.0%) had transient hyponatremia.Seventy-seven patients(8.4%) had new onset hyponatremia.Univariate analysis showed that age,male,intertrochanteric fracture of femur,white blood cell count,hemoglobin and albumin level were correlated with hyponatremia at admission (all P≤0.05). Hyponatremia at admission,dementia,and general anesthesia were associated with postoperative hyponatremia.Multivariate analysis showed that male(OR=1.788,95%CI:1.196 to 2.674,P=0.005) and white blood cell count(OR=1.116,95%CI:1.041 to 1.195,P=0.002) were independent risk factors for admission hyponatraemia,and albumin level(OR=0.932,95%CI:0.891 to 0.982,P=0.004) were protective factors, admission hyponatremia (OR=6.481,95%CI:4.125 to 10.182,P<0.01) was an independent risk factor for postoperative hyponatremia,while general anesthesia (OR=0.614,95%CI:0.383 to 0.986,P=0.044) was a protective factor. Conclusions: The incidence of hyponatremia in elderly hip fracture patients is high.Male and high level of white blood cell counts are independent risk factors for admission hyponatremia.High level of albumin is a protective factor for admission hyponatremia.Admission hyponatremia is an independent risk factor for postoperative hyponatremia,and general anesthesia is a protective factor for postoperative hyponatremia.

[Analysis on the proportion of men who have sex with men and related factors among male over 15 years old in Kunming]

Objectives: To investigate the proportion of MSM among males over 15 years old and analyze its related factors to provide a reference for estimation of MSM size. Methods: Using cross-sectional survey design, multi-stage sampling method, and street interception survey method, a survey was conducted on males over 15 years old in Kunming from October to December 2019, with an estimated sample size of 9 908. Results: Totally, 10 707 males were recruited from 30 sites in 5 counties, and 10 283 were effectively surveyed with a response rate of 96.0%. Respondents aged 16 to 40 accounted for 75.3% (7 748), senior high school or above 71.1% (7 312), and unmarried 49.8% (5 121). The proportion of homosexual behavior in the past half-year was 1.06% (95%CI: 0.86%-1.26%), and the age-adjusted rate was 0.97% (95%CI: 0.78%-1.16%). And multivariate logistic regression showed the associated factors for homosexual behavior as following: proportion of main urban area was 2.217 times (95%CI:1.004-4.895) that of the outer suburbs, registered residence outside Kunming was 0.421 times (95%CI:0.260-0.682) that of in Kunming, having been in Kunming ≤6 months was 2.282 times (95%CI:1.262-4.126) that of >6 months, senior middle school or above was 0.336 times (95%CI:0.228-0.495) that of junior middle school and below, and being married was 0.462 times (95%CI:0.303-0.705) that of unmarried. Conclusions: The proportion of over 15-year-old males who have recently practiced male-male behavior was close to 1.00% in Kunming. The relevant factors included survey areas with a permanent residency of Kumming, short-time residency, education level, and marital status. This study obtained the data and related factors, which provided a reference for estimating MSM size in Yunnan province.

[Choices of emergency treatment and surgical method for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms]

Objective: To investigate the emergency management process of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA), and analyze the perioperative mortality factors of different surgical methods. Methods: The emergency data and hospitalization data of 91 patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2010 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Twelve of the patients died preoperatively due to excessive blood loss, and the remaining 79 patients were hospitalized for open surgery (OSR) or endovascular repair (EVAR).The differences in age, time to hospital arrival, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, preoperative drop in blood pressure, preoperative use of vasoactive drugs and iliac artery involvement were compared between preoperative death group (n=12) and preoperative survival group (n=79), OSR group (n=50) and EVAR group (n=29), postoperative death group (n=23) and postoperative survival group (n=56). Results: Seventy-nine patients received open surgery or endovascular repair, and 23 died after operation. Age, time to hospital arrival, first creatinine value and emergency infusion volume were (77±11) years, (18±5)h, (469±150) μmol/L, (4 140±1 743) ml in the preoperative death group and (70±10) years, (12±8) h, (228±174) μmol/L, (1 358±1 211) ml in the preoperative survival group, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in preoperative data, intraoperative treatment and postoperative perioperative mortality between the open surgery group and the endovascular repair group (all P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time and aortic occlusion rate in the endovascular repair group were 100 (50, 175) ml, (3.2±0.9) h, 13.8%, respectively, which were better than that in the open surgery group 1700 (600, 3425) ml, (5.2±1.1) h, 100%. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Age, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, blood pressure decline rate and vasoactive drug utilization rate in the death group were (77±8) years, (4.1±1.7) h, (456±172) μmol/L, (2 024±1 687) ml, 100%, 100%, respectively, and (68±10) years, (2.7±2.2) h, (135±26) μmol/L, (1 085±825) ml, 21.4%, 12.5% in the survival group, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Age, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, decreased blood pressure and use of vasoactive drugs are all associated with perioperative death in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. EVAR surgery is a better choice if conditions exist.

[Evaluation of safety of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in a large-scale emergency use]

Objective: To evaluate the safety of two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in a large-scale emergency use. Methods: Based on the "Vaccination Information Collection System", the incidence data of adverse reactions in the population vaccinated with the inactivated COVID-19 vaccines developed by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd, respectively, in emergency use were collected, and the relevant information were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological and statistical methods. Results: By December 1, 2020, the vaccination information of 519 543 individuals had been collected. The overall incidence rate of adverse reactions was 1.06%, the incidence rate of systemic adverse reactions was 0.69% and the incidence rate of local adverse reactions was 0.37%. The main systemic adverse reactions included fatigue, headache, fever, cough and loss of appetite with the incidence rates of 0.21%, 0.14%, 0.06%, 0.05% and 0.05%, respectively; the main local adverse reactions were injection site pain and injection site swelling with the incidence rates of 0.24% and 0.05%, respectively. Conclusion: The two inactivated COVID-19 vaccines by Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd showed that in the large-scale emergency use, the incidence rate of general reactions was low and no serious adverse reactions were observed after the vaccinations, demonstrating that the vaccines have good safety.

[Construction and effect evaluation of tuberculosis information platform in Ningxia]

Objective: To explore the value of information technology in management of tuberculosis patients. Methods: The data comes from the case reports of Ningxia tuberculosis patients in the national tuberculosis special report system from March to December 2019 and the data of Ningxia tuberculosis information management platform. Using the computer Information and communication technologies and the Internet platform, unified data collection and data interface standards,Hospital Information System(HIS) of 18 (90%)TB specific Hospitals in Ningxia 22 counties are linked together, forming a closed loop management System, to realize Information interconnection, compare the patients' diagnostic rate before and after the application, and standardize treatment differences. Results: The system automatically collected and uploaded valid data for 2 918 times, and the consistency rate of uploaded data was 94.8%.The clinical diagnostic rate was 18.23% (1 154/6 332) before and 39.1% (914/2 335) after using the AI imaging screening subsystem (χ²=235.56, P<0.001).The regular medication rate of patients after system use was 86.89% (510/587), which was higher than that before [73.72% (544/738)] (χ²=3.94, P<0.05).The cure rate of etiologically positive tuberculosis patients (2019) was 86.03% (788/916), which was higher than that of 83.45% (1 008/1 208) before the use of the system (2018) (χ²=435.43, P<0.001). Conclusion: The tuberculosis information management platform in Ningxia has achieved tuberculosis information interconnection, significantly improving the standard diagnosis, treatment and management level of tuberculosis.

[Preliminary practice of multidisciplinary cooperative vaccination management model for pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases]

Objective: To preliminarily establish the multidisciplinary cooperative vaccination management model for pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases, and to explore its feasibility. Methods: In this prospective study a total of 150 children with hematological and oncological diseases visited immunization clinic of Shanghai Children's Medical Center from March 2017 to August 2018 were enrolled in this study. After establishing the multidisciplinary team, designing vaccination plan, staff training, implementation and quality control, a multidisciplinary immunization clinic was set up and the vaccination plan were implemented. The implementation rate of vaccination immunization, the HBsAb level and serum hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) level before and after treatment, the HBsAb level and serum immunoglobulin G antibody (IgG) levels of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) before and 6 months after immunization, the vaccine-related adverse reactions were assessed prospectively. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was used to compare the differences of antibody level. Results: A total of 124 cases had been vaccinated as planned, with a coverage rate of 82.7%. Among these cases, the difference of HBsAb positive rate before and after treatment was significant (62.9% (78/124) vs.13.7% (17/124), χ²= 63.489, P<0.01). In 64 cases that completed three doses of hepatitis B immunization, there was a significant difference in HBsAb positive rate before and 6 months after immunization (6.3% (4/64) vs. 98.4% (63/64), P<0.01). In 40 cases that completed MMR immunization, the IgG antibody positive rate for measles (22.5% (9/40) vs. 82.5% (33/40), χ²=31.746,P<0.01), mumps (22.5% (9/40) vs.82.5% (33/40), χ²=28.872,P<0.01), rubella (25.0% (10/40) vs.62.5% (25/40), χ²=11.429, P<0.01) before and 6 months after immunization were significantly different. Of the 421 doses of immunization, 25 (5.9%) doses reported controlled systemic or local adverse event. Conclusions: The immunization of pediatric patients with hematological and oncological diseases is of great importance. The newly-developed multidisciplinary cooperation immunization model for Chinese children with hematological and oncological diseases is feasible, and the immunization protocol is safe and has a certain effect.

[Clinical significance of hyponatremia in hip fracture in elderly patients]

Objective: To investigate the outcome of hip fracture patients associated with hyponatremia. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, the data of 1 001 elderly patients with hip fracture treated in the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. According to the level of serum sodium, the patients were divided into hyponatremia group (sodium<135 mmol/L) and non-hyponatremia group (sodium≥135 mmol/L), in which≥130-135 mmol/L was mild hyponatremia, ≥125-130 mmol/L was moderate hyponatremia, and<125 mmol/L was severe hyponatremia. The length of hospital stay, incidence of complications and mortality were compared between patient with hyponatremia and without; and the above three indexes between patients with mild hyponatremia and moderate severe hyponatremia were also analyzed. Results: There were 126 patients with hyponatremia, including 98 with mild hyponatremia (9.8%, 98/1 001), 18 with moderate hyponatremia (1.8%, 18/1 001), and 10 with severe hyponatremia (1.0%, 10/1001); of those patients, there were 53 males and 73 females, aged 82(78, 87) years. There were 875 patients in non-hyponatremia group, including 274 males and 601 females, and aged 81(75, 85) years. The mortality of 30 days, 1 year and overall were 9.5% (12/126), 26.2% (33/126) and 40.5% (51/126) in hyponatremia group, 3.5% (31/875), 14.2% (124/875) and 27.7% (242/875) in non-hyponatremia group, respectively; the differences between the two groups were all statistically significant (χ²=9.583, 12.031, 9.839, all P<0.05). After adjusting the age, sex, fracture type and coexisting diseases, hyponatremia was an independent risk factor for 30 days, 1 year and overall mortality, the OR(95%CI) was 2.744(1.331-5.654), 1.975(1.251-3.119), 1.637(1.099-2.440), respectively (all P<0.05). The 30 days, 1 year and overall mortality for mild hyponatremia were 6.1%, 24.5% and 37.8%, respectively; and those were 21.4%, 32.1% and 50.0% in patients with moderate and severe hyponatremia, respectively; only the difference for 30 days mortality was statistically different between two groups (χ²=4.278, P=0.039). The length of hospital stay for mild hyponatremia patients were 11 (9,16) d, and it was 12(10,18) d in patients with moderate and severe hyponatremia patients, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (Z=1.613, P=0.107). The incidence of complications was 22.9% (200/875) in non-hyponatremia group and 32.5%(41/126) in hyponatremia group, and there was significant difference between the two groups (χ²=5.649, P=0.017). Conclusions: Compared with non-hyponatremia, patients with hyponatremia have higher incidence of perioperative complications, longer hospital stay and higher mortality. With the increasing degree of hyponatremia, the above indicators tend to be serious.

MiRNA-200a-3p suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer through targeting IRS2

OBJECTIVE

To uncover the biological role of microRNA-200a-3p (miRNA-200a-3p) in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of miRNA-200a-3p and IRS2 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were examined through quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between the miRNA-200a-3p level and pathological characteristics of NSCLC patients was analyzed. The prognostic value of miRNA-200a-3p in NSCLC was assessed through the Kaplan-Meier method. The potential interaction between miRNA-200a-3p and IRS2 was explored through Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay and Spearman correlation test. The regulatory effects of miRNA-200a-3p/IRS2 on the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of NSCLC were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and the transwell assay. The protein levels of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes in NSCLC cells influenced by miRNA-200a-3p were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

MiRNA-200a-3p was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The expression level of miRNA-200a-3p was related to tumor size, TNM staging, and lymphatic metastasis of NSCLC. The low level of miRNA-200a-3p predicted worse prognosis in NSCLC patients. The overexpression of miRNA-200a-3p inhibited A549 cells from proliferating, migrating, and invading. The protein levels of E-cadherin were upregulated, while N-cadherin and Vimentin were downregulated in A549 cells overexpressing miRNA-200a-3p. The Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay verified the binding between miRNA-200a-3p and IRS2. The level of IRS2 was negatively regulated by miRNA-200a-3p. Moreover, the overexpression of IRS2 could reverse the regulatory role of miRNA-200a-3p in the cellular behaviors of A549 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MiRNA-200a-3p suppresses the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of NSCLC by targeting IRS2, thus alleviating the progression of NSCLC.

[A long-term follow-up study on the occurrence of heterotopic ossification after artificial cervical disc replacement with Discover disc]

Objective: To analyze the incidence of heterotopic ossification after artificial cervical disc replacement with Discover disc, and to explore the effect of heterotopic ossification on postoperative radiological and clinical efficacy. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2015, 45 patients with cervical spondylosis underwent single-level artificial cervical disc replacement in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, including 29 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 11 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and 5 cases of mixed cervical spondylosis. At the last follow-up, Mehren grading method was used for classification of heterotopic ossification, among which, grade 0-Ⅱ was defined as low grade ossification group, and 26 patients (16 male, 10 female) were enrolled in this group; grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ was defined as high grade ossification group, and 19 patients (12 males, 7 females) were included in this group. C(2-7) Cobb angle, cervical total range of motion and range of motion at index level were used to evaluate the radiological outcomes of the two groups. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, neck disability index (NDI) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the two groups. The adjacent segment intervertebral disc height and range of motion were used to evaluate the effects of heterotopic ossification on adjacent segment. Results: All patients were followed up regularly for (98±18) months. There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding to demographic data (all P>0.05). There was no significant differences in C(2-7) Cobb angle and total range of motion between the two groups at the last follow-up (all P>0.05), but range of motion at index level in the group with low grades was significantly higher than that in the group with high grades (7.8°±6.2° vs 2.6°±1.2°, t=3.60, P<0.05). There was no significant differences in JOA score, recovery rate and NDI score between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant differences in the adjacent segment intervertebral disc height before operation and at the last follow-up (both P>0.05). There was no significant differences in range of motion at adjacent segment before operation (P>0.05), while range of motion at adjacent segment in the group with low grades was significantly lower than that in the group with high grades (9.5°±1.1° vs 10.6°±1.8° and 9.4°±1.4° vs 10.5°±1.7°, repectively, t=2.54, 2.31, both P<0.05). Conclusions: Heterotopic ossification does not affect the clinical outcomes, cervical curvature and cervical total range of motion after artificial cervical disc replacement with Discover disc. However, the higher grade of heterotopic ossification, the lower range of motion at index level and the higher range of motion at adjacent segment.

Botrytis polygoni, a new species of the genus Botrytis infecting Polygonaceae in Gansu, China

A new species, Botrytis polygoni, was isolated from several species of Polygonaceae in 2011 and 2012 in Tongwei County, Gansu Province, China. The species infects Fagopyrum esculentum, F. tataricum, and Fallopia convolvulus, causing brown leaf spots and large blotches with concentric rings in the field. Botrytis polygoni is morphologically characterized by conidia spherical, unicellular, hyaline to pale brown or brown, (10.2-)14.3-21.4(-23.5) μm; and sclerotia black, spherical to subspherical, allantoid, or irregular-shaped, 0.2-4.1 × 0.1-3.0 mm. Comparison of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) sequences confirmed its placement in the genus Botrytis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the protein-coding genes glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2) showed that the new species is clustered close but separate from Botrytis pyriformis, which was distant from 37 other Botrytis species and 17 undescribed species. Pathogenicity tests showed that the new species has aggressive pathogenicity to four species of Polygonaceae, specifically Fag. tataricum, Fal. convolvulus, Polygonum sibiricum, and Pol. aviculare, weak pathogenicity to Vicia faba in the Fabaceae, and no pathogenicity to eight other tested plants: Amaranthus retroflexus, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Lagopsis supine, Mentha canadensis, Plantago asiatica, and Raphanus sativus.

[Identification and Characterization of circRNAs in the Developing Stem Cambium of Poplar Seedlings]

Non-coding RNAs are a class of RNAs with multiple roles in plant life. Covalently closed circular RNA molecules (circRNAs) have been recently shown to be a group of RNA isoforms that show widespread tissue-specific expression in plants, often cooperating with the corresponding linear mRNAs to regulate gene function. However, no previous study of poplar has identified circRNAs in the cambium and determined their potential roles in the cambium or xylem development. In the present study, we sequenced RNAs in the cambium of poplar seedlings at two developmental stages, and identified and characterized 4912 circRNAs. Alternative back-splicing circularization events for 87 genes were identified among the circRNAs derived from different chromosomes. A total of 1138 circRNAs originated from 928 host genes, which were classified among the three major functional categories by GO analysis. Thirty-nine circRNAs were differentially expressed between cambium samples of stems at two developmental stages. Twenty-four DEcircRNAs interacted with 98 miRNAs as targets, of which some were associated with cambium growth and development. The results suggest that circRNAs play important roles in the cambium in relation to the regulation of stem growth and development in poplar seedlings.

MiR-101 affects proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by inhibition of JAK2

OBJECTIVE

JAK2 expression and dysfunction play a role in tumor pathogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a targeted binding site between miR-101 and the 3'-UTR of JAK2 mRNA. This study investigated the role of miR-101 in regulating JAK2 expression and affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of patients with cervical cancer were collected. The expression of miR-101 and JAK2 was detected by qRT-PCR. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay validated the targeting relationship between miR-101 and JAK2. The cervical cancer Caski cells were cultured in vitro, and divided into miR-NC group and miR-101 mimic group. The expression of JAK2 and p-JAK2 was detected by Western blot, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining.

RESULTS

Compared with adjacent tissues, miR-101 expression was significantly decreased, and JAK2 expression was increased in cervical cancer tissues. There was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-101 and JAK2. Compared with HcerEpic cells, miR-101 expression in HeLa and Caski was significantly decreased, and the expression of JAK2 and p-JAK2 was significantly increased. Transfection of miR-101 mimic significantly reduced the expression of JAK2 and p-JAK2 in Caski cells, reduced cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease of miR-101 expression and the increase of JAK2 expression play a role in cervical cancer, while the increase of miR-101 expression can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of cells by inhibiting the expression of JAK2.

Long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 inhibits the cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis of cervical cancer through the MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) is aberrantly expressed and acts as a key regulator in various types of cancer. However, few reports have mentioned the precise function of CASC2 in cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present study, CASC2 levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were measured by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays. Angiogenesis was evaluated by tube formation assays of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The protein levels of the components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, including the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK1), in cell lines of cervical cancer were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

CASC2 levels in human cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were significantly downregulated compared to para-cancerous tissues and the immortalized human keratinocyte line HaCaT. Compared to scramble group, CASC2 overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of cervical cancer cells. However, the inhibition of CASC2 had the opposite effect. Moreover, the expression of p-JNK and p-ERK1 levels in the MAPK pathway was significantly decreased in pcDNA3.1-CASC2 group.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of CASC2 may inhibit the development of cervical cancer through the inactivation of the MAPK pathway and may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with cervical cancer.

Synovial fluid levels of VEGF and FGF-2 before and after intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid in patients with temporomandibular disorders: a short-term study

Our purpose was to measure the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid (SF) levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) before and after intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) and to investigate the possible mechanism involved in the therapeutic value of HA. We analysed the synovial fluid of 30 patients with unilateral internal derangement (ID) or osteoarthritis (OA) of the TMJ (confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and cone-beam computed tomography) and recorded clinical signs and symptoms including maximal mouth opening, subjective joint pain, and joint noise at the patient's each visit. All clinical signs significantly improved after injection of HA, and there was no significant difference between ID and OA groups. In synovial fluid parameters, the concentration of VEGF was significantly higher before treatment with HA than after treatment, but there was no significant difference in the concentration of FGF-2 between before and after treatment. The study findings suggest intra-articular injection of HA may reduce the synovitis and improve the internal state of the TMJ in a short period.

[Clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of lung cancer in the lungs of explanted from lung transplant recipients]

Objective: To describe the clinicopathological features of the lung cancers in the lungs explanted from lung transplant recipients, and to understand the molecular alterations of these cancers. Methods: The patients who underwent lung transplantation in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from March 2017 to December 2018 were reviewed. Clinical data of the patients with lung cancer associated with end-stage interstitial lung diseases (ILD) were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the pathological feature. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to analyze the hotspots and targeted regions of 9 cancer-associated genes. Results: Among the 154 identified patients, 10 met the inclusion criteria and were included. The detection rate of lung cancer in the lung transplantation patients was 6.5%(10/154). All of the included 10 patients were male, with an average age of 59 years. They all had a history of heavy smoking. Three cases had a lung cancer diagnosed before operation, while the other 7 cases were concealed in the specimen of end-stage ILD. All of lung cancers were non-small-cell carcinoma, including 8 cases of adenocarcinoma and 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The proportion of mucinous adenocarcinoma components was 3/10. The mutations in KRAS gene exon 2 were detected in two patients with mucous adenocarcinoma, while no alterations in NRAS, EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, HER2, PI3KCA and RET were detected in the remaining patients. Conclusions: Lung cancers are difficult to detect in patients with end-stage ILD. They are mainly adenocarcinomas and associated with a higher frequency of mutations in KRAS gene. These cancers have limited treatment options and a poor prognosis.

[The influence of patellofemoral joint degeneration on outcome of Oxford medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty]

Objective: To explore the influence of lateral patellofemoral joint degeneration on the treatment of anteromedial osteoarthritis of knee joint by Oxford medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Methods: The clinical data of 73 patients (73 knees) with knee osteoarthritis underwent unicompartmental knee arthroplasty at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2016 to December 2017 were analysed respectively.There were 18 males and 55 females, aged (68.6±7.5) years(range: 53 to 89 years).The lateral patellofemoral joints of patients were evaluated by Ahlback grading system. Patients with Ahlback 0 andⅠ were in the non degenerative group (37 cases), and those with Ahlback Ⅱ and above were in the degenerative group (36 cases). Hospital for special surgery knee score(HSS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities(WOMAC) osteoarthritis index, as well as the condition of kneeling, sit to stand movement, up stair and down stair were recorded. The data before and after operation were compared by paired sample t test, and the data between groups were compared by independent sample t test. χ(2) test was used for counting data. Pearson correlation analysis was used to compare the correlation between ahlback score, HSS and WOMAC osteoarthritis index. Results: The follow-up time was (35.1±6.6) months (range: 25 to 47 months).The knee function of the patients improved significantly after operation.The HSS score increased from 57.7±11.8 preoperative to 81.8±7.8 postoperative (t=16.64, P=0.00) and WOMAC osteoarthritis index decreased from 48.9±13.4 preoperative to 15.6±8.8 postoperative (t=20.48, P=0.00). There was no statistical difference in the change of HSS between the degenerative group and the non-degenerative group before and after surgery(27.5±12.2 vs. 22.5±12.3, t=-1.65, P=0.10) as well as the change of WOMAC osteoarthritis index(31.8±14.0 vs. 36.4±13.7, t=-1.35, P=0.18), but the lateral patellofemoral joint degeneration was related to inability to complete squats (χ(2)=5.17, P=0.04) and sitting up (χ(2)=7.22, P=0.01). Conclusion: The degeneration of lateral patellofemoral joint has no effect on the early functional recovery of patients with anteromedial knee osteoarthritis after Oxford medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

MicroRNA-200a promotes proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by targeting PTEN

OBJECTIVE

We investigate whether microRNA-200a could regulate proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, thereby participating in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. We also explore the specific mechanism of microRNA-200a in regulating ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression level of microRNA-200a in ovarian cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues were detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effects of microRNA-200a on proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells were examined by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell invasion assay, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the binding relationship between microRNA-200a and PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten). The regulatory role of microRNA-200a in PTEN expression was accessed by Western blot. Rescue experiments were conducted to assess whether microRNA-200a regulated proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting PTEN expression.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-200a expression in ovarian cancer tissues was significantly higher than that of paracancerous tissues. Besides, microRNA-200a was also overexpressed in ovarian cancer cell lines than that of normal ovarian cells. Overexpression of microRNA-200a promoted the proliferative and invasive abilities of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that microRNA-200a could directly degrade PTEN. Overexpression of PTEN in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells partially reversed the increased cell proliferation and invasion induced by overexpressed microRNA-200a.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpressed microRNA-200a promoted the proliferative and invasive abilities of ovarian cancer cells, which might be related to the targeted regulation of PTEN expression.

Analysis of gene mutation associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor sensitivity of epidermal growth factor receptor in cervical cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Cervical cancer is frequent in females. Epidermal growth factor receptor has a prominent expression in certain malignant tumors. This study aims to observe the expressional profile of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cervical cancer patients, and mutation of EGFR gene related with its sensitivity towards tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cervical cancer patients from our hospital were recruited as the experimental group, in parallel with chronic cervicitis patients as control group. Serum EGFR level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and EGFR levels in cervical tissues were quantified by immunohistochemistry assay (IHC) staining. Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) examined mutations of exon 18, 19, and 21 of the EGFR gene, to analyze their correlation with clinical or pathological features.

RESULTS

Serum EGFR in experimental group was 1.16 ± 0.04 ng/ml, significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). EGFR positive rate was 71.1% in cancer tissues, significantly higher compared to controlled or adjacent tissues (p < 0.05). Mutation rats of EGFR exon 19 and exon 21 were 3.3% and 5%, respectively. No mutation was found in exon 18. Such mutations of EGFR gene were related with cancer differentiation grade, tumor-lymph-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node or distal metastasis (p < 0.05), but not age, Karnofsky performance score (KPS) score or infiltration depth.

CONCLUSIONS

EGFR is highly expressed in serum and tumors of cervical cancer patients, some of which showed mutations of exon 19 and 21 of EGFR gene with relatively lower frequency. Mutation rates were significantly higher in patients with highly differentiated grade, early TNM stage, and those without lymph node or distal metastasis.

Distinct effects of antihypertensives on depression in the real-world setting: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence is increasing that pathways of antihypertensives may have a role in the pathogenesis of depression. However, how the class of antihypertensives affects depression risk remains unclear.

METHODS

The effects of different classes of antihypertensives on depression were explored using an insurance database in Beijing, China. Antihypertensives in our study included calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers (BBs), and diuretics (DIUs). Those initially treated with only one class of antihypertensives were included. Stratified analysis was conducted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and statin prescriptions.

RESULTS

In total, 181,709 newly detected hypertension patients were included. The median follow-up period was 4.33 years and 19,030 participants were with depression by the end. After adjusting for covariates, the incidence density (95% confidence interval, CI) of depression in the BB, ACEI, DIU, CCB, and ARB groups was 3.16 (2.98-3.33), 3.10 (2.91-3.29), 2.70 (2.45-2.94), 2.67 (2.53-2.81), and 2.30 (2.16-2.43) per 100 person-years, respectively. Compared with ARB group, the hazard ratio (95% CI) of depression for BB, ACEI, DIU, and CCB group was 1.37 (1.32-1.43), 1.35 (1.28-1.42), 1.17 (1.08-1.27), and 1.16 (1.12-1.21), respectively. Stratified analysis suggested the highest depression ID remained within the BB or ACEI group.

LIMITATIONS

Detailed clinical information was unavailable, which may introduce bias. Patients on monotherapy as initial treatment were included and caution is needed for extrapolation.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with ARBs, there may be a class effect of other antihypertensives on the risk of depression.

Study on the role of Hsa-miR-382-5p in epidural fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role and potential mechanism of human serum albumin (hsa)-micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-382-5p in epidural fibrosis formation after laminectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells were transfected with miR-382-5p mimic or miR-382-5p inhibitor. Then, 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazol (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay was employed to detect the effect of miR-382-5p on proliferation, and Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to examine the expressions of miR-382-5p and fibrosis-related proteins after treatment with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Luciferase assay and immunofluorescent staining were done to confirm whether collagen I A1 is a target of miR-382-5p.

RESULTS

MTT assay demonstrated that miR-382-5p had no significant effect on fibroblast proliferation. Expressions of miR-382-5p and fibrosis-related proteins were remarkably increased after TGF-β treatment. Collagen I A1 was acknowledged as a target of miR-382-5p. MiR-382-5p mimic statistically enhanced the level of collagen I A1, and miR-382-5p enhanced the expressions of collagen I A1.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased miR-382-5p promotes epidural fibrosis by increasing collagen I A1 expression, and miR-382-5p may be a potential novel molecular target for the treatment of epidural fibrosis.

MicroRNA-409 promotes recovery of spinal cord injury by regulating ZNF366

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of microRNA-409 in spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mouse SCI model was first established, and the difference in recovery of grip strength was detected. MicroRNA-409 expressions in mice tissues from sham operation group and SCI group were detected by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). We further increased microRNA-409 level in mice spinal cord by plasmids transfection. Luciferase activity was detected to verify the direct binding of microRNA-409 and ZNF366.

RESULTS

The grip strength in both groups was temporarily decreased after surgery, while the grip strength in SCI group was always remarkably lower than that of the sham operation group since the first week after the surgery, suggesting the successful construction of mouse SCI model. MicroRNA-409 expression in the SCI group was gradually decreased from the postoperative 3rd day, which was remarkably lower than that of the sham group. Additionally, ZNF366 expression in the SCI group began to increase from the first day after the surgery, which was markedly higher than that of the sham group. After injection of exogenous microRNA-409, ZNF366 expression in the SCI group showed a remarkable decrease compared to that of the sham operation group. We also confirmed that ZNF366 was the target gene of microRNA-409 by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assay.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-409 is downregulated after spinal cord injury. Overexpression of microRNA-409 directly targets ZNF366 and promotes the recovery of spinal cord injury.

[Clinical application of fusion indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer]

Objective: This study aims to explore the clinical value of fusion indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (FIGFI) in total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer. Methods: From October, 2018 to December, 2018, 15 patients who underwent total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer using FIGFI in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Data regarding surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: All patients successfully underwent total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer using FIGFI. 1 patients (6.7%) received extended resection of bowel due to poor blood supply after mesentery excision. The average operation time was 133.7 minutes and intraoperative blood loss was 26.7 ml. The average time to ground activities, fluid diet intake, first flatus and postoperative hospitalization were 19.1 h, 11.7 h, 32.5 h and 5.0 d, respectively. The average length of tumor was 4.5 cm. The average proximal and distal resection margins were 14.9 cm and 12.1 cm, respectively. The average number of lymph nodes retrieved was 29.3 per patient. Only one patient suffered from incisional fat liquefaction after surgery and was managed effectively by regular dressing change. No severe complications such as indocyanine green allergy, anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic leakage, abdominal bleeding, bowel obstruction, pulmonary infection, and abdominal infection occurred in any patients. Conclusions: FIGFI is helpful to judge the blood supply of intestinal segments and anastomotic stoma in total laparoscopic radical resection for right colon cancer quickly. It is a safe and feasible technique with satisfactory short-term effect.

[The efficacy and safety of salvage surgery for local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a systematic review and Meta-analysis]

Objective: To assess the current evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential advantages of endoscopic compared with open salvage surgery for patients with local recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: A systematic search of Pubmed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases ranged between 2000 and 2017 was conducted. Included studies reported specific residual or local recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer survival data. Proportional Meta-analysis was performed on both outcomes with a random-effects model and the 95% confidential intervals were calculated by Stata 12.0 software. Results: A total of 24 case series studies were included in the Meta-analysis.The pooled 2-year overall survival rates of endoscopic and open group were 84% (95%CI:72%-93%), 68%(95%CI:59%-77%),respectively.The pooled 2-year disease-free survival rates of endoscopic and open group were 68%(95%CI:53%-81%), 65%(95%CI:54%-75%),respectively. The pooled 5-year overall survival rates of endoscopic and open group were 72%(95%CI:37%-97%), 48% (95%CI:40%-56%),respectively.The pooled 5-year disease-free survival rates of endoscopic and open group were 65%(95%CI:29%-93%), 50%(95%CI:43%-57%),respectively.The combined outcome of endoscopic was higher than open procedure. In addition, less severe complications, lower local recurrence rates(27%vs32%).The 2-year overall survival rates of endoscopic was higher than open procedure in the staging of rT1, rT2, and rT3 (93%vs87%; 77%vs63%; 67%vs53%) , but was equal to open in the staging for rT4 (35%vs35%) .Meta-regression showed that the heterogeneity was correlated with advanced tumor ratio. Conclusions: The present Meta-analysis reveals that endoscopic approach offers a safe and efficient alternative to open approach with better short-term outcome and fewer postoperative complications in selecting patients strictly.

[Study on the current status of postgraduates training in public health and preventive medicine in China in 2016]

To investigate the current status of postgraduates training in public health and preventive medicine in China. In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among directors of enrollment and teaching in 22 universities with postgraduate admission qualifications in corresponding disciplines nationwide. In 2016, full-time postgraduates were mainly academic masters. In addition to the graduate entrance examination, the common enrollment mode in colleges was to enroll a high qualified student with recommendations from relevant experts or institutions and an exemption from entrance examination (20/22). The emphasis on training contents between academic and public health master was different. Currently, the scale of public health postgraduate enrollment in public health and preventive medicine in China is stable, and the training program is reasonable, but there is an issue of monotonous model and uneven distribution of enrollment.

Phylogenetic re-evaluation of Thielavia with the introduction of a new family Podosporaceae

The genus Thielavia is morphologically defined by having non-ostiolate ascomata with a thin peridium composed of textura epidermoidea, and smooth, single-celled, pigmented ascospores with one germ pore. Thielavia is typified with Th. basicola that grows in close association with a hyphomycete which was traditionally identified as Thielaviopsis basicola. Besides Th. basicola exhibiting the mycoparasitic nature, the majority of the described Thielavia species are from soil, and some have economic and ecological importance. Unfortunately, no living type material of Th. basicola exists, hindering a proper understanding of the classification of Thielavia. Therefore, Thielavia basicola was neotypified by material of a mycoparasite presenting the same ecology and morphology as described in the original description. We subsequently performed a multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (rpb2, tub2, ITS and LSU) to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of the species currently recognised in Thielavia. Our results demonstrate that Thielavia is highly polyphyletic, being related to three family-level lineages in two orders. The redefined genus Thielavia is restricted to its type species, Th. basicola, which belongs to the Ceratostomataceae (Melanosporales) and its host is demonstrated to be Berkeleyomyces rouxiae, one of the two species in the "Thielaviopsis basicola" species complex. The new family Podosporaceae is sister to the Chaetomiaceae in the Sordariales and accommodates the re-defined genera Podospora, Trangularia and Cladorrhinum, with the last genus including two former Thielavia species (Th. hyalocarpa and Th. intermedia). This family also includes the genetic model species Podospora anserina, which was combined in Triangularia (as Triangularia anserina). The remaining Thielavia species fall in ten unrelated clades in the Chaetomiaceae, leading to the proposal of nine new genera (Carteria, Chrysanthotrichum, Condenascus, Hyalosphaerella, Microthielavia, Parathielavia, Pseudothielavia, Stolonocarpus and Thermothielavioides). The genus Canariomyces is transferred from Microascaceae (Microascales) to Chaetomiaceae based on its type species Can. notabilis. Canariomyces is closely related to the human-pathogenic genus Madurella, and includes three thielavia-like species and one novel species. Three monotypic genera with a chaetomium-like morph (Brachychaeta, Chrysocorona and Floropilus) are introduced to better resolve the Chaetomiaceae and the thielavia-like species in the family. Chrysocorona lucknowensis and Brachychaeta variospora are closely related to Acrophialophora and three newly introduced genera containing thielavia-like species; Floropilus chiversii is closely related to the industrially important and thermophilic species Thermothielavioides terrestris (syn. Th. terrestris). This study shows that the thielavia-like morph is a homoplastic form that originates from several separate evolutionary events. Furthermore, our results provide new insights into the taxonomy of Sordariales and the polyphyletic Lasiosphaeriaceae.

[Investigation on the current status of the cultivation of the master of public health (MPH) in colleges in China]

In order to understand the status of the cultivation of the masters of public health (MPH) in colleges in China and improve the cultivation model, an electronic questionnaire survey were conducted among 22 schools of public health in colleges. The result showed that the size and the enrolment scale of Chinese MPH students were relatively small, and the training objectives were still unclear. There was no obvious difference between the curriculum setting for MPH and academic master degree. The practical skill-oriented courses and emergency response ability of public health practice were insufficient. The cultivation model of MPH should be improved in future.

[Analysis of the contradiction between the supply and demand of Chinese graduate students' emergency professional ability in public health and preventive medicine in China]

In order to underst and the status of health emergency personnel training development and raising coping measures, electronic questionnaire surveys were conducted among 22 colleges and universities in different region of China. The result showed that colleges universities in China invested less in the training of emergency personnel. It is different and emphasized particularly for the cultivation of emergency professional ability among different types of public health students. Universities and employer hold relative evaluation of students' emergency professional ability with distinct regional differences.

[The Short-term Analysis of Overlapped Delta-shaped Anastomosis in Total Laparoscopic Transverse Colectomy]

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical safety, feasibility and short-term effect of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic transverse colectomy. Methods: The records, which were based on China National Cancer Center, of 20 and 31 patients who underwent total laparoscopic transverse colectomy with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted transverse colectomy with conventional extracorporeal anastomosis, from March 2017 to May 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Data regarding surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and perioperative complications were collected and compared. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in overall operation time, anastomosis time and intraoperative blood loss (P>0.05), however, the length of incision was significantly shorter in overlapped delta-shaped group [(4.7±0.6) cm vs. (5.5±1.0) cm, P=0.002]. The time to ground activities, first flatus and postoperative hospitalization did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative visual analogue scale was lower in the overlapped delta-shaped group than the control group on postoperative day 1 (3.7±0.7 vs. 4.2±0.9, P=0.015) and postoperative day 3 (2.7±0.5 vs. 3.2±0.9, P=0.040). The perioperative complication rates were 10.0% and 12.9% in the overlapped delta-shaped group and the control group, respectively, and the difference was not significant (P=0.753). Conclusion: Compared to conventional extracorporeal anastomosis, total laparoscopic transverse colectomy with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis was a safe and feasible procedure with satisfactory short-term effect, shorter incision and less postoperative pain.

Radio frequency measurement and tuning of a 13 MeV Alvarez-type drift tube linac for a compact pulsed hadron source

This paper describes the radio frequency (RF) measurement and tuning result of a 13 MeV Alvarez-type drift tube linac (DTL) for a compact pulsed hadron source (CPHS) at Tsinghua University. The design, machining, assembly, and alignment of the DTL are presented for integrity. The CPHS project consists of a high-current proton linac (13 MeV, 16 kW, peak current of 50 mA, 0.5 ms pulse width at 50 Hz), a neutron target station, a small-angle neutron scattering instrument, and a neutron imaging/radiology station. The linac contains an electron cyclotron resonance ion source, a low energy beam transport line, a four-vane radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator, an Alvarez-type DTL, a high energy beam transport line, and a RF power supply and distributor. Construction on the CPHS started in June 2009, and the CPHS has provided 2000 h since 2013 to users with the neutrons produced by the 3 MeV proton beam from the radio frequency quadrupole bombarding on the beryllium target as an achievement of its mid-term objective. Presently, the tuning of the assembled DTL cavity has been completed successfully. The 4.3-m-long DTL consists of 40 accelerating cells, among which 39 full-length drift tubes (DTs) are suspended inside the cavity, and two half-length DTs are mounted inside the two end flanges of the cavity. Each DT contains a permanent magnet quadrupole. Thirteen post couplers and nine tuners are available for the tuning of the field. The relative error of the field after tuning is within ±1.6%, with a tilt sensitivity within ±33%/MHz in all cells. The beam energy will reach its designed value of 13 MeV after the DTL is installed in the beam line downstream the 3 MeV RFQ accelerator.

[The exploration of gene promoter methylation profiling in nasal polyp]

Objective:To explore the gene promoter methylation profiles of nasal polyp, and to analysis the promoter methylation differences between the nasal polyp and the normal nasal mucosa.Method:Total DNA of the nasal polyp tissues and normal nasal mucosa were extracted. After immunoprecipitation and whole genome amplification, the DNA was labeled with Cy3/5 and hybridized in NimbleGen hybridization chamber. For array hybridization, Roche Nimblegen CpG Promoter array was used. The slides were scanned using the Axon GenePix 4000B microarray scanner. The different genes were analyzed through pathway and verified by Real-time PCR.Result:3010 genes were found to have promoter hypermethylation in normal nasal mucosa or nasal polyp.2,62%(79/3010) of the genes had promoter hypermethylation in all the nasal polyps, which were negative in normal nasal mucosa.10.66%(321/3010) of the genes had promoter hypermethylation in normal nasal mucosa, which were negative in all the nasal polyps. Three pathways were found in the promoter hypermethylation of the nasal polyps. Fourteen pathways were found in the negative hypermethylation of the nasal polyps.Conclusion:Genes promoter methylation plays an important role in the development of nasal polyps, and the gene promoter methylation profiling may yield new some clues on the mechanism of nasal polyps.

The functions of caspase in whitefly Bemisia tabaci apoptosis in response to ultraviolet irradiation

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are phloem feeders, and some invasive species are composed of cryptic species complexes that cause extensive crop damage, particularly via the direct transmission of plant viruses. Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death essential for organismal development and tissue homeostasis. The caspases belong to a family of cysteine proteases that play a central role in the initiation of apoptosis in many organisms. Here, we employed a comprehensive genomics approach to identity caspases in B. tabaci Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), an invasive whitefly that carries a cryptic species complex that is devastating to crops. Four caspase genes were identified, and their motif compositions were predicted. Structures were relatively conserved in both putative effector and initiator caspases. Expression patterns of caspase genes differed across insect developmental stages. Three caspase genes were induced immediately after ultraviolet (UV) treatment. Expression levels of Bt-caspase-1 and Bt-caspase-3b increased in the midgut and salivary glands during apoptosis induced by UV treatments, whereas silencing of both genes reduced UV-triggered apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that Bt-caspase-1 and Bt-caspase-3b, respectively, act as putative initiator and effector apoptotic caspases in the MEAM1 whitefly.