[Application of V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator for the repair of midface skin defects]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator for the repair of midface skin defects. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 18 patients with facial skin cancer, including 11 males and 7 females, aged 65-83 years, who underwent the repair of midface skin defects using V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to April 2023. Medium, large or complex midface skin defects developed after surgical resections of the primary lesions. According to the defect site, size, location information of facial vessels, a V-Y advancement flap with appropriate shape was designed for each case. During the operation, the facial vessels and their perforators were retained in the pedicle of the flap, the facial nerve branches were dissected and protected, and the further denuded pedicle was determined according to actual amount of advancement. After the flap was advanced, the facial defect area was repaired without tension, and the anatomical positions and functions of the eyes, nose and mouth were restored as far as possible. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted to observe the survival rate of the flaps, postoperative complications, recurrences and metastases of tumors. Results: Midface defects of 3.0 cm×3.5 cm-6.5 cm×7.5 cm were observed after tumor resections, which involved one or more subregions. The sizes of the flaps were 3.5 cm×9.0 cm-7.0 cm×18.0 cm. All flaps were completely alive except for one with temporary local bruising. With following-up of 4-40 months, 5 of the 12 patients with lower eyelid and inner canthus invasions had lower eyelid ectropion, but no exposed keratitis was found; one case with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma had lymph node metastasis in the submandibular region and underwent neck dissection again; no recurrence or metastasis occurred in the remaining cases. Conclusion: The V-Y advancement flap with facial artery perforator can be used to repair medium, large or complex midface skin defects, with a high survival rate, and the operation method is safe and reliable.

[Diagnosis status and genetic characteristics analysis of Fanconi anemia in China]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and molecular diagnostic status of Fanconi anemia (FA) in China. Methods: The General situation, clinical manifestations and chromosome breakage test and genetic test results of 107 pediatric FA cases registered in the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CBMTRG) and the Chinese Children Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CCBMTRG) from August 2009 to January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Children with FANCA gene variants were divided into mild and severe groups based on the type of variant, and Wilcoxon-test was used to compare the phenotypic differences between groups. Results: Of the 176 registered FA patients, 69 (39.2%) cases were excluded due to lack of definitive genetic diagnosis results, and the remaining 107 children from 15 hospitals were included in the study, including 70 males and 37 females. The age at transplantation treatment were 6 (4, 9) years. The enrolled children were involved in 10 pathogenic genes, including 89 cases of FANCA gene, 7 cases of FANCG gene, 3 cases of FANCB gene, 2 cases of FANCE gene and 1 case each of FANCC, FANCD1, FANCD2, FANCF, FANCJ, and FANCN gene. Compound heterozygous or homozygous of loss-of-function variants account for 69.2% (72/104). Loss-of-function variants account for 79.2% (141/178) in FANCA gene variants, and 20.8% (37/178) were large exon deletions. Fifty-five children (51.4%) had chromosome breakage test records, with a positive rate of 81.8% (45/55). There were 172 congenital malformations in 80 children.Café-au-Lait spots (16.3%, 28/172), thumb deformities (16.3%,28/172), polydactyly (13.9%, 24/172), and short stature (12.2%, 21/172) were the most common congenital malformations in Chinese children with FA. No significant difference was found in the number of congenital malformations between children with severe (50 cases) and mild FANCA variants (26 cases) (Z=-1.33, P=0.185). Conclusions: FANCA gene is the main pathogenic gene in children with FA, where the detection of its exon deletion should be strengthened clinically. There were no phenotypic differences among children with different types of FANCA variants. Chromosome break test is helpful to determine the pathogenicity of variants, but its accuracy needs to be improved.

[Safety and efficacy analysis of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large vascular occlusion with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusive stroke (ALVOS) and explore the related influencing factors for prognoses in patients with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECT). Methods: Patients with acute ALVOS who underwent EVT in Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College from January 2019 to June 2022 were sequentially enrolled. (1) Patients were divided into a low ASPECT group (0-5) and a non-low ASPECT group (6-10), and the differences between the two groups were compared with respect to incidence of perioperative complications and good prognosis rate [modified Rankin scale (mRS) score≤2] 90 days after onset. (2) According to the prognoses 90 days after onset, the low ASPECT group was divided into the good prognosis (mRS score≤2) and poor prognosis (mRS score>2) subgroup. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the independent risk factors for prognoses of the low ASPECT patients after EVT. Results: A total of 582 patients [age 26-94(69±11) years, 345 male patients (59.3%)] were enrolled for analysis. The baseline ASPECT score was 8 (7, 10), and the baseline NIHSS score was 14 (11, 18). Among them, 102 (17.5%) patients were in the low ASPECT score group and 480 (82.5%) patients were in the non-low ASPECT score group. In the total cohort, patients in the low ASPECT score group had a higher incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, lower 90-day good prognosis rate, and higher 90-day mortality rate. Further, propensity score matching statistical analysis showed that patients in the low ASPECT score group had a significantly higher incidence of malignant brain edema after EVT treatment (40.0% vs. 17.6%, χ2=9.13, P=0.003), and a significantly lower 90-day good prognosis rate (24.7% vs. 41.6%, χ2=4.96, P=0.026), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90-day mortality between the two groups (40.3% vs. 26.0%, χ2=3.55, P=0.060). Among 102 patients with low ASPECT score, 22 (21.6%) patients had good prognosis and 80 (78.4%) had poor prognosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of atrial fibrillation (OR=4.478, 95%CI 1.186-16.913, P=0.027) was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of EVT in patients with low ASPECT score, while good collateral circulation (grade 2 vs. grade 0: OR=0.206, 95%CI 0.051-0.842, P=0.028) was a protective factor for good prognosis of EVT in patients with low ASPECT score. Conclusions: Although the 90-day good prognosis rate of EVT treatment for patients with low ASPECT score was lower than that of the non-low ASPECT group, 21.6% patients still benefitted from EVT treatment, especially patients with non-atrial fibrillation and good collateral circulation. Future studies involving more patients are needed to validate our observations.

Characteristics of flight delays during solar flares

Solar flares are one of the severest solar activities that have important effects on near-Earth space. Previous studies have shown that flight arrival delays increase as a result of solar flares, but the intrinsic mechanism behind this relationship is still unknown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of flight departure delays during 57 solar X-ray events by using a huge amount of flight data (~ 5 × 10⁶ records) gathered over a 5-year period. It is found that the average flight departure delay time during solar X-ray events increased by 20.68% (7.67 min) compared to quiet periods. Our analysis also revealed apparent time and latitude dependencies, with flight delays being more serious on the dayside than on the nightside and longer (shorter) delays tending to occur in lower (higher) latitude airports during solar X-ray events. Furthermore, our results suggest that the intensity of solar flares (soft X-ray flux) and the Solar Zenith Angle directly modulate flight departure delay time and delay rate. These results indicate that communication interferences caused by solar flares directly affect flight departure delays. This work expands our conventional understanding of the impacts of solar flares on human society and provides new insights for preventing or coping with flight delays.

[The performance of digital chest radiographs in the detection and diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and the consistency among readers]

Objective: To investigate the detection and diagnostic efficacy of chest radiographs for ≤30 mm pulmonary nodules and the factors affecting them, and to compare the level of consistency among readers. Methods: A total of 43 patients with asymptomatic pulmonary nodules who consulted in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2012 to 2014 and had chest CT and X-ray chest radiographs during the same period were retrospectively selected, and one nodule ≤30 mm was visible on chest CT images in the whole group (total 43 nodules in the whole group). One senior radiologist with more than 20 years of experience in imaging diagnosis reviewed CT images and recording the size, morphology, location, and density of nodules was selected retrospectively. Six radiologists with different levels of experience (2 residents, 2 attending physicians and 2 associate chief physicians independently reviewed the chest images and recorded the time of review, nodule detection, and diagnostic opinion. The CT imaging characteristics of detected and undetected nodules on X images were compared, and the factors affecting the detection of nodules on X-ray images were analyzed. Detection sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy rate of 6 radiologists were calculated, and the level of consistency among them was compared to analyze the influence of radiologists' seniority and reading time on the diagnosis results. Results: The number of nodules detected by all 6 radiologists was 17, with a sensitivity of detection of 39.5%(17/43). The number of nodules detected by ≥5, ≥4, ≥3, ≥2, and ≥1 physicians was 20, 21, 23, 25, and 28 nodules, respectively, with detection sensitivities of 46.5%, 48.8%, 53.5%, 58.1%, and 65.1%, respectively. Reasons for false-negative result of detection on X-ray images included the size, location, density, and morphology of the nodule. The sensitivity of detecting ≤30 mm, ≤20 mm, ≤15 mm, and ≤10 mm nodules was 46.5%-58.1%, 45.9%-54.1%, 36.0%-44.0%, and 36.4% for the 6 radiologists, respectively; the diagnosis accuracy rate was 19.0%-85.0%, 16.7%-6.5%, 18.2%-80.0%, and 0%-75.0%, respectively. The consistency of nodule detection among 6 doctors was good (Kappa value: 0.629-0.907) and the consistency of diagnostic results among them was moderate or poor (Kappa value: 0.350-0.653). The higher the radiologist's seniority, the shorter the time required to read the images. The reading time and the seniority of the radiologists had no significant influence on the detection and diagnosis results (P>0.05). Conclusions: The ability of radiographs to detect lung nodules ≤30 mm is limited, and the ability to determine the nature of the nodules is not sufficient, and the increase in reading time and seniority of the radiologists will not improve the diagnostic accuracy. X-ray film exam alone is not suitable for lung cancer diagnosis.

[Trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 based on Joinpoint regression analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changing trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy in the province.

METHODS

The epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 were collected, and the trends in the endemic status of schistosomiasis were analyzed using a Joinpoint regression model. The trends in the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans, bovines and Oncomelania hupensis were measured in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 using average annual percent change (AAPC), and the correlations among the changing trends in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans, bovines and O. hupensis snail status were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of S.japonicum human infections continued to decline in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, with an annual mean decline of 14.8% [AAPC = -14.8%, 95% confidential interval (CI): (-18.9%, -10.5%), P < 0.01]. The prevalence of S. japonicum infections continued to decline in bovines in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2015 [AAPC = -31.3%, 95%CI: (-35.1%, -27.2%), P < 0.01], and was 0 for 5 successive years from 2016 to 2020. During the period from 2004 to 2020, there was an annual mean decline of 0.7% in areas of snail habitats [AAPC = -0.7%, 95%CI: (-1.2%, 0.3%), P < 0.05] and an annual mean decline of 9.2% in the density of living snails [AAPC = -9.2%, 95%CI: (-18.3%, 1.0%), P = 0.08] in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, and an annual mean decline of 35.6% was found in the density of S. japonicum-infected snails [AAPC = -35.6%, 95%CI: (-49.2%, -18.3%), P < 0.01] from 2004 to 2012, with no infected snails detected in Anhui Province from 2013 to 2020. There were significant correlations in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections between humans and bovines (r = 0.959, P < 0.01), between the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections and the density of S. japonicum-infected snails (r = 0.823, P < 0.01) and between the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in bovines and the density of S. japonicum-infected snails (r = 0.902, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared a decline in humans, bovines and O. hupensis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, and significant correlations were found among the changing trends in the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections, the prevalence of S. japonicum bovine infections and the density of S. japonicum-infected O. hupensis snails. Because of a minor decline in the area of snail habitats and widespread distribution of O. hupensis, however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission, and precision control for schistosomiasis remains to be reinforced in Anhui Province.

[Investigation on prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild mice in Shitai County, Anhui Province, 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in wild mice in Shitai County, Anhui Province, so as to provide insights into precise control of the source of S. japonicum infections.

METHODS

Wild mice were captured using the trapping method for three successive nights at snail-infested settings from Jitan Village of Jitan Township, and Shiquan Village and Xibai Village of Dingxiang Township, Shitai County, Anhui Province in June and October, 2018. All trapped wild mice were sacrificed and liver and mesenteric vein specimens were collected for detection of S. japonicum eggs using microscopy, while the fecal samples in mouse intestines were collected for identification of S. japonicum infections using Kato-Katz technique. In addition, the population density of trapped wild mice was estimated and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection was calculated in trapped wild mice.

RESULTS

A total of 376 wild mice were trapped from three villages in Shitai County. The population density of trapped wild mice was 9.1% (376/4 124), and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection was 24.2% (91/376) in trapped wild mice. The highest prevalence of S. japonicum infection was detected in Shiquan Village of Dingxiang Township (30.1%), and the lowest prevalence was seen in Xibai Village of Dingxiang Township; however, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in trapped wild mice among three villages (χ²= 4.111, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild mice captured between on June (26.8%, 34/127) and October (22.9%, 57/249) (χ² = 0.690, P = 0.406). The trapped wild mice included 6 species, including Rattus norvegicus, Niviventer niviventer, R. losea, Apodemus agrarius, Mus musculus and N. coning, and the two highest prevalence of S. japonicum infection was detected in R. losea (34.9%, 22/63) and R. norvegicus (31.2%, 44/141).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of S. japonicum infections is high in wild mice in Shitai County, and there is a natural focus of schistosomiasis transmission in Shitai County.

[Precise diagnosis and treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis guided by cytokine patterns]

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening entity which presents as multi-organ dysfunction caused by overactivated T cell and macrophage and overwhelming hyperinflammation. Cytokine storm is the key pathophysiology of HLH. Due to the diversity of the underlying diseases, the difference of disease severity and the non-specific clinical manifestation, the early diagnosis and standardized treatment is a great challenge for clinicians. According to previous clinical studies, serum cytokine measurement is helpful for rapid diagnosis of HLH and the differentiation of HLH from other diseases caused by hypercytokinemia, and it perfoms well to clarify subtypes of HLH, to stratify patients with different risks and to predict the prognosis and outcome. Thus, serum cytokine measurement could be a useful tool for the precise diagnosis and treatment of HLH.

[Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, to provide insights into precision control of O. hupensis snails in Anhui Province.

METHODS

O. hupensis snail distribution data were collected in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020 and descriptively analyzed, including actual area of snail habitats, area of emerging snail habitats and area of Schistosoma japonicum-infected snails. The actual area of snail habitats and area of emerging snail habitats were subjected to spatial autocorrelation analysis, hotspot analysis, standard deviation ellipse analysis and space-time scanning analysis, and the clusters of snail distribution and settings at high risk of snail spread were identified in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020.

RESULTS

The actual area of snail habitats gradually decreased in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020. The actual area of snail habitats were 26 238.85 hm² in Anhui Province in 2020, which were mainly distributed in marshland and lake regions. There was a large fluctuation in the area of emerging snail habitats in Anhui Province during the period from 2011 to 2020, with the largest area seen in 2016 (1 287.65 hm²), and 1.96 hm² emerging infected snail habitats were detected in Guichi District, Chizhou City in 2020. Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analyses showed spatial clusters in the distribution of actual areas of snail habitats in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020 (Z = 3.00 to 3.43, all P values < 0.01), and the hotspots were mainly concentrated in the marshland and lake regions and distributed along the south side of the Yangtze River, while the cold spots were mainly concentrated in the mountainous regions of southern Anhui Province. There were no overall spatial clusters in the distribution of areas of emerging snail habitats (Z = -2.20 to 1.71, all P values > 0.05), and a scattered distribution was found in local regions. Standard deviation ellipse analysis showed relatively stable distributions of the actual areas of snail habitats in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, which was consistent with the flow direction of the Yangtze River, and the focus of the distribution of areas of emerging snail habitats shifted from the lower reaches to upper reaches of Anhui section of the Yangtze River. Space-time scanning analysis identified two high-value clusters in the distribution of actual areas of snail habitats in lower and middle reaches of Anhui section of the Yangtze River from 2011 to 2020, and two high-value clusters in the distribution of areas of emerging snail habitats were identified in mountainous and hilly regions.

CONCLUSIONS

There were spatial clusters in the distribution of O. hupensis snails in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, which appeared a tendency of aggregation towards the south side and upper reaches of the Yangtze River; however, the spread of O. hupensis snails could not be neglected in mountainous and hilly regions. Monitoring of emerging snail habitats should be reinforced in mountainous and hilly regions and along the Yangtze River basin.

[Mechanism of circZNF609 targeting miR-153 to regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of circZNF609 targeting miR-153 to regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods: Fifty cases of lymphoma tissue from patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who were diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2018 to December 2019 were collected. Thirty cases of normal lymph node tissues that were confirmed to be reactive hyperplasia by pathological diagnosis during the same period were selected as controls. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of circZNF609 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tissues and control hyperplasia lymph nodes. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma OCI-LY19 cells were divided into control group (blank control), si-con group (transfected with siRNA control), si-ZNF609 group (transfected with circZNF609 siRNA), and si-ZNF609+ Anti-NC group (co-transfected with circZNF609 siRNA and inhibitor control) and si-ZNF609+ Anti-miR-153 group (co-transfected with circZNF609 siRNA and miR-153 inhibitor). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detected proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C-caspase-3, cyclin D1, p21. The luciferase reporter system was used to identifie the relationship between circZNF609 and miR-153. Results: The expression level of circZNF609 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tissue was (1.44±0.22), higher than (0.37±0.14) in the control tissues (P<0.001). The cell survival rate of the si-ZNF609 group was (51.74±6.39)%, lower than (100.00±10.23)% of the control group and the (99.64±11.67)% of the si-con group (P<0.001). The proportion of cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase was (63.25±4.11)%, higher than (48.62±4.32)% of the control group and (47.12±3.20)% of the si-con group (P<0.001), the apoptosis rate was (13.36±1.42)%, higher than (3.65±0.47)% of the control group and (3.84±0.62)% of the si-con group (P<0.05). The expression levels of C-caspase-3 and p21 protein were (0.85±0.09) and (0.90±0.08), higher than (0.38±0.04) and (0.65±0.07) in the control group and (0.39±0.05) and (0.66±0.05) in the si-con group (P<0.001). The expression level of cyclin D1 protein was (0.40±0.03), lower than (0.52±0.06) of the control group and (0.53±0.04) of the si-con group (all P<0.001). CircZNF609 and miR-153 are mutually targeted. The cell survival rate of the si-ZNF609+ Anti-miR-153 group was (169.92±13.25)%, higher than (100.00±9.68)% of the si-ZNF609+ Anti-NC group (P<0.001), the ratio of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase and apoptosis rate were (52.01±3.62)% and (8.20±0.87)%, respectively, lower than (64.51±5.17)% and (14.03±1.17)% in the si-ZNF609+ Anti-NC group (P<0.001). The protein expression levels of C-caspase-3 and p21 were (0.42±0.06) and (0.52±0.06), lower than (0.80±0.07) and (0.92±0.10) of the si-ZNF609+ Anti-NC group (P<0.001). The protein expression level of cyclin D1 was (0.68±0.07), higher than (0.39±0.04) in the si-ZNF609+ Anti-NC group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Down-regulation of circZNF609 inhibits the proliferation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma OCI-LY19 cells and induces apoptosis by targeting miR-153.

Systematic characterization of the metabolites of defatted walnut powder extract in vivo and screening of the mechanisms against NAFLD by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS combined with network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Walnut kernel, a well-known TCM, is often used after being defatted in tradition. And defatted walnut powder extract (DWPE) has the actions of tonifying the liver and kidney, dissipating stagnation and removing blood stasis, which has the effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the effective components of DWPE in vivo were unclear and the multiple mechanisms of DWPE against NAFLD have not been explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The studies were performed to screen the effective substances in vivo by identification of the metabolites of DWPE in rats and to seek the potential mechanisms of DWPE on NAFLD by construction of the network pharmacology based on metabolites and verification of the highly correlated pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To explore the effective substances in vivo, the metabolites of DWPE were identified in SD rats' bio-samples through UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. To analyze the mechanisms of DWPE on NAFLD, a Metabolite-Target-Disease network was established and the potential mechanisms were predicted. Then, highly correlated pathway was verified in animal and cells studies.

RESULTS

A total of 52 metabolites of DWPE were identified in vivo, which were derived from gallic acid, ellagic acid (EA) and glansreginin A (Gla A). The possible metabolic pathways were phase Ⅰ (hydroxylation, hydrolyzation, etc) and phase Ⅱ metabolic reactions (methylation, sulfation and glucuronidation). Furthermore, in the network pharmacology, 54 core targets were enriched into pathways in cancer, nitrogen metabolism and other 9 pathways, which were essential pathways of DWPE against NAFLD. And the mechanism of nitrogen metabolism was verified in both of animal and cells studies. The results showed that DWPE could decline the concentration of ammonia and increase the expressions of carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) and carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS1) in nitrogen metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the study revealed the absorption components and their metabolic pathways and demonstrated the mechanism of nitrogen metabolism of DWPE on anti-NAFLD.

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. extract alleviate cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. (CBP) is a cruciferous plant valuable in reducing fever, improving eyesight and calming the liver. This herb was recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica for cataract treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the effects and mechanism of CBP on cataract prevention and treatment using a selenite cataract model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main compounds in CBP extract were analyzed by UPLC, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Flavonoids formed a significant proportion of its compounds, thus necessitating an evaluation of their inhibitory effects on the development of cataract using a selenite cataract model. The protective effects of CBP flavonoids (CBPF) against oxidative damage and the modulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were subsequently verified on H₂O₂-treated SRA01/04 lens epithelial cells.

RESULTS

CBPF significantly alleviated the development of cataract by decreasing the MDA level and increasing the GSH-Px and SOD levels in the lens. It also inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in SRA01/04 cells, increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein and decreased the expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins.

CONCLUSION

CBPF exerts a significant preventive effect on cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells. It is thus a potent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) whose application should be further developed for the clinical treatment of cataract.

[A study on the identification of threshold for early warning on adverse weather events based on the association of apparent temperature and years of life lost]

Objective: To identify the threshold of a health warning system based on the association of apparent temperature and years of life lost (YLL). Methods: Daily mortality records and meteorological data were collected from 364 Chinese counties for 2006-2017. Distributed lag nonlinear model and multivariate Meta-analyses were applied to estimate the association between the apparent temperature and YLL rate. A regression tree model was employed to estimate the warning thresholds of the apparent temperature. Stratified analyses were further conducted by age and cause of death. Results: The daily YLL rate was 23.6/10⁵. The mean daily apparent temperature was 15.7 ℃. U-shaped nonlinear associations were observed between apparent temperature and YLL rate. The actual temperature-caused YLL rate for the elderly was higher than the young population. The daily excess deaths rate increased with the higher effect levels. Conclusions: Regression tree model was employed to define the warning threshold for meteorological health risk. The present study provides theoretical support for the weather-related health warning system.

Anti-NAFLD effect of defatted walnut powder extract in high fat diet-induced C57BL/6 mice by modulating the gut microbiota

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Walnut kernel has the actions of removing meteorism, dissipating stagnation and removing blood stasis and is used after being defatted in TCM. Defatted walnut powder extract (DWPE) has the abilities of anti-oxidation and lowering lipid levels in vivo. However, the effects and the potential mechanisms of DWPE on NAFLD have not been explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study were to investigate the anti-NAFLD effect of DWPE in high fat diet-induced C57BL/6 mice and demonstrate that whether DWPE developed the effect on anti-NAFLD by remodeling the compositions and abundances of gut microbiota.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The inhibitory effect of DWPE on the development of NAFLD was conducted on C57BL/6 mice with a high fat diet and the regulation effect of DWPE on gut microbiota was verified on pseudo-sterile mice with treatment of broad spectrum antibiotics.

RESULTS

The results showed that the oral administration of DWPE remarkably alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation by decreasing the levels of TG, TC, LDL, MDA and increasing HDL. Meanwhile, the expressions of NF-κB and MAPKs family proteins were reduced by DWPE compared with HFD group. Otherwise, the efficacy of anti-NAFLD of DWPE was significantly decreased after treatment of antibiotics, which indicated the key role of gut microbiota in the therapeutic process. Furthermore, sequencing of 16S rRNA gene revealed that DWPE could revert the decreased relative abundance of gut microbiota caused by the long term of a high fat diet. And the disordered microflora was remodeled by DWPE including the reduction of Erysipelotrichia, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria as well as the increment of Bacteroidetes, Clostridiales, Bacteroidales S24-7, Prevotellaceae and Bacteroides.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, DWPE had a preventing effect on NAFLD, which might be associated with the regulation of gut microbiota.

[Clinical manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with multisystem involvement in 53 children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and long-term outcome of Langerhans cell histiocytosis with multisystem involvement (MS-LCH) in children, and to evaluate the efficacy of modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol. Methods: This retrospective study included 53 patients with MS-LCH admitted to the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2011 to May 2019. Modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol was used in all patients as an initial treatment. The patients were divided into the group with (RO+) or without (RO-) risk organ involvement. The RO+group was further divided into two groups, as RO+Ⅰ group (lung involvement only) and RO+Ⅱ group (extra-pulmonary, with or without lung involvement). The clinical characteristics and the long-term outcome were summarized. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors including age, sex, risk organ involvement and response to 6-week induction were analyzed with Log-Rank test and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Among the 53 children with MS-LCH, 34 were male and 19 were female. The age of onset was 21 months (3 months-13 years). There 22 were in RO+group, with 12 in RO+Ⅰ group and 10 in RO+Ⅱ group, and 31 in RO-group. The follow-up period was 51 (12-144) months. The overall response rate of 6-week induction was 89% (47/53), and the recurrence rate was 30% (16/53). The 5-year EFS and OS were (67±6) % and (83±5) %, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the 5-year EFS and OS of patients who responded well to 6-week induction chemotherapy were significantly higher than those who had no response ((76±6) % vs. 0, (88±4) % vs. (41±22) %, χ² = 34.743, 10.608, both P<0.05). The 5-year EFS and OS of RO-group were significantly higher than that of RO+group ((80±7) % vs. (49±10) %, (93±4) % vs. (70±10) %, χ²=6.022, 4.793, both P<0.05). And the 5-year EFS of RO+Ⅰ group was significantly higher than that of RO+Ⅱ group ((83±10) % vs. (10±9) %, χ²=9.501, P=0.002). While age and sex were not significantly associated with 5-year EFS and OS (all P>0.05). Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that response to 6-week induction chemotherapy was the independent risk factor for EFS (HR=13.114, 95%CI 3.759-45.742, P<0.01) and OS (HR=7.748, 95%CI 1.542-38.920, P=0.013). Conclusions: Most of the children without risk organ involvement treated with modified DAL-HX83/90 protocol could achieve long-term survival. However, the children involved liver, spleen, or hematopoietic system had a high risk of disease progression and recurrence.

[Risk factors for surgical site infection after emergency abdominal surgery: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China]

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common infectious complication after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS). To a large extent, most SSI can be prevented, but there are few relevant studies in China. This study mainly investigated the current situation of SSI occurrence after EAS in China, and further explored risk factors for SSI occurrence. Methods: Multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical data of patients undergoing EAS in 33 hospitals across China between May 1, 2019 and June 7, 2019 were prospectively collected, including perioperative data and microbial culture results from infected incisions. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI after EAS, while the secondary outcomes were postoperative hospital stay, ICU occupancy rate, length of ICU stay, hospitalization cost, and mortality within postoperative 30 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of SSI after EAS. Results: A total of 660 EAS patients aged (47.9±18.3) years were enrolled in this study, including 56.5% of males (373/660). Forty-nine (7.4%) patients developed postoperative SSI. The main pathogen of SSI was Escherichia coli [culture positive rate was 32.7% (16/49)]. As compared to patients without SSI, those with SSI were more likely to be older (median 56 years vs. 46 years, U=19 973.5, P<0.001), male [71.4% (35/49) vs. 56.1% (343/611), χ(2)=4.334, P=0.037] and diabetes [14.3% (7/49) vs. 5.1% (31/611), χ(2)=5.498, P=0.015]; with-lower preoperative hemoglobin (median: 122.0 g/L vs. 143.5 g/L, U=11 471.5, P=0.006) and albumin (median: 35.5 g/L vs. 40.8 g/L, U=9452.0, P<0.001), with higher blood glucose (median: 6.9 mmol/L vs. 6.0 mmol/L, U=17 754.5, P<0.001); with intestinal obstruction [32.7% (16/49) vs. 9.2% (56/611), χ(2)=25.749, P<0.001], with ASA score 3-4 [42.9% (21/49) vs. 13.9% (85/611), χ(2)=25.563, P<0.001] and with high surgical risk [49.0% (24/49) vs. 7.0% (43/611), χ(2)=105.301, P<0.001]. The main operative procedure resulting in SSI was laparotomy [81.6%(40/49) vs. 35.7%(218/611), χ(2)=40.232, P<0.001]. Patients with SSI experienced significantly longer operation time (median: 150 minutes vs. 75 minutes, U=25 183.5, P<0.001). In terms of clinical outcome, higher ICU occupancy rate [51.0% (25/49) vs. 19.5% (119/611), χ(2)=26.461, P<0.001], more hospitalization costs (median: 44 000 yuan vs. 15 000 yuan, U=24 660.0, P<0.001), longer postoperative hospital stay (median: 10 days vs. 5 days, U=23 100.0, P<0.001) and longer ICU occupancy time (median: 0 days vs. 0 days, U=19 541.5, P<0.001) were found in the SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the elderly (OR=3.253, 95% CI: 1.178-8.985, P=0.023), colorectal surgery (OR=9.156, 95% CI: 3.655-22.937, P<0.001) and longer operation time (OR=15.912, 95% CI:6.858-36.916, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of SSI, while the laparoscopic surgery (OR=0.288, 95% CI: 0.119-0.694, P=0.006) was an independent protective factor for SSI. Conclusions: For patients undergoing EAS, attention should be paid to middle-aged and elderly patients and those of colorectal surgery. Laparoscopic surgery should be adopted when feasible and the operation time should be minimized, so as to reduce the incidence of SSI and to reduce the burden on patients and medical institutions.

[Long-term outcome of childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with modified national protocol of childhood leukemia in China-acute lymphoblastic leukemia 2008]

Objective: To analyse the long-term efficacy in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cases enrolled in the national protocol of childhood leukemia in China-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (NPCLC-ALL) 2008. Methods: Clinical data of 96 patients diagnosed as T-ALL and treated with NPCLC-ALL2008 protocol between January 2009 and December 2017 in the Department of Hematology-Oncology, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were analyzed retrospectively. Predictive value of minimal residual disease (MRD) monitored by flow cytometry was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was used for long-term survival analysis. Results: A total of 96 evaluable patients with newly diagnosed T-ALL were analysed, including 72 males and 24 females. The age was 9.5 (ranged from 1.0 to 16.0) years. The follow-up time was 5.7 (ranged from 1.0 to 9.7) years. Among 96 patients, 92 (96%) achieved complete remission. The 5-year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were (61±6) % and (70±5) %, respectively. Relapse occurred in 18 cases and the 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse was (27±6) %. Twenty-four patients died. The 5-year OS rates of patients with MRD>5% on day 15 of induction therapy was significantly worse than those with MRD≤5% ((60±12) % vs. (72±6) %, χ(2)=3.904, P=0.048) . The 5-year EFS and OS rates were obviously lower in patients with MRD>10% before the consolidation therapy ((50±35) %). The 5-year OS rates of patients with relapsed disease was significantly worse than those without ((26±13) % vs. (81±5) %, χ(2)=18.411, P<0.01). The earlier the relapse, the worse the prognosis. The 5-year OS rates for patients relapsed within 6 months, within 3 years and more than 3 years, were (25±22) %, (30±14) % and (50±35) % respectively (χ(2)=13.207, P<0.01). Conclusions: NPCLC-ALL2008 protocol is effective for childhood T-ALL. The MRD guided accurate risk stratification and individualized treatment can reduce the relapse and improve the survival rate of pediatric T-ALL.

[Features of gut microbiota in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease]

Objectives: To investigate whether the fecal microbiome of Parkinson's disease patients differs from that of healthy population and explore the pathogenesis and new treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Methods: A total of 30 patients diagnosed as idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD group) in Beijing Friendship Hospital between April 2017 and June 2018 were enrolled and 30 healthy controls (NC group) were recruited at the same time.Medical records and score of unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) were collected and fresh fecal samples were obtained and stored in refrigerator (-80℃). The microbial compositions of fecal samples were investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region. The taxa abundance and microbial composition were tested. Results: There was no difference of age and sex in PD and NC groups. Chao1 and Shannon indexes tended to be higher in PD group, yet failed to reach statistic significance (P=0.115 and 0.052). Relative abundance of gut microbiota differed in each taxonomic category. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in PD group was 53.6%(41.7%-64.8%), while that of Bacteroidetes in NC group was 51.7%(31.7%-65.3%). The ratios of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes were significantly different between the two groups (1.6(0.9-3.4) vs 0.7(0.5-1.4), P=0.001). In Clostridia, Bacilli and Erysipelotrichia of Firmicutes, the relative abundances of Clostridiales, Christensenellaceae, Peptoclostridium, Lactobacillus and Erysipelatoclostridium were higher in PD group (P=0.024, 0.046, 0.036, 0.022 and 0.037). The relative abundance of Prevotella of Bacteroidales, was lower in PD group, yet failed to reach statistic significance (P=0.121). The relative abundances of Alistipes of Rikenellaceae and Butyricimonas of Marinilabiliales in PD group were significantly higher than those in NC group (P=0.047 and 0.033). The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium of Actinobacteria was significanly higher in PD group when compared with NC group (P=0.009). Despite the relatively low abundance, Akkermansia of Verrucomicrobia was significantly higher in PD group than in NC group (P=0.025). Conclusion: The structures of the fecal microbiota differ significantly between PD patients and healthy controls.

Morning glory seed keeps laxative effect while retains less subchronic toxicity after being fried

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Morning glory seed (MGS), has been widely used in treating constipation especially towards children. Clinically, people usually take fried MGS (MGSF) in formulas to reduce its side effect. However, the safety of MGSF other than MGS has yet to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to reveal the potential mechanisms of using MGSF instead of MGS basing on chemistry, pharmacodynamics and toxicology.

METHODS

The chemical compositions of the extracts of MGS and MGSF were compared using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. Simultaneously, to prove the availability and safety of MGSF, we investigated the laxative effect and subchronic toxicity of MGS and MGSF and addressed the mechanism of laxative effect of them.

RESULTS

In this study, less phenolic acids and more fatty acids were detected in MGSF compared with the compounds in MGS. Moreover, we found that MGS group had stronger laxative effect than MGSF group via downregulating the expression of AQP3 protein. As for subchronic toxicity test, the body weights of MGS group were lower than MGSF group. In serum biochemistry and histopathological examinations, MGS group could cause more serious toxicity in liver, kidney and colon than MGSF group with higher values of BUN, Cr, AST and ALP.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings in this study, MGSF with varied compounds contents could still keep the laxative effect while retain less subchronic toxicity, which emphasized the necessity of processing and provided an insight into the rational use of MGSF in clinical practice.

[The humor characteristics of young epileptic patients and its correlation with depression]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of humor in young adult epileptic patients and examine the relationship between humor and depression. Methods: We recruited 55 young adult epileptic patients who visited outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology of Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College between October 2018 and March 2019 and 44 healthy controls to complete the multidimensional humor scale (MSHS), humor style questionnaire (HSQ) and Beck depression scale-Ⅱ (BDI-Ⅱ), and compared their differences between the two groups. Results: The results showed that the young adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) were affected in humor creation, coping with humor and the totally scores of MSHS. The scores of humor creation, coping with humor and the totally scores of MSHS in the young epilepsy patients were 25.3±5.9, 16.7±5.0 and 61±10, which were significantly lower than those in the control group 29.8±6.1, 21.1±2.6 and 71±8. As for the humor style, self-defeating humor scores in PWEs were higher than controls 14±5 vs 9±3, and the self-enhancing humor scores were lower than controls 18±7 vs 23±6. The scores of BDI-Ⅱ in PWEs were significantly higher than those of normal controls 13±7 vs 6±4. Pearson's correlation test showed that the scores of BDI-Ⅱ were negatively correlated with humor creation, coping with humor, the totally scores of MSHS and self-enhancing humor scores (r=-0.566--0.721, P<0.05), while it was positively correlated with self-defeating humor scores (r=0.818, P<0.05). Among the clinically relevant factors, the scores of BDI-Ⅱ were correlated with seizure control and gender. Multiple stepwise linear regression showed that coping with humor, self-defeating and self-enhancing humor scores were closely related with depression in young epileptic adults. Conclusion: The young adults with epilepsy are affected in sense of humor and humor style, which are closely related with depression.

[Investigation of treatment and analysis of prognostic risk on enterocutaneous fistula in China: a multicenter prospective study]

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment for enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) in China, and to explore the prognostic factors of ECF. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Registration System of Chinese Gastrointestinal Fistula and Intra-Abdominal Infections to collect the clinical data of ECF patients from 54 medical centers in 22 provinces/municipalities from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The clinical data included patient gender, age, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, underlying diseases, primary diseases, direct causes of ECF, location and type of ECF, complications, treatment and outcomes. All medical records were carefully filled in by the attending physicians, and then re-examined by more than two specialists. The diagnosis of ECF was based on the clinical manifestations, laboratory/imaging findings and intraoperative exploration. Results: A total of 1521 patients with ECF were enrolled, including 1099 males and 422 females, with a median age of 55 years. The top three primary diseases of ECF were malignant tumors in 626 cases (41.2%, including 540 gastrointestinal tumors, accounting for 86.3% of malignant tumors), gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations in 202 cases (13.3%), and trauma in 157 cases (10.3%). The direct causes of ECF were mainly surgical operation in 1194 cases (78.5%), followed by trauma in 156 (10.3%), spontaneous fistula due to Crohn's disease in 92 (6.0%), radiation intestinal injury in 41 (2.7%), severe pancreatitis in 20 (1.3%), endoscopic treatment in 13 (0.9%) and 5 cases (0.3%) of unknown reasons. All the patients were divided into three groups: 1350 cases (88.7%) with simple ECF, 150 (9.9%) with multiple ECF, and 21 (1.4%) with combined internal fistula. Among the patients with simple ECF, 438 cases (28.8%) were jejuno-ileal fistula, 313 (20.6%) colon fistula, 170 (11.2%) rectal fistula, 111 (7.3%) duodenal fistula, 76 (5.0%) ileocecal fistula, 65 (4.3%) ileocolic anastomotic fistula, 55 (3.6%) duodenal stump fistula, 36 (2.4%) gastrointestinal anastomotic fistula, 36 (2.4%) esophagogastric/esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula, 29 (1.9%) gastric fistula and 21 (1.4%) cholangiopancreatiointestinal. Among all the simple ECF patients, 991 were tubular fistula and 359 were labial fistula. A total of 1146 patients finished the treatment, of whom 1061 (92.6%) were healed (586 by surgery and 475 self-healing) and 85 (7.4%) died. A total of 1043 patients (91.0%) received nutritional support therapy, and 77 (6.7%) received fistuloclysis. Infectious source control procedures were applied to 1042 patients, including 711 (62.0%) with active lavage and drainage and 331 (28.9%) with passive drainage. Among them, 841 patients (73.4%) underwent minimally invasive procedures of infectious source control (replacement of drainage tube through sinus tract, puncture drainage, etc.), 201 (17.5%) underwent laparotomy drainage, while 104 (9.1%) did not undergo any drainage measures. A total of 610 patients (53.2%) received definitive operation, 24 patients died within postoperative 30-day with mortality of 3.9% (24/610), 69 (11.3%) developed surgical site infection (SSI), and 24 (3.9%) had a relapse of fistula. The highest cure rate was achieved in ileocecal fistula (100%), followed by rectal fistula (96.2%, 128/133) and duodenal stump fistula (95.7%,44/46). The highest mortality was found in combined internal fistula (3/12) and no death in ileocecal fistula. Univariate prognostic analysis showed that primary diseases as Crohn's disease (χ(2)=6.570, P=0.010) and appendicitis/appendiceal abscess (P=0.012), intestinal fistula combining with internal fistula (χ(2)=5.460, P=0.019), multiple ECF (χ(2)=7.135, P=0.008), esophagogastric / esophagojejunal anastomotic fistula (χ(2)=9.501, P=0.002), ECF at ileocecal junction (P=0.012), non-drainage/passive drainage before the diagnosis of intestinal fistula (χ(2)=9.688, P=0.008), non-drainage/passive drainage after the diagnosis of intestinal fistula (χ(2)=9.711, P=0.008), complicating with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (χ(2)=179.699, P<0.001), sepsis (χ(2)=211.851, P<0.001), hemorrhage (χ(2)=85.300, P<0.001), pulmonary infection (χ(2)=60.096, P<0.001), catheter-associated infection (χ(2)=10.617, P=0.001) and malnutrition (χ(2)=21.199, P<0.001) were associated with mortality. Multivariate prognostic analysis cofirmed that sepsis (OR=7.103, 95%CI:3.694-13.657, P<0.001), complicating with MODS (OR=5.018, 95%CI:2.170-11.604, P<0.001), and hemorrhage (OR=4.703, 95%CI: 2.300-9.618, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of the death for ECF patients. Meanwhile, active lavage and drainage after the definite ECF diagnosis was the protective factor (OR=0.223, 95%CI: 0.067-0.745, P=0.015). Conclusions: The overall mortality of ECF is still high. Surgical operation is the most common cause of ECF. Complications e.g. sepsis, MODS, hemorrhage, and catheter-associated infection, are the main causes of death. Active lavage and drainage is important to improve the prognosis of ECF.

[Cancer incidence and mortality in Pearl River Delta Area, 2009-2013]

Objective: To estimate the incidence, mortality and characteristics of cancer in Pearl River Delta Area of Guangdong Province between 2009-2013. Methods: Based on five population-based cancer registration data from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Sihui spanning from 2009 to 2013, along with those corresponding population data, the incidence and mortality rates were estimated by gender and age groups. Chinese standard population derived from the 2000 Population Census and Segi's standard population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: Between 2009 and 2013, the crude cancer incidence rate was 262.50/100 000, 274.76/100 000 in male and 249.49/100 000 in female. After adjusting for Chinese and Segi's standard population, the age-standardized incidence rates were 225.63/100 000 and 219.88/100 000, respectively. The crude mortality rate was 175.51/100 000, 222.92/100 000 in male and 127.46/100 000 in female, respectively. After adjusting for Chinese and Segi's standard population, the age-standardized mortality rates were 116.02 /100 000 and 114.31/100 000, respectively. The incidence rates were at low levels in the population less than 40 years old, thereafter went up rapidly with age especially in male, and then reached the peak in the population aged 80 and above. As with incidence, the mortality rates kept at low levels in the population before their 50 s and then rose up steadily with age until peaking in the 85+ age group. The most common cancers were female breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer with descending incidence rate. Lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, female breast cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer were the top five cancer-attributable causes of death. Conclusions: Currently, Pearl River Delta Area were faced with huge cancer burden. Lung cancer, colorectal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, female breast cancer and male liver cancer are predominant cancers and more efforts should be made to fight against them.

[Impact of informal e-waste recycling on human health]

Increasing e-waste has become a major problem for global environment and public health. In the process of dismantling and recycling of disordered electronic waste, heavy metals such as lead and brominated flame retardants and organic substances are released into environmental media such as air, soil, dust and water, which is harmful to the health of local residents. Taking an e-waste dismantling area in Guangdong Province as an example, this paper reviews exposure levels of heavy metals and organic matters in e-waste recycling areas in China, as well as the health effects of local residents. Previous studies have found that e-waste recycling activities led to serious environmental pollution and high exposure levels of heavy metals and organic matters in local residents, which has a certain impact on the physiological functions of various human systems. The establishment of a centralized dismantling zone can effectively reduce the load level of various pollutants.

[The study of exposure levels of dioxin-like compounds in cord blood of newborns in an e-waste dismantling area in Guangdong Province]

Objective: To study the pollution status of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in cord blood of newborns in an e-waste dismantling area of Guangdong Province. Methods: We recruited 20 eligible mothers and newborns who could meet the inclusion criteria in local hospitals of Guiyu in 2007. The inclusion criteria included directly engaged in dismantling e-waste during pregnancy and within 1 year before pregnancy; living in the e-waste dismantling workshops or the distance between living place and the e-waste dismantling areas was ≤200 m; the father of newborn was directly engaged in electronic waste dismantling for more than 1 year; the frequency of visiting the e-waste dismantling workshop during pregnancy was ≥3 times in a week. Questionnaires and physical examinations were performed on maternal and neonatal, and cord blood was collected from newborns to detect PCDD/Fs, PCB and PBDE. The concentration level of organic pollutants was corrected by the blood lipid content, and the total toxicity equivalent was calculated. The correlation between three compounds was analyzed by Spearman correlation. Results: The mothers of the 20 newborns were (23.45±3.27) years old and lived for more than 5 years. The number of one parent engaged in e-waste dismantling, the mother or father smoking, and parent engaged in e-waste dismantling work were 3, 13, 15 and 19, respectively. The weight of newborns ranged from 2.5 to 3.6 kilogram and the Apgar score was 10 points. No adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, malformation or stillbirth were found. The median (maximum, minimum) concentration of PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs in cord blood were 263.22 (328.29, 244.19), 38.42 (147.49, 12.68), 39.33 (265.11, 14.81) pg/g lipid, respectively. The median (maximum, minimum) of toxic equivalence concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCB were 3.94 (9.24, 2.69) and 15.95 (26.64, 9.28) pg TEQ/g lipid. PBDE, the proportion of PBDE, PCB and PCDD/Fs in cord blood was 50.41%, 49.25% and 0.34%, respectively. PCBs and PBDEs were positively correlated (r=0.733, P=0.039). Conclusion: The high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCB, and PBDE were detected in the e-waste dismantling area. It is recommended that the risk of such substances on the health of local people should be assessed in a timely manner.

Prognostic significance of the Musashi-2 (MSI2) gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The prognostic value of the Musashi-2 (MSI2) gene has not yet been studied in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In our study, MSI2 mRNA levels of 119 childhood patients with newly-diagnosed ALL were examined and analyzed with regard to clinical characteristics and outcomes. ALL patients demonstrated significantly higher MSI2 mRNA levels than healthy controls. In addition, MSI2 mRNA levels were correlated with the disease status and IK6 mutation status. Survival analyses showed that higher MSI2 mRNA levels predicted worse outcomes in patients with childhood ALL. Moreover, in multivariate analyses, MSI2 mRNA overexpression retained its value as an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS), but not for event free survival (EFS). We conclude that high MSI2 mRNA level predicts adverse prognosis and seems to be useful as a novel prognostic factor for patients with childhood ALL.

[Glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in myasthenia gravis patients and its mechanisms]

Objective: To investigate the glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) without glucocorticoid therapy, and the relationships between insulin, insulin resistance, muscle strength, serum levels of osteocalcin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and glucose and lipid metabolism. Methods: A total of 102 MG patients [(40±11) years old, 43 males and 59 females] without glucocorticoid treatment were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Height, weight and the handgrip of dominant hands were measured. Serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), 2-hour postprandial insulin (2 h PINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and osteocalcin, 25OHD were detected. Insulin resistance was assessed using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: The proportion of impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia in male and female were 30.0%, 10.0%, 50.0%, 33.3% and 17.5%, 3.5%, 27.7%, 7.1%, respectively. Serum osteocalcin levels in male and female were 2.8 (1.7, 4.4) μg/L and 2.3 (1.3, 3.9) μg/L, respectively. And 25OHD levels in male and female were (93.5±34.9) nmol/L and (81.0±30.5) nmol/L, respectively. Handgrip of male and female was (37.0±9.4) kg and (20.5±6.3) kg. After adjusted for age, FINS (r=0.619, P<0.001), 2 h PINS (r=0.640, P<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=0.534, P<0.001) were positively correlated with 2 h PBG, and the handgrip was negatively correlated with TC (r=-0.486, P=0.026), LDL-C (r=-0.485, P=0.026) in male. FINS (r=0.352, P=0.008; r=0.300, P=0.026; r=0.646, P<0.001) and 2 h PINS (r=0.278, P=0.040; r=0.518, P<0.001; r=0.382, P=0.006) and HOMA-IR (r=0.695, P<0.001; r=0.583, P<0.001; r=0.818, P<0.001) were positively correlated with FBG, 2 h PBG, HbA1c, and the handgrip were negatively correlated with FBG (r=-0.424, P=0.016), 2 h PINS (r=-0.345, P=0.034) and positively correlated with HDL-C (r=0.389, P=0.037) in female. There was no association between osteocalcin, 25OHD and glucose and lipid metabolism. Multivariate linear regression analysis also found that there were significant relationships between handgrip, insulin, insulin resistance levels and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders. Conclusion: There was a high proportion of glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in MG patients without glucocorticoid treatment, and the mechanism may be related to insulin resistance induced by muscle weakness.

[Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from broiler whole production process in four provinces of China]

Objective: To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from broiler production process in 4 provinces of China. Methods: Using convenience sampling method, 238 sample sites from broiler whole production process were chosen in Henan, Jiangsu, Heilongjiang and Shandong provinces in 2012. A total of 11 592 samples were collected and detected to analyze prevalence baseline, including 2 090 samples from breeding chicken farms and hatcheries, 1 421 samples from broiler farms, 5 610 samples from slaughterhouses and 2 471 samples from distribution and retail stores. All Salmonella strains were isolated through selective enrichment, and were serotyped according to Kauffmann-White scheme. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of selected Salmonella strains were determined by the broth microdilution method and fourteen antimicrobial agents were examined. Results: During incubation course, the average prevalence of Salmonella was 5.5% in feces of breeding hens, feces of chicks, and hatching eggs, 123 Salmonella strains were isolated. During cultivation course, the prevalence of Salmonella was 8.0% in feces from broiler farms, soil, feed, and workers, 114 Salmonella strains were isolated. During slaughter course, the prevalence of Salmonella was 24.9% in swabs pre-slaughter, dressed broiler carcasses, pre-cooled broiler carcasses, water from precooling pool, cutter and chipping boards, frozen chicken portions, and workers, 1 438 Salmonella strains were isolated. During distribution and sale course, the prevalence of Salmonella was 20.9% in transport carts, frozen chicken portions, retail chicken portions and workers, 551 Salmonella strains were isolated. The dominant Salmonella serotypes were Salmonella Enteritidis (n=1 229) and Salmonella Indiana (n=621). Among 1 231 examined strains, 97.2% Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, 69.9% Salmonella strains were multi-drug resistant isolates. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that Salmonella contamination was common and serious in commercial broiler whole production process in China, especially in the course of defeathering, precooling and selling. The environment of broiler farm is the important source of Salmonella contamination. Additionally, antibiotic resistance of Salmonella was serious for common antimicrobials and multi-drug resistant strains existed widespread, which can pose potential risk on public health and clinical therapy.

[In vivo imaging of breast tumors by a 99mTc radiolabeled probe targeting microRNA-155 in mice models]

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is significantly highly expressed in breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer and other malignant tumors. This study was to design and construct a radiolabeled probe targeting miR-155 for in vivo imaging in breast cancer.

METHODS

Anti-miR-155 oligonucleotide (AMO-155) was chemically synthesized with 2' OMe modification. Its 5' end was linked with acetyl amine group. After chelated with a bifunctional chelator NHS-MAG3, AMO-155 was radiolabeled with ^99mTc using stannous chloride. The serum stability was evaluated at cellular level. In vivo imaging was performed in MCF-7 tumor bearing mice after the administration of ^99mTc radiolabeled AMO-155 and scramble control probes, respectively. Furthermore, the blocked imaging of tumor bearing mice was obtained after the injection of unlabeled AMO-155 2 hours ahead. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 tumor bearing mice with different expression level of miR-155 were imaged, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to identify the expression level of miR-155 in the bearing tumors.

RESULTS

^99mTc-AMO-155 was prepared with high radiolabeled efficiency (97%), radiochemical purity (greater than 98%), and radioactive specific activity (3.75 GBq/μg). ^99mTc-AMO-155 was stable in fresh human serum for 12 hours. After the administration via tail vein, ^99mTc-AMO-155 displayed significant accumulation in MCF-7 bearing tumors with high expression level of miR-155, whereas ^99mTc-control showed little accumulation. After blocked with unlabeled AMO-155, the tumor could not be visualized clearly after the administration of ^99mTc-AMO-155. Furthermore, ^99mTc-AMO-155 could show the differential expression of miR-155 in vivo. MCF-7 tumor was shown with significantly higher radioactive accumulation than MDA-MB-231, based on its higher expression level of miR-155, which was verified by qRT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

^99mTc-labeled AMO-155 with chemical modification showed good serum stability and in vivo tumor targeting ability. This study provides a potential probe for in vivo imaging of breast cancer.

Detection of hand-foot-mouth disease and its spatial-temporal Epidemiological characteristics with GIS platform

The aim of this study is to investigate the main category of hand-foot-mouth (HFM) virus and analyze the distribution characteristics and susceptible population of HFM disease in China. Infants who have had HFM disease for less than 7 days were selected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China. Various specimens were collected from the infants, and EV71 and CA16 nucleic acid detections were performed using fluorescence quantitative assay. The positive results of the specimens were compared to determine the components of the pathogen. Moreover, the data of the target cases were analyzed based on Geographic Information System (GIS) to obtain the spatial-temporal epidemiological features of HFM disease in China. The detection rate of HFM virus in the throat swab, feces, bleb fluid and cerebrospinal fluid were 75%, 81.13%, 85.71% and 25%, respectively, indicating that the detection rate of virus in the bleb fluid was the highest. When the detection was based on more than one specimen, it was found that the positive rate was higher compared to detection based on a single specimen. The positive detection rate of EV71 in the target specimens was significantly higher than that of CA16 and mixed infection. Moreover, CA16 infection was usually accompanied by EV71 infection. As to spatial-temporal distribution, hand-foot-month disease broke out in the South of China in April, then spread to the north, and diminished in July. There was a notable difference in the number of cases between different provinces. EV71 and CA16 are the main viruses inducing HFM disease, especially EV71. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction with high sensitivity can be used to detect the copy number of viruses, which is applicable to the early diagnosis of HFM disease. The incidence of HFM disease is notably different according to the influence of time, geographical space, gender and the living conditions of the children. Early diagnosis and treatment based on scientific methods are needed to reduce the incidence of severe diseases and avoid death.

A comparative study on genetic characteristics of two new varieties of Pelodiscus sinensis and their hybrid

Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis has been an important aquaculture species in Southeast Asian countries. To breed a new variety of soft-shelled turtle with excellent properties and to evaluate the effect of hybridization of two turtle strains with a highly different trait phenotype, inheritance, microsatellite loci, and transcriptome analysis were studied in the hybrid turtles and their parents of P. sinensis Japanese strain and Qingxi black turtle. The genotypic characteristics and economic trait of the hybrid turtles were analyzed and compared to the two parents, showing significant growth vigor. The chromosome number of the hybrid turtle was diploid (2N = 66). The karyotype formulae were 8m+10sm+26t+22mc, with little differences between the two parents. Genotypic segregations of 241 microsatellite loci were screened in 3 populations including 90 species and showed that the specific allele numbers and polymorphic fragments increased in hybrid turtles indicating genetic diversity increased by hybridization. The liver transcriptome analysis of the hybrids and two parents showed similar distribution abundance in the parental and hybrid groups, but the transcripts with high abundance appeared in the hybrid group. There were 274 significant differentially expressed transcripts in the hybrid group compared to the two parental groups, among them 7 differentially expressed genes indicating super-parent expression, and only 2 genes showing low-parent expression. In the differentially expressed genes, expression changes were mainly contributed to regulatory region changes rather than coding region sequences. These results would be important for facilitating successful breeding strategies by hybridization in P. sinensis.

[The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec versus insulin glargine in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes: results of a Chinese cohort from a multinational randomized controlled trial]

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of insulin degludec (IDeg) with those of insulin glargine (IGlar) in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: This was a 26-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, treat-to-target trial in 560 Chinese subjects with T2DM (men/women: 274/263, mean age 56 years, mean diabetes duration 7 years) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs). Subjects were randomized 2∶1 to once-daily IDeg (373 subjects) or IGlar(187 subjects), both in combination with metformin. The primary endpoint was changes from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) after 26 weeks. Results: Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.2% in both groups to 6.9% in IDeg and 7.0% in IGlar, respectively. Estimated treatment difference (ETD) of IDeg-IGlar in change from baseline was -0.10% points (95%CI-0.25-0.05). The proportion of subjects achieving HbA1c<7.0% was 56.3%and 49.7% with IDeg and IGlar, respectively [estimated odds ratio of IDeg/IGlar: 1.26(95%CI 0.88-1.82)]. Numerically lower rateof overall confirmed hypoglycaemia and statistically significantly lower nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia were associated with IDeg compared with IGlar, respectively [estimated rateratio of IDeg/IGlar 0.69(95%CI 0.46-1.03), and 0.43(95%CI 0.19-0.97)]. No differences in other safety parameters were found between the two groups. Conclusions: IDeg was non-inferior to IGlar in terms of glycaemic control, and was associated with a statistically significantly lower rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia. IDeg is considered to be suitable for initiating insulin therapy in Chinese T2DM patients on OADs requiring intensified treatment. Clinical trail registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01849289.

[Transcatheter arterial embolization in the treatment of maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm hemorrhage: a case report]

Internal maxillary arterial pseudoaneurysm is a potential complication of maxillofacial surgery. A 34-year old woman with maxillary sinus cancer undergoing multiple endoscopic sinus surgery,and subsequently developed acute massive nasal hemorrhage. She was eventually successfully treated with intravascular embolization. The recurrence of nasal hemorrhage was not observed during a seven-month follow up.

[Pregnancy outcomes and symptom improvement of patients with adenomyosis treated with high intensity focused ultrasound ablation]

Objective: To investigate the symptom improvement and pregnancy outcomes of patients with adenomyosis after treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. Methods: From October 2010 to October 2015, 68 patients with adenomyosis who wish to get pregnancies were treated with HIFU ablation in Suining Central Hospital. Among these patients, 56 presented with dysmenorrhea, 11 presented with menorrhagia, and 1 patient complained both; 41 of them had histories of abnormal pregnancy. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Fifty-four patients got pregnancy at the median of 10 months(range:1 to 31 months) after HIFU ablation, and 21 of them had delivered healthy babies. No uterine rupture occurred during gestation or delivery, and the newborn babies were healthy. Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia in the patients who had pregnancies after HIFU ablation treatment were significantly relieved. The average menstruation volume score before and 1, 3, 6-month post-HIFU were 2.6±1.7, 1.7±0.8, 1.4±0.6, 1.3±0.6, respectively (P<0.05). The menstruation pain score before and 1, 3, 6-month after HIFU were 1.4±0.9, 0.9±0.7, 0.6±0.5, and 0.9±0.7, respectively (P<0.05). The volume of the adenomyotic lesions before and after HIFU at 1, 3, 6 month were (34±23), (23±15), (20±17), (20±12) cm³ (P<0.05). Although the spontaneous abortion rate was decreased after HIFU ablation treatment, there was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative [43% (23/54) versus 37% (20/54), P>0.05]. However, 20 of the 54 patients had spontaneous abortion, compared with 21 patients who had delivered babies, there were no significant statistical difference in terms of age, duration of disease, lesion size, non-perfused volume ratio, as well as the symptom scores before and after HIFU ablation treatment. Conclusions: HIFU ablation treatment is effective in improving symptoms of patients with adenomyosis. Based on our results, HIFU ablation treatment maybe also help to improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with adenomyosis, but further studies are needed.

[Investigation of dose-dependent association between bedtime routines and sleep outcomes in infants and toddlers]

Objective: To investigate the current bedtime routine among Chinese children less than 3 years of age and explore its dose-dependent association with sleep duration and sleep quality. Method: Healthy full-term born children aged 0-35 months were selected by stratified cluster random sampling method from 8 provinces in China following the "Hospital of Province-City-County" sampling technical route during 2012-2013.Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire(BISQ) was used to assess sleep conditions of these children.Children's personal and family information was obtained by Shanghai Children's Medical Center Socio-demographic Questionnaire.Both of these questionnaires were filled in by parents. The effects of bedtime routine on children's sleep duration and quality were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance. Result: The children's average age was(12±10) months(n=1 304), of whom 689 were males (52.8%, 689/1 304). There were 48.5%(632/1 304)of the parents reported that their children had not established regular sleep routines. There was a consistent dose-dependent association between bedtime routine and sleep duration, as well as other indicators for sleep quality (all P<0.05). The more regular the sleep routines, the longer the sleep duration, the earlier the children went to sleep, the shorter the sleep onset latency, the fewer the nighttime wakeup and the shorter the nighttime waking.The nighttime sleep duration was significantly longer for those with a bedtime routine 'every night' than those who 'never' had a bedtime routine (9.5(95%CI: 9.4-9.6)vs. 8.9(95%CI: 8.6-9.3)h, t=3.345, P=0.001). Compared with children who never had bedtime routines, children with regular bedtime routines had fewer night wakeup (1.3(95%CI: 1.2-1.4) vs. 2.4( 95%CI: 2.0-2.9), t=3.182, P=0.001) and shorter night waking duration(16.6(95%CI: 14.6-18.8) vs. 59.2 (95%CI: 47.0-72.7)min, t=6.383, P<0.01). Conclusion: The percentage of children who have established regular bedtime routine is low in China. There is significant dose-dependent association between regular bedtime routine and sleep outcomes, especially sleep quality. The more regular the sleep routines, the better the sleep quality.

[Synergistic lethal effect of combined treatment of arsenic trioxide and aclacinomycin on human acute myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a]

Objective: To investigate the synergistic lethal effect and mechanism of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and aclacinomycin (ACM) on human acute myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a. Methods: Colony-forming assay was used to detect the proliferation of KG-1a cells treated with different concentration of ATO and ACM. Compusyn software was used to analyze the synergistic effect of ATO and ACM. Flow cytometry and Wright's staining were used to analyze the apoptotic rate of KG-1a cells induced by combined treatment of ATO and ACM. Western blot was used to determine the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis. Results: The cytotoxicity of arsenic trioxide or aclacinomycin alone was in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the apoptotic rate of KG-1a cells treated with both 0.4 μmol/L ATO and 10 nmol/L ACM was (34.5±3.1)%, significantly higher than (7.6±1.1)% of 0.4 μmol/L ATO treatment or (18.7±2.3) % of 10 nmol/L ACM treatment alone (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate of KG-1a cells treated with both 1.5 μmol/L ATO and 37.5 nmol/L ACM was (52.5±4.7)%, significantly higher than (19.1±3.2)% of 1.5 μmol/L ATO treatment or (27.7±2.2)% of 37.5 nmol/L ACM treatment alone (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate of KG-1a cells treated with both 3.0 μmol/L ATO and 75 nmol/L ACM was (61.3±4.5)%, significantly higher than (29.5±2.5)% of 3.0 μmol/L ATO treatment or (28.6±3.4) % of 75 nmol/L ACM treatment alone (P<0.05). In addition, the result of Wright's staining showed that combined treatment of ATO and ACM induced a more apparent phenotype of apoptosis when compared with single agent treatment. Compusyn software analysis showed that the combination index (CI) value of combined treatment group was less than 1, which indicated the synergistic effect of these two agents. Conclusions: Combined treatment of ATO and ACM shows a synergistic lethal effect on human acute myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a via activating the apoptotic pathway, which inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis.

Analysis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and its pathogenic gene sequence based on geographic information system

This study analyzed the temporal-spatial distribution characteristics, epidemiological characteristics and gene sequences of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Guangxi, with the intention of providing a theoretical and technical support for the prevention of HFRS. A map of the incidence of HFRS of different cities in Guangxi was drawn up using the Geographic Information System (GIS) to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and infection source of HFRS between 2013 and 2016. Guangxi has a low incidence of HFRS, and autumn and winter are the main high-incidence seasons. Cases of HFRS were reported in all regions in Guangxi except Laibin city between 2013 and 2016. The distribution of cases in the four years suggested that Guilin, Nanning, Hechi and Wuzhou were the main infected regions, especially the local areas in the north of Guilin. The nucleotide and amino acid of S fragment and M fragment of Hantaviruses (HV) detected were highly homologous, and no obvious variation was found. Through analyzing the space-time characteristics, epidemiological characteristics and gene sequence of HFRS in Guangxi, it was found that areas rich in water, grass and moisture, such as paddy fields, are the main active areas for the host of HFRS.

[Ecological executive function characteristics and effects of executive function on social adaptive function in school-aged children with epilepsy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristics of ecological executive function in school-aged children with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy and examine the effects of executive function on social adaptive function.

METHODS

A total of 51 school-aged children with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy aged 5-12 years at our hospital and 37 normal ones of the same gender, age and educational level were included. The differences in ecological executive function and social adaptive function were compared between the two groups with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Child Adaptive Behavior Scale, the Pearson's correlation test and multiple stepwise linear regression were used to explore the impact of executive function on social adaptive function.

RESULTS

The scores of school-aged children with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy in global executive composite (GEC), behavioral regulation index (BRI) and metacognition index (MI) of BRIEF ((62±12), (58±13) and (63±12), respectively) were significantly higher than those of the control group ((47±7), (44±6) and (48±8), respectively))(P<0.01). The scores of school-aged children with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy in adaptive behavior quotient (ADQ), independence, cognition, self-control ((86±22), (32±17), (49±14), (41±16), respectively) were significantly lower than those of the control group ((120±12), (59±14), (59±7) and (68±10), respectively))(P<0.01). Pearson's correlation test showed that the scores of BRIEF, such as GEC, BRI, MI, inhibition, emotional control, monitoring, initiation and working memory had significantly negative correlations with the score of ADQ, independence, self-control ((r=-0.313--0.741, P<0.05)). Also, GEC, inhibition, MI, initiation, working memory, plan, organization and monitoring had significantly negative correlations with the score of cognition ((r=-0.335--0.437, P<0.05)); Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that BRI, inhibition and working memory were closely related with the social adaptive function of school-aged children with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

School-aged children with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy may have significantly ecological executive function impairment and social adaptive function reduction. The aspects of BRI, inhibition and working memory in ecological executive function are significantly related with social adaptive function in school-aged children with epilepsy.

[The facial nerve study of multi-slice spiral computed tomography in congenital abnormality of external and middle ear]

Objective:Images of temporal bone are obtained on Siemens 64 slices spiral CT scanner with high resolution scanning to describe the course of facial nerve for better preoperative evaluation of CAEMA.Method:To describe the course of facial nerve on rectangular coordinate system from three silce on HRCT, 29 patients(35 ears) are enrolled in our study in ENT department from November 2005 to March 2007 in the second affiliated hospital of sun yan sen university, who are all diagnosed not acquired deformity but CAEME, associated with no congenital deformity syndromes and no middle ear or mastoid operations before. Patients with bilateral ears deformity are 6, and unilateral ears deformity are 23 (13 right and 10 left) in the study group. The control group is the normal ears of unilateral ear deformity.Result:In the study group, the shortest distance from FN tympanic segment to oval window is shorter than that of the normal group (P< 0.05). In CAEME of unilateral ears the FN mastoid segment displaces anteriorly about 2.7 mm, and in CAEME of bilateral ears displaces 3.0mm, compared with the normal ears (P< 0.05). The deformity degree of auricle has correlations with anteriorly displacement of facial nerve mastoid segment (P< 0.05).Conclusion:The FN mastoid segment is anteriorly displacement in both bilateral and unilateral ear deformity. The deformity degree of auricle has correlations with anteriorly displacement of facial nerve mastoid segment. The lateral displacement of facial nerve doesn't occur usually in CAEME. The shortest distance between oval window and tympanic segment of FN become shorter than normal ears.

[Marital status and high-risk sexual behaviors among newly reported HIV infected men who have sex with men in China in 2012, one year follow up study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the changes of marital status and high-risk sexual behaviors in newly reported HIV infected men who have sex with men(MSM)and provide evidence for the targeted behavior intervention in this population and the prevention of secondary HIV infection.

METHODS

Data collected from HIV/AIDS case reporting cards and follow-up cards between December 31(st), 2012 and December 31(st), 2013 were used and newly reported HIV infected MSM were recruited, their demographic characteristics, marital status, and high-risk sexual behaviors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 15 768 newly reported HIV infected MSM in 2012, 10 426(66.1%)were unmarried and 10 970(69.6%)had educational level of ≥senior high school. Among the 15 049 HIV infected MSM receiving follow up in 2012, 14 451(96.0%)still received follow up in 2013. The number HIV infected MSM who had protected sexual behaviors increased from 9 779(67.7%)in 2012 to 13 277(91.1%)in 2013. Among the HIV infected MSM who had married, 64.1% remained their marital status in 2013. Among the HIV infected MSM, those who had educational level of ≥senior high school(OR=1.540, 95% CI: 1.138-2.085), workers(OR=1.430, 95% CI: 1.131-1.808), staff(OR=1.610, 95%CI: 1.236-2.098)or farmers(OR=1.661, 95%CI: 1.214-2.271)were more likely to have protected sexual behaviors than those who had educational level of primary school or were engaged in commercial services. Those who had never married,(OR=0.563, 95% CI: 0.439-0.722), divorced(OR=0.624, 95% CI: 0.448-0.870)or remarried(OR=0.444, 95% CI: 0.288-0.687)were more likely to have high-risk sexual behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Standardized follow-up seemed helpful for the newly diagnosed HIV infected MSM to have protected sexual behaviors. Highly effective intervention should be focused on MSM who have no spouses or regular sexual partners, with low educational level, or are engaged in commercial services to prevent secondary HIV transmission.

[The effect of liraglutide in combination with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells treatment on glucose metabolism and β cell function in type 2 diabetes mellitus]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of liraglutide (LIRA) in combination of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Eligibility criteria for subjects includes: type 2 diabetes mellitus with more than 10 years duration; having been treated with secretagogues, metformin and insulin in combination with LIRA for at least 6 months; poor glycemic control [glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) 7%-10%]. Totally, twelve patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the group A (LIRA group, n=6) and the group B (LIRA+ hUC-MSCs group, n=6). The hUC-MSCs were transplanted through infusing of 1×10(6) cells /kg via pancreatic artery directed by interventional radiology on the first day, and followed by infusing 1×10(6) cells /kg through peripheral vein on the eighth, the fifteenth and the twenty-second day sequentially. The control subjects were infused with saline. Both groups were treated with LIRA for 24 weeks at the same period. Fasting plasma glucose(FPG), 2h postprandial plasma glucose(2hPG) and HbA1c were measured. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed. The early phase of C peptide(CP) secretion function(ΔCP30/ΔG30), the total amount of C peptide secretion function(AUCCP180)and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated.

RESULTS

(1) The baseline FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, ΔCP30/ΔG30, AUCCP180 and HOMA-IR were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05). (2) Compared with subjects in group A, FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels were significantly decreased in subjects in group B [(8.33±0.99) mmol/L vs (6.64±0.79)mmol/L, (13.85±0.86) mmol/L vs (8.65±1.12) mmol/L, (7.82±0.31)% vs (6.82±0.53)%, P<0.05]. (3) Compared with group A, ΔCP30/ΔG30 and AUCCP180 were significantly increased, and HOMA-IR was significantly decreased in group B(0.22±0.13 vs 0.70±0.38, 12.52±5.30 vs 21.16±3.17, 9.46±4.88 vs 4.30±2.68, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

LIRA treatment in combination with hUC-MSCs improves glucose metabolism and the β cell function in type 2 diabetic patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01954147).

Increased expression of nerve growth factor correlates with visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a preliminary explorative study

BACKGROUND

Neural-immune-endocrine network mechanism has attracted increased attention in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Pre-clinical evidence indicates that nerve growth factor (NGF) mediates visceral hypersensitivity and gut barrier dysfunction, via interactions with mast cells and sensory nerve fibres.

AIM

To explore the role of nerve growth factor, as well as mast cell-nerve growth factor-nerve interaction in IBS-D pathophysiology.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, IBS-D patients and healthy controls first underwent clinical and psychological assessments. Visceral sensitivity to rectal distension was tested. As gut barrier function markers, serum diamine oxidase and d-lactate were detected. Rectosigmoid biopsies were taken for the analyses of nerve growth factor expression, mast cell count and activation, and sensory nerve fibres expressing transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Correlations between these parameters were examined in patients.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight IBS-D patients (28 males, 10 females; average age 30.2 years) and 20 healthy controls (12 males, 8 females; average age 26.8 years) participated in the study. The patients presented increased psychological symptoms, visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function. NGF gene expression, mast cell count and sensory nerve fibres were significantly increased in the patients (P < 0.05). In correlation analysis, NGF expression was positively correlated with the disease severity, anxiety and serum diamine oxidase; visceral sensitivity thresholds were negatively associated with NGF expression (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.0029).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated mucosal NGF may interact with mast cells and sensory nerve fibres, contributing to visceral hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function in IBS-D.

Effect of tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 8 on T-cell-mediated immunity in mice after thermal injury

Tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 8(TNFAIP8), the first identified member of the TNFAIP8 family, shares considerable sequence homology with members of this family. It is expressed in a wide variety of human normal tissues, with relatively higher levels in lymphoid tissues and placenta. The present study was designed to examine the effect of TNFAIP8 on T-cell-mediated immunity secondary to burn injury. Sixty male mice were randomly divided into four groups as follows: sham burn group, burn group, burn with TNFAIP8-siRNA transfection group, and burn with negative control transfection group, and they were sacrificed at designated time points. CD4+ T cells were isolated using MACS microbeads. T-Cell proliferation was analyzed with MTT assay, and IL-2, soluble IL-2R, IL-4, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. It was found that CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferative activity was significantly down-regulated when TNFAIP8 gene was silenced by siRNA in mice at 24 h post burn. Down-regulation of TNFAIP8 can significantly decrease expression levels of IL-2 and soluble IL-2R at 24 h after thermal injury. These results demonstrated that TNFAIP8 appeared to be involved in the immune regulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the decreased expression of TNFAIP8 could affect T lymphocyte functions after thermal injury.

[Genotype and phenotype of female Dravet syndrome with PCDH19 mutations]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the genotype and phenotype of female Dravet syndrome (DS) patients with PCDH19 mutations.

METHOD

Clinical data of all DS patients seen at Pediatric Department of Peking University First Hospital from February 2005 to May 2015 were prospectively collected. Genomic DNAs were extracted from the patients and their family members. Female DS patients without SCN1A mutation were enrolled. PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify PCDH19 mutations. Clinical data of DS patients with PCDH19 mutations were summarized.

RESULT

Five different heterozygous PCDH19 mutations were identified in six unrelated patients of 75 SCN1A-negative female DS patients (8%), among whom five patients had de novo mutations and one patient's mutation was inherited from her affected mother. Three missense mutations and two insertion mutations were all located in exon 1. Mean age of onset of the six patients with PCDH19 mutations was 6.8 months (range 5-9 months). Onset of seizures were triggered by fever in four patients, after vaccination in one and without fever in one. Generalized tonic clonic seizure (GTCS) was the first seizure type in four patients and focal seizure with secondary generalized tonic clonic seizures in the remaining two. During the course, all patients presented multiple seizure types including generalized tonic clonic seizures and focal seizures in all six patients, myoclonic seizures in three, absence seizures and atonic seizures in one respectively. In all patients, seizures manifested fever-sensitive and in clusters. Seizures were always in brief duration, in most less than 5 minutes, except one experienced twice status epilepticus triggered by fever. Six patients had development delay after the seizure onset, two with autism spectrum disorder, three with ataxia.

CONCLUSION

PCDH19 is another important gene of DS after SCN1A, mutations mainly occurred de novo. PCDH19 gene mutation should be routinely screened in female DS patients without SCN1A mutation. The clinical features of female DS patients with PCDH19 mutations include that the main seizures types are generalized tonic clonic seizures and focal seizures, seizures occurr in clusters and fever-sensitive, short seizure duration, rare status epilepticus, common development delay and some may manifest autism spectrum disorders.

Serum carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 level in postmenopausal women: correlation with β-catenin and bone mineral density

Many epidemiological studies have shown that in some tumors carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) and β-catenin appear to be related. However, it remains to be established whether CEACAM1 is related to β-catenin in osteoporosis. Here, we reveal that CEACAM1 might influence the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway to modulate bone metabolism in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to assess the serum level of CEACAM1 in postmenopausal women and its correlation with β-catenin and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

The BMD was measured at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) or the femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum CEACAM1, β-catenin, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), β-isomerized C-terminal crosslinking of type I collagen (β-CTX), intact N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), estradiol, and insulin were measured in 350 postmenopausal women. Patients were divided according to lumbar spine or femur neck T-scores into osteoporosis (group I), osteopenia (group II), and normal bone mineral density, the latter serving as control.

RESULTS

Serum CEACAM1 levels were significantly lower in group I and II compared to those in control subjects (P < 0.001). Serum CEACAM1 levels correlated positively with β-catenin and BMD, but correlated negatively to the ratio between RANKL and OPG.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that decreased serum CEACAM1 levels are related to low BMD in postmenopausal women, and that serum CEACAM1 levels correlated positively to β-catenin. It suggests that CEACAM1 might influence the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway to modulate bone metabolism.

Optimization of polarizer azimuth in improving signal-to-noise ratio in Kerr microscopy

The magneto optical Kerr effect (MOKE) is a widely used technique in magnetic domain imaging for its high surface sensitivity and external magnetic compatibility. Optimization of Kerr microscopy will improve the detecting sensitivity and provide high-quality domain images. In this work, we provide a method to optimize the polarizer azimuth in improving the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in longitudinal Kerr microscopy with the generalized magneto optical ellipsometry. Detailed analysis of the MOKE signal and the noise components are provided to study the optimum polarizer and analyzer azimuth combinations. Results show that, for a fixed polarizer angle 1°, the laser intensity noise and the shot noise, which vary with the input laser power, have a similar amplitude and decline with the analyzer azimuth increasing. When the analyzer is set at the extinction place, the Johnson noise plays a dominate role in the total noise. Then, the S/N values are calculated to find the optimum polarizer and analyzer azimuth. Results show that the optimum polarizer and analyzer azimuth combination for Permalloy is (18.35°, 68.35°) under an incident angle of 45°. After that, the S/N of 200 nm Permalloy at different analyzer angles with the polarizer azimuth set at 18.35° is measured to verify the validity of the simulation results. At last, the S/N at different incident angles is calculated. Results show that the optimum incident angle of 200 nm Permalloy film to improve the S/N is 70.35° under the polarizer and analyzer angles set at the optimal combinations (18.35°, 68.35°).

Synthesis and Characterization of Bi₂Te₃/Te Superlattice Nanowire Arrays

Bi₂Te₃/Te superlattice nanowires were synthesized in anodic alumina membranes by annealing Bi-Te alloy nanowires. The morphologies and elements compositions of the superlattice and alloy nanowires were characterized using SEM and TEM, and the results confirmed the atomic ratio (Bi to Te) to be 2:3 and the formation of superlattice structure.