[Effects of RNA M6A demethylase ALKBH5 gene deficiency on morphology and function of cerebellum in aged mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 gene deficiency on cerebellar morphology and function in the aged mice, and to explore the role of ALKBH5 in cerebellar degeneration. Methods: Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of ALKBH5 in the cerebellum of wild-type mice of various ages. The expression of NeuN, Calbindin-D28K, MAP2, GFAP and other proteins in the cerebella of middle-aged (12-month-old) and aged (18-month-old) wild-type mice and ALKBH5^-/- mice was examined using immunohistochemistry. The balance beam test and gait analysis were performed to test the balance ability and motor coordination of the mice. Results: With aging of the mice, the expression of ALKBH5 in the cerebellum increased gradually in an age-dependent manner. In the aged mice, but not middle-aged mice, the body weight, whole brain weight and cerebellum weight of ALKBH5^-/- mice decreased by 15%, 10% and 21%, respectively (P<0.05). The expression of ALKBH5 in the Purkinje cells was much higher than that in other types of neural cells. Correspondingly, ALKBH5-deficiency caused 40% reduction in the number of Purkinje cells, as well as the length and density of neuronal dendrites in the aged mice (P<0.01). In addition, the time for the aged ALKBH5^-/- mice to pass the balance beam was 70% longer than that of the wild type mice of the same age, with unstable gaits (P<0.01). Conclusions: Gene deficiency of RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 causes cerebellar atrophy, Purkinje neuron loss and damage in the aged mice. These changes eventually affect mice's motor coordination and balance ability. These results suggest that imbalanced RNA m6A methylation may lead to neurodegenerative lesions in the cerebellum of mice.

Properties of Cosmic-Ray Sulfur and Determination of the Composition of Primary Cosmic-Ray Carbon, Neon, Magnesium, and Sulfur: Ten-Year Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

We report the properties of primary cosmic-ray sulfur (S) in the rigidity range 2.15 GV to 3.0 TV based on 0.38×10^{6} sulfur nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment (AMS). We observed that above 90 GV the rigidity dependence of the S flux is identical to the rigidity dependence of Ne-Mg-Si fluxes, which is different from the rigidity dependence of the He-C-O-Fe fluxes. We found that, similar to N, Na, and Al cosmic rays, over the entire rigidity range, the traditional primary cosmic rays S, Ne, Mg, and C all have sizeable secondary components, and the S, Ne, and Mg fluxes are well described by the weighted sum of the primary silicon flux and the secondary fluorine flux, and the C flux is well described by the weighted sum of the primary oxygen flux and the secondary boron flux. The primary and secondary contributions of the traditional primary cosmic-ray fluxes of C, Ne, Mg, and S (even Z elements) are distinctly different from the primary and secondary contributions of the N, Na, and Al (odd Z elements) fluxes. The abundance ratio at the source for S/Si is 0.167±0.006, for Ne/Si is 0.833±0.025, for Mg/Si is 0.994±0.029, and for C/O is 0.836±0.025. These values are determined independent of cosmic-ray propagation.

[Assessment of the diagnostic value and prognosis of different detection markers in endocervical adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To study the diagnostic value of different detection markers in histological categories of endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), and their assessment of patient prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study of 54 patients with ECA in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2005-2010 were performed. The cases of ECA were classified into two categories, namely human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA) and non-human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (NHPVA), based on the 2018 international endocervical adenocarcinoma criteria and classification (IECC). To detect HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA in all patients, we used whole tissue section PCR (WTS-PCR) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques, respectively. Additionally, we performed Laser microdissection PCR (LCM-PCR) on 15 randomly selected HR-HPV DNA-positive cases to confirm the accuracy of the above two assays in identifying ECA lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the efficacy of markers to identify HPVA and NHPVA. Univariate and multifactorial Cox proportional risk model regression analyses were performed for factors influencing ECA patients' prognoses. Results: Of the 54 patients with ECA, 30 were HPVA and 24 were NHPVA. A total of 96.7% (29/30) of HPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and 63.3% (19/30) for HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and 33.3% (8/24) of NHPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA was not detected (0/24), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). LCM-PCR showed that five patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA in the area of glandular epithelial lesions and others were negative, which was in good agreement with the E6/E7 mRNA ISH assay (Kappa=0.842, P=0.001). Analysis of the ROC results showed that the AUC of HR-HPV DNA, HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and p16 to identify HPVA and NHPVA were 0.817, 0.817, and 0.692, respectively, with sensitivities of 96.7%, 63.3%, and 80.0% and specificities of 66.7%, 100.0%, and 58.3%, respectively. HR-HPV DNA identified HPVA and NHPVA with higher AUC than p16 (P=0.044). The difference in survival rates between HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) positive and negative patients was not statistically significant (P=0.156), while the difference in survival rates between HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive and negative patients, and p16 positive and negative patients were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) staging (HR=19.875, 95% CI: 1.526-258.833) and parametrial involvement (HR=14.032, 95% CI: 1.281-153.761) were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with ECA. Conclusions: HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA is more reflective of HPV infection in ECA tissue. The efficacy of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) in identifying HPVA and NHPVA is similar, with higher sensitivity of HR-HPV DNA and higher specificity of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA. HR-HPV DNA is more effective than p16 in identifying HPVA and NHPVA. HPV E6/E7 mRNA and p16 positive ECA patients have better survival rates than negative.

[Association between gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm birth subtypes]

Objective: To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preterm birth subtypes. Methods: Based on the cohort of pregnant women in Anqing Prefectural Hospital, the pregnant women who received prenatal screening in the first or second trimesters were recruited into baseline cohorts; and followed up for them was conducted until delivery, and the information about their pregnancy status and outcomes were obtained through electronic medical record system and questionnaire surveys. The log-binomial regression model was used to explore the association between GDM and preterm birth [iatrogenic preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth (preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor)]. For multiple confounding factors, the propensity score correction model was used to compute the adjusted association. Results: Among the 2 031 pregnant women with a singleton delivery, the incidence of GDM and preterm birth were 10.0% (204 cases) and 4.4% (90 cases) respectively. The proportions of iatrogenic preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth in the GDM group (n=204) were 1.5% and 5.9% respectively, while the proportions in non-GDM group (n=1 827) were 0.9% and 3.2% respectively, and the difference in the proportion of spontaneous preterm birth between the two groups was significant (P=0.048). Subtypes of spontaneous preterm were further analyzed, and the results showed that the proportions of preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor in the GDM group were 4.9% and 1.0% respectively, while the proportions in the non-GDM group were 2.1% and 1.1% respectively. It showed that the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes in GDM pregnant women was 2.34 times (aRR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.16-4.69) higher than that in non-GDM pregnant women. Conclusions: Our results showed that GDM might increase the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes. No significant increase in the proportion of preterm labor in pregnant women with GDM was found.

CaFeFeNbO6 - an iron-based double double perovskite

Ordering of cations is important for controlling properties of ABO₃ perovskites, and CaFeFeNbO₆ is the first example of an Fe-based AA'BB'O₆ double double perovskite, with Ca²⁺/Fe²⁺ ordered on A-site columns, and Fe³⁺/Nb⁵⁺ at the octahedral B-sites. Substantial (37%) antisite disorder of the latter cations leads to spin glassy magnetism below a freezing transition at 12 K. The CaMnFeNbO₆ analogue also shows substantial cation disorder and spin glassy behaviour. Comparison of synthesis pressures for ordered materials based on different A-site transition metals, suggests that pressures of at least 14-18 GPa will be required to discover the expected plethora of double double perovskites based on A' cations smaller than Mn²⁺.

Probing the pressure dependence of sound speed and attenuation in bubbly media: Experimental observations, a theoretical model and numerical calculations

The problem of attenuation and sound speed of bubbly media has remained partially unsolved. Comprehensive data regarding pressure-dependent changes of the attenuation and sound speed of a bubbly medium are not available. Our theoretical understanding of the problem is limited to linear or semi-linear theoretical models, which are not accurate in the regime of large amplitude bubble oscillations. Here, by controlling the size of the lipid coated bubbles (mean diameter of ≈5.4μm), we report the first time observation and characterization of the simultaneous pressure dependence of sound speed and attenuation in bubbly water below, at and above microbubbles resonance (frequency range between 1-3 MHz). With increasing acoustic pressure (between 12.5-100 kPa), the frequency of the peak attenuation and sound speed decreases while maximum and minimum amplitudes of the sound speed increase. We propose a nonlinear model for the estimation of the pressure dependent sound speed and attenuation with good agreement with the experiments. The model calculations are validated by comparing with the linear and semi-linear models predictions. One of the major challenges of the previously developed models is the significant overestimation of the attenuation at the bubble resonance at higher void fractions (e.g. 0.005). We addressed this problem by incorporating bubble-bubble interactions and comparing the results to experiments. Influence of the bubble-bubble interactions increases with increasing pressure. Within the examined exposure parameters, we numerically show that, even for low void fractions (e.g. 5.1×10-6) with increasing pressure the sound speed may become 4 times higher than the sound speed in the non-bubbly medium.

Temporal Structures in Electron Spectra and Charge Sign Effects in Galactic Cosmic Rays

We present the precision measurements of 11 years of daily cosmic electron fluxes in the rigidity interval from 1.00 to 41.9 GV based on 2.0×10^{8} electrons collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) aboard the International Space Station. The electron fluxes exhibit variations on multiple timescales. Recurrent electron flux variations with periods of 27 days, 13.5 days, and 9 days are observed. We find that the electron fluxes show distinctly different time variations from the proton fluxes. Remarkably, a hysteresis between the electron flux and the proton flux is observed with a significance of greater than 6σ at rigidities below 8.5 GV. Furthermore, significant structures in the electron-proton hysteresis are observed corresponding to sharp structures in both fluxes. This continuous daily electron data provide unique input to the understanding of the charge sign dependence of cosmic rays over an 11-year solar cycle.

A 2-Stage Root Analog Implant with Compact Structure, Uniform Roughness, and High Accuracy

Immediate implant placement has the advantages of shortening the operation time, reducing the treatment cycle and cost. At present, this technology has been used widely, but the indications of immediate implantation are still limited. Here, a novel type of root analog implant (RAI) was manufactured by selective laser melting technology to address the limitation. Under optimized condition, RAIs were printed with the internal density of 99.73% and the uniform surface roughness of 11 μm (Sa). Besides, the deviation between RAI specimen and design models is controlled within 0.15 mm after optimizing scanning parameters. The substrate printed could promote human bone marrow stromal cell proliferation, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation. The bone-implant contact (BIC, 75% ± 7%) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV, 74% ± 7%) of RAIs were significantly higher than that of conventional implants (BIC, 66% ± 5%; BV/TV, 62% ± 5%) in in vivo experiments. Further, customized abutments were designed for the RAIs, improving the masticatory ability of the beagle dogs after crown restoration. This study aims to design a personalized 2-stage RAI with compact structure and uniform roughness, in order to achieve better fracture resistance, initial osseointegration efficiency, and dispersed stress in immediate implantation. It provides a certain guiding value for standardizing the manufacture and clinical application of RAI in immediate implantation.

Hydrogen sulfide regulates SERCA2a SUMOylation by S-Sulfhydration of SENP1 to ameliorate cardiac systole-diastole function in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that eventually progresses to heart failure. The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), an important calcium pump in cardiomyocytes, is closely related to myocardial systolic-diastolic function. In mammalian cells, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), as a second messenger, antioxidant, and sulfurizing agent, is involved in diverse biological processes. Despite the importance of H₂S for protection against DCM, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine whether H₂S regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis by acting on SERCA2a to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis during DCM. Db/db mice were injected with NaHS for 18 weeks. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were treated with high glucose, palmitate, oleate, and NaHS for 48 h. Compared to the NaHS-treated groups, in vivo and in vitro type 2 diabetic models both showed reduced intracellular H₂S content, reduced cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) expression, impaired cardiac function, decreased SERCA2a expression and decreased SERCA2a activity, reduced SUMOylation of SERCA2a, increased sentrin-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression, and disruption of calcium homeostasis leading to activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Compared to the NaHS-treated type 2 diabetes cellular model, overexpression of SENP1 C683A reduced the S-sulfhydration of SENP1, reduced the SUMOylation of SERCA2a, reduced the increased expression and activity of SERCA2a, and induced mitochondrial apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. These results suggested that exogenous H₂S elevates SENP1 S-sulfhydration to increase SERCA2a SUMOylation, improve myocardial systolic-diastolic function, and decrease cardiomyocyte apoptosis in DCM.

Apical Papilla Regulates Dental Follicle Fate via the OGN-Hh Pathway

Root apical complex, including Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, apical papilla, and dental follicle (DF), is the germinal center of root development, wherein the DF constantly develops into periodontal tissue. However, whether DF development is regulated by the adjacent apical papilla remains largely unknown. In this study, we employed a transwell coculture system and found that stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) inhibit the differentiation and maintain the stemness of dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs). Meanwhile, partial SCAP differentiation markers were upregulated after DFSC coculture. High-throughput RNA sequencing revealed that the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway was significantly downregulated in DFSCs cocultured with SCAPs. Upregulation or downregulation of the Hh pathway can respectively activate or inhibit the multidirectional differentiation of DFSCs. Osteoglycin (OGN) (previously known as mimecan) is highly expressed in the dental papilla, similarly to Hh pathway factors. By secreting OGN, SCAP regulated the stemness and multidirectional differentiation of DFSCs via the OGN-Hh pathway. Finally, Ogn^-/- mice were established using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We found that the root length growth rate was accelerated during root development from PN0 to PN30 in Ogn^-/- mice. Moreover, the hard tissues (including dentin and cementum) of the root in Ogn^-/- mice were thicker than those in wild-type mice. These phenotypes were likely due to Hh pathway activation and the increased cell proliferation and differentiation in both the apical papilla and DF. The current work elucidates the molecular regulation of early periodontal tissue development, providing a theoretical basis for future research on tooth root biology and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Author Correction: An investigation into the mechanism of nobiletin's inhibition of papillary thyroid cancer using network pharmacology analysis and experimental pharmacology

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2023; 27 (4): 1553-1564. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202302_31398-PMID: 36876711-published online on February 15, 2023. After publication, the authors applied some corrections to the galley proof: -       The order of Table I and II has been inverted. -       The scale bar of Figure 9A has been inserted in the Legend. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/31398.

[Clinical analysis of liver dysfunction induced by SHR-1210 alone or combined with apatinib and chemotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of abnormal liver function in patients with advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma treated with programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody SHR-1210 alone or in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy. Methods: Clinical data of 73 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma from 2 prospective clinical studies conducted at the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 11, 2016, to November 19, 2019, were analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was used for the analysis of influencing factors. Results: Of the 73 patients, 35 had abnormal liver function. 13 of the 43 patients treated with PD-1 antibody monotherapy (PD-1 monotherapy group) had abnormal liver function, and the median time to first abnormal liver function was 55 days. Of the 30 patients treated with PD-1 antibody in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy (PD-1 combination group), 22 had abnormal liver function, and the median time to first abnormal liver function was 41 days. Of the 35 patients with abnormal liver function, 2 had clinical symptoms, including malaise and loss of appetite, and 1 had jaundice. 28 of the 35 patients with abnormal liver function returned to normal and 7 improved to grade 1, and none of the patients had serious life-threatening or fatal liver function abnormalities. Combination therapy was a risk factor for patients to develop abnormal liver function (P=0.007). Conclusions: Most of the liver function abnormalities that occur during treatment with PD-1 antibody SHR-1210 alone or in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy are mild, and liver function can return to normal or improve with symptomatic treatment. For patients who receive PD-1 antibody in combination with targeted therapy and chemotherapy and have a history of long-term previous smoking, alcohol consumption and hepatitis B virus infection, liver function should be monitored and actively managed in a timely manner.

Risk factors analysis and establishment of predictive nomogram of extranodal B-cell lymphoma of mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue

PURPOSE

The role of radiation therapy in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is poorly defined. The objective of this study was to explore the factors associated with the performance of radiotherapy and to assess its prognostic impact in patients with MALT lymphoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with MALT lymphoma diagnosed between 1992 and 2017 were identified in the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER). Factors associated with the delivery of radiotherapy were assessed by chi-square test. Overall survival (OS) and lymphoma-specific survival (LSS) were compared between patients with and without radiotherapy, using Cox proportional hazard regression models, in patients with early stage as well as those with advanced stage.

RESULTS

Of the 10,344 patients identified with a diagnosis of MALT lymphoma, 33.6% had received radiotherapy; this rate was 38.9% for stage I/II patients and 12.0% for stage III/IV patients, respectively. Older patients and those who already received primary surgery or chemotherapy had a significantly lower rate of receiving radiotherapy, regardless of lymphoma stage. After univariate and multivariate analysis, radiotherapy was associated with improved OS and LSS in patients with stage I/II (HR=0.71 [0.65-0.78]) and (HR=0.66 [0.59-0.74]), respectively, but not in patients with stage III/IV (HR=1.01 [0.80-1.26]) and (HR=0.93 [0.67-1.29]). The nomogram built from the significant prognostic factors associated with overall survival of stage I/II patients had a good concordance (C-index=0.749±0.002).

CONCLUSION

This cohort study shows that radiotherapy is significantly associated with a better prognosis in patients with early but not advanced MALT lymphoma. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the prognostic impact of radiotherapy in patients with MALT lymphoma.

[Optimized pathway to schistosomiasis elimination in China: a scrutiny using a marginal benefit approach]

Following concerted efforts for over 7 decades, great achievements have been gained in the national schistosomiasis control program of China. Currently, China is moving towards the stage of schistosomiasis elimination, when the major task is to make full use of available resources to improve schistosomiasis surveillance and response to sustainably consolidate gained schistosomiasis control achievements and prevent re-emerging schistosomiasis. There is therefore an urgent need for optimization of interventions for schistosomiasis elimination. Based on analysis of socioeconomic features at different stages of the national schistosomiasis control program in China, this review discusses the relationship between the needs of assessment of schistosomiasis elimination interventions and the optimized strategy of schistosomiasis elimination at different stages of the national schistosomiasis control program using a marginal benefit approach and proposes the optimized schistosomiasis elimination strategy that allows the highest marginal benefit with currently available schistosomiasis elimination costs, so as to provide the optimal strategic pathway to schistosomiasis elimination and facilitate the achievement of the targets set in Healthy China 2030.

[Effect of hemoperfusion on protein energy wasting and long-term prognosis in patients on maintenance hemodialysis]

Objective: To explore the effect of hemoperfusion (HP) combined with hemodialysis (HD) (HD+HP) on protein energy wasting (PEW) and long-term prognosis in patients on maintenance HD (MHD). Methods: A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted. Adult MHD patients who completed PEW assessment and underwent regular dialysis between July 2015 and July 2021 at 23 hemodialysis centers in Guizhou Province were selected. Demographic characteristics, physical indicators, laboratory indicators, 3-day diet diary and HP treatment data of the subjects were collected. The patients were divided into different groups according to the presence or absence of HP, the frequency of HP treatment and the type of cartridge, and then relevant indicators were compared. Multivariate logistic regression model and Cox proportional regression model were used to analyze the influence of HP treatment on PEW risk in MHD patients. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curve. Results: A total of 4 623 MHD patients (2 789 males and 1 834 females) aged (53.7±15.9) years were included in the study, with a median dialysis age of 64.3 (44.3, 92.3) months. There were 3 429 (74.2%) MHD patients treated with HD+HP, and 1 194 patients (25.8%) were not treated with HP. According to the 2008 diagnostic criteria of the International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM), the incidence of PEW was 26.0% (1 204/4 623). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.55-3.95, P<0.001), diabetes (OR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.08-2.83, P=0.024) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03, P=0.003) were risk factors for PEW, while treatment with HD+HP (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.31-0.87, P=0.012) and elevated triglyceride levels (OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.48-0.80, P<0.001) were protective factors. Cox hazard ratio regression showed that among different HP treatment frequencies and cartridge types, 2 times/month (HR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.95, P=0.037), 3 times/month (HR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.23-0.85, P=0.014), 4 times/month (HR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.34-0.85, P=0.008), HA130 (HR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.36-0.89, P=0.014) and HA230 (HR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.15-0.63, P=0.001) had protective effects on the occurrence of PEW in MHD patients. The all-cause mortality rate was 11.3% (521/4 623) at 33 (24, 48) months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients undergoing 4 times/month HP treatment (χ²=36.78, P<0.001) and using HA230 (χ²=9.46, P=0.002) had the highest survival rate. Conclusion: Treatment with HD+HP is a protective factor for PEW in patients with MHD, and 4 times/month HP treatment or HA230 significantly reduces the risk of PEW and all-cause mortality in patients with MHD.

miR-199-3p suppresses cellular migration and viability and promotes progesterone production in goose ovarian follicles before selection through regulating ITGB8 and other ECM-related genes

1. The extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the basal lamina and the area between follicular cells. Remodelling the ECM is believed to be a key event in follicular development, especially during selection, and plays an important role in cell migration, survival, and steroidogenesis. miR-199-3p is differentially expressed in the goose granulosa layer during follicular selection and is reported to play a primary role in inhibiting cell migration and invasion. Nevertheless, the effect of miR-199-3p on ovarian follicles and its role in follicular cellular migration is not understood.2. In this study, qRT-PCR assays revealed that miR-199-3p was differentially expressed in the granulosa layer from goose ovarian follicles before and after follicular selection. Additionally, miR-199-3p overexpression in cultured granulosa cells (GCs) from goose pre-hierarchical follicles significantly suppressed cell viability and migration. It elevated the concentration of progesterone and the expression of key progesterone production genes. Furthermore, miR-199-3p overexpression in the GCs of goose pre-hierarchical follicles inhibited the expression of ECM-related genes (ITGB8, MMP9 and MMP15) yet promoted the expression of another two ECM-related genes (COL4A1 and LAMA1). Finally, dual-fluorescence reporter experiments on 293T cells established the direct targeting of ECM gene ITGB8 by miR-199-3p.3. In conclusion, miR-199-3p may participate in granulosa cell migration, viability, and steroidogenesis in goose ovarian follicles before selection by modulating ITGB8 and other ECM-related genes.

[Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in captive-bred Mustela putorius furo in Jiangsu Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in captive-bred Mustela putorius furo in Jiangsu Province.

METHODS

A total of 290 fresh stool samples were collected from a ferret farm in Jiangsu Province on May 2017, and the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium was amplified in stool samples using nested PCR assay. The actin, cowp and gp60 genes were amplified in positive samples and sequenced to characterize Cryptosporidium species/genotypes.

RESULTS

A total of 18 stool samples were tested positive for Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA gene, with a detection rate of 6.2%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of SSU rRNA, actin and cowp genes characterized Cryptosporidium isolated from captive-bred ferrets as Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype. In addition, gp60 gene was amplified in 10 out of 18 stool samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryptosporidium is widely prevalent in captive-bred ferrets in Jiangsu Province, and Cryptosporidium sp. ferret genotype is the only Cryptosporidium genotype in ferrets.

Radiomics signature based on CECT for non-invasive prediction of response to anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aimed to develop a radiomics signature (RS) based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and evaluate its potential predictive value in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy.

METHOD

CECT scans of 76 HCC patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy were obtained in this study (training group = 53 and validation group = 23). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to select radiomics features of primary and metastatic lesions and establish a RS to predict lesion-level response. Then, a nomogram combined the mean RS (MRS) and clinical variables with patient-level response as the end point.

RESULTS

In the lesion-level analysis, the area under the curves (AUCs) of RS in the training and validation groups were 0.751 (95% CI, 0.668-0.835) and 0.734 (95% CI, 0.604-0.864), respectively. In the patient-level analysis, the AUCs of the nomogram in the training and validation groups were 0.897 (95% CI, 0.798-0.996) and 0.889 (95% CI, 0.748-1.000), respectively. The nomogram stratified patients into low- and high-risk groups, which showed a significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The RS is a noninvasive biomarker for predicting anti-PD-1 therapy response in patients with HCC. The nomogram may be of clinical use for identifying high-risk patients and formulating individualised treatments.

Temperature management of intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass in valve replacement surgery: a retrospective analysis of the impact on postoperative organ function

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically analyze the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at different temperatures on the function of different organs in patients after heart valve replacement and to investigate its safety and feasibility.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 275 heart valve replacement surgery patients who underwent static suction compound anesthesia under CPB between February 2018 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into normothermic CPB anesthesia group (group 0), shallow hypothermic CPB anesthesia group (group 1), medium hypothermic CPB anesthesia group (group 2), and deep hypothermic CPB anesthesia group (group 3) according to the different intraoperative CPB temperatures. The basic preoperative conditions, cardiac resuscitation, number of defibrillations, postoperative ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative evaluation of different organ functions, such as heart, lung, and kidney functions, were analyzed and studied in each group.

RESULTS

The comparison of preoperative and postoperative pulmonary artery pressure and left ventricular internal diameter (LVD) was statistically significant in each group (p < 0.05), and the postoperative pulmonary function pressure was statistically significant in group 0 compared with groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). The preoperative glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the eGFR on the first postoperative day were statistically significant in all the groups (p < 0.05), and the eGFR on the first postoperative day in groups 1 and 2 were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The control of appropriate temperature during CPB was associated with the recovery of organ function in patients after valve replacement. Intravenous compound general anesthesia with superficial hypothermic CPB might be more beneficial in recovering cardiac, pulmonary, and renal functions.

Measuring quality of reporting in systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies in medical imaging: comparison of PRISMA-DTA and PRISMA

OBJECTIVES

To compare the reporting quality measured by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy studies (PRISMA-DTA) vs the original PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies in imaging and survey the use of PRISMA-DTA by researchers and endorsement by journals.

METHODS

Systematic reviews of DTA studies published in 2020 and 2021 in Quartile 1 and Quartile 3 medical imaging journals (defined by Journal Citation Reports) were identified through PubMed. The reporting of each systematic review was assessed using PRISMA-DTA, PRISMA-2009 and PRISMA-2020. The item scores and overall score were compared among the three checklists. We also examined checklist adoption by the included systematic reviews and surveyed checklist endorsement from author instructions of included journals.

RESULTS

A total of 173 systematic reviews from 66 journals were included. The use of PRISMA-DTA, compared with PRISMA-2009 and PRISMA-2020, identified more issues in the reporting of title (proportion of systematic reviews with proper reporting, 27.2% vs 98.8% vs 98.8%), abstract (39.3% vs 97.1% vs 64.7%), eligibility criteria (67.6% vs 94.2% vs 94.2%), search (28.9% vs 72.3% vs 28.9%), definitions for data extraction (14.5% vs 91.9% vs 91.9%), diagnostic accuracy measures (38.2% vs 93.6% vs 93.6%), synthesis of results (28.9% vs 89.6% vs 73.4%) and results of individual studies (40.5% vs 80.3% vs 80.3%). The overall median reporting score measured by PRISMA-DTA (72.0% (interquartile range (IQR), 66.7-77.8%)) was lower than that measured by PRISMA-2009 (88.9% (IQR, 84.0-92.6%)) and similar to that measured by PRISMA-2020 (74.1% (IQR, 66.7-77.8%)). Additionally, PRISMA-DTA was used by only 43 (24.9%) systematic reviews and endorsed by two (3.0%) journals. These trends remained consistent for reviews published in journals with diverse scientific impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of PRISMA-DTA may identify more reporting inadequacies compared with the original PRISMA checklists when assessing diagnostic test accuracy systematic reviews, especially in critical sections such as title, abstract and methods. However, this tool is not commonly used by researchers and is inadequately endorsed by imaging journals. Our findings suggest a strong need to use PRISMA-DTA for reporting of diagnostic test accuracy systematic reviews by authors and its endorsement by journals. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

An investigation into the mechanism of nobiletin's inhibition of papillary thyroid cancer using network pharmacology analysis and experimental pharmacology

OBJECTIVE

Surgery and radioactive iodine therapy are the main treatments for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and effective drugs are lacking. As a promising natural product, nobiletin (NOB) has a wealth of pharmacological activities like anti-tumor, antivirus, and other effects. In this research, bioinformatics methods and cellular assays were combined to explore how NOB inhibited PTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our NOB targets were derived from three databases, including the SwissTargetPrediction database, Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database, and the TargetNet server. Four databases were used to identify disease-related targets: GeneCards, PharmGkb, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and DisGeNET. Finally, cross-targets of disease and drug were deemed as pharmacological targets, and they were used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. STRING and Cytoscape were applied for PPI Network and core Targets Ranking. Molecular docking analysis validated binding affinity values for NOB and core targets. By using cell proliferation and migration assays, NOB was assessed for its effects on PTC proliferation and migration phenotype. Western blot validated the downregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

RESULTS

(1) Preliminarily, 85 NOB targets were predicted for NOB intervention in PTC. (2) Our core target screening identified TNF, TP53, and EGFR, and our molecular docking results confirmed good binding between NOB and protein receptors. (3) NOB inhibited proliferation and migration of PTC cells. PI3K/AKT pathway target proteins were downregulated.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Bioinformatics analyses revealed that NOB may inhibit PTC by regulating TNF, TP53, EGFR and PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. (2) As evidenced by cell experiments, there was an inhibition of proliferating and migrating PTCs by NOB via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

[Combination of anlotinib and irinotecan in the second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter phase 1/2 trial]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of anlotinib plus irinotecan in the second-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: This prospective phase 1/2 study was conducted in 2 centers in China (Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Jiangsu Province Hospital). We enrolled patients with mCRC whose disease had progressed after first-line systemic therapy and had not previously treated with irinotecan to receive anlotinib plus irinotecan. In the phase 1 of the trial, patients received anlotinib (8 mg, 10 mg or 12 mg, po, 2 weeks on/1 week off) in combination with fixed-dose irinotecan (180 mg/m(2), iv, q2w) to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). In the phase 2, patients were treated with the RP2D of anlotinib and irinotecan. The primary endpoints were MTD and objective response rate (ORR). Results: From May 2018 to January 2020, a total of 31 patients with mCRC were enrolled. Anlotinib was well tolerated in combination with irinotecan with no MTD identified in the phase 1, and the RP2D was 12 mg. Thirty patients were evaluable for efficacy analysis. Eight patients achieved partial response, and 21 had stable disease, 1 had progressive disease. The ORR was 25.8% and the disease control rate was 93.5%. With a median follow-up duration of 29.5 months, the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.9 months (95% CI: 3.7, 9.3) and 17.6 months (95% CI: 12.4, not evaluated), respectively. The most common grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (≥10%) were neutropenia (25.8%) and diarrhea (16.1%). There was no treatment-related death. Conclusion: The combination of anlotinib and irinotecan has promising anti-tumor activity in the second-line treatment of mCRC with a manageable safety profile.

[Report on a case of significant increase in urine mercury due to excessive mercury in cosmetics]

Mercury is highly toxic and can be absorbed through skin contact. From December 5, 2020 to February 16, 2021, occupational disease laboratory of the First People's Hospital of Baiyin received 30 urine mercury test samples from a beauty salon in Lanzhou City. The test results showed that 28 samples exceeded the normal value (normal value: 4 μg/g Cr) . 15 patients were treated with sodium dimertopropyl sulfonate for mercury removal and tiopron for liver protection, and the prognosis was good.

[Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City.

METHODS

Children with diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted to Guangzhou Children's hospital, Guangzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Participants' demographics, living environments and health status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stool samples were collected from participants and nucleic acid was extracted. B. hominis infection was identified using PCR assay and sequence alignment, and the factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 684 children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were enrolled, including 468 male children and 216 female children, with a mean age of (1.79 ± 1.12) years. The overall prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.97% [34/684, 95% confidential interval (CI): (3.59%, 6.86%)] among participants, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of B. hominis infection between children with chronic [7.52% (20/266), 95% CI: (4.92%, 11.33%)] and acute diarrhea [3.35% (14/418), 95% CI: (2.01%, 5.54%)] (χ² = 5.983, P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified keeping pet [odds ratio (OR) = 6.298, 95% CI: (2.711, 14.633)], drinking non-tap water [OR = 4.522, 95% CI: (1.769, 11.561)], lactose intolerance [OR = 4.221, 95% CI: (1.043, 17.087)], antibiotic use [OR = 0.125, 95% CI: (0.017, 0.944)] and chronic diarrhea [OR = 2.172, 95% CI: (1.018, 4.637)] as factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age in Guangzhou City.

CONCLUSIONS

B. hominis infections is detected in children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Improving home environments and pet-keeping hygiene is recommended to reduce the likelihood of B. hominis infection among children.

[Associations between different levels of blood pressure and risk of prediabetes]

Objective: To explore sex and rural-urban differences in the associations of different blood pressure levels with the risk of prediabetes. Methods: We used a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method to investigate 21 637 residents aged ≥18 years from 10 survey areas in Hubei province in 2020. The data on questionnaire, physical measurements, and laboratory indicators of the participants were collected. The associations of different blood pressure levels with risk of prediabetes by sex and regions were analyzed using multivariate logistic regressions after complex weighting. Results: A total of 16 111 subjects were included. The prevalence (95%CI) of prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and IFG complicated with IGT were 25.1% (14.4%-35.9%), 12.7% (3.2%-22.1%), 8.1% (6.3%-9.8%), and 4.4% (2.3%-6.5%), respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the risk of prediabetes, IFG, IGT, and IFG complicated with IGT increased with the increment of blood pressure (both P for trend <0.05). The positive dose-response relationships between blood pressure levels and risk of prediabetes were also significant among male, urban, and rural residents (both P for trend <0.05), and the interactions between sex and blood pressure showed significant associations for risk of prediabetes and IGT (both P for interaction <0.05). Conclusions: Higher blood pressure levels were associated with an increased risk of prediabetes. The association with prediabetes was stronger in males, but no significant difference was found between urban and rural residents. More distinctive and effective prevention and control strategies should be developed for different populations.

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm ( c ) quark in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV are reported. The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 collected by the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm quark jets are selected using distinctive signatures of charm hadron decays. The product of the cross section and branching fraction σ ( pp → W + c + X ) B ( W → ℓ ν ) , where ℓ = e or μ , and the cross section ratio σ ( pp → W + + c ¯ + X ) / σ ( pp → W - + c + X ) are measured in a fiducial volume and differentially as functions of the pseudorapidity and of the transverse momentum of the lepton from the W boson decay. The results are compared with theoretical predictions. The impact of these measurements on the determination of the strange quark distribution is assessed.

Utility of trio-based prenatal exome sequencing incorporating splice-site and mitochondrial genome assessment in pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of trio-based prenatal exome sequencing (pES), incorporating splice-site and mitochondrial genome assessment, in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with ultrasound anomalies and normal copy-number variant sequencing (CNV-seq) results.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 90 ongoing pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies that underwent trio-based pES after receiving normal CNV-seq results, from September 2020 to November 2021, in a single center in China. By using pES with a panel encompassing exome coding and splicing regions as well as mitochondrial genome for fetuses and parents, we identified the underlying genetic causes of fetal anomalies, incidental fetal findings and parental carrier status. Information on pregnancy outcome and the impact of pES findings on parental decision-making was collected.

RESULTS

Of the 90 pregnancies included, 28 (31.1%) received a diagnostic result that could explain the fetal ultrasound anomalies. The highest diagnostic yield was noted for brain abnormalities (3/6 (50.0%)), followed by hydrops (4/9 (44.4%)) and skeletal abnormalities (13/34 (38.2%)). Collectively, 34 variants of 20 genes were detected in the 28 diagnosed cases, with 55.9% (19/34) occurring de novo. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) associated with fetal phenotypes were detected in six (6.7%) fetuses. Interestingly, fetal (n = 4) and parental (n = 3) incidental findings (IFs) were detected in seven (7.8%) cases. These included two fetuses carrying a de-novo likely pathogenic (LP) variant of the CIC and FBXO11 genes, respectively, associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, and one fetus with a LP variant in a mitochondrial gene. The remaining fetus presented with unilateral renal dysplasia and was incidentally found to carry a pathogenic PKD1 gene variant resulting in adult-onset polycystic kidney, which was later confirmed to be inherited from the mother. In addition, parental heterozygous variants associated with autosomal recessive diseases were detected in three families, including one with additional fetal diagnostic findings. Diagnostic results or fetal IFs contributed to parental decision-making about termination of the pregnancy in 26 families (26/72 (36.1%)), while negative pES results or identification of VUS encouraged 40 families (40/72 (55.6%)) to continue their pregnancy, which ended in a live birth in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Trio-based pES can provide additional genetic information for pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies without a CNV-seq diagnosis. The incidental findings and parental carrier status reported by trio-based pES with splice-site and mitochondrial genome analysis extend its clinical application, but careful genetic counseling is warranted. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Different Features of a Metabolic Connectivity Map and the Granger Causality Method in Revealing Directed Dopamine Pathways: A Study Based on Integrated PET/MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Exploring the directionality of neural information in the brain is important for understanding brain mechanisms and neurodisease development. Granger causality analysis and the metabolic connectivity map can be used to investigate directional transmission of information between brain regions, but their differences in depicting functional effective connectivity are not clear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Monash rs-PET/MR imaging data set, we conducted Granger causality and metabolic connectivity map analyses of the dopamine reward circuit in the brain. The dopamine reward circuit is a well-known system consisting primarily of the bilateral orbital frontal cortex, caudate, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and substantia nigra. We validated these circuit pathways using Granger causality and the metabolic connectivity map for identifying effective connectivities against a priori knowledge by testing the significance of directed pathways (P < .05, false discovery rate-corrected).

RESULTS

We found 3 types of effective connectivities in the dopamine reward circuit: long-range, neighborhood, and symmetric. Granger causality analysis revealed long-range connections in the orbital frontal cortex-caudate and orbital frontal cortex-nucleus accumbens regions. Metabolic connectivity map analysis revealed neighborhood connections in the nucleus accumbens-caudate, substantia nigra-thalamus, and thalamus-caudate regions. Metabolic connectivity map analysis also found symmetric connections in each of the bilateral nucleus accumbens, caudate, thalamus, and orbital frontal cortex-caudate regions. Different patterns in directional networks of the dopamine reward circuit were revealed by Granger causality and metabolic connectivity map analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Granger causality analysis primarily identified bidirectional cortico-nucleus connections, while the metabolic connectivity map primarily identified direct connections among neighborhood and symmetric regions. The results of this study indicated that investigations of effective connectivities should use an appropriate analysis method depending on the purpose of the study.

[Pancreatic β-cell dedifferentiation detected by flow cytometry]

Objective: To establish a method for detecting pancreatic β-cell dedifferentiation using flow cytometry. Methods: Experimental study. Min6 (mouse β cell line), αTC1-6 (mouse α cell line), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma cells) and mouse F9 cells (mouse teratocarcinoma cell) were cultured with conventional medium. Min6 cells were treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in combined with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), or palmitic acid (PA) overnight and stained with anti-chromogranin A (ChgA), anti-insulin (Ins), anti-glucagon (Gcg), anti-SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9) and anti-octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) antibodies, respectively. Flow cytometry was applied to detect the pression of ChgA, Ins, Gcg, Sox9, and Oct4 in the cells, respectively. Unpaired Student t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Flow cytometry analyses showed that Ins and ChgA were highly expressed in Min6 cells, Gcg was highly expressed in αTC1-6, Sox9 was highly expressed in HepG2, and Oct4 was highly expressed in F9 cells, respectively (around 90%). Treatment of Min6 cells with IL-1β+TNFα significantly decreased Ins positive staining cells (92.775%±1.702% vs. 97.125%±0.246%, P=0.045), while increased Sox9 positive staining cells (41.675%±0.390% vs. 25.875%±3.348%, P=0.003). No significant changes in ChgA and Oct4 expression could be viewed (both P>0.05). PA treatment elevated the number of Gcg positive staining cells (54.500%±3.597% vs. 41.160%±3.007%, P=0.022). The levels of mRNA expression by qPCR of the above proteins were in consistent with the levels of protein expression by flow cytometry in Min6 cells. Conclusion: Flow cytometry can be used to detect proteins expressed in dedifferentiated models of β cells, which provides a new method for identify dedifferentiation of pancreatic β cells.

Sex-specific metabolic risk factors and their trajectories towards the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease incidence

PURPOSE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease. This study examined sex-specific associations between NAFLD and metabolic factors and investigated the trajectory of risk factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 16,140 individuals from Beijing Health Management Cohort. Univariate and multivariate time-dependent Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for new-onset NAFLD. The trajectory of risk factors was investigated using the latent growth curve model and growth mixture model.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 3.15 years, 2,450 (15.18%) participants developed NAFLD. The risk factors for NAFLD in men were increased body mass index (BMI); waist circumference (WC); triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), haemoglobin (Hb), and serum uric acid (SUA) levels; and platelet (PLT) count and decreased serum creatinine-to-body weight (sCr/bw) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. In women, the risk factors were increased BMI, WC, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), TG, LDL-C, SUA, white blood cell (WBC), and PLT and decreased sCr/bw and HDL-C levels. In addition, BMI, LDL-C, sCr/bw and PLT changing trajectories were associated with NAFLD in men; BMI, WC, TG, LDL-C, SUA and sCr/bw trends was associated with NAFLD risk in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of NAFLD is associated with BMI, LDL-C, sCr/bw and PLT changing trajectories in men; BMI, WC, TG, LDL-C, SUA and sCr/bw trends are associated an increased risk of NAFLD in women. Deterioration of metabolic risk factors status can be a predictor of NAFLD many years before its occurrence.

[Effect and safety of endobronchial placement of vaseline gauze in the treatment of patients with bronchial fistula]

Objective: To investigate the application of vaseline gauze to occlude the bronchial fistulas and its clinical effectiveness and safety in this retrospective study. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 14 patients with bronchial fistulas at Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Dongfang Hospital affiliated to Tongji University between June 2019 and June 2022. Seven of the 14 patients were female, and the age ranged from 16 to 74 years. We retrieved all the clinical records of all the enrolled patients during the 6 to 12 months follow-up after the operation, including the information for removal of chest drainage pipe, the failure of endobronchial blockage using vaseline gauze, as well as the complications (migration of the vaseline gauze, obstructive pneumonia, pulmonary atelectasis, et. al.) after the operation. Results: Of the 14 patients, 3 patients had fistula located in main or lobar bronchi; 10 patients had fistula located in distal airways; and 1 patient had fistula located both in main bronchi and distal airways. Ten patients were complicated with pneumonia or pleural cavity infections; Five were complicated with pneumothorax or hydropneumothorax. All of the 14 patients achieved successful airway occlusion after the placement of vaseline gauze in the responsible bronchial airways or stumps for the fistulas. Eleven of the 14 patients successfully removed the drainage tube for the residual cavity, 3 of the 14 patients successfully removed the vaseline gauze for the fistula which was healing during the follow up of 6-12 months. No one of the patients had severe complications or treatment failure. Conclusion: Bronchial placement of vaseline gauze might be a feasible and effective technique for treatment of bronchial fistulas.

[Clinical diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial fistula: current situation and future perspectives]

Tracheobronchial fistula refers to a pathophysiological condition in which the trachea or bronchi forms abnormal connections with the adjacent cavities or organs such as pleural cavity, esophagus and stomach. It is also a challenging management condition. Tracheobronchial fistula can be caused by surgical and non-surgical issues. or can also be caused by tumor or non-tumor isuues. The most commonly characteristic clinical manifestations are "swallowing, drinking and eating related choking"; High-resolutionchest CT (HRCT), respiratory and digestive endoscopy and other auxiliary examinations are helpful to make a definite diagnosis. Clinical management includes the treatment of acute complications, fistula occlusion, and supportive treatment. In recent years, with the rapid development of endoscopic interventional techniques, most non-tumor tracheobronchial fistulas can be managed with minimally invasive procedures. In the future, the emerging 3D printing technology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and other technologies, will bring new hope to the treatment of tracheobronchial fistula.

[The prognostic value of preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory biomarkers for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after radical resection]

Objective: To explore the value of preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after radical resection. Methods: A total of 124 patients who underwent radical resection for ICC in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to determine the best cut-off values of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI). Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression model. Based on the independent prognostic factors screened by multivariate Cox regression analysis, a nomogram model of overall survival prediction for ICC patients after radical resection was established. Results: Among the 124 patients, 87 patients died and 37 patients survived during the follow-up period. The median overall survival time of the whole patients was 21 months. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve (AUC) of NLR, PLR, LMR, SII and SIRI for predicting the overall survival of ICC patients after radical resection were 57.86%, 64.21%, 60.61%, 67.57% and 66.03%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the inflammatory biomarkers of NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI were associated with overall survival of ICC after radical resection (HR=1.787, 95%CI: 1.165-2.741; HR=1.181, 95% CI: 1.224-2.892; HR=2.412, 95% CI: 1.565-3.717; HR=1.648, 95% CI: 1.081-2.513). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the inflammatory biomarker of SII was an independent prognostic factor of ICC after radical resection (HR=1.863, 95% CI: 1.161-2.989). According to the best cut-off value of SII to predict the overall survival of ICC patients after radical resection (709.86×10(9)/L), the patients were divided into low SII group (SII≤709.86×10(9)/L) and high SII group (SII>709.86×10(9)/L). In the high SII group, the proportions of NLR>3.31, PLR>3.31, SIRI>1.30×10(9)/L, carbohydrate antigen 19-9>39.0 U/ml, Child-Pugh liver function (grade B), hemi-hepatic/extended hepatectomy, combined perineural invasion, N1 stage and TNM stage (ⅢB) were higher than those in the low SII group (P<0.05). Based on the independent prognostic factors screened by multivariate Cox regression analysis, a nomogram model of overall survival prediction for ICC after radical resection was established, the C-index values of the training set and testing set were 0.774 and 0.737, respectively. Conclusions: Preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory marker SII is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients after radical resection. The nomogram model of overall survival prediction established that included SII has a good predictive ability and can be used to evaluate the prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients after radical resection.

[Interleukin-9 promotes the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum.

METHODS

Primary HSCs were isolated from mice 7 weeks post-infection with S. japonicum using the in situ liver perfusion and density gradient centrifugation, and cultured in vitro. HSCs were randomly assigned to the PBS control group and IL-9 stimulation group (stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-9). HSCs were harvested 48 h and 72 h poststimulation, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen (Col I) and type III collagen (Col III) was determined in HSCs using Western blotting.

RESULTS

Following stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-9 for 48 h, the expression of α-SMA [(0.87 ± 0.02) vs. (0.69 ± 0.01); t = 17.39, P < 0.01], Col I [(0.74 ± 0.02) vs. (0.65 ± 0.01); t = 9.56, P < 0.01] and Col III [(0.94 ±0.04) vs. (0.75 ± 0.03); t = 6.15, P < 0.01] was significantly greater in HSCs in the IL-9 stimulation group than in the PBS control group. Following stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-9 for 72 h, the expression of α-SMA was significantly greater in HSCs in the IL-9 stimulation group than in the PBS control group[(0.76 ± 0.02) vs. (0.58 ± 0.02); t = 12.52, P < 0.01]; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of Col I [(0.68 ± 0.02) vs. (0.66 ± 0.02); t = 1.15, P > 0.05] or Col III expression [(0.75 ± 0.01) vs. (0.72 ± 0.02); t = 2.22, P > 0.05].

CONCLUSIONS

IL-9 promotes the activation of HSCs in mice infected with S. japonicum.

[Analysis of clinical features of 380 cases of special portal hypertension-Abernethy malformation]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features of special portal hypertension-Abernethy malformation reported at home and abroad. Methods: The relevant literature on Abernethy malformation published at home and abroad from January 1989 to August 2021 was collected. Patients'clinical features, imaging and laboratory test results, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: A total of 380 cases were included from 60 and 202 domestic and foreign literatures. Among them, there were 200 cases of type I, with 86 males and 114 females, and the average age was (17.08±19.42) years, while there were 180 cases of type II, with 106 males and 74 females, and the average was (14.85±19.60) years. The most common reason for the first visit of an Abernethy malformation patient's was gastrointestinal system symptoms such as hematemesis and hematochezia caused by portal hypertension (70.56%). Multiple malformations were present in 45.00% of type Ⅰ and 37.80% of type Ⅱ patients. The most prevalent condition was congenital heart disease (62.22%, and 73.53%). Complications related to Abernethy malformation was occurred in 127 and 105 cases with type I and type II, respectively, with liver lesions in 74.02% (94/127) and 39.05% (42/105) and hepatopulmonary syndrome of 33.07% (42/127) and 39.05% (41/105), respectively. The imaging diagnosis of type I and type II Abernethy malformations were mainly based on abdominal computed tomography (59.00%, and 76.11%). Liver pathology was performed in 27.10% of patients. Blood ammonia increased by 89.06% and 87.50%, and AFP increased by 29.63% and 40.00% in laboratory findings. 9.76% (8/82) and 6.92% (9/130) died, while 84.15% (61/82) and 88.46% (115/130) had improved conditions after medical conservative, or surgical treatment. Conclusion: Abernethy malformation is a rare disease in which congenital portal vein development abnormalities lead to significant portal hypertension and portasystemtic shunt. Patients often seek medical treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. Type Ⅰ is more common in women, often associated with multiple malformations, and prone to secondary intrahepatic tumors. Liver transplantation is the main treatment method. Type Ⅱ is more prevalent in males, and shunt vessel occlusion is the first treatment choice. Overall, type Ⅱ has a better therapeutic impact than type Ⅰ.

[Association among urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites, SAHH activity and H19 expression in coke oven workers]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) activity and long noncoding RNA H19 gene expression in the urine of coke oven workers. Methods: In September 2019, in a coking plant in Taiyuan City, 146 male workers who had worked in coke oven operations for one year were selected through a completely random sampling method, and their basic personal information was collected by questionnaire survey, and blood and urine samples were collected. The levels of 4 PAHs metabolites 2-hydroxfluorene (2-FLU), 2- hydroxynaphthalene (2-NAP), 9-hydroxyphenanthren (9-PHE), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in urine were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) -fluorescence detection method. HPLC-UV detection method was used to detect the content of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in plasma, and the SAHH activity value was obtained by calculating the ratio. Reverse transcription PCR method was used to determine the H19 gene expression level. Urine levels of 2-FLU, 2-NAP, 9-PHE, and 1-OHP were divided into Q(1), Q(2), Q(3), and Q(4) groups according to quartiles (P(25), P(50), P(75)). Regression, trend test and restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the relationship among PAHs metabolites, SAHH activity, H19 gene expression and their dose-response. Results: The median age of coke oven workers was 39.60 years old, the median length of service was 20.38 years, and the urinary levels of 2-FLU, 2-NAP, 9- PHE, and 1-OHP were 0.29, 0.74, 0.09, and 0.06 μg/mmol Cr, respectively. The levels of 2-FLU, 2-NAP and 9-PHE in the urine of workers were significantly different between groups with different 1-OHP levels (P<0.05). After adjusting for age, length of service, smoking, drinking, and levels of 2-FLU, 2-NAP and 9-PHE, SAHH activity decreased with the increase of urinary 1-OHP level (OR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.41-0.98, P=0.038), showing a nonlinear relationship (P(nonlinear)= 0.030). H19 gene expression increased with the increase of urinary 1- OHP level (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.03-2.19, P=0.033), there was a linear relationship (P(trend)= 0.058). The relationship between the other three metabolites in urine and SAHH activity and H19 gene expression was not statistically significant (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Urinary 1-OHP level may be a risk factor for decreased SAHH activity and increased H19 gene expression in coke oven workers.

[Application of pretrained model based on electronic medical record in recognition of acute respiratory infection]

Objective: To evaluate the recognition of acute respiratory infection (ARI) by a pretrained model based on electronic medical records (EMRs). Methods: 38 581 EMRs were obtained from Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital in December 2021. Bidirectional encoder representation from transformers (BERT) pretrained model was used to identify ARI in EMRs. The results of medical professionals were considered as the gold standard to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, Kappa value, and area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC). Results: There were 3 817 EMRs in the test set, with 1 200 ARIs. A total of 1 205 cases were determined as ARI by the model, with a sensitivity of 92.67% (1 112/1 200) and a specificity of 96.45% (2 524/2 617). The model identified ARI with similar accuracy in males and females (AUCs 0.95 and 0.94, respectively), and was more accurate in identifying ARI cases in those aged less than 18 than in adults 18-59 and adults 60 and older (AUCs 0.94, 0.89 and 0.94, respectively). The current model had a better identification of ARIs in outpatient patients than that in hospitalized patients, with AUCs of 0.74 and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: The use of the BERT pretrained model based on EMRs has a good performance in the recognition of ARI cases, especially for the outpatients and juveniles. It shows a great potential to be applied to the monitoring of ARI cases in medical institutions.

Melanoma in women of childbearing age and in pregnancy in California, 1994-2015: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is one of the most common malignancies during pregnancy. There is debate regarding the impact of pregnancy on the prognosis of melanoma. Recent large population-based studies from the United States are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the characteristics and survival of women with pregnancy-associated melanoma.

METHODS

This population-based, retrospective cohort study used California Cancer Registry data linked with state-wide hospitalization and ambulatory surgery data to identify 15-44-year-old female patients diagnosed with melanoma in 1994-2015, including pregnant patients. Multivariable logistic regression compared demographic and clinical characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant women with melanoma. Multivariable cox proportional hazards regression models assessed melanoma-specific and overall survival.

RESULTS

We identified 13 108 patients, of which 1406 were pregnant. Pregnancy-associated melanoma was more frequent in Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic White women. Melanoma occurring post-partum was associated with greater tumour thickness (2.01-4.00 vs. 0.01-1.00 mm, odds ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-2.98). There were otherwise no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Worse survival was associated with Asian, Black and Native American race/ethnicity (vs. non-Hispanic White), lower neighbourhood socio-economic status, public insurance, tumour site, greater tumour thickness and lymph node involvement, but not pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Melanoma occurring post-partum was associated with greater tumour thickness, but pregnancy status did not affect survival after melanoma. Race/ethnicity, socio-economic status and health insurance impacted survival, emphasizing the importance of reducing health disparities.

Genome-scale analysis of Arabidopsis splicing-related protein kinase families reveals roles in abiotic stress adaptation

Nearly 60 - 80 % of intron-containing plant genes undergo alternative splicing in response to either stress or plant developmental cues. RNA splicing is performed by a large ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome in conjunction with associated subunits such as serine arginine (SR) proteins, all of which undergo extensive phosphorylation. In plants, there are three main protein kinase families suggested to phosphorylate core spliceosome subunits and related splicing factors based on orthology to human splicing-related kinases: the SERINE/ARGININE PROTEIN KINASES (SRPK), ARABIDOPSIS FUS3 COMPLEMENT (AFC), and Pre-mRNA PROCESSING FACTOR 4 (PRP4K) protein kinases. To better define the conservation and role(s) of these kinases in plants, we performed a genome-scale analysis of the three families across photosynthetic eukaryotes, followed by extensive transcriptomic and bioinformatic analysis of all Arabidopsis thaliana SRPK, AFC, and PRP4K protein kinases to elucidate their biological functions. Unexpectedly, this revealed the existence of SRPK and AFC phylogenetic groups with distinct promoter elements and patterns of transcriptional response to abiotic stress, while PRP4Ks possess no phylogenetic sub-divisions, suggestive of functional redundancy. We also reveal splicing-related kinase families are both diel and photoperiod regulated, implicating different orthologs as discrete time-of-day RNA splicing regulators. This foundational work establishes a number of new hypotheses regarding how reversible spliceosome phosphorylation contributes to both diel plant cell regulation and abiotic stress adaptation in plants.