Precise Measurements of Decay Parameters and CP Asymmetry with Entangled Λ-Λ[over ¯] Pairs

Based on 10 billion J/ψ events collected at the BESIII experiment, a search for CP violation in Λ decay is performed in the difference between CP-odd decay parameters α_{-} for Λ→pπ^{-} and α_{+} for Λ[over ¯]→p[over ¯]π^{+} by using the process e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ→ΛΛ[over ¯]. With a five-dimensional fit to the full angular distributions of the daughter baryon, the most precise values for the decay parameters are determined to be α_{-}=0.7519±0.0036±0.0024 and α_{+}=-0.7559±0.0036±0.0030, respectively. The Λ and Λ[over ¯] averaged value of the decay parameter is extracted to be α_{avg}=0.7542±0.0010±0.0024 with unprecedented accuracy. The CP asymmetry A_{CP}=(α_{-}+α_{+})/(α_{-}-α_{+}) is determined to be -0.0025±0.0046±0.0012, which is one of the most precise measurements in the baryon sector. The reported results for the decay parameter will play an important role in the studies of the polarizations and CP violations for the strange, charmed and beauty baryons.

Evidence for a Neutral Near-Threshold Structure in the K_{S}^{0} Recoil-Mass Spectra in e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}D_{s}^{*+}D^{-}, as well as their charge conjugated processes, at five center-of-mass energies between 4.628 and 4.699 GeV, using data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.8  fb^{-1} collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, we find evidence of a structure near the thresholds for D_{s}^{+}D^{*-} and D_{s}^{*+}D^{-} production in the K_{S}^{0} recoil-mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0}. Fitting with a Breit-Wigner line shape, we find the mass of the structure to be (3992.2±1.7±1.6)  MeV/c^{2} and the width to be (7.7_{-3.8}^{+4.1}±4.3)  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The significance of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} signal is found to be 4.6σ including both the statistical and systematic uncertainty. We report the Born cross section multiplied by the branching fraction at different energy points. The mass of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is close to that of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}. Assuming SU(3) symmetry, the cross section of the neutral channel is consistent with that of the charged one. Hence, we conclude that the Z_{cs}(3985)^{0} is the isospin partner of the Z_{cs}(3985)^{+}.

Observation of Resonance Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) and Mass Measurement of ψ_{2}(3823)

Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3  fb^{-1} collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we measure the product of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) cross section and the branching fraction B[ψ_{2}(3823)→γχ_{c1}]. For the first time, resonance structure is observed in the cross section line shape of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ_{2}(3823) with significances exceeding 5σ. A fit to data with two coherent Breit-Wigner resonances modeling the sqrt[s]-dependent cross section yields M(R_{1})=4406.9±17.2±4.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{1})=128.1±37.2±2.3  MeV, and M(R_{2})=4647.9±8.6±0.8  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R_{2})=33.1±18.6±4.1  MeV. Though weakly disfavored by the data, a single resonance with M(R)=4417.5±26.2±3.5  MeV/c^{2}, Γ(R)=245±48±13  MeV is also possible to interpret data. This observation deepens our understanding of the nature of the vector charmoniumlike states. The mass of the ψ_{2}(3823) state is measured as (3823.12±0.43±0.13)  MeV/c^{2}, which is the most precise measurement to date.

[Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis]

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting the sacroiliac joints, spine and peripheral joints. In China, standardized diagnosis and treatment of AS is still to be popularized. Based on the evidence and guidelines from China and other countries, Chinese Rheumatology Association developed standardization of diagnosis and treatment of AS. The purposes are: (1) to standardize the diagnosis and evaluation of AS; (2) to promote rational use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, biological as well as traditional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, so as to improve the patient's quality of life.

[Association of skin lesion severity with clinical features of psoriatic arthritis]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between psoriasis severity and clinical features in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Patients were recruited from the Chinese REgistry of Psoriatic ARthritis (CREPAR) between December 2018 and June 2021, and data were collected including the baseline demographic characteristics, various clinical manifestations (including arthritis, nail disease, comorbidities), laboratory tests[including erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)], health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Body surface area (BSA) and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were selected for the tools of assessment of cutaneous psoriasis. Patients were divided to two groups, including the severe psoriasis group (BSA>10%) and the non-severe psoriasis group (BSA≤10%). Disease assessment included ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA). Results: 1 074 eligible patients with PsA were recruited, and 106 (9.9%) had severe psoriasis. Compared with non-severe psoriasis group, the severe psoriasis group had more peripheral joint involvement (including patients with ever or current peripheral arthritis, 94.3% vs. 85.6%), more polyarticular joint involvement (including patients with current peripheral arthritis, 74.0% vs. 58.2%), more axial joint involvement (51.4% vs. 39.9%), more nail disease (72.6% vs. 61.4%), more frequency of smoking (20.2% vs. 18.7%), and higher proportion of hypertension (23.4% vs. 14.4%). In addition, the severe psoriasis group had higher level of ESR [33(10, 70) mm/1h vs. 20(9, 38) mm/1h] and CRP [18.6(5.0, 60.8) mg/L vs. 7.0(2.4, 18.1) mg/L], higher values of DAS28-ESR (4.5±1.7 vs. 3.7±1.5), DAS28-CRP (4.2±1.5 vs. 3.4±1.4), ASDAS-ESR (3.5±1.4 vs. 2.6±1.2), and ASDAS-CRP(3.4±1.6 vs. 2.5±1.2), higher scores of HAQ [0.6(0.1, 1.0) vs. 0.3(0.0, 0.8)]. Conclusion: Patients with PsA with severe psoriasis bore a heavier disease burden. Therefore, clinicians were supposed to pay more attention to them. In addition to skin lesions, they should also focus on examination of other clinical manifestations, such as joints and nails.

[Long-term outcome follow-up of Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for medial compartment osteoarthropathy:a single center's experience for 10 years]

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of minimally invasive Oxford phase Ⅲ unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for patients with medial compartment osteoarthropathy. Methods: The clinical data of 594 patients (701 knees) who underwent minimally invasive UKA with Oxford phase Ⅲ unicompartmental prosthesis at Department of Orthopedics,the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2007 to January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 155 males and 439 females,aged (62.6±10.9) years (range: 44 to 81 years),with a body mass index of (26.9±3.8) kg/m² (range: 21.1 to 36.2 kg/m²).There were 359 left knees and 342 right knees,676 knees with osteoarthritis and 25 knees with idiopathic osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle.There were 487 cases underwent UKA (66 cases underwent UKA on one side and total knee arthroplasty on the other) and 107 cases underwent bilateral UKA.Patients' prosthetic survival,complications,range of motion(ROM) of the knee,visual analogue score (VAS),Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index,and American knee society score (KSS) were collected to assess clinical outcomes.Paired sample t test was used to compare the data before and after operation. Results: All patients completed the surgery successfully.There was no intraoperative fractures,postoperative infections or symptomatic vascular embolic disease occurred.The postoperative complications,including mobile bearing dislocation,prosthesis loosening,tibial plateau collapse,the lateral compartment degeneration and postoperative pain were occurred in 18 cases (3.0%,18/594).Thirteen patients suffered complications were transferred to total knee arthroplasty,4 underwent partial revision,if this was used as the endpoint of the study,the surgical success rate was 97.1% (577/594) and the prosthetic revision rate was 2.9%.The ROM was improved from(105.9±11.8)°preoperatively to (114.0±13.3)° at the last follow-up (t=10.796,P<0.01);the KSS clinical score was increased from 54.3±3.6 to 90.1±6.0 (P<0.01) and the functional score was increased from 55.9±3.9 to 87.5±5.7(t=124.325,P<0.01;t=110.985,P<0.01).The WOMAC osteoarthritis index was decreased from 54.8±6.7 to 9.2±3.1 at the last follow-up(t=150.860,P<0.01) and the VAS was decreased from 6.1±1.1 to 1.5±1.0 at the last follow-up(t=74.941,P<0.01). Conclusions: Minimally invasive Oxford phase Ⅲ UKA for medial compartment knee osteoarthritis has a favorable prosthesis survival rate,low revision rate,and few complications at long-term follow-up.Patients have significant improvement in knee function with satisfactory clinical outcomes.

[Cone-beam CT analysis of external root resorption of maxillary incisors before and after traction of impacted canines]

Objective: To analyze the external root resorption of incisors caused by maxillary canine impaction, and to explore the changes of incisor external root resorption after orthodontic treatment. Methods: Twenty-four patients with impacted maxillary canines leading to external root resorption of incisors treated in Department of Orthodontics, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University from July 2011 to January 2019 were selected. The age ranged from 10 to 14 years [(12.3±1.6) years], including 11 males and 14 females. The maxillary incisors with external root resorption before treatment were included in the resorption group (21 central incisors and 22 lateral incisors), and the maxillary incisors without external root resorption were used as the control group (26 central incisors and 21 lateral incisors). Cone-beam CT was taken before treatment, immediately after treatment and one year after treatment. At the one year follow-up 15 patients were collected (10 central incisors and 12 lateral incisors in the resorption group, while 16 central incisors and 12 lateral incisors in the control group). The root length and tooth volume of maxillary incisors were measured and analyzed before canine traction, after canine traction finished and at the one year follow-up. Results: After the treatment of maxillary impacted canines, the root length and volume of the central and lateral incisors in both resorption group and control group were significantly less than that before treatment (P<0.05). At the one year follow-up, the root length and volume of the incisors (central incisors in the resorption group and the central and lateral incisors in control group) were significantly less than those immediately after impacted canine traction (P<0.05). During the canine traction, the difference of the volume change in lateral incisors between the resorption group [(17±6) mm³] and the control group [(12±5) mm³] was statistically significant (t=2.51, P<0.05). During the one year follow-up period, the difference between the changes of the root length in maxillary central incisors in the resorption group [(0.5±0.4) mm] and in the control group [(0.2±0.1) mm] was statistically significant (t=2.35, P<0.05). Conclusions: For maxillary incisors with external root resorption caused by impacted maxillary canines, the external root resorption could not stop immediately after the treatment of impacted canines. The root resorption in maxillary lateral incisors mainly occured during the traction process, while the root resorption in maxillary central incisors existed during the orthodontic treatment and in the follow-up period.

Effects of aerobic exercise on inflammatory factors in healthy adults: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

With this meta-analysis we aimed at systematically evaluating the intervention effects of aerobic exercise on inflammatory factors in healthy adults and identifying an optimal aerobic exercise program with anti-inflammatory effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SPORTDiscus, were searched from inception until April 30, 2021. Stata version 11.0 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies with 1160 participants were included. The pooled estimates showed that aerobic exercise could significantly reduce TNFα levels (SMD=-0.30, 95% CI: -0.58 - -0.03, p=0.032), while the levels of IL-6 (SMD=-0.14, 95% CI: -0.32-0.03, p=0.109) and CRP (SMD=-0.09, 95% CI: -0.34-0.16, p=0.484) were not significantly affected.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic exercise exerts a positive effect by preventing inflammation-related diseases.

Inhibition of A2AR gene methylation alleviates white matter lesions in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats

OBJECTIVE

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) can cause ischemic cerebral white matter lesions (IWML). The aim of this study was to explore the roles of A2A receptors (A2AR) in IWML and the effect of methylation in A2AR gene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SD rat model of CCH was constructed by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) method. The rats were then treated with DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor (decitabine), agonist (CGS21680) and A2AR inhibitor (SCH58261). Morris water maze and Kluver-Barrera staining were used to assess spatial learning and reference memory after IWML, respectively. Gene transcription and protein expression were measured by qRT-PCR, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting, respectively. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and DNMT were detected by assay kit. Methylation of A2AR gene promoter region was detected by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP).

RESULTS

We found that the down-regulated expression of A2AR in corpus callosum under CCH was associated with IWML and cognitive impairment. We further showed that A2AR agonist can reduce the IWML under CCH, and A2AR inhibitor can aggravate the IWML under CCH. We also found that the expression level of DNMTs in corpus callosum and the methylation level in the promoter region of A2AR gene were increased under CCH. DNMT inhibitors could protect white matter by inhibiting the methylation of A2AR promoter and rescue the downregulation of A2AR under CCH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that the downregulation of A2AR mediates IWML in CCH, and A2AR downregulation is related to the increased methylation of A2AR gene promoter. DNMT inhibitors play a protective role in IWML.

[Summary of tools for assessment of public health emergency response capability]

With the progress of globalization, the public health emergencies represented by major infectious diseases have become a major challenge for the public health management in China. The article briefly describes the emergency response capability assessment tools in China, and introduces two emergency response assessment tools with complete content structure and wide application in the world. Then the advantages and disadvantages of the tools are compared and discussed in order to provide reference for improvement of the assessment tools for public health emergency response capability in China.

[Interpretation and comparison of international guidelines for salivary gland malignancy in 2021]

In order to provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of salivary gland malignancy (SGM), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) formulated and updated SGM clinical practice guidelines respectively in 2021.The two guidelines are interpreted and compared in this article from six perspectives including preoperative evaluations, surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, appropriate radiotherapy techniques, the role of systemic therapy, follow-up evaluations and recurrent-metastatic diseases' management of SGM, which has guiding significance for diagnosis and treatment of SGM in China.

Traditional Chinese medicine use may reduce medical utility in patients with asthma: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with atopic diseases, including asthma, have sought complementary and alternative medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. But, limited clinical studies have yet examined TCM effects on medical utility in asthma patients.

AIM

To assess the medical utility of TCM in patients with asthma.

DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We performed a 13-year population-based retrospective cohort study. A total of 5235 asthma patients who were TCM users and 5235 propensity-score matched asthma patients who never used TCM were sampled from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2012. We compared these two groups of patients to calculate their medical utility, including numbers of emergency visits and hospitalizations until 2013. Univariate analyses were performed using Chi-square tests for dichotomous variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to investigate the medical utility of asthma after TCM use.

RESULTS

Compared with non-TCM patients, TCM patients had a significantly decreased medical utility of asthma admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.85; P < 0.05], especially in patients who used TCM for >60 days. Asthma medical utility in asthma emergencies was significantly higher for male than for female patients (adjusted OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08-1.96). The most frequently used TCMs for asthma control or cough treatment were antitussive agents.

CONCLUSION

This population-based retrospective cohort study showed a significantly decreased medical utility of emergency visits and admissions in TCM patients, especially using TCM for >60 days.

A clinical nomogram for predicting renal calculus of university teachers

OBJECTIVE

To establish a prediction model of renal calculus for university teachers to help them prevent renal calculus scientifically. This study involves a specific group of university teachers. We collected the physical examination index of 1043 university teachers in the Hubei University of Chinese Medicine in 2018 to build the model. We also used the physical examination data of 968 teachers in 2019 to verify the model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used Lasso regression to screen the factors and logistic regression analysis to establish the model.

RESULTS

The models of this study included sex, age, DBP, TC, HDL. C, CEA, UA, ALT, GGT, HB, pH, RBC, RDW, and CLYMPH. Among these, sex, TC, ALT, HB, and LYMPH present high risks in the model. The result is of great significance related to the research of university teachers suffering from renal calculus. The C-index is 0.715, and the AUC is 0.7064.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, we suggest that physical examination indicators can predict the risk of renal calculus and the individual probability of prevalence in specific groups. According to the risk of each physical examination index, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of renal calculus in certain high-risk groups through lifestyle changes.

Applications of Cryogenic Electron Microscopy in Biomineralization Research

Biological mineralization is a natural process manifested by living organisms in which inorganic minerals crystallize under the scrupulous control of biomolecules, producing hierarchical organic-inorganic composite structures with physical properties and design that galvanize even the most ardent structural engineer and architect. Understanding the mechanisms that control the formation of biominerals is challenging in the biomimetic engineering of hard tissues. In this regard, the contribution of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has been nothing short of phenomenal. By preserving materials in their native hydrated status and reducing damage caused by ion beam radiation, cryo-EM outperforms conventional transmission electron microscopy in its ability to directly observe the morphologic evolution of mineral precursor phases at different stages of biomineralization with nanoscale spatial resolution and subsecond temporal resolution in 2 or 3 dimensions. In the present review, the development and applications of cryo-EM are discussed to support the use of this powerful technique in dental research. Because of the rapid development of cryogenic sample preparation techniques, direct electron detection, and image-processing algorithms, the last decade has witnessed an exponential increase in the use of cryo-EM in structural biology and materials research. By amalgamating with other analytic techniques, cryo-EM may be used for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the kinetics and thermodynamic mechanisms in which organic macromolecules participate in the transformation of mineral precursors from their original liquid state to amorphous and ultimately crystalline phases. The present review concentrates on the biomineralization of calcium phosphate mineral phases, while that of calcium carbonate, silica, and magnetite is only briefly mentioned. Bioinspired organic matrix-mediated inorganic crystallization strategies are discussed from the perspective of tissue regeneration engineering.

[Analysis of the treatment effect of posterior scleral reinforcement on pathological myopia]

Pathological myopia, a blinding eye disease, is the most common cause of visual impairment in Asian countries. The most obvious features of pathological myopia are the elongation of the eye axis, the appearance of posterior scleral staphyloma, and even degenerative changes in the retina and choroid, resulting in corresponding complications and ultimately leading to marked visual impairment. Controlling the elongated eye axis is a key factor in preventing the complications of pathological myopia. Posterior scleral reinforcement is the main surgical method to delay the elongation of the eye axis and treat the posterior scleral staphyloma. Although most studies have confirmed that posterior scleral reinforcement is effective in delaying axial elongation and treating myopia, some scholars hold negative views on this surgery. This article summarizes the relevant research results of posterior scleral reinforcement surgery in the treatment of pathological myopia, concerning patients' vision, refractive power, eye axis, and corneal curvature, and discusses the effectiveness of the surgery. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 952-957).

[Insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle labial salivary gland transplantation for severe dry eye: a case report]

A 52-year-old male presented to Beijing Tongren Hospital with a 5-year history of bilateral dry eyes. He had been diagnosed with Steven-Johnson syndrome due to allergy to cold medication. On examination, the Schirmer I test value was 0 mm, the tear break-up time was 0 s, and corneal fluorescein staining showed corneal epithelial erosion with partial fusion in both eyes. The clinical diagnosis was dry eyes (severe) and Steven-Johnson syndrome. No significant effect was observed after use of artificial tears and anti-inflammatory eye drops and tear punctal embolization. Then an insular infraorbital neurovascular pedicle labial salivary gland transplantation was performed in the right eye. During the 1-year postoperative follow-up, the symptoms and signs were significantly improved in the operated eye, and the surgical results were satisfactory. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 946-948).

[Navigation-guided nasal endoscopy for removal of the cavernous hemangioma of the orbital apex through the sphenoid approach]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of navigation-guided nasal endoscopy for removal of the cavernous hemangioma of the orbital apex through the sphenoid approach. Methods: Retrospective case series study. From May 2012 to December 2019, 12 patients (12 eyes) with imaging findings of cavernous hemangioma in the orbital apex were collected at the Eye Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, including 3 males and 9 females aged 32 to 59 years. All patients underwent navigation-guided sinusoscopy through the sphenoid approach to remove the cavernous hemangioma of the orbital apex (video attached). Changes of visual function and complications after operation were analyzed. Results: In 3 patients without visual impairment, the postoperative visual function was still normal. Among the remaining 9 patients with preoperative visual impairment, visual function was fully recovered in 3 patients after operation, was improved in 2 patients, and had no change in 4 patients. There were no complications in 3 of the 12 patients, and 9 patients had transient, mildly limited intraocular rotation with diplopia after operation, which all returned to normal within 1 month. Conclusion: Navigation-guided sinus endoscopy through the sphenoid approach is effective and feasible in the removal of the cavernous hemangioma of the orbital apex. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 837-843).

[Observation of efficacy and safety of stereotactic-EEG-guided three-dimensional radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic-EEG (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC) with three-dimensional lesioning in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy. Methods: Seven patients with drug-resistant insular epilepsy who underwent SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional ablation at the Department of Neurosurgery of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Presurgical evaluation including semiology, EEG and imaging results suggested that the epileptogenic zone was located in the insular lobe. All patients underwent SEEG recording and three-dimensional RF-TC. Postoperative follow-up was conducted by outpatient visits or telephone, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on Engel classification and the relevant complications were documented. Results: Seven patients were followed up at 18 months after surgery. Among them, 4 were seizure free (Engel ⅠA), 2 had nondisabling simple partial seizures (Engel ⅠB) and 1 achieved 75% decrease (Engel ⅢA) in seizure frequency. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients which included decreased sensation in the right lower extremity, decreased strength in the right upper extremity, glossolalia, decline in memory and comprehension. No permanent neurological dysfunction was detected. Conclusion: SEEG-guided RF-TC with three-dimensional lesioning is minimally invasive, safe and effective in the treatment of drug-resistant insular epilepsy and can serve as a complementary method for resection surgery.

[Safety and short-term efficacy of domestic magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermotherapy in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy]

Objective: To investigate the safety and short-term efficacy of domestic magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermotherapy (MRgLITT) in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods: Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy treated with a domestic MRgLITT system in the Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2020 to April 2021 were prospectively enrolled. The damage volume ratio was assessed immediately after surgery, and perioperative complications were recorded and followed up. The clinical safety and short-term efficacy were evaluated using the Engel classification. Results: A total of 22 patients were included, including 12 males and 10 females, aged from 3 to 45 years old [(24±13) years]. There were 5 cases of medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), 3 cases of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), 7 cases of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), and 7 cases of other types, respectively. The mean operation time and blood loss was (173±49) min and (3.7±1.6) ml. The postoperative length of hospital stay was (5.5±1.8) days, and the average damage volume ratio was 92.6%. Among them, only 2 patients (FCD of the parietal lobe) showed transient contralateral limb weakness, without any serious complications such as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. The follow-up time was 14 to 168 days. There were 13 Engel class Ⅰ cases (59.1%), 2 Engel class Ⅱ cases (9.1%), 2 Engel class Ⅲ cases (9.1%) and 5 Engel class Ⅳ cases (22.7%), respectively. Short-term incident-free rates were MTLE 5/5and FCD4/7, respectively. Conclusion: Domestic MRgLITT system is stable, reliable and safe in the treatment of drug-refractory epilepsy, and has better short-term efficacy in MTLE and FCD patients.

Author Correction: LncRNA HOTAIRM1 inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2018; 22 (15): 4861-4868-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201808_15622-PMID: 30070317, published online 15 August 2018. After publication, the authors found some mistakes in the article. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/15622.

The clinical characteristic of biliary-hyperlipidemic etiologically complex type of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study from a tertiary center in China

OBJECTIVE

Biliary and hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (AP) has become the second most common AP in China. Currently, AP is exclusively diagnosed as biliary or hyperlipidemic AP. However, as suggested by some reports, biliary and hyperlipidemic AP might coexist in a single patient. Moreover, acute lipotoxicity was shown to regulate the severity of biliary AP in the mouse model. Thus, whether these two etiologies coexist in AP patients and potentially worsen the clinical course remains unclear. To elucidate the clinical feature of a new complex type of acute pancreatitis with both biliary and hyperlipidemic etiologies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included AP patients who were admitted into our department within 7 days after the onset of the disease. 267 AP patients were enrolled in this study and were classified as BAP (biliary acute pancreatitis, n=153), HLAP (hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis, n=65) and BHAP (biliary-hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis, n=49). All the enrolled patients met the classification criteria of biliary etiology, hyperlipidemic etiology, and both etiologies, respectively. BHAP was compared with BAP and HLAP in terms of general information, inflammatory biomarkers, organ dysfunction, disease severity and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

BHAP (41 vs. 53) patients were younger than BAP patients. Serum procalcitonin of BHAP patients was higher than BAP and HLAP patients. Serum CRP of BHAP patients was higher than BAP patients. BHAP patients had the highest diagnosis rate of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) (46.9% vs. 17.6% or 21.5%) compared to BAP and HLAP. Prevalences of persistent respiratory, acute renal, and circulatory failure were highest in BHAP patients (44.9%, 28.6%, 12.2%, respectively). Requirements for mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and vasoactive agents were also highest in BHAP patients (36.7%, 34.7%, 12.2%, respectively). Hospital stay was longer in BHAP patients (33 days) compared with BAP patients (24 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with both biliary and hyperlipidemic etiologies suffer from more severe clinical course of the disease and have worse prognosis than single-etiology BAP or HLAP patients in the early stage of AP (within 7 days). It should be recognized as a new etiological type named biliary-hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (BHAP).

[Clinical characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and restricted cardiomyopathy patients complicating with intracardiac thrombosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) complicating with intracardiac thrombosis. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM or RCM and complicated with intracardiac thrombosis (including left and right atrium or ventricular thrombosis), who were admitted to the Heart Failure Care Unit of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September 2008 to September 2018, were enrolled in this study. Patients with myocardial infarction were excluded. The general clinical data of the enrolled patients, including demographic data, major complications, laboratory indicators, echocardiographic indicators, drug application and distribution of intracardiac thrombosis, were collected from electronic medical record system and analyzed. Results: A total of 98 patients were enrolled in this study, including 52 patients (53.1%) with HCM and 46 patients (46.9%) with RCM. The most common comorbidity was atrial fibrillation/flutter: 40 patients (76.9%) in HCM group and 36 patients (78.3%) in RCM group. Majority of patients received oral anticoagulants treatment: 43 patients (82.7%) in HCM group and 35 patients (76.1%) in RCM group. Intracardiac thrombosis was mainly located in the left atrium in both HCM group (39 cases (75.0%)) and RCM group (32 cases (69.6%)). Thrombosis was found in ≥ 2 chambers in 7 patients (7.1%). Rate of left atrial thrombosis was the highest (81.6% (62/76)) in HCM and RCM patients complicating with atrial fibrillation/flutter. Intra-aneurysmal thrombosis occurred in 4 out of 5 patients complicated with apical left ventricular aneurysm. The rate of left ventricular thrombosis in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction≥50% was 7.4% (4/54), which was significantly lower than that in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction<50% (34.5%(10/29)) (P<0.01). Conclusion: There are certain distribution characteristics of HCM and RCM patients with intracardiac thrombosis, and the left atrium is the most common site of thrombosis, more attention should be paid in HCM and RCM patients on the diagnosis and treatment of intracardiac thrombosis.

Application of Sarcosaprophagous Insects to Estimate the Postmortem Interval in 11 Cases

Abstract

Objective To test the feasibility and accuracy of with sarcosaprophagous insects postmortem interval （PMI） estimation with sarcosaprophagous insects and provide references for estimation practice. Methods Eleven cases confirmed by the detection results, with complete entomological evidence were selected. The insect species, estimation results and true results involved in the cases were statistically analyzed and compared. Results Thirteen species of insects were found at the criminal scene, including Chrysomya megacephala （Fabricius）, Chrysomya rufifacies （Macquart）, Chrysomya nigripes （Aubertin）, Lucilia sericata （Meigen）, Hydrotaea spinigera Stein, Muscina stabulans （Fallén）, Sarcophagid （species were not identified）, Megaselia scalaris （Loew）, Hermetia illucens （Linnaeus）, Saprinus splendens （Paykull）, Creophilus maxillosus （Linnaeus）, Dermestes maculatus （De Geer） and Necrobia ruficollis （Fabricius）. The PMI of all eleven cases was within the range of estimated PMI. The estimated results of 72.73% cases were on the same day of the true results. Conclusion Sarcosaprophagous insects can estimate the PMI simply and conveniently. In cases where the PMI is within the time range of one generation of flies or beetles, the estimation results are relatively accurate. However, the estimation is less accurate when the PMI is beyond the time range.