Deep learning-based facial analysis for predicting difficult videolaryngoscopy: a feasibility study

While videolaryngoscopy has resulted in better overall success rates of tracheal intubation, airway assessment is still an important prerequisite for safe airway management. This study aimed to create an artificial intelligence model to identify difficult videolaryngoscopy using a neural network. Baseline characteristics, medical history, bedside examination and seven facial images were included as predictor variables. ResNet-18 was introduced to recognise images and extract features. Different machine learning algorithms were utilised to develop predictive models. A videolaryngoscopy view of Cormack-Lehane grade of 1 or 2 was classified as 'non-difficult', while grade 3 or 4 was classified as 'difficult'. A total of 5849 patients were included, of whom 5335 had non-difficult and 514 had difficult videolaryngoscopy. The facial model (only including facial images) using the Light Gradient Boosting Machine algorithm showed the highest area under the curve (95%CI) of 0.779 (0.733-0.825) with a sensitivity (95%CI) of 0.757 (0.650-0.845) and specificity (95%CI) of 0.721 (0.626-0.794) in the test set. Compared with bedside examination and multivariate scores (El-Ganzouri and Wilson), the facial model had significantly higher predictive performance (p < 0.001). Artificial intelligence-based facial analysis is a feasible technique for predicting difficulty during videolaryngoscopy, and the model developed using neural networks has higher predictive performance than traditional methods.

Convolutional neural network for identifying common bile duct stones based on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

AIMS

To develop an auto-categorization system based on machine learning for three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (3D MRCP) to detect choledocholithiasis from healthy and symptomatic individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3D MRCP sequences from 254 cases with common bile duct (CBD) stones and 251 cases with normal CBD were enrolled to train the 3D Convolutional Neural Network (3D-CNN) model. Then 184 patients from three different hospitals (91 with positive CBD stone and 93 with normal CBD) were prospectively included to test the performance of 3D-CNN.

RESULTS

With a cutoff value of 0.2754, 3D-CNN achieved the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 94.51%, 92.47%, and 93.48%, respectively. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the presence or absence of CBD stones was 0.974 (95% CI, 0.940-0.992). There was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between 3D-CNN and radiologists. In addition, the performance of 3D-CNN was also evaluated in the internal test set and the external test set, respectively. The internal test set yielded an accuracy of 94.74% and AUC of 0.974 (95% CI, 0.919-0.996), and the external test set yielded an accuracy of 92.13% and AUC of 0.970 (95% CI, 0.911-0.995).

CONCLUSIONS

An artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system for CBD stones was constructed using 3D-CNN model for 3D MRCP images. The performance of 3D-CNN model was comparable to that of radiologists in diagnosing CBD stones. 3D-CNN model maintained high performance when applied to data from other hospitals.

Unsupervised Online Paired Associates Learning Task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB®) in the Brain Health Registry

BACKGROUND

Unsupervised online cognitive assessments have demonstrated promise as an efficient and scalable approach for evaluating cognition in aging, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and construct validity of the Paired Associates Learning task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery® in adults enrolled in the Brain Health Registry.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS

The Paired Associates Learning task was administered to Brain Health Registry participants in a remote, unsupervised, online setting. In this cross-sectional analysis, we 1) evaluated construct validity by analyzing associations between Paired Associates Learning performance and additional participant registry data, including demographics, self- and study partner-reported subjective cognitive change (Everyday Cognition scale), self-reported memory concern, and depressive symptom severity (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) using multivariable linear regression models; 2) determined the predictive value of Paired Associates Learning and other registry variables for identifying participants who self-report Mild Cognitive Impairment by employing multivariable binomial logistic regressions and calculating the area under the receiver operator curve; 3) investigated feasibility by looking at task completion rates and statistically comparing characteristics of task completers and non-completers; and 4) evaluated usability in terms of participant requests for support from BHR related to the assessment.

RESULTS

In terms of construct validity, in participants who took the Paired Associates Learning for the first time (N=14,528), worse performance was associated with being older, being male, lower educational attainment, higher levels of self- and study partner-reported decline, more self-reported memory concerns, greater depressive symptom severity, and self-report of Mild Cognitive Impairment. Paired Associates Learning performance and Brain Health Registry variables together identified those with self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment with moderate accuracy (areas under the curve: 0.66-0.68). In terms of feasibility, in a sub-sample of 29,176 participants who had the opportunity to complete Paired Associates Learning for the first time in the registry, 14,417 started the task. 11,647 (80.9% of those who started) completed the task. Compared to those who did not complete the task at their first opportunity, those who completed were older, had more years of education, more likely to self-identify as White, less likely to self-identify as Latino, less likely to have a subjective memory concern, and more likely to report a family history of Alzheimer's disease. In terms of usability, out of 8,395 received requests for support from BHR staff via email, 4.4% (n=374) were related to PAL. Of those, 82% were related to technical difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support moderate feasibility, good usability, and construct validity of cross-sectional Paired Associates Learning in an unsupervised online registry, but also highlight the need to make the assessment more inclusive and accessible to individuals from ethnoculturally and socioeconomically diverse communities. A future, improved version could be a scalable, efficient method to assess cognition in many different settings, including clinical trials, observational studies, healthcare, and public health.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

A Hybrid Intelligence (HI) System for Segmenting Rectoprostatic Spacer Gel and Key OARs on CT Images for Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy Planning

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Our hybrid intelligence (HI) system, combining natural and artificial intelligence, is effective for auto-contouring H&N and thorax organs at risk (OARs) for radiation therapy (RT) planning with FDA 510(k) clearance. The purpose of this study is to test the HI system to segment a commercially available retroprostatic hyaluronic acid spacer gel (RSG) and pelvic OARs in planning CT images for prostate cancer RT.

HYPOTHESIS

HI can achieve clinically acceptable auto segmentation for tissue-equivalent RSG in this domain.

MATERIALS/METHODS

RSG is injected in the peri-rectal space in men with prostate cancer prior to RT to minimize rectal toxicity. 190 patients with prostate cancer were included in this post-hoc image analysis from a multi-center, prospective, randomized trial, with 136 in the spacer arm. The HI system has 3 steps: rough recognition from fuzzy model (FM) based automatic anatomy recognition (AAR-R), deep learning-based recognition (DL-R) refinement, and deep learning-based delineation (DL-D) to contour objects guided by the recognition results. FM encodes high level 3D anatomy knowledge of object shape and its relationship with other OARs; DL-R and DL-D focus on pixel-level details. The 190 studies are divided into disjoint training (100) and testing (90) subsets. 100 samples are used in DL-R and DL-D training, with 45 to build the FM for AAR-R. RSG and 4 other OARs (pelvic skin, prostate, bladder, rectum) are contoured. Location error (LE) is used to evaluate recognition; Dice coefficient (DC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) are employed to evaluate delineation. Acceptability scores (AS) (range 1-5, 1 for poor quality, 5 for best quality) from an observer study are recorded for HI-output and ground truth masks of RSG for assessing segmentation quality.

RESULTS

The HI system achieves highest DC (0.94±0.07) and lowest HD (1.96±1.61 mm) for bladder, for rectum and prostate similar DC (0.82±0.08) and HD (2.62±1.65mm), for RSG, the most challenging object, a good DC close to 0.7 (0.67±0.10) and excellent HD (2.66±1.44mm). AS for auto-segmentations (3.86±0.85) were significantly better than those for ground truth segmentations (3.45±1.00) (p = 0.02, paired t-test). Table 1 summarizes results.

CONCLUSION

The HI system achieves clinically acceptable segmentations for pelvic OARs and significantly better acceptability of segmentation of RSG compared to clinically performed ground truth segmentations. This has implications in improving efficiency and accuracy of CT-based RT planning in patients with prostate cancer.

[The effect of strengthening nutrition education in the second trimester on the basis of the first trimester on blood glucose]

Objective: To explore the effect of strengthening individualized nutrition education in the second trimester based on first trimester on blood glucose. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 398 pregnant women aged (31.79±3.48) (23-41) years old who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) from October 2021 to December 2022 at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. They were divided into two groups according to whether the women were re-visited in second trimester or not. The routine group consisted of 205 pregnant women aged between 24 and 41 (31.49±3.36) years old who only received the first trimester nutrition education and the strengthening group consisted of 193 pregnant women aged (31.92±3.97) (23-41) years old who received both the first and second trimester nutrition education. Then according to pre pregnancy body mass index (BMI), they were divided into normal (18.5 kg/m2≤BMI<24 kg/m2) and overweight (24 kg/m2≤BMI<28 kg/m2). The OGTT blood glucose level, the positive rate of gestational diabetes (GDM) and the weight gain during pregnancy were compared between the two groups with different BMI, in order to analyze the effect of strengthening nutrition education in the second trimester of pregnancy on blood glucose. Results: The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant in terms of the pregnant women's age, proportion of pregnant women aged≥35, proportion of pre-pregnancy BMI and overweight, parity and early pregnancy blood glucose (all P>0.05). The blood glucose levels of OGTT at 0, 1, and 2 hour were (4.57±0.37), (8.41±1.70), and (7.28±1.51) mmol/L, respectively, lower than those in the routine group [(4.74±0.48), (9.44±1.55), and (8.27±1.58) mmol/L, respectively, all P<0.001]. The positive rate of GDM in the strengthening group was 35.23% (68/193), which was lower than that in the routine group (91.71%, 188/205) (P<0.001). After the BMI stratification, the OGTT blood glucose levels and the positive rate of GDM in the strengthening group were still lower than those in the routine group (all P<0.05). The weight gain with normal BMI in the early pregnancy in routine group was higher than that in the strengthening group (P=0.003), but there was no significant statistical difference in weight gain of overweight pregnant women at different gestational weeks (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Strengthening a nutrition education about second trimester for pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy can effectively improve blood glucose levels and reduce the positive rate of GDM.

Effects of Different Primers on the Bond Strength to Properly and Excessively Etched Ceramic-coated Zirconia

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of various primers on the immediate and long-term bond strength of ceramic-coated ultratranslucent zirconia that is properly or excessively etched.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Ceramic-coated zirconia plates were etched with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 2 or 5 minutes, after which the surface morphology and elemental composition were examined. The etched specimens were treated with different primers including methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-only containing primer, silane-only containing primer, MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer as well as MDP and silane-containing adhesive system. For surface contact angle and shear bond strength (SBS) data, the difference between groups was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and three-way ANOVA factorial analysis, respectively. The statistical significance level of 0.05 was set and the Tukey test and the Dunnett-T3 test were used for post-hoc multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Excessive etching (9.5% HF for 5 minutes) led to overconsumption of the glass layer and exposure of zirconia substrate compared to proper etching (9.5% HF for 2 minutes). Among different primers, the surface contact angle of the silane-only containing primer group was the lowest. The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing ceramic primer produced higher shear bond strength of properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively, both before and after thermal aging.

CONCLUSIONS

The silane-only containing primer and MDP and silane-containing primer can obtain better immediate and long-term shear bond strength for properly and excessively etched ceramic-coated zirconia, respectively.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

Associations between Participant Characteristics and Participant Feedback about an Unsupervised Online Cognitive Assessment in a Research Registry

BACKGROUND

This study aims to understand whether and how participant characteristics (age, gender, education, ethnocultural identity) are related to their feedback about taking a remote, unsupervised, online cognitive assessment.

METHODS

The Brain Health Registry is a public online registry which includes cognitive assessments. Multivariable ordinal regressions assessed associations between participant characteristics and feedback responses of older (55+) participants (N=11,553) regarding their Cogstate Brief Battery assessment experience.

RESULTS

Higher age, secondary education or less, Latino identity, and female gender were associated with a poorer assessment experience; higher age and a non-White identity were associated with experiencing the assessment instructions as less clear; and higher age, non-White identity, and secondary education or less were associated with rating additional human support with the assessment as more useful.

DISCUSSION

Our findings highlight the importance of improving the design and instructions of unsupervised, remote, online cognitive assessments to better suit the needs of diverse communities.

Alleviating effect of mulberry leaf 1-deoxynojirimycin on resistin-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in mice

Resistin is upregulated in obese humans and mice, and elevated serum resistin induces insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Previous studies have revealed that mulberry 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) is important for a variety of physiological processes, especially carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether DNJ has a positive effect on insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, and what the exact mechanism is. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with resistin with or without DNJ. DNJ reversed the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)-induced by resistin and significantly decreased triglyceride levels both in the serum and liver. A histological analysis demonstrated that lipid accumulation significantly decreased in the DNJ group compared to the resistin group. A mechanistic analysis showed that DNJ significantly inhibited the resistin-induced decline in enzyme activities of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and hepatic lipase (HL) in serum and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in liver. FAS and Acox13α were significantly altered by resistin but restored by DNJ. Furthermore, DNJ partially but significantly restored insulin-stimulated glucose uptake compared with the resistin group, suggesting that DNJ reversed the insulin sensitivity impaired by hyperresistinemia. Treatment of AML12 cells with DNJ significantly restored the expression level and phosphorylation of Akt. The transcriptional levels of InsR and IRS1, as well as the protein levels of InsR and Glut4 and phosphorylation of PI3K and GSK3β, were also normalized in the DNJ-treated group. In conclusion: mulberry DNJ significantly alleviated liver steatosis and insulin resistance in hyperresistinemia.

Multi-elements characteristic and potential risk of heavy metals in MOUTAN CORTEX from Anhui Province, China

To ensure the quality and safety of herbs, the content of 54 elements in MOUTAN CORTEX (MC) was determined by the ICP-AES and ICP-MS, and the health risks of Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Hg and rare earth elements (REEs) were assessed. These herbs were collected from 5 producing areas in Anhui Province, China, namely Wuhu, Tongling, Bozhou, Xuancheng and Chizhou. The multi-elements fingerprint identification of MC in Anhui Province was established. The total amount of macro-elements from Wuhu and Tongling is significantly lower than Bozhou. Among all MC from 5 producing areas, the highest content is Ca. Except for Bozhou, the content of macro-elements and REES in the other 4 origins of MC is from highest to lowest: Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na and Ce > La > Nd > Y > Pr > Er > Yb > Eu > Ho > Tb > Tm > Lu. The chemical forms of Cd in MC from Bozhou with the highest percentage were PH2O of high toxicity and migration, while the other 4 regions were PNaCl of low activity and mobility. There was a great difference in the content of inorganic elements and chemical forms of Cd between the MC produced from the plain (Bozhou) and the hilly areas (Wuhu, Tongling, Chizhou and Xuancheng). Except for Cd, the content of Cu, As, Pb and Hg in MC did not exceed the limit. The results of PTWIFact and ADI for Cd and REEs showed that MC herbs did not pose a risk to human health.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04402-6.

The efficacy and safety of different doses of calcitriol combined with neutral phosphate in X-linked hypophosphatemia: a prospective study

The present study was the first prospective cohort evaluated the efficacy and safety of different doses of calcitriol in XLH children. The results suggested that a dose of 40 ng/kg/day calcitriol, compared with 20 ng/kg/day, was more effective in relieving the rickets, with similar safety outcomes. Further investigations were expected to set more dose groups.

INTRODUCTION

Dose recommended for calcitriol in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) varies in different studies. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy as well as the safety of 20 ng/kg/d and 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol in Chinese XLH pediatrics population.

METHODS

A 2-year, randomized, open-label, prospective study recruited 68 XLH children, which were randomized to receive either 40 ng/kg/day or 20 ng/kg/day calcitriol. Efficacy endpoints were the total Thacher ricket severity score (RSS) change from baseline to month 12 and 24, the difference in serum TALP level, fasting serum phosphate level, body height Z-score, and frequency of dental abscess. Safety assessments were done using renal ultrasound nephrocalcinosis grades (0-4), fasting serum and 24 h urine calcium level, and the occurrence of hyperparathyroidism.

RESULTS

The decrease in the total RSS from baseline was more significant in the high-dose group at 12 (difference 0.87, p = 0.049) and 24 month (difference 1.23, p = 0.011). The serum TALP level was significantly lower in the high-dose group at 6 months. Pi level, height Z-score change, frequency of dental abscess and ratio of de novo nephrocalcinosis were comparable. A lower incidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism was seen in the high-dose group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

For the first time in this prospective cohort, 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol was shown to be the more effective therapy in XLH children than the 20 ng/kg/d. Moreover, 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol was not associated with increasing adverse events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03,820,518.

[Distributive characteristics of HBV DNA CpG islands in HBsAg positive mothers and its relationship with intrauterine transmission]

Objective: To investigate the type, length, and CG loci of HBV DNA CpG islands in HBsAg positive maternal C genotype and its relationship with intrauterine HBV transmission, so as to provide a new perspective for the study of intrauterine transmission of HBV. Methods: From June 2011 to July 2013, HBsAg-positive mothers and their newborns who delivered in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan were collected. Epidemiological data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires and electronic medical records. Serum HBV markers and serum HBV DNA were detected by electrochemiluminescence and quantitative fluorescence PCR, respectively. Intrauterine transmission of HBV was determined by positive HBsAg and/or HBV DNA in femoral venous blood before injection of HBV vaccine/Hepatitis B immunoglobulin within 24 h of birth. A total of 22 mothers and their newborns with HBV DNA load ≥10⁶ IU/ml in intrauterine transmission were selected as the intrauterine transmission group, and 22 mothers with HBV DNA load ≥10⁶ IU/ml without intrauterine transmission were chosen as the control group by random seed method. The distribution prediction of CpG islands of HBV DNA in 39 mothers with genotype C by HBV DNA sequencing was analyzed. Results: Among 39 mothers with HBV C genotype, 19 were in the intrauterine transmission group, and 20 were in the control group. The HBV DNA of 39 patients with genotype C traditional CpG island Ⅱ and Ⅲ, while the control group had traditional CpG island Ⅰ and novel CpG island Ⅳ and Ⅴ. The length of CpG island Ⅱ and Ⅲ and the number of CG loci of CpG island Ⅱ in the intrauterine transmission group differed from those in the control group (P<0.05). The CpG island Ⅱ length ≥518 bp and the number of CG loci ≥40 in the intrauterine transmission group (11/19) were significantly higher than those in the control group (2/20) (P<0.05). The length of CpG island Ⅱ and the number of CG loci in the X gene promoter region (Xp region) were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the HBV intrauterine transmission group, most of maternal (12/19) HBV DNA CpG island Ⅱ completely covered the Xp region, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (5/20), and the number of HBV DNA Xp region CG loci was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The distribution of maternal C genotype HBV DNA CpG islands is related to intrauterine transmission. The length of CpG island Ⅱ and the number of CG sites may increase the risk of intrauterine transmission of HBV.

[Effect of activation of Toll-like receptor signaling pathway of peripheral blood mononuclear cell in recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen immune response]

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Toll-like receptor (TLR3) signaling pathway in recombinant HBsAg (rHBsAg) immune response. Methods: White blood cells were collected from peripheral blood of 13 healthy donors in the preparation of blood products. PBMC was isolated and treated with Poly I:C (Poly I:C group) and PBS (control group) respectively. 48 h later, some cells were collected and the expressions of TLR3 signaling pathway proteins were detected by flow cytometry. After activating (Poly I:C group)/inactivating (control group) TLR3 signaling pathway, rHBsAg was given to both groups for 72 h, and the proportions of DC, T, B cells and their subsets in PBMC were detected by flow cytometry. Paired t-test, paired samples wilcoxon signed-rank test and canonical correlation analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results: The percentage of TLR3 protein-positive cells (19.21%) and protein expression (8 983.95), NF-κB protein expression (26 193.13), the percentage of pNF-κB protein-positive cells (13.73%) and its proportion in NF-κB (16.03%), and the percentage of pIRF3 protein-positive cells (12.64%) and its proportion in IRF3 (21.80%) in Poly I:C group were higher than those in control group (11.54%, 8 086.00, 22 340.66, 8.72%, 9.71%, 9.57%, 19.12%) (P<0.05), and the percentage of TRIF protein-positive cells (89.75%) and protein expression (304 219.54) were higher in Poly I:C group than in the control group (89.64%, 288 149.72) (P>0.05). After PBMC stimulation by rHBsAg, the proportions of mDC (2.90%), pDC (1.80%), B cell (5.31%) and plasma cell (67.71%) in Poly I:C group were significantly higher than those in the control group (1.83%, 0.81%, 4.23%, 58.82%) (P<0.05). Results of canonical correlation analysis showed that the expression of TLR3 protein was positively correlated with the proportions of plasma cells, the expression of pIRF3 protein was positively correlated with the proportions of plasma cells and mDC, and the percentage of pNF-κB protein-positive cells and the percentage of pIRF3 protein-positive cells were positively correlated with the proportion of CD4⁺T cells. Conclusions: Poly I:C can activate TLR3/TRIF/NF-κB and TLR3/TRIF/IRF3 signaling pathway, promote the function of downstream signaling molecules, and then promote the maturation of DC, induce the immune responses of CD4⁺T cell, and promote the maturation and activation of B cells and the immune response of rHBsAg.

Exploring Lorentz Invariance Violation from Ultrahigh-Energy γ Rays Observed by LHAASO

Recently, the LHAASO Collaboration published the detection of 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources above 100 TeV, with the highest energy photon reaching 1.4 PeV. The first detection of PeV γ rays from astrophysical sources may provide a very sensitive probe of the effect of the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV), which results in decay of high-energy γ rays in the superluminal scenario and hence a sharp cutoff of the energy spectrum. Two highest energy sources are studied in this work. No signature of the existence of the LIV is found in their energy spectra, and the lower limits on the LIV energy scale are derived. Our results show that the first-order LIV energy scale should be higher than about 10^{5} times the Planck scale M_{Pl} and that the second-order LIV scale is >10^{-3}M_{Pl}. Both limits improve by at least one order of magnitude the previous results.

Morphologic Variants of the Hand Motor Cortex in Developing Brains from Neonates through Childhood Assessed by MR Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Knowledge of anatomic markers of the hand motor cortex is essential in the evaluation and treatment of motor neurologic diseases for both adults and developing populations. However, hand motor cortex variants in developing brains remain to be investigated. Our objective was to observe morphologic variants of the hand motor cortex in developing brains from neonates through childhood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 542 participants (0∼15 years of age) were retrospectively enrolled and divided into different age groups. The hand motor cortex morphology was evaluated on the basis of 3D T1WI. Variations in hand motor cortex variants were compared among different age groups. Inter-gender and interhemispheric differences of hand motor cortex variants were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Various hand motor cortex variants could be observed in developing brains, even in the neonatal period. One new morphologic shape, "immature Ω," was found in neonates and infants. The proportion of this new shape decreased dramatically during the first year after birth, then disappeared after 1 year of age. It persisted for a longer time in the right hemisphere and in males. However, sex or hemispheric effects on the distribution of the proportion of variants were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the proportion of concordance of the bilateral hand motor cortex showed an increasing trend with age (P = .006), higher in females than males.

CONCLUSIONS

Various hand motor cortex variants already existed at birth. The distribution of proportions of different variants developmentally varied during the first year after birth and became stable after 1 year of age. The concordance of the bilateral hand motor cortex could be influenced by age and sex.

[Analysis on influencing factors of HBV intrauterine transmission based on integration of decision tree model and logistic regression model]

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of HBV intrauterine transmission and their interaction effects by integrating logistic regression model and Chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) decision tree model. Methods: A total of 689 pairs of HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates in the obstetrics department of the Third People's Hospital of Taiyuan from 2007 to 2013 were enrolled, and the basic information of mothers and their neonates were obtained by questionnaire survey and medical record review, such as the general demographic characteristics, gestational week and delivery mode. HBV DNA and HBV serological markers of the mothers and newborns were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay respectively. The CHAID decision tree model and unconditional logistic regression analysis were used to explore the factors influencing HBV intrauterine transmission in neonates of HBsAg-positive mothers. Results: Among the 689 neonates, the incidence of HBV intrauterine transmission was 11.47% (79/689). After adjusted for confounding factors, the first and second logistic multivariate analysis showed that cesarean delivery was a protective factor for HBV intrauterine transmission (OR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.14-0.43; OR=0.27, 95%CI: 0.15-0.46); both models indicated that maternal HBeAg positivity and HBV DNA load ≥2×10⁵ IU/ml before delivery were risk factors of HBV intrauterine transmission (OR=3.89, 95%CI: 2.32-6.51; OR=3.48, 95%CI: 2.12-5.71), respectively. The CHAID decision tree model screened three significant factors influencing HBV intrauterine transmission, the most significant one was maternal HBeAg status, followed by delivery mode and maternal HBV DNA load. There were interactions between maternal HBeAg status and delivery modes, as well as delivery mode and maternal HBV DNA load before delivery. The rate of HBV intrauterine transmission in newborns of HBeAg-positive mothers by vaginal delivery increased from 19.08% to 29.37%; among HBeAg-positive mothers with HBV DNA ≥2×10⁵ IU/ml, the rate of HBV intrauterine transmission increased to 33.33% in the newborns by vaginal delivery. Conclusions: Maternal HBeAg positivity,maternal HBV DNA ≥2×10⁵ IU/ml and vaginal delivery could be risk factors for HBV intrauterine transmission in newborns. Interaction effects were found between maternal HBeAg positivity and vaginal delivery, as well as vaginal delivery and high maternal HBV DNA load. Logistic regression model and the CHAID decision tree model can be used in conjunction to identify the high-risk populations and develop preventive strategies accurately.

A bimodal burst energy distribution of a repeating fast radio burst source

The event rate, energy distribution and time-domain behaviour of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) contain essential information regarding their physical nature and central engine, which are as yet unknown^1,2. As the first precisely localized source, FRB 121102 (refs. ^3-5) has been extensively observed and shows non-Poisson clustering of bursts over time and a power-law energy distribution^6-8. However, the extent of the energy distribution towards the fainter end was not known. Here we report the detection of 1,652 independent bursts with a peak burst rate of 122 h^-1, in 59.5 hours spanning 47 days. A peak in the isotropic equivalent energy distribution is found to be approximately 4.8 × 10³⁷ erg at 1.25 GHz, below which the detection of bursts is suppressed. The burst energy distribution is bimodal, and well characterized by a combination of a log-normal function and a generalized Cauchy function. The large number of bursts in hour-long spans allows sensitive periodicity searches between 1 ms and 1,000 s. The non-detection of any periodicity or quasi-periodicity poses challenges for models involving a single rotating compact object. The high burst rate also implies that FRBs must be generated with a high radiative efficiency, disfavouring emission mechanisms with large energy requirements or contrived triggering conditions.

[Characteristics of human papillomavirus infection and abnormal cervical cytology in health check-up females in Shenzhen]

Objective: To describe the characteristics of human papillomavirus infection and thinprep cytologic test (TCT) outcome in health check-up females in Shenzhen. Methods: Use cross-sectional design, collect information from data from health check-up females in Shenzhen and describe characteristics of HPV infections screening and TCT outcomes. Results: We collected the data of 75 754 females, 103 508 females and 69 964 females received HPV detection, TCT and combined detection respectively. HPV standardized infection rate was 19.89% (95%CI: 19.45%-20.33%) and showed a "U-shaped" pattern in age distribution. The most prevalent HPV genotypes were 52, 51, 16, 58 and 53. Infection rate was higher for high-risk HPV than low-risk HPV genotype. Single infection was more common than its multiple infection. In addition, 7.48% (95%CI: 7.22%-7.75%) women were TCT positive, of whom 4.58% (95%CI: 4.40%-4.76%), 2.54% (2.40%-2.69%), 0.27% (95%CI: 0.23%-0.31%) had atypical squamous cells, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, respectively. Overall and subtype HPV infection rates increased with severity of abnormal cervical cytology. The most prevalent HPV genotypes were 52, 58 and 16 in women with abnormal cervical cytology. Conclusions: HPV prevalence remains at a high level in Shenzhen. This study suggests that attention should be paid to HPV screening, especially in young, perimenopausal women and in high risk HPV genotype infection. Timely follow-up and cervical cytology screening are required for women with high-risk HPV infection or persistent infection. Future vaccination strategies should take account of prevalent HPV genotype.

Peta-electron volt gamma-ray emission from the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is a bright source of gamma rays powered by the Crab Pulsar's rotational energy through the formation and termination of a relativistic electron-positron wind. We report the detection of gamma rays from this source with energies from 5 × 10^-4 to 1.1 peta-electron volts with a spectrum showing gradual steepening over three energy decades. The ultrahigh-energy photons imply the presence of a peta-electron volt electron accelerator (a pevatron) in the nebula, with an acceleration rate exceeding 15% of the theoretical limit. We constrain the pevatron's size between 0.025 and 0.1 parsecs and the magnetic field to ≈110 microgauss. The production rate of peta-electron volt electrons, 2.5 × 10³⁶ ergs per second, constitutes 0.5% of the pulsar spin-down luminosity, although we cannot exclude a contribution of peta-electron volt protons to the production of the highest-energy gamma rays.

Extended Very-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission Surrounding PSR J0622+3749 Observed by LHAASO-KM2A

We report the discovery of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source around the location of the middle-aged (207.8 kyr) pulsar PSR J0622+3749 with the Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). The source is detected with a significance of 8.2σ for E>25  TeV assuming a Gaussian template. The best-fit location is (right ascension, declination) =(95.47°±0.11°,37.92°±0.09°), and the extension is 0.40°±0.07°. The energy spectrum can be described by a power-law spectrum with an index of -2.92±0.17_{stat}±0.02_{sys}. No clear extended multiwavelength counterpart of the LHAASO source has been found from the radio to sub-TeV bands. The LHAASO observations are consistent with the scenario that VHE electrons escaped from the pulsar, diffused in the interstellar medium, and scattered the interstellar radiation field. If interpreted as the pulsar halo scenario, the diffusion coefficient, inferred for electrons with median energies of ∼160  TeV, is consistent with those obtained from the extended halos around Geminga and Monogem and much smaller than that derived from cosmic ray secondaries. The LHAASO discovery of this source thus likely enriches the class of so-called pulsar halos and confirms that high-energy particles generally diffuse very slowly in the disturbed medium around pulsars.

[Prevalence and related factors of CD4+T lymphocytes immune recovery among adult HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture]

Objective: To analyze the longitudinal characteristics of CD4⁺T lymphocytes (CD4) among the adult HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the related factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort of adult HIV/AIDS starting ART in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (Dehong) in 2007-2016 was followed up to December 31, 2018. Group-based trajectory models were utilized to identify CD4 subgroups based on immune recovery (whether and when CD4 reached the average level of >500 cells/μl). The demographics and information at ART baseline were described, and the related factors were analyzed with polytomous logistic regression. The SAS 9.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 7 605 adults with HIV/AIDS were included, of which the median (P₂₅,P₇₅) age at ART were 36 (30,43) years old, 61.0% were male, 42.5% were Han nationality, and 60.8% with the education of primary school or below. The follow-up duration M (P₂₅, P₇₅) was 6.1 (4.1,8.1) years. HIV/AIDS in Dehong showed four CD4 trajectory subgroups from low to high: below the average level, primary recovery to a normal level, full recovery to a moderate level, and normal steady level, accounting for 34.4%, 39.8%, 20.6%, and 5.2%, respectively. When compared with corresponding control groups, age <35 years at ART, female, education of middle school or above, sexual transmission, no opportunistic infection, CD4 ≥200 cells/μl, baseline regimen with tenofovir (TDF) and time from HIV diagnosis to ART <1 year were the related factors facilitating the higher CD4 subgroups. Conclusions: The various CD4 immune recoveries of HIV/AIDS were changing patterns after ART. Starting ART with a high CD4 level was beneficial to CD4 recovery to normal level during the follow-up period. Early initiation of ART and exceptional attention to CD4 immune recovery should be encouraged after the ART.

Ultrahigh-energy photons up to 1.4 petaelectronvolts from 12 γ-ray Galactic sources

The extension of the cosmic-ray spectrum beyond 1 petaelectronvolt (PeV; 10¹⁵ electronvolts) indicates the existence of the so-called PeVatrons-cosmic-ray factories that accelerate particles to PeV energies. We need to locate and identify such objects to find the origin of Galactic cosmic rays¹. The principal signature of both electron and proton PeVatrons is ultrahigh-energy (exceeding 100 TeV) γ radiation. Evidence of the presence of a proton PeVatron has been found in the Galactic Centre, according to the detection of a hard-spectrum radiation extending to 0.04 PeV (ref. ²). Although γ-rays with energies slightly higher than 0.1 PeV have been reported from a few objects in the Galactic plane^3-6, unbiased identification and in-depth exploration of PeVatrons requires detection of γ-rays with energies well above 0.1 PeV. Here we report the detection of more than 530 photons at energies above 100 teraelectronvolts and up to 1.4 PeV from 12 ultrahigh-energy γ-ray sources with a statistical significance greater than seven standard deviations. Despite having several potential counterparts in their proximity, including pulsar wind nebulae, supernova remnants and star-forming regions, the PeVatrons responsible for the ultrahigh-energy γ-rays have not yet been firmly localized and identified (except for the Crab Nebula), leaving open the origin of these extreme accelerators.

Deep learning analysis of the primary tumour and the prediction of lymph node metastases in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer is a prognostic factor and has implications for the extent of lymph node dissection. The lymphatic drainage of the stomach involves multiple nodal stations with different risks of metastases. The aim of this study was to develop a deep learning system for predicting LNMs in multiple nodal stations based on preoperative CT images in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Preoperative CT images from patients who underwent gastrectomy with lymph node dissection at two medical centres were analysed retrospectively. Using a discovery patient cohort, a system of deep convolutional neural networks was developed to predict pathologically confirmed LNMs at 11 regional nodal stations. To gain understanding about the networks' prediction ability, gradient-weighted class activation mapping for visualization was assessed. The performance was tested in an external cohort of patients by analysis of area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

The discovery and external cohorts included 1172 and 527 patients respectively. The deep learning system demonstrated excellent prediction accuracy in the external validation cohort, with a median AUC of 0·876 (range 0·856-0·893), sensitivity of 0·743 (0·551-0·859) and specificity of 0·936 (0·672-0·966) for 11 nodal stations. The imaging models substantially outperformed clinicopathological variables for predicting LNMs (median AUC 0·652, range 0·571-0·763). By visualizing nearly 19 000 subnetworks, imaging features related to intratumoral heterogeneity and the invasive front were found to be most useful for predicting LNMs.

CONCLUSION

A deep learning system for the prediction of LNMs was developed based on preoperative CT images of gastric cancer. The models require further validation but may be used to inform prognosis and guide individualized surgical treatment.

Unsupervised Performance of the CogState Brief Battery in the Brain Health Registry: Implications for Detecting Cognitive Decline

INTRODUCTION:

The feasibility and validity of unsupervised, longitudinal brief computerized cognitive batteries is unknown.

METHODS:

Participants aged 56–90 (N = 19476) from the Brain Health Registry (BHR) completed the CogState Brief Battery (CBB) at 6-month intervals over a period of 5 years. We used linear mixed-effects models to assess whether cross-sectional and longitudinal performance on CBB within BHR was associated with demographic and cognitive characteristics. We also defined a group of CBB decliners based on subject-specific slopes and estimated associations between decliner status and participant characteristics.

RESULTS:

We found weak associations between longitudinal change in CBB and participant characteristics. Cross-sectional CBB scores were significantly associated with participant characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, self-reported disease status, and memory concern. CBB decliners were more likely to self-report mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and memory concerns.

DISCUSSION:

Cross-sectional, remote CBB shows evidence of construct validity, but our results suggest that longitudinal assessment may not provide additional value for identifying those at risk for and with cognitive impairment.

The in-hospital outcomes of the use of microaxial left ventricular assist device vs intra-aortic ballon pump in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of patients with AMI underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complicated by cardiogenic shock treated with IABP vs MLVAD.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database is the largest inpatient registry in the U.S. We used NIS year 2009–2014 to identify adult patients admitted for AMI, who received PCI and complicated by cardiogenic shock. Based on the use of IABP or MLVAD, the study population was divided into 2 groups. To reduce selection bias, we performed propensity score matching using Kernell method. Patient characteristics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidities were matched. Logistic regression was used for categorical variables including in-hospital mortality, requirement of blood transfusion, sepsis, cardiac arrest and cardiac complications (including iatrogenic complications, hemopericardium, and cardiac tamponade). Poisson regression was used for continuous variables including length of stay and total cost.

Results

A total of 49837 patients were identified. With propensity score match, 34132 patients in IABP group were matched to 1430 patients in MLVAD group. Compared with MLVAD group, the IABP group had lower in-hospital mortality rates (28.29% vs 40.36%, OR 0.58 (0.42–0.81), p=0.002), lower rate of blood transfusion (9.63% vs 11.50%, OR 0.49 (0.27–0.88), p=0.017), and lower cost (47167 vs 70429 USD, p&lt;0.001). IABP and MLVAD group had similar length of stay (8.9 versus 9.3 days, p=0.882), rates of cardiac complication (6.50% vs 7.24%, OR 0.56 (0.26–1.19), p=0.134), rates of sepsis (9.30% vs 14.98%, OR 0.66 (0.38–1.14), p=0.133), and rates of cardiac arrest (37.84% vs 41.05%, OR 0.70 (0.45–1.10), p=0.123).

Conclusion

In patients with AMI underwent PCI and complicated by cardiogenic shock, MLAVD compared with IABP was associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality, requirement of blood transfusion indicating presence of major bleeding complications, and cost, although study interpretation is limited by retrospective observational design. Further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal MCSD in these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Replacing true unenhanced imaging in renal carcinoma with virtual unenhanced images in dual-energy spectral CT: a feasibility study

AIM

To investigate the clinical value of virtual unenhanced (VNC) spectral computed tomography (CT) images to replace the conventional true unenhanced spectral CT images (TNC) in diagnosing renal carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-six cases of renal carcinoma confirmed by histopathology underwent conventional plain CT and contrast-enhanced spectral CT at arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP). VNC images were generated on an AW4.6 workstation. The CT attenuation, image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-noise-ratio (SNR) of the renal lesions and normal kidneys, long and short axis diameters of the lesion were measured from the three image sets and analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Two radiologists evaluated image quality subjectively using a five-point score, and lesion signature using a three-point score. Image quality scores were compared statistically and tested for consistency.

RESULTS

The two reviewers had good agreement for subjective evaluation (Kappa>0.70) and there was no difference in the quality of the scores among the three image groups. The lesion signature scores were all above the acceptable level. The CNR and SNR values in VNC were significantly higher than in TNC (p<0.05). VNC images had lower renal noise than in TNC (p<0.05). There was no difference in the long and short axis diameters of the lesion among the three image groups. VNC had higher CT attenuation values for the lesion and kidney than TNC (p<0.05), but the differences were <5 HU.

CONCLUSION

VNC images in spectral CT may be used to replace the conventional plain CT to reduce imaging duration and radiation dose in diagnosing renal carcinoma.

Laparoscopic evaluation and management of 47 patients with late-onset mesh infection after inguinal hernioplasty

INTRODUCTION

Mesh infection after inguinal hernioplasty can be complicated especially when it is caused by chronic fistula. Explantation of the infected mesh is inevitable when conservative treatment fails and is considered to be the key step toward development of future therapies. Our purpose was to determine the results of laparoscopic exploration and summarize the treatment experience of the late-onset mesh infection.

METHODS

We analyzed 47 patients with late-onset mesh infection treated at our hernia center. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed, and information regarding presentation, approach of previous hernia repair, type of mesh, operative findings, bacteriological examination result, and postoperative complications were obtained. All of the patients underwent laparoscopic exploration to identify the abscess and fistula, further debridement and treatment was performed afterwards according to the exploration results.

RESULTS

All the operative courses were uneventful. Laparoscopy revealed four intestinal fistula and one bladder fistula. Four cases of all underwent debridement and drainage using laparoscopic approach only, and the others were converted to open surgery after laparoscopic exploration to remove the infected mesh. There were two hernia recurrence and nine wound infection during the follow-up period; all the patients had an eventually recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic exploration is an effective and minimally invasive method for managing the late-onset infection which can identify whether internal organ was involved and consult for the further treatment. The approach of mesh removal should be tailored according to the exploration results.

Reducing the incidence of venous air embolism in contrast-enhanced CT angiography using preflushing of the power injector

AIM

To evaluate whether preflushing before connecting a power injector to a patient's catheter reduces the incidence of venous air embolism (VAE) in contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With the approval from the local ethics committee, consecutive patients were divided randomly into a control group and a preflushing group and underwent CTA from June to November 2017. The control group underwent the conventional injection procedure. In the preflushing group, the injector tubes were flushed at high speed (10 ml/s) with saline before being connected to the patients' indwelling catheters. The locations, number, and sizes of VAE were analysed. The difference in the incidence of VAE between the two groups was compared.

RESULTS

A total of 4,900 adults (control/preflushing, 2,190/2,710) were included and 228 (4.65%) patients were found to have 318 VAEs (285 bubbles and 33 gas-liquid plane VAEs). The incidence of VAE in the preflushing group (3.21%) was lower than that in the control group (6.44%); a similar trend was observed for multiple VAEs (p<0.05). VAEs occurred in the following locations from high to low frequency: right atrium>pulmonary artery trunk>superior vena cava>right ventricle>left brachial vein>right brachial vein. There was no significant difference in the location, shape, or diameters (p=0.19) of VAEs between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed preflushing procedure is simple yet effective in reducing the incidence of VAE by 50.16% in patients with CTA, thus improving safety during power injection.

Prospective study of perceived dietary salt intake and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

A high sodium intake is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known regarding whether greater salt intake is a potential risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We thus prospectively investigated whether individuals with higher perceived dietary salt intake had a higher risk of developing NAFLD.

METHODS

The present study included 35 023 participants (22 629 men and 12 394 women) from the Kailuan study who were free of NAFLD at baseline (2006) and who did not drink alcohol at baseline and during follow-up (2006-2014; follow-rate 95.2%). NAFLD was defined as a participant who had been diagnosed with fatty liver at least twice by ultrasound tests conducted every 2 years during follow-up. Dietary salt intake was determined by a self-report question and was classified into three categories: low (<6 g day^-1 ), medium (6-9 g day^-1 ) or high (≥10 g day^-1 ). Cox proportional models were used to estimate the risk of NAFLD, adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, sex, education, physical activity, smoking, income, occupation, marriage, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure, as well as serum concentrations of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride.

RESULTS

During 8 years of follow-up, we identified 5102 incident NAFLD cases. After adjusting for potential confounders, the hazard ratio (95% conference interval) for NAFLD was 1.12 (1.00, 1.26) for medium salt intake and 1.19 (1.02,1.39) for high salt consumption (P trend = 0.03) relative to the low salt consumption group.

CONCLUSIONS

A perceived high salt intake was associated with a higher future risk of NAFLD.

[Clinical characteristics and related factors of somatization symptoms in outpatients with psychiatric disorders of the department of cardiology in general hospitals]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and related factors of somatization symptoms in outpatients with psychiatric disorders of the cardiology department in general hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional survey method was used in this study. From August 2017 to September 2018, 508 outpatients of our department with suspected mental disorders, who complained of physical discomfort and screened by the "Three Questions" method recommended by the Chinese Expert Consensus on Psychological Prescriptions of Cardiovascular Patients in 2014, were consecutively included. General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and self-made general demographic questionnaire (including age, sex, marital status, educational level, occupation, duration of disease, clinical diagnosis and the process of medical treatment for the main somatic symptoms in recent one year) were used to investigate these patients, under the assistance of unified training psychological consultants. The detection rate of anxiety and depression, the degree and distribution of somatization symptoms in outpatients with mental disorders were analyzed, and the related factors affecting the occurrence of somatization symptoms were screened by multivariate logistic regression. Results: The selected patients were (51.3±10.1) years old, of which 37.8% (192/508) were males and 62.2% (316/508) were females. The total detection rate of anxiety/depression was 86.8% (441/508), and the detection rate of somatization symptoms was 93.1% (473/508). The number of positive symptom items in PHQ-15 was 8.0±2.7, and the detection rate of anxiety/depression was 78.6% (372/473) in patients with somatization symptoms. There were significant differences in the proportion of women, the average number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations in the past one year, GAD-7 score and PHQ-9 score among the patients with mild, moderate and severe somatization symptoms (all P<0.05). PHQ-15 score was positively correlated with GAD-7 score (r=0.524 5, P<0.001) and PHQ-9 score (r=0.574 9, P<0.001) in patients with somatization symptoms. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that total scores of PHQ-9 (OR=8.020, 95%CI 3.470-18.930, P<0.001) and GAD-7 (OR=6.526, 95%CI 2.903-13.045, P<0.001) and female (OR=4.440, 95%CI 1.059-9.073, P=0.011) were related factors of somatizations. Conclusions: The incidence of somatization symptoms is high in patients with psychological disorders in outpatients of cardiology department in general hospital. Anxiety, depression and gender are the main related risk factors of somatization symptoms in this patient cohort. Degree of anxiety and depression increased in proportion to the severity of somatization symptoms. Anxiety, depression and female is related to somatization symptoms.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Subpopulations and Their Difference in Cell Biology and Effects on Retinal Degeneration in RCS Rats

BACKGROUND

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are potential candidates for treating retinal degeneration (RD).

OBJECTIVE

To further study the biology and therapeutic effects of the hUC-MSCs on retinal degeneration.

METHODS

Two hUC-MSC subpopulations, termed hUC-MSC1 and hUC-MSC2, were isolated by single-cell cloning method and their therapeutic functions were compared in RCS rat, a RD model.

RESULTS

Although both subsets satisfied the basic requirements for hUC-MSCs, they were significantly different in morphology, proliferation rate, differentiation capacity, phenotype and gene expression. Furthermore, only the smaller, fibroblast-like, faster growing subset hUC-MSC1 displayed stronger colony forming potential as well as adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacities. When the two subsets were respectively transplanted into the subretinal spaces of RCS rats, both subsets survived, but only hUC-MSC1 expressed RPE cell markers Bestrophin and RPE65. More importantly, hUC-MSC1 showed stronger rescue effect on the retinal function as indicated by the higher b-wave amplitude on ERG examination, thicker retinal nuclear layer, and decreased apoptotic photoreceptors. When both subsets were treated with interleukin-6, mimicking the inflammatory environment when the cells were transplanted into the eyes with degenerated retina, hUC-MSC1 expressed much higher levels of trophic factors in comparison with hUC-MSC2.

CONCLUSION

The data here, in addition to prove the heterogeneity of hUC-MSCs, confirmed that the stronger therapeutic effects of hUC-MSC1 were attributed to its stronger anti-apoptotic effect, paracrine of trophic factors and potential RPE cell differentiation capacity. Thus, the subset hUC-MSC1, not the other subset or the ungrouped hUC-MSCs should be used for effective treatment of RD.

[Prognostic value of TIMI and GRACE risk scores for in-hospital mortality in Chinese patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) and global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) risk scores for in-hospital mortality in Chinese non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Methods: Data of present study derived from the prospective, multi-center registry trial of Chinese AMI (CAMI). Among 31 provinces, municipalities or autonomous districts in China, at least one tertiary and secondary hospital was selected. From January 2013 to September 2014, 5 896 consecutive non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients who were admitted to 107 hospitals within 7 days of symptom onset were enrolled. For each patient, TIMI and GRACE risk scores were calculated using specific variables collected at admission. Their prognostic value was evaluated by the endpoint of in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 5 896 NSTEMI patients (age was (65.4±12.1) years old), 68.2% (n=4 020) were males. The in-hospital mortality was 6.0% (n=353) and the median length of hospital stay was 10.0 (7.0, 13.0) days. The incidence of pre-hospital cardiac arrest was 3.6% (n=213) among 5 896 NSTEMI patients. Six hundreds and forty five patients (10.9%) received primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and 6 patients underwent emergent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (0.1%), and the median time of reperfusion was 529.5 (256.0, 1 065.0) minutes. The prescription percentage of statins, β-blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers, and aldosterone antagonists were 94.8% (n=5 587), 71.7% (n=4 228), 65.5% (n=3 864) and 26.0% (n=1 533) respectively. The area under the curve of GRACE risk score for in-hospital mortality (0.7930 (95%CI 0.767-0.818)) was better than that of TIMI risk score (0.5588 (95%CI 0.532-0.586), P<0.001). Conclusion: GRACE risk score demonstrates better predictive accuracy than TIMI risk score for in-hospital mortality in NSTEMI patients in this patient cohort.

[Comparison of commercial HIV-1 viral load tests by using proficiency test results in China, 2013- 2015]

Objective: To compare the bio-equivalence among commercial HIV-1 viral load tests, including EasyQ HIV-1 v2.0 (EasyQ) from bioMerieux NucliSens of France; VERSANT HIV-1 RNA 3.0 assay (bDNA) from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics of USA; COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 test (Taqman) from Roche Molecular Diagnosis of USA; Abbott Real Time HIV-1 Kit (M2000) from Abbott Molecular of USA and two domestic HIV-1 viral load test kits (domestic kit) from DaAn Gene Company of Sun Yat-Sen University and Liaoning Bio-Pharmaceutical company of Northeast pharmaceutical group, by using proficiency test results in China from 2013 to 2015. Methods: A total of 2 954 proficiency test results, obtained from 22 positive samples of 6 proficiency tests in 155 laboratories conducted by China CDC were analyzed during 2013-2015. The results from each sample were first logarithmic transformed and then grouped according to the method used, the mean value of logarithmic results was calculated. Subsequently, 22 clusters of mean values were analyzed by Bland-Altman analysis for the consistency, and linear regression analysis for the interdependency. Results: The results indicated that, by taking Taqman as the reference, EasyQ, M2000, bDNA and domestic kit had good consistency (90%-100%) and interdependency. Conclusion: All the viral load tests were bio-equivalent. Moreover, according to the conversion formula derived from domestic proficiency test results, all the viral load results could be converted, which is critical for epidemiological analysis.