[Healing effect of photodynamic therapy on extraction sockets of periodontally compromised teeth: a randomized, controlled, superiority clinical trial]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in extraction sockets of periodontally compromised molars on soft tissue healing, postoperative pain, bone density and bone height changes. Methods: This study is a single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled superiority clinical trial. Thirty-eight periodontally compromised molars requiring extraction in patients attending the Department of Periodontology, Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from December 2022 to September 2023 were included, and randomly assigned to PDT group and control group. The control group received routine debridement after extraction, while PDT group received routine debridement followed by PDT. The bucco-lingual and mesio-distal wound distances at 7 and 14 d after extraction were measured, and then the wound closure rates were calculated. Evaluating the soft tissue healing indexes at 7 and 14 d after extraction. The visual analogue scale was used to assess the pain level at 6 h, 1 d, 2 d, and 3 d after tooth extraction. Apical radiographs were taken immediately and 2 months after extraction in order to compare the changes of the bone density and height. Results: The wound closure rate at 1 week was (78.08±5.45)% in PDT group and (71.03±6.82)% in control group, with significant differences (P<0.01). The wound closure rate at 2 weeks in PDT group [(85.88±3.84) %] was significantly higher than that in the control group [(81.66±3.79) %] (P<0.01), but did not reach the superiority value of the superiority test (superiority value=10%, 95%CI at 1 week: 3.00%-11.12%, 95%CI at 2 weeks: 1.71%-6.73%). The soft tissue healing index of PDT group at 1 week was significantly better than the control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at 2 weeks (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative pain at 6 h, 1 d, 2 d and 3 d as well as in bone density and height changes at 2 months after tooth extraction (P>0.05). Conclusions: PDT could promote soft tissues healing to some extent, but did not provide additional assistance in the healing of extraction sockets of periodontally compromised teeth. PDT did not show benefits on postoperative pain, changes of the bone density and bone height after tooth extraction.

Circular olefin copolymers made de novo from ethylene and α-olefins

Ethylene/α-olefin copolymers are produced in huge scale and widely used, but their after-use disposal has caused plastic pollution problems. Their chemical inertness made chemical re/upcycling difficult. Ideally, PE materials should be made de novo to have a circular closed-loop lifecycle. However, synthesis of circular ethylene/α-olefin copolymers, including high-volume, linear low-density PE as well as high-value olefin elastomers and block copolymers, presents a particular challenge due to difficulties in introducing branches while simultaneously installing chemical recyclability and directly using industrial ethylene and α-olefin feedstocks. Here we show that coupling of industrial coordination copolymerization of ethylene and α-olefins with a designed functionalized chain-transfer agent, followed by modular assembly of the resulting AB telechelic polyolefin building blocks by polycondensation, affords a series of ester-linked PE-based copolymers. These new materials not only retain thermomechanical properties of PE-based materials but also exhibit full chemical circularity via simple transesterification and markedly enhanced adhesion to polar surfaces.

Precise selection of bone conduction hearing devices for congenital malformation of the middle and outer ear (CMMOE)

Background: No selection criteria for the four bone conduction hearing devices yet.Aims/Objectives: To compare effectiveness of four bone conduction hearing devices in patients with bilateral Congenital Malformation of the Middle and Outer Ear (CMMOE).Material and Methods: 24 Patients (25 ears) were divided into five groups: 1) Bone Anchored Hearing Aid softband (BAHA-s), 2) BAHA implant (BAHA-i nested within group 1), 3) Vibration Sound Bridge implant (VSB-i), 4) Bone Bridge implant (BB-i), and 5) Bone Conduction Hearing Aid softband (BCHA-s). One patient implanted VSB and BB. Auditory parameters were compared: 1. Communication, 2. Average Air Conduction Thresholds (ACT) of pure tone, 3. Sentence Recognition Scores in quiet (SRS-q) and noisy (SRS-n) settings. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to compare the differences in ACT and SRS-q/n among the groups, a statistical significance level of P < 0.05 was applied.Results: After hearing aid usage, all 24 patients (25 ears) reached or approached the normal in communication (i.e. from difficult to smooth), average ACT and SRS-q/SRS-n (no difference among groups, p > 0 .05). However, there was the difference in the optimal frequency of ACT and the absolute value of SRS-q/SRS-n for VSB/BAHA implants was higher than that for BB and BAHA softband.Conclusions and Significance: The precise selection of the four hearing devices mainly depends on patient's hearing level, the optimal frequency of ACT and absolute values of SRS-q/SRS-n.

[To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.

Multicenter evaluation of a simple and sensitive nucleic acid self-testing for SARS-CoV-2

A rapid and accurate COVID-19 diagnosis is a prerequisite for blocking the source of infection as soon as possible and taking the appropriate medical action. Herein, we developed GeneClick, a device for nucleic acid self-testing of SARS-CoV-2, consisting of three modules: a sampling kit, a microfluidic chip-based disposable cartridge, and an amplification reader. In addition, we evaluated the clinical performance of GeneClick using 2162 nasal swabs collected at three medical institutions, using three commercial RT-qPCR kits and an antigen self-test as references. Compared to RT-qPCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the GeneClick assay were 97.93% and 99.72%, respectively, with a kappa value of 0.979 (P ​< ​0.01). Of the 2162 samples, 2076 were also tested for SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Among the 314 positive samples identified by GeneClick assay, 63 samples were undetected by antigen tests. Overall, the GeneClick nucleic acid self-test demonstrated higher accuracy than the antigen-based detection. Based on the additional features, including simple operation, affordable price, portable device, and reliability of smartphone APP-driven sampling and result reporting, GeneClick offers a powerful tool for field-based SARS-CoV-2 detection in primary healthcare institutions or at-home use.

[Investigation and influencing factors on pelvic floor muscle strength of 929 adult females in gynecological outpatient department]

Objective: To investigate the present situation of pelvic floor muscle strength, and to analyze the factors affecting pelvic floor muscle strength. Methods: The data of patients who were admitted into the general outpatient department of gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital from October 2021 to April 2022 were collected, and the patients who met the exclusion criteria were included in this cross sectional study. The patient's age, height, weight, education level, defecation way and defecation time, birth history, maximum newborn birth weight, occupational physical activity, sedentary time, menopause, family history and disease history were recorded by questionnaire. Morphological indexes such as waist circumference, abdomen circumference and hip circumference were measured with tape measure. Handgrip strength level was measured with grip strength instrument. After performing routine gynecological examinations, the pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated by palpation with modified Oxford grading scale (MOS). MOS grade>3 was taken as normal group and ≤3 as decreased group. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the related factors of deceased pelvic floor muscle strength. Results: A total of 929 patients were included in the study, and the average MOS grade was 2.8±1.2. By univariate analysis, birth history, menopausal time, defecation time, handgrip strength level, waist circumference and abdominal circumference were related to the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength (all P<0.05). By binary logistic regression analysis, the level of handgrip strength (OR=0.913, 95%CI: 0.883-0.945; P<0.001) was correlated with normal pelvic floor muscle strength; waist circumference (OR=1.025, 95%CI: 1.005-1.046; P=0.016), birth history (OR=2.224, 95%CI: 1.570-3.149; P<0.001), sedentary time> 8 hours (OR=2.073, 95%CI: 1.198-3.587; P=0.009) were associated with the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength. Conclusions: The level of handgrip strength is related to the normal pelvic floor muscle strength of females, while the waist circumference, birth history and sedentary time>8 hours are related to the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength of females. In order to prevent the decrease of pelvic floor muscle strength, it is necessary to carry out relevant health education, enhance exercise, improve the overall strength level, reduce daily sedentary time, maintain symmetry, and carry out comprehensive overall intervention to improve pelvic floor muscle function.

[Establishment of a recombined mannose-binding lectin protein-magnetic beads-enriched binding recombinant enzyme-assisted polymerase chain reaction assay for Candida in blood samples]

Objective: To establish a nested recombinant enzyme-assisted polymerase chain reaction (RAP) technique combined with recombined mannose-binding lectin protein (M1 protein)-magnetic beads enrichment for the detection of Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) in blood samples for the early diagnosis of candidemia albicans and candidiemia tropicalis. Methods: The primer probes for highly conserved regions of the internal transcribed spacerregions of C. albicans and C. tropicalis were deigned to establish RAP assays for the detections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis; The sensitivity and reproducibility of nucleic acid tests with gradient dilutions of standard strains and specificity of nucleic acid tests with common clinical pathogens causing bloodstream infection were condcuted. M1 protein-magnetic bead enriched plasma C. albicans and C. tropicalis were used for RAP and PCR in with simulated samples and the results were compared. Results: The sensitivity of the established dual RAP assay was 2.4-2.8 copies/reaction, with higher reproducibility and specificity. M1 protein-magnetic bead enrichment of pathogen combined with the dual RAP assay could complete the detections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in plasma within 4 hours. Fie the pathogen samples at concentration <10 CFU/ml, the number of the samples tested by RAP was higher than that tested by PCR after enrichment. Conclusion: In this study, a dual RAP assay for the detections of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in blood sample was developed, which has the advantages of accuracy, rapidity, and less contaminants and has great potential for rapid detection of Candidemia.

A tridentate phenoxy-phosphine (POP) divalent chromium complex and its reactivities in olefin polymerization

We reported the synthesis and characterization of a Cr(ii) complex based on a tridentate phenoxy-phosphine ligand and studied its reactivities in ethylene and norbornene homopolymerization and ethylene copolymerization with norbornene or 1-octene.

[Cardiovascular events and risk factors in hematological neoplasms patients treated with anthracyclines]

Objective: To explore the incidence and risk factors of cardiovascular events in hematological neoplasms patients treated with anthracyclines in the real world. Methods: A total of 408 patients with lymphoma and leukemia, who were treated with anthracyclines during hospitalization in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2021, were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into cardiovascular event group (n=74) and non-cardiovascular event group (n=334). The primary endpoint was cardiovascular events (arrhythmia, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction etc.) after anthracyclines therapy. The secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-cause death, discontinued chemotherapy due to cardiovascular events. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors of cardiovascular events. Kaplan-Meier was performed to calculate the incidence of all-cause mortality. Results: The mean age was (55.6±14.9) years, and there were 227 male patients (55.6%) in this cohort. The median follow-up time was 45 months. During follow-up, cardiovascular adverse events occurred in 74 patients (18.1%), including 45 heart failure (38 were heart failure with preserved ejection fraction), 30 arrhythmia, 4 acute myocardial infarction and 2 myocarditis/pericarditis. Multivariate regression analysis showed age (OR=1.024, 95%CI 1.003-1.045, P=0.027) and history of hypertension over 10 years (OR=2.328, 95%CI 1.055-5.134, P=0.036) were independent risk factors for the cardiovascular events. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed mortality was significantly higher in cardiovascular event group than in non-cardiovascular event group (47.3% vs. 26.6%, P=0.001). In the cardiovascular event group, chemotherapy was discontinued in 9 cases (12.2%) due to cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death occurred in 7 cases (9.5%). Conclusions: Although heart failure is the main cardiovascular event in lymphoma and leukemia patients post anthracyclines therapy, other cardiovascular events especially arrhythmias are also common. The presence of cardiovascular events is associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in these patients. Age and long-term hypertension are independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in lymphoma and leukemia patients after anthracyclines treatment.

Histiocytoid giant cellulitis-like Sweet syndrome at the site of sternal aspiration: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Giant cellulitis-like Sweet syndrome (SS) is a rare subtype of SS, and reports of the combined histiocytoid type of pathology are scarce. Here, we report a case of SS with distinctive clinical presentations and which was difficult to distinguish from cellulitis. By sharing this case and a discussion of the related literature in detail, we aim to provide clinicians with new insights into the characteristics of histiocytoid giant cellulitis-like (HGC)-SS and the pathogenesis of SS.

CASE SUMMARY

A 52-year-old male was admitted after experiencing progressive fatigue for 1 mo and tongue swelling with pain for 1 d. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and angioneurotic edema of the tongue and floor of the mouth. However, 7 d after examination by sternal aspiration, a violaceous, tender, and swollen nodule developed at the site, with poorly demarcated erythema of the surrounding skin. Considering his profile of risk factors, the diagnosis of cellulitis was made and he was administered broad-spectrum antibiotics. When the lesion continued to worsen and he developed chills and fever, pathogenic and dermatopathological examination led to the diagnosis of HGC-SS. Treatment with prednisone led to the fever being relieved within 24 h and the skin lesion being resolved within 1 wk. The patient refused intensive treatment and was instead given thalidomide, erythropoietin, stanozolol, and supportive care. The prednisone was gradually tapered, with no signs of recurrence, but he died 2 mo later of severe pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

HGC-SS demonstrates unique manifestation. SS and leukemia cutis share cytological origin. Myelofibrosis and SS are adverse prognostic factors for MDS.

Dimeric-(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the EGFR signaling pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most general malignant tumors. The overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a common marker in NSCLC, and it plays an important role in the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. At present, drugs developed with EGFR as a target suffer from drug resistance, so it is necessary to study new compounds for the treatment of NSCLC. The active substance in green tea is EGCG, which has anti-cancer effects. In this study, we synthesized dimeric-(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (prodelphinidin B-4-3,3‴-di-O-gallate, PBOG), and explored the effect of PBOG on lung cancer cells. PBOG can inhibit the proliferation and migration of NCI-H1975 cells, promote cell apoptosis, and inhibit cell cycle progression. In addition, PBOG can bind to the EGFR ectodomain protein and change the secondary structure of the protein. At the same time, PBOG decreases the expression of EGFR and downstream protein phosphorylation. Animal experiments confirmed that PBOG can inhibit tumor growth by inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation. Collectively, our study results show that PBOG may induce a decrease in intracellular phosphorylated EGFR expression by binding to the EGFR ectodomain protein, thereby inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell cycle progression, thus providing a new strategy to treat lung cancer.

[Advances in genome-wide association study of pulmonary arterial hypertension]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease caused by multiple factors, including idiopathic PAH, heritable PAH, disease related PAH etc. Due to the high genetic heterogeneity, clinical characteristics and prognosis of PAH patients vary greatly. At present, the specific pathogenesis of PAH is unclear, and the diagnosis and treatment of PAH remain to be explored. Therefore, the study of genetic susceptibility to PAH is of great significance for understanding the occurrence and development of the disease. With the development of genome-wide association study (GWAS), a large number of genetic variations related to etiology, clinical manifestations, prognosis and treatment of PAH have been identified. This review summarizes the recent progress in the application of GWAS in the study of genetic susceptibility of PAH, and provides new insights for further exploration of the development and individualized management of PAH.

[Clinicopathological features of early gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of early gastric cancers after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. Methods: The clinical data of 26 cases of gastric cancer that were diagnosed after H. pylori eradication and 45 cases without H. pylori eradication in the 989 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army (the former 152 Hospital), Pingdingshan, China from 2013 to 2021 were collected. The histological, immunophenotypic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared, and discussed with review of the related literature. Results: Among the gastric cancer patients with H. pylori eradication, there were 20 males and 6 females with a median age of 65 years (range 53 to 77 years). The cancer involved the upper part of the stomach in 12 cases, the middle part of the stomach in 4 cases, and the lower part of the stomach in 10 cases. The median diameter of the tumors was 12 mm (range 4-29 mm). According to the Paris Classification, 4 cases were 0-Ⅱa, 4 cases were 0-Ⅱb, 18 cases were 0-Ⅱc. White light endoscopy showed that the lesions were reddish to yellowish. The lesion boundary was clear in 12 cases and was unclear or gastritis-like changes in 14 cases, while the irregular microvascular structure and microsurface structure, as well as the relatively visible spinous boundary, were visible under narrow-band imaging. There were 20 cases of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, 4 cases of highly to moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, and 2 cases of well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with papillary adenocarcinoma. Compared with gastric cancers without H. pylori eradication, gastric cancers diagnosed after H. pylori eradication was associated with lower nucleus-cytoplasm ratio (<50%), normal epithelial coverage on the cancer surface, mild atypical epithelial coverage on the cancer surface, elongation of non-cancerous glands in the cancer tissue and subepithelial progression of cancerous glands were higher (P<0.05). The cellular immunophenotypes were gastric type in 6 cases, intestinal type in 4 cases and gastrointestinal mixed type in 16 cases. Conclusions: The early gastric cancers diagnosed after H. pylori eradication are more subtle clinically and mostly well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The important morphological features of gastric cancer diagnosed after H. pylori eradication are decreased cytological atypia and overlying normal epithelium or mildly atypical epithelium of the cancer. Understanding and recognizing these morphological features are helpful to make correct endoscopic and pathological diagnoses.

Detection of low-load Epstein-Barr virus in blood samples by enriched recombinase aided amplification assay

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common human γ-herpesvirus, infects more than 90% of adults worldwide. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel EBV detection method by combining the recombinase aided amplification (RAA) assay with an initial enrichment step that utilizes magnetic beads coated with a recombinant human mannan-binding lectin (rhMBL, M1 protein). An M1 protein–protein A magnetic bead complex (M1 beads) was prepared and used to achieve separation and enrichment of EBV from blood. After nucleic acid extraction, DNA was amplified by RAA. Using 388 whole blood samples and 1 serum sample, we explored the specificity, sensitivity and applicability of the newly developed detection method and compared it with commercial quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) following M1 bead enrichment, traditional qPCR and traditional RAA. After enrichment, the positivity rate of EBV was increased from 15.94% to 17.74% by RAA (P < 0.05) and from 7.20% to 15.17% by qPCR (P < 0.05). The viral loads after enrichment were increased by 1.13 to 23.19-fold (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrates that an RAA assay incorporating M1 bead enrichment is a promising tool for detecting low EBV viral loads in blood samples that will facilitate an early response to EBV infection.

The RAA with an enrichment step that utilizes magnetic beads coated with M1 protein.

A very effective method for detecting low-load virus in blood samples.

The first report describing virus detection using this method.

[Establishment and validation of prediction model of new-onset pelvic organ prolapse in early postpartum period]

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to establish the prediction model. Methods: A study was conducted on the prevalence of POP among 2 247 parturient women at 6 weeks postpartum in Peking University People's Hospital from December 2018 to October 2019, and relevant influencing factors were analyzed to construct a prediction model of early postpartum POP using logsitic regression, which was validated internally. Data from November 2019 to December 2019 (403 parturient women) were collected for external validation of the prediction model. In addition, the obstetrical factors affecting the occurrence of early postpartum POP in 885 primiparas with vaginal delivery (from January 2019 to November 2019) were further discussed. Results: A total of 2 247 cases were included in the modeling group, and 403 cases were included in the external validation data set. POP accounted for 24.3% (545/2 247). Age, parity, body mass index before pregnancy, vaginal delivery and newborn birth weight were negative factors for early postpartum POP (all P<0.05). The nomogram was established based on the above factors, and internal and external verification indicated that the model had a good discrimination (C-index were 0.759 and 0.760, respectively). In addition, this study found that age and newborn birth weight were the main causes of early postpartum POP in primiparas with vaginal delivery (P=0.044, P=0.004). Conclusions: The incidence of early postpartum POP is high. The prediction model of POP constructed in this study could be used to guide clinical practice to a certain extent and give corresponding treatment suggestions to pregnant women scientifically, so as to provide theoretical support for primary prevention.

Direct copolymerization of ethylene with protic comonomers enabled by multinuclear Ni catalysts

Ethylene/polar monomer coordination copolymerization offers an attractive way of making functionalized polyolefins. However, ethylene copolymerization with industrially relevant short chain length alkenoic acid remain a big challenge. Here we report the efficient direct copolymerization of ethylene with vinyl acetic acid by tetranuclear nickel complexes. The protic monomer can be extended to acrylic acid, allylacetic acid, ω-alkenoic acid, allyl alcohol, and homoallyl alcohol. Based on X-ray analysis of precatalysts, control experiments, solvent-assisted electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry detection of key catalytic intermediates, and density functional theory studies, we propose a possible mechanistic scenario that involves a distinctive vinyl acetic acid enchainment enabled by Ni···Ni synergistic effects. Inspired by the mechanistic insights, binuclear nickel catalysts are designed and proved much more efficient for the copolymerization of ethylene with vinyl acetic acid or acrylic acid, achieving the highest turnover frequencies so far for both ethylene and polar monomers simultaneously.

Long-Term Effect of Early Post-operative Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation on Voiding Function After Radical Hysterectomy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Introduction: Post-radical-hysterectomy (RH) patients suffer from a series of problems resulting from neurovascular injury, such as bladder dysfunction, which reduce their quality of life. We have designed this study to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) on patient rehabilitation after RH for early cervical cancer.

Materials and methods: A total of 97 patients were enrolled in a randomized-controlled trial (from January 2015 to December 2019) involving 7 medical centers nationwide. Patients were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 46), or the control group (n = 51). TENS was given to patients in the intervention group from the 7^th day after surgery for a total of 14–21 days. The control group received no TENS. Primary outcomes were measured for residual urine volume and recovery of urination function. Secondary outcomes were measures for urodynamics (UDS), pelvic floor electromyography function examination (PFEmF), and quality of life (QoL).

Results: Residual urine volume and improvement in the rate of urination were found to show no significant differences on the 14^th, 21^st, and 28^th days after surgery. The maximum flow rate (Qmax) in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group on the 28^th day, but there were no significant differences in average flow rate, voiding time, time to Qmax, muscle fiber strength, muscle fiber fatigue, and the abnormal rate of A3 reflection on the 28^th day and the 3^rd mo., as well as in the QoL at 3^rd mo., 6^th mo., and 12^th mo. after surgery.

Conclusion: Our study showed no sufficient evidence to prove that TENS under the trialed parameters could improve the subject's voiding function, PFEmF, and QOL after RH. This has provided valuable data for rehabilitation after RH.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02492542.

High accuracy measurement of the ground-state hyperfine splitting in a 113Cd+ microwave clock: erratum

We present an erratum to our Letter [Opt. Lett.40, 4249 (2015)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.40.004249]. This erratum corrects the nuclear Lande factor gI in Eq. (2). After correcting the error, the final ground-state hyperfine splitting frequency of the ¹¹³Cd⁺ ion is determined to be 15199862855.0287(10) Hz.

The association of myopia progression with the morphological changes of optic disc and β-peripapillary atrophy in primary school students

PURPOSE

To study the association of myopia progression with the morphological changes of optic disc and β-peripapillary atrophy (β-PPA) in 8-11 years old primary school students.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, school-based investigation. This study included 610 children (1008 eyes) who were continuously observed and had data available from 2016 to 2017 in the Sanhe Cohort Study of the Risk Factors for Myopia (SCSRFM). The children underwent a comprehensive eye examination including measurement of visual acuity, autorefractometry, and posterior segment of the eye. β-PPA regions and optic disc ovality index were identified and measured on the fundus photographs.

RESULTS

The prevalence of myopia was 72.62% (732/1008) in 2016. In myopic children, the prevalence of the vertical β-PPA, the horizontal β-PPA, and the oval optic disc were 75.68% (554/732), 75.96% (556/732) and, 11.61% (85/732) respectively. From 2016 to 2017, with the progression of vertical β-PPA, horizontal β-PPA, area of β-PPA, and optic disc ovality index, the myopic diopter and the axial length (AL) were increased. The progression of horizontal β-PPA was significantly correlated with the progression of myopic diopter and AL (all p < 0.05). The analysis on the distribution of progression rate of parameters in different groups found that the progression rate of horizontal β-PPA, area of β-PPA, and optic disc ovality index increased with the increase of the progression of diopter and AL. The progression of horizontal β-PPA, area of β-PPA, optic disc ovality index, and diopter in girls were greater than that in boys, and the progression of optic disc ovality index and diopter had a statistical significance (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-year follow-up study of the third-grade primary school students showed that with the progression of myopia and the growth of AL, β-PPA and optic disc ovality index also changed. There was a positive correlation between the change of β-PPA and optic disc ovality index and the progression of myopia diopter and AL.

Synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of novel dendrocandin analogue as potential anti-tumor agent

Dendrocandins are characteristic chemical structures of D. officinale and have strong physiological bioactivities. In this study, a dendrocandin analogue (1) has been prepared by total synthesis (9 steps, 12.6% overall yield) in which coupling reaction and Wittig reaction as the key steps. Compound 1 was also evaluated for its anticancer activity in vitro against six human cancer cells (MCF-7, A549, A431, SW480, HepG-2 and HL-60) using MTT assays. Compound 1 showed potent cytotoxicity, with the IC50 value 16.27 ± 0.26 µM. The expression levels of apoptotic proteins indicated that compound 1 can up-regulate the expression of apoptotic proteins, leading to apoptosis. This compound suggested that it's potential as anticancer agent for further development.

Highly branched polymethacrylates prepared efficiently: brancher-directed topology and application performance

A series of highly oil-soluble and branched polymethacrylates are prepared via ATRcP of 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and divinyl brancher with high efficiency, focusing on the brancher effect on the structure-performance of the polymers.

[Changes and clinical significance of peripheral blood CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients]

Objective: To investigate the expression of CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with clinical indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 38 patients with RA, and 20 healthy control subjects, RA patients admitted to Peking University people's hospital from May to October 2018, and record the RA patients with the clinical manifestations and laboratory indexes, extraction in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, using flow cytometry to analyse the percentage of CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood, by using the software SPASS20 and Prism6 to analyze its correlation with clinical and laboratory indices. Results: The expression of CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood of RA patients was significantly increased, which was statistically different from that of healthy patients (P<0.05). CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood of RA patients showed significant positive correlation with ESR(r=0.352,P=0.030), CCP(r=0.312,P=0.047) and DAS28(r=0.330,P=0.043), and negatively correlated with C3 (r=-0.354,P=0.046) and C4(r=-0.440,P=0.010).No significant correlation was found in other indicators. In RA patients, there were statistically significant differences in CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells between the low-disease active group and the high-disease active group(P<0.05), but CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells between the low-disease active group and the moderate-disease active group, or between the moderate-disease active group and the high-disease active group had no significant statistical difference. Conclusion: CD8(+)CD25(+)Tcells in peripheral blood of patients with RA are significantlyincreased, and aresignificantly correlated with laboratory and clinical indicators, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Synthesis of novel polyethers with abundant reactive sites and diverse skeletons based on the ring-opening reaction of D–A cyclopropanes

Based on the ring-opening reaction of D–A cyclopropanes, a facile synthesis of novel polyethers is developed with molecular weights up to 17.7 kg mol⁻¹.

[Analysis of influencing factors of ureteral anastomotic stenosis following urinary diversion after laparoscopic radical cystectomy]

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors of ureteroenteric strictures (UES) in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy plus urinary diversion (UD). Method: A total of 412 patients who underwent UD after radical prostatectomy from January 2008 to December 2016 were retrospectively included in this study. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diversion type, time to diagnosis of UES, duration of ureteral stent, postoperative complications, including urinary tract infections, ureteroenteric leakage and UES were collected. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe time to developing UES. Prognostic factors of UES were analyzed using COX proportional hazard regression model. Result: Median follow-up time was 37 (IQR 17-120) months. A total of 59 patients (70 sides) developed UES, including 34 cases on the left side, 14 cases on the right side and 11 cases on both sides, following UD after radical cystectomy. The median time to diagnosis of UES was 7 (IQR 4-11) months. The total incidence of UES was 14.3%. The incidence of UES was 10.9%, 13.3% and 14.1% at 1, 3 and 5 years after UD, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis demonstrated that BMI≥25kg·m(-2) (P=0.008), ureteroenteric leakage (P=0.001) and urinary tract infections (P=0.037) were the independent risk factors associated with UES following UD after radical cystectomy. Conclusion: The incidence rate of UES following UD after radical cystectomy was relatively high, which occurs more common on the left side. Obese patients, combined with ureteroenteric leakage, urinary tract infection after UD, are more likely to develop into UES.

[Pelvic floor function of 5 143 women in early postpartum stage and analysis on the effect factors]

Objective: To describe the situation of early stage of pelvic floor function and investigate the effect factors in postpartum women. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted, and women who did regular examination and gave birth in Peking University People's Hospital and had an annual pelvic floor examination at 6-12 weeks after delivery from Sep. 2012 to Dec. 2017 were interviewed. General information and pelvic floor electrical physiological indexes were collected and analyzed. Results: Totally 5 143 puerpera were included in the study. The normal strength of type Ⅰ muscle was 52.40% (2 695/5 143) and the normal strength of type Ⅱ muscle was 52.69% (2 710/5 143). The abnormal degree of fatigue of type Ⅰ muscle was 55.84% (2 872/5 143) and the abnormal degree of fatigue of typeⅡmuscle was 27.34% (1 406/5 143). Pelvic floor dynamic pressure was (93±37) cmH(2)O (1 cmH(2)O=0.098 kPa). The incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was 23.49% (1 208/5 143) after delivery and it was as high as 57.58% (95/165) for women who had family history of pelvic floor dysfunction. Family history of pelvic floor dysfunction was the risk factor of the fatigue index of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ muscle (P<0.05). The incidence of SUI was associated with vaginal delivery and age (≥30 years old) and family history of pelvic floor dysfunction (P<0.01). Conclusions: Pelvic floor electrical physiological indicators are reduced in about half of women in early postpartum stage. Age (≥30 years old) and vaginal delivery and family history of pelvic floor dysfunction are the risk factors.

[Role of circulating T follicular helper subsets and T follicular helper effector memory cells in systemic lupus erythematosus]

Objective: To investigate the role of T follicular helper (Tfh) subsets and T follicular helper effector memory (Tfhem) cells in circulation of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and explore their roles in SLE disease activity index as biomarkers. Methods: This study enrolled 64 patients with SLE and 15 healthy controls. In peripheral blood from patients with SLE and health controls, the percentage of Tfhem (CD3(+)CD4(+)CD45RA(-)CXCR5(+)CCR7(low)PD-1(high)) cells, Tfh (CD3(+)CD4(+)CD127(high)CD25(l)ow CD45RA(-)CXCR5(+)) subset: Tfh1 (CXCR3(+)CCR6(-)Tfh), Tfh2 (CXCR3(-)CCR6(+) Tfh), Tfh17 (CXCR3(-)CCR6(+) Tfh), were detected by flow cytometry. The correlations of Tfhem/Tfh subsets with clinical indicators which we collected were analyzed. Results: The percentage of Tfhem was significantly increased in SLE patients compare to health controls (1.40±1.12 vs 0.51±0.24, P<0.000 1), and it was also correlated with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) (P=0.015 3) and anti-dsDNA antibody (P=0.003 1), but not with complement C3 (C3), complement C4 (C4), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C reaction protein (CRP). In addition, the percentage of Tfh2, but not Tfh1 or Tfh17, was significantly increased in SLE patients compare to health controls (3.83±2.74 vs 2.18±1.07, P=0.000 4). As compared to anti-dsDNA antibody<25 group, the percentage of Tfh2 in anti-dsDNA antibody>25 group was increased with no significant statistical difference (4.33±3.20 vs 3.70±1.070, P=0.069 6). Conclusion: Our investigation show that Tfhem is associated with SLEDAI and it is a valuable evaluation biomarker for disease process and treatment. Meanwhile Tfhem is also associated with anti-dsDNA antibody, and it plays an important role in autoantibody production in SLE pathogenesis. Tfhem may be a good therapeutic target in SLE. For the meantime, the percentage of Tfh2 is significantly increased in SLE patients, and it had certain correlation with anti-dsDNA antibody, it might be involved in the development of SLE.

[The role of PDK1 in the transition of endothelial to hematopoietic cells]

目的

研究磷酸肌醇依赖性激酶1（PDK1）在内皮细胞向造血细胞转化阶段对造血干细胞（HSC）发生的影响。

方法

应用Vec-Cre在内皮细胞中特异性敲除PDK1基因，取对照组PDK1^fl/fl、PDK1^fl/+小鼠及敲除组Vec-Cre；PDK1^fl/fl小鼠胚胎的主动脉-性腺-中肾区（AGM区）细胞进行集落形成实验，检测PDK1基因对造血祖细胞功能的影响；取对照组和敲除组AGM区细胞行移植实验，检测PDK1对HSC功能的影响；取对照组和敲除组AGM区细胞，通过流式细胞术检测PDK1对能够向造血转化的CD31⁺c-Kit^high细胞群比例、细胞周期及细胞凋亡的影响；分选对照组和敲除组AGM区CD31⁺c-Kit^high细胞群，通过Real-time PCR检测PDK1对内皮向造血转换相关的转录因子（RUNX1、P2-RUNX1、GATA2）的影响。

结果

PDK1敲除后，造血祖细胞形成的克隆形态变小，数目减少[敲除组CFU-GM为（24±5）个/ee，对照组为（62±1）个/ee，P=0.001]；破坏了造血干细胞重建造血及多向分化的能力（敲除组移植5只，0只重建，对照组移植7只，5只重建，P=0.001）；AGM区CD31⁺c-Kit^high比例降低[敲除组CD31⁺c-Kit^high比例为（0.145±0.017）%，对照组比例为（0.385±0.04）%，P=0.001]；并且AGM区由内皮细胞向造血细胞转换的关键转录因子表达下降，但对CD31⁺c-Kit^high细胞的增殖和凋亡无明显影响。

结论

在内皮细胞中特异敲除PDK1基因，导致具有向造血转化的内皮细胞群比例降低，影响了HSC的发生，破坏了HSC重建造血的能力。

Use of body composition measurements to guide the assessment of dry weight in anuric dialysis patients: improvements in blood pressure control

Purpose

Fluid management using a body composition monitor (BCM) based on bioimpedance spectroscopy has been found to be beneficial for maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Our purpose was to provide a management procedure for the adjustment of post-dialysis overhydration (OH_post) and to evaluate whether this approach could improve blood pressure.

Methods

Post-dialysis fluid status was assessed weekly using the BCM. The reference value of OH_post and the flow procedure for post-dialysis target weight (PDTW) adjustment were established via measurements of OH_post in 60 normotensive MHD patients. In the interventional study, we adjusted the PDTW of hypertensive patients to the optimal OH_post range, with a 0.2–0.5 kg change in PDTW per week.

Results

This observational study included 130 anuric MHD patients, of whom 60 were in the pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure (sBP_pre) < 140 mmHg group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that only OH_post was significantly associated with sBP_pre ≥ 140 mmHg (odds ratio = 2.293, p = 0.000). Patients in the OH_post < −1.8 L group were mainly male and younger, and had higher post-dialysis diastolic blood pressure, ultrafiltration volume, levels of nutrition markers (serum albumin and creatinine), body mass index, and lean tissue index (LTI). On multiple stepwise regression analysis, only the change in LTI was found to be an independent predictor of OH_post [R² 0.208, β = −0.196, 95% CI (−0.296, −0.095), p < 0.001]. The reference value of OH_post was found to deviate by − 2.5–0.5 L from that of normotensive patients. At the end of the study, the systolic blood pressure of 38 patients was less than 140 mmHg after PDTW adjustment. The changes in OH_post from the initial to last adjustment were significant (t = 5.431, p <  0.001), with a substantial decrease in the sBP_pre (t = 11.208, p <  0.001).

Conclusions

Assessment of OH_post and LTI using a BCM with a patient-specific optimal PDTW adjustment flow can lead to significantly better control of hypertension in anuric MHD patients.

•

Post-dialysis overhydration is associated with hypertension in anuric hemodialysis patients.

•

Lean tissue index is an independent predictor of post-dialysis overhydration.

•

Post-dialysis overhydration and lean tissue index are the main parameters used for post-dialysis target weight adjustment.

•

Most patients can have normal blood pressure after dry weight adjustment.

[Comparison of perioperative conditions between total and partial colpocleisis for elderly patients suffered from severe pelvic organ prolapse]

Objective: To study perioperative period conditions of total and partial colpocleisis with severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly patients. Methods: From Jan. 2014 to Oct. 2017 286 severe POP elderly patients underwent total or partial colpocleisis. The mean age was (76.0±5.1) years (60-90 years) . Of which, 220 patients (76.9%, 220/286) presented more than one kind of medical disease. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay after surgery, postoperative complications, preoperative urinary dysuria symptoms of total and partial colpocleisis in treatment of 286 patients were analyzed. Results: In 286 patients, 172 patients (60.1%) underwent total colpocleisis and 114 patients (39.9%) underwent partial colpocleisis. Totally 48 patients (16.8%) in 286 patients underwent anti-urinary incontinence procedure. The mean operating time of 286 patients was (67±22) minutes,the mean blood loss was (52± 57) ml, the mean hospital stay after surgery was (5.9±1.9) days (2-16 days) . The rate of postoperative complications was 8.7% (25/286) . Those complications including 1 case of bladder injury during operation, 3 cases of postoperative pelvic hematoma, 1 case of intestinal obstruction, 5 cases of atrial fibrillation, 10 cases of postoperative morbidity, 3 cases of pulmonary embolism, 1 case of lower limb thrombosis, 1 case of urinary retention underwent electrical stimulation treatment because of ineffective application of urinary retention catheter. The mean operating time was (67±22) minutes in total colpocleisis and (68±20) minutes in partial colpocleisis (P>0.05) , the mean blood loss was (58±62) ml in total colpocleisis and (41±45) ml in partial colpocleisis (P>0.05) , the mean hospital stay after surgery was (5.9±1.9) days in total colpocleisis and (6.0±1.8) days in partial colpocleisis (P>0.05) , the rate of post operative complications was 8.1%(14/172) in total colpocleisis and 9.6% (11/114) in partial colpocleisis (P>0.05) , respectively; those four of comparisons showed no significant difference. There were 129 patients (45.1%, 129/286) with voiding difficulty before surgery; the mean postvoid residual volumes of the above two operation types of people after operation were (35±43) and (34±41) ml, which showed no significant difference (P>0.05) . Conclusions: Colpocleisis is a safe and effective management in selected elderly patients with severe POP, who no longer desire to maintain vaginal coital function. There is no significant difference in the perioperative period conditions between total and partial colpocleisis. The choice of surgical procedure is based on factors such as the presence or absence of malignancy in the uterus, age and willingness of the patient, and general condition.

An efficient and mild route to highly fluorinated polyolefins via copolymerization of ethylene and 5-perfluoroalkylnorbornenes

Highly efficient copolymerization of ethylene/5-(perfluoro-n-alkyl)norbornenes has been realized for the synthesis of fluorinated COC for the first time.

[Effects of integrin metalloproteinases on osteogenic differentiation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 9, 15 and 17 on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs).

METHODS

BMMSCs of ADAM9, ADAM15, ADAM17 conditional knockout mice and wild type mice (WT) were induced and cultured. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured by colorimetry, early osteogenic transcription factors Runx and Osterix were detected by Real-time PCR, and mineral formation was analyzed by alizarin red staining.

RESULTS

ALP activity was lower in ADAM9 group (8.08±0.34), ADAM15 group (6.46±3.40), ADAM17 group (9.30±2.30) than that in WT group (9.44±2.50), but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Stimulated with bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2),there was significant difference (P<0.05) between ADAM9 group (14.22±3.25), ADAM15 group (10.14±2.40) and WT group (20.89±3.40), and ADAM 17 group (23.56±2.50) was higher than WT group (20.89±3.40), but no significant difference (P>0.05). Similarly, cultured by osteogenic induction medium (OST), compared with WT group (12.97±1.30), ADAM9 group (9.63±1.00) and ADAM15 group (7.75±1.30) were lower, ADAM17 group (20.09±1.68) was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Using stimulated culture by BMP2 and OST combined, ADAM9 group (15.75±1.30), ADAM 15 group (12.43±1.30) were less than WT group (26.15 ±1.50), while ADAM17 group (29.55±2.10) was higher than WT group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression of Runx2 in ADAM9 group (2.02±0.24), ADAM15 group (3.09±0.19), ADAM17 group (3.89±0.91) had no significant difference compared with WT (2.02±0.21) group (P>0.05). ADAM9 group stimulated by BMP2 (7.00±0.23), ADAM15 group (6.04±0.23) were lower than WT group (12.6±0.23), ADAM17 group (18.52±1.39) was higher than WT group (12.6±0.23), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In non-stimulating culture, there was no significant difference in Osterix expression between ADAM9 group (9.60±3.87), ADAM17 group (12.40±3.00) and WT group (10.9±1.10, P>0.05), but in ADAM15 group (6.50±1.51) it was slightly lower than that in WT group (P<0.05). After BMP2 stimulation, ADAM9 group (39.20±3.23) and ADAM15 group (20.50±4.80) were less than WT group (60.30±5.93), while ADAM17 group (80.20±3.30) was higher than WT group (P<0.05). Alizarin red staining showed no obvious orange-red mass in the non-induction group. Local calcified nodules could be seen in the BMP2, OST, OST + BMP2 induction culture conditions in all the experimental groups, but there was no significant difference in quantitative analysis (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

ADAM9, 15, 17 took part in the osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs, and provided new targets for its regulation.

[Clinical significance of detection of soluble interleukin 2 receptor alpha chain in the assessment of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain (sIL-2Rα, sCD25) in serum for the determination of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected from 108 patients with RA, 39 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 50 healthy control subjects, and synovial fluids were from 40 patients with RA. The sera from the patients with RA, the disease control group (osteoarthritis), the healthy control group, and the synovial fluids of the RA patients were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of the patients with RA were recorded and the correlation with the serum sCD25 level was analyzed.

RESULTS

The serum sCD25 concentration in RA group was (2 886±1 333) ng/L, the serum sCD25 concentration in OA group was (2 090±718) ng/L, and the serum sCD25 concentration in healthy group was (1 768±753) ng/L. The serum sCD25 level in the patients with RA was significantly higher than that in the disease controls and healthy controls (P<0.001). Sensitivity of serum sCD25 in the diagnosis of RA was 66.1% and specificity was 83.0%;serum sCD25 levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r=0.321, P=0.001), C-reactive protein (r=0.446, P<0.001), DAS28 score (r=0.324, P<0.001), joint tenderness count (r=0.203, P=0.024), D-dimer levels (r=0.383, P<0.001), age (r=0.24, P=0.007), IgG (r=0.207, P=0.028), HRF-IgG (r=0.345, P=0.034) showed a significant positive correlation, and disease duration (r=-0.206, P=0.021) showed a negative correlation with sCD25;In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the positive rates of serum ESR, CRP, and sCD25 were 14.3% (2 cases), 14.3% (2 cases), and 71.4% (10 cases) in the low disease activity group. The positive rates of serum ESR, CRP and sCD25 in the moderate disease activity group were 94.2% (49 cases), 82.7% (43 cases), and 86.5% (45 cases). The positive rates of serum ESR, CRP, and sCD25 in the high disease activity group were 100% (42 cases), 95.2% (40 cases), and 90.5% (38 cases);36 cases of ESR and/or CRP were negative (about 33.3%) in 108 patients, serum sCD5 levels of 17 cases in these 36 cases (about 47.2%)increased, of which 14 cases (about 82.4%) had a DAS28 score higher than 3.2.

CONCLUSION

The serum sCD25 has a high specificity for diagnosis of RA and a poor sensitivity. The serum level is closely related to the activity of RA, indicating that sCD25 may be involved in the inflammatory process of RA and may become a new inflammatory marker of RA. It is more meaningful for detection of serum sCD25 when RA is active, but ESR and/or CRP is negative.