[Cost-effectiveness of pharmaceutical smoking cessation intervention in China primary cancer prevention]

Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of typical pharmaceutical smoking cessation intervention strategies in China in the context of primary cancer prevention. Methods: Markov cohort simulation models were established to simulate the burden of 12 smoking caused cancer, including lung cancer, oral cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. Taking incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) as the main indicator, the model sets one year as the cycling period for 50 periods and simulates the cohort of 10 000 thirty-five-year-old current smokers with various smoking cessation strategies. To ensure the robustness of conclusion, univariate sensitivity analysis, probability sensitivity analysis, and age-group sensitivity analysis were conducted. Results: The results showed that varenicline intervention was the most cost-effective intervention. Compared to the next most effective option, incremental cost of each additional quality-adjusted life year is 11 140.28 yuan, which is below the threshold of willingness to pay (1 year GDP per capita). The value of ICER increased as the increasing age group of adopting intervention, but neither exceeded the threshold of willingness to pay. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the value of discount rate, the hazard ratio and cost of intervention strategy had a greater impact on the result of ICER. Conclusion: In China, the use of varenicline to quit smoking is highly cost effective in the context of cancer primary prevention, especially for younger smokers.

[Overview of design and construction of hypertensive disorders of a pregnancy-cohort in Shenzhen]

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) involves two major public health issues: mother-infant safety and prevention and controlling major chronic disease. HDP poses a serious threat to maternal and neonatal safety, and it is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as an important risk factor for long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD). In order to explore effective strategies to prevent and control the source of CVD and reduce its risk, we have established a cohort of HDPs in Shenzhen for the primordial prevention of CVD. The construction of the HDP cohort has already achieved preliminary progress till now. A total of 2 239 HDP women have been recruited in the HDP cohort. We have established a cohort data management platform and Biobank. The follow-up and assessment of postpartum cardiovascular metabolic risk in this cohort has also been launched. Our efforts will help explore the pathophysiological mechanism of HDP, especially the pathogenesis and precision phenotyping, prediction, and prevention of pre-eclampsia, which, therefore, may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and provide a bridge to linking HDP and maternal-neonatal cardiovascular, metabolic risk to promote the cardiovascular health of mothers and their infants.

[Epidemiological characteristics of reinfection of 2019-nCoV and influencing factors in Ningbo]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of reinfection of 2019-nCoV and influencing factors, and provide evidence for effective prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: The incidence data of COVID-19 in Ningbo from January 1, 2020 to November 30, 2022 were collected from the infectious disease surveillance system of Chinese information system for disease control and prevention. The incidence of reinfection of 2019-nCoV was investigated by using questionnaire. logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influences of gender, age, time interval from the first infection, history of underlying disease, 2019-nCoV vaccination dose and disease severity on the reinfection. Results: A total of 897 previous 2019-nCoV infection cases were investigated, of which 115 experienced the reinfection of 2019-nCoV, the reinfection rate was 12.82%. The interval between the two infections M(Q1, Q3) was 1 052 (504, 1 056) days. Univariate analysis showed that age, 2019-nCoV vaccination dose, history of underlying disease, type of 2019-nCoV variant causing the first infection, time interval from the first infection and severity of the first infection were associated with the reinfection rate (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk for reinfection in age group 30- years was higher than that in age group ≥60 years (OR=2.10, 95%CI: 1.11-3.97). No reinfection occurred in those with time interval from the first infection of <6 months, and the risk for reinfection was higher in those with the time interval of ≥12 months than in those with the time interval of 6- months (OR=6.68, 95%CI: 3.46-12.90). The risk for reinfection was higher in the common or mild cases than in the asymptomatic cases (OR=2.64, 95%CI: 1.18-5.88; OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.27-6.11). Conclusion: The time interval from the first infection was an important influencing factor for the reinfection of 2019-nCoV, and the probability of the reinfection within 6 months was low.

Quality improvement of prerigor salted ground chicken breast with basic amino acids at low NaCl level

The prerigor salting effect is known to provide superior meat processing quality. Based on the urgent need for low salt meat products, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the prerigor salting effect when basic amino acids were introduced at 1% NaCl level. Ground chicken breast meat was salted with NaCl and basic amino acids at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min postmortem for prerigor treatments. Compared to the 1% NaCl (w/w) treatment, the introduction of 0.06% basic amino acids (w/w) in the prerigor significantly led to an increase in myofibril fragmentation, myofibrillar protein solubility, emulsion activity, storage modulus change rate, gel water-holding capacity and hardness (P < 0.05). Furthermore, smaller and more uniformly sized droplets were produced in emulsion by basic amino acids. Individual basic amino acids had different prerigor salting effects, and it was indicated that basic amino acids could play a positive role in the prerigor salting effect when NaCl was reduced.

[Influencing factors of futile recanalization after endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions]

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of futile recanalization after endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions (AIS-LVO). Methods: AIS-LVO patients who underwent EVT with successful recanalization between January 2019 and December 2021 in Neurovascular Center of Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University were retrospectively selected. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 3 months after EVT was used as the prognostic evaluation index, and patients with mRS scores≤2 were classified as the meaningful recanalization group and mRS scores 3-6 as the futile recanalization group. The risk factors, National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score, core infarct volume, etc. in both groups were analyzed, and the influencing factors of futile recanalization after EVT were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Continuous variables that do not conform to the normal distribution are represented by [M(Q1,Q3)]. Results: A total of 368 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were collected, including 228 males and 140 females, and aged 68 (61, 77) years. There are 196 patients and 172 patients in the meaningful recanalization and futile recanalization groups, respectively, with the rate of futile recanalization 3 months after EVT of 46.74% (172/368). Comparing the general information and risk factors between the two groups found that the age of patients in the futile recanalization group [71 (65, 79) years] was higher than that in the meaningful recanalization group [65 (59, 72) years]. The baseline NIHSS score [18 (14, 22)] and the rate of not achieving modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia grade 3 (mTICI 3) reperfusion (36.1%) were higher in the futile recanalization group than those in the meaningful recanalization group [12 (7, 17) and 19.9%]. The baseline GCS score [11 (9, 13)] was lower in the futile recanalization group than that in the meaningful recanalization group [14 (11, 15)]. The core infarct volume in the futile recanalization group [28 (7, 65) ml] was larger than that in the meaningful recanalization group [6 (0, 17) ml]. The ASPECT score [7 (5, 9)] was lower in the futile recanalization group than that in the meaningful recanalization group [9 (7, 10)]. In addition, the proportion of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, general anesthesia, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was higher in the futile recanalization group (all P<0.05). The time from symptom onset to puncture and from symptom onset to reperfusion was longer in the futile recanalization group (both P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification and the site of occluded blood vessels between the two groups (both P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that age ≥80 years(OR=1.935,95%CI: 1.168-3.205), baseline NIHSS score (OR=1.999,95%CI: 1.202-3.325), GCS score (OR=2.299,95%CI: 1.386-3.814), previous stroke history (OR=1.977,95%CI: 1.085-3.604), general anesthesia (OR=1.981,95%CI: 1.143-3.435), not achieving grade 3 recanalization (OR=2.846, 95%CI: 1.575-5.143), ASPECT score<6 (OR=2.616, 95%CI: 1.168-5.857), and core infarct volume>70 ml (OR=2.712, 95%CI: 1.130-6.505) were risk factors for futile recanalization. Conclusion: Age≥80 years, previous stroke history, baseline NIHSS score≥20, GCS score≤8, general anesthesia, ASPECT score<6, core infarct volume>70 ml, and failure to achieve Grade 3 recanalization are independent influencing factors for futile recanalization after endovascular therapy in AIS-LVO patients.

[Research advances on the mechanism and treatment of post-burn pruritus]

Pruritus is one of the common symptoms after burn injury, which seriously affects the wound healing and quality of life of burn patients, but its diagnosis and treatment are often neglected. The pathophysiological mechanism of post-burn pruritus has not been elucidated, and it is currently believed that post-burn pruritus is caused by the neuropathic factors. In addition, there is no consensus on the standard evaluation methods and treatment protocols for post-burn pruritus. This paper reviewed the research advances on the pathophysiological mechanism, disease evaluation, and treatment of post-burn pruritus.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of ozone and the formation sensitivity over the Fenwei Plain

High surface ozone (O₃) levels affect human and environmental health. The Fenwei Plain (FWP), one of the critical regions for China's "Blue Sky Protection Campaign", has reported severe O₃ pollution. This study investigates the spatiotemporal properties and the causes of O₃ pollution over the FWP using high-resolution data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) from 2019 to 2021. This study characterizes spatial and temporal variations in O₃ concentration by linking O₃ columns and surface monitoring using a trained deep forest machine learning model. O₃ concentrations in summer were 2-3 times higher than those found in winter due to higher temperatures and greater solar irradiation. The spatial distributions of O₃ correlate with the solar radiation showing decreased trends from the northeastern to the southwestern FWP, with the highest O₃ values in Shanxi Province and the lowest in Shaanxi Province. For urban areas, croplands and grasslands, the O₃ photochemistry in summer is NO_x-limited or in the transitional regime, while it is VOC-limited in winter and other seasons. Reducing NO_x emissions would be effective for decreasing O₃ levels in summer, while VOC reductions are necessary for winter. The annual cycle in vegetated areas included both NO_x-limited and transitional regimes, indicating the importance of NO_x controls to protect ecosystems. The O₃ response to limiting precursors shown here is of importance for optimizing control strategies and is illustrated by emission changes during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak.

[Analysis on the infection source of the first local cluster epidemic caused by the VOC/Gamma variant of SARS-CoV-2 in China]

Objective: To investigate a SARS-CoV-2 epidemic reported in Rongcheng City, Weihai, Shandong Province. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid positive patients and their close contacts were investigated, and the whole genome sequencing and genetic evolution analysis of 9 variant viruses were carried out. An infection source investigation and analysis were carried out from two sources of home and abroad, and three aspects of human, material and environment. Results: A total of 15 asymptomatic infections were reported in this epidemic, including 13 cases as employees of workshop of aquatic products processing company, with an infection rate of 21.67% (13/60). Two cases were infected people's neighbors in the same village (conjugal relation). The first six positive persons were processing workers engaged in the first process of removing squid viscera in the workshop of the company. The nucleic acid Ct value of the first time were concentrated between 15 and 29, suggesting that the virus load was high, which was suspected to be caused by one-time homologous exposure. The whole genome sequence of 9 SARS-CoV-2 strains was highly homologous, belonging to VOC/Gamma (Lineage P.1.15). No highly homologous sequences were found from previous native and imported cases in China. It was highly homologous with the six virus sequences sampled from May 5 to 26, 2021 uploaded by Chile. The infection source investigation showed that the company had used the squid raw materials captured in the ocean near Chile and Argentina from May to June 2021 over the last 14 days. Many samples of raw materials, products and their outer packages in the inventory were tested positive for nucleic acid. Conclusion: This epidemic is the first local epidemic caused by the VOC/Gamma of SARS-CoV-2 in China. It is speculated that the VOC/Gamma, which was prevalent in South America from May to June 2021, could be imported into China through frozen squid.

[Current situation and prospect of primary prevention of cancer in China]

Cancer is a major public health issue that seriously endangers the public health and social development of China. Future initiatives for cancer prevention and control should continue to adhere to the principle of prioritizing prevention, and comprehensively implement related prevention activities nationwide. This is critical to reducing cancer burden in Chinese residents, especially in the low- and middle-income populations and those living in areas that are less economically developed. In the past several decades, the international community has significantly reduced the incidence of related cancers through primary prevention measures such as tobacco control, improved occupational hygiene, and vaccination. China has also implemented a series of exploratory primary prevention measures among high-risk groups of cancer in specific areas including Xuanwei, Qidong, and Linxian, and achieved encouraging results. However, due to the low level of systematic awareness of cancer risk factors and the lack of awareness and ability of self-health management in Chinese residents, it is urgent to develop novel research tools and methods to further reveal the causes of cancer, and establish innovative mechanisms and systems of primary prevention of cancer at population and individual levels. Based on current status of the transformation of cancer spectrum and the development of digital intelligence, it would be beneficial to establish a smart digital system for primary cancer prevention service that can cover the entire population, integrating authoritative popular science education on primary prevention of cancer, individualized cancer risk assessment, and personalized health management assistant. This will improve primary cancer prevention among the Chinese general population and can help the sustainable development of cancer prevention and control in China.

[Epidemiological characteristics of a local cluster epidemic caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Ningbo, 2021]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a local clustered epidemic caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Ningbo and provide reference for the improvement of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control. Methods: Case finding was conducted based on case definitions, and field epidemiological investigation of COVID-19 cases was carried out. In which Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs of the cases were collected for pathogen testing, and the results were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological methods. Results: A total of 74 COVID-19 cases were reported in this epidemic, and the cases were mainly mild ones, accounting for 87.84% (65/74), and there were no severe or critical cases. The epidemic curve showed a human-to-human transmission mode, indicating that a transmission for at least six generations had occurred. The age of the COVID-19 patients ranged from 2 years to 80 years, and 27.03% (20/74) of the cases were older than 60 years. The cases were mainly workers (55.41%, 41/74) and housework/the unemployed (27.03%, 20/74). The COVID-19 epidemic was limited, and no further spread to other areas occurred. The transmission chain among the cases was clear, and the gene sequencing results confirmed that the current epidemic was caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant, which was highly homologous to the strains from other province. Conclusion: The local COVID-19 epidemic in Ningbo was caused by imported cases of COVID-19 from other province, and local community spread occurred through daily contacts between cases and contacts.

[Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and provide evidence for the study of the mechanism of GDM. Methods: A case-control study design was used to study pregnant women who delivered in the obstetrics department of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from March 1, 2012 to July 30, 2014. Of these, 334 cases were diagnosed with GDM and were matched 1∶1 by age, gestation time and residence to corresponding healthy controls. DNA genotyping was performed for the study subjects, and those with genotyping deletions >10% were excluded. Finally 323 cases and 320 controls were included in the study. Under co-dominant, dominant, recessive, and allele genetic models, unconditional logistic regression analysis on the relationship between VDR gene locus polymorphism and GDM was conducted. And software Haploview was used to analyze the relationship between haplotype and GDM. Results: At the genetic level, VDR gene was associated with the risk of developing GDM (P<0.05). After adjusting for pre-pregnancy body mass index, family history of diabetes, it was found that rs7967152 loci was associated with an increased risk of developing GDM (AC vs. AA, OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.13-2.21; AC+CC vs. AA, OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.15-2.18; C vs. A, OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.10-1.82) and rs2238140 loci was associated with an increased risk of developing GDM (AA vs. GG, OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.19-4.20; GA+AA vs. GG, OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.07-2.03; A vs. G, OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.11-1.83). Carrying rs2853564 locus AG genotype and AG+GG genotype (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.04-2.05; OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.05-2.00) compared with carrying AA genotype and carrying rs2853566 locus AG genotype and AG+GG genotype (OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.03-2.00; OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.02-1.94) compared with carrying AA genotype were risk factors for GDM. Haplotype block consisting of rs1544410, rs7967152 in the VDR gene with GC haplotype was a risk factor for GDM(OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.15-1.97). Conclusions: VDR gene rs7967152, rs2238140, rs2853564, rs2853566 locus polymorphisms and block (rs1544410, rs7967152) GC haplotype were associated with an incrased risk of developing GDM.

[Analysis on infection risk in secondary close contacts of COVID-19 patients]

Objective: To study the infection rate of secondary close contacts of COVID-19 patients, and assess the infection risk in the contacts. Methods: COVID-19 patients' close contacts (with a clear exposure time to index case) with negative nucleic acid test results and secondary close contacts were surveyed in continuous isolation and medical observation in this prospective study. The dynamic nucleic acid test results of the close contacts and secondary contacts of COVID-19 patients were collected to assess their risk of infection. Results: A total of 4 533 close contacts were surveyed, in whom 14 were confirmed as COVID-19 patients with overall secondary attack rate of 0.31%, and 4 201 secondary contacts were tracked, in whom no subsequent infections occurred. Conclusion: Close contacts of COVID-19 patients entered in centralized isolation for medical observation with negative nucleic acid tese results,the secondary close contacts of COVID-19 patients have no risk of infection.

[The influence of various myelosuppression degrees during neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the curative effect and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the degrees of myelosuppression on the curative effect and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: The clinical, pathological and follow-up data of 206 patients with triple negative breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel combined with epirubicin combined with cyclophosphamide regimen in the Department of Breast Surgery in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to December 2018 were collected retrospectively. All were female, aged 28-71 (47.8±10.7) years. According to the WHO classification standard of acute and subacute toxicity of anticancer drugs, the patients were divided into 98 cases in the mild group (0-Ⅱ degree) and 108 cases in the severe group (Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree) according to the degree of bone marrow suppression after chemotherapy. The baseline clinicopathological features, pathological complete remission rate (PCR) and objective remission rate (ORR) of the two groups were compared. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan Meier method, and the differences of disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups were analyzed by log rank test. Cox regression risk model was used to analyze the related factors affecting the survival of the patients. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline clinicopathological characteristics of patients between the two groups, such as age, physical status score, menopausal status, body mass index, histological grade, clinical T stage, clinical N stage and Ki-67 index (all P>0.05). The severe group had higher PCR, longer median DFS and median DMFS than the mild group [50.9%(55/108) vs 36.7%(36/98); not reached vs 72 months; not reached vs 84 months] (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ORR, LRFS and OS between the two groups [89.8%(97/108) vs 81.6%(80/98); both not reached; both not reached] (all P>0.05). The degree of bone marrow suppression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was an influential factor of DFS in TNBC patients (P=0.025). Compared with mild myelosuppression group, severe myelosuppression group had better disease-free survival prognosis (HR=0.571, 95%CI: 0.349-0.934). Conclusion: The prognosis of grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ myelosuppression is better than grade 0/Ⅰ/Ⅱ myelosuppression in patients with triple-negative breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy with TEC regimen, which is helpful for judging efficacy.

A first-principles-based high fidelity, high throughput approach for the design of high entropy alloys

Here, we present a preselected small set of ordered structures (PSSOS) method, a first principles-based high fidelity (HF), high throughput (HT) approach, for fast screening of the large composition space of high entropy alloys (HEAs) to select the most energetically stable, single-phase HEAs. Taking quinary AlCoCrFeNi HEA as an example system, we performed PSSOS calculations on the formation energies and mass densities of 8801 compositions in both FCC and BCC lattices and selected five most stable FCC and BCC HEAs for detailed analysis. The calculation results from the PSSOS approach were compared with existing experimental and first-principles data, and the good agreement was achieved. We also compared the PSSOS with the special quasi-random structures (SQS) method, and found that with a comparable accuracy, the PSSOS significantly outperforms the SQS in efficiency, making it ideal for HF, HT calculations of HEAs.

[Based on a Markov model, cost-effectiveness analysis of influenza vaccination among people aged 60 years and older in Shenzhen]

Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccination among people aged 60 years and older in Shenzhen. Methods: A Markov state transition model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of annual influenza vaccination for preventing influenza infection compared with no vaccination among the elderly from the social perspective. Allowing seasonal variation of influenza activity, the model followed a five-year cohort using weekly cycles. We employed once the Chinese gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in 2019 (70 892 yuan) as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold and calculated the net monetary benefit (NMB) with costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) discounted at 5% annually. The impact of parameter uncertainty on the results was examined using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Results: The base case amounted to approximately 35 yuan of cost-saving and a net gain of 0.007 QALYs. Correspondingly, the NMB was 529 yuan per vaccinated person. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that the NMB was relatively sensitive to changes in the attack rate of influenza and vaccine effectiveness. Based on the results of PSA with 1 000 Monte Carlo simulations, influenza vaccination had a probability of being cost-effective in 100% of the repetitions. Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that influenza vaccination is a cost-saving disease prevention strategy for people aged 60 years and older in Shenzhen.

[Analysis on infectivity of COVID-19 patients before and after last negative nucleic acid test]

Objective: To investigate the infection rate in close contacts of COVID-19 patients before and after the last negative nucleic acid test, evaluate the effect of dynamic nucleic acid test in determining the infectivity of COVID-19 patients. Methods: Dynamic nucleic acid test results of COVID-19 cases were collected in a retrospective cohort study. COVID-19 cases with negative nucleic acid test results before their first positive nucleic acid tests were selected as study subjects. Close contacts of the index cases and the secondary close contacts were kept isolation for medical observation to assess their risk of infection. Results: This study included 89 confirmed cases from two local COVID-19 epidemics in Ningbo. A total of 5 609 close contacts were surveyed, the overall infection rate was 0.20%. No close contacts of the COVID-19 cases before the last negative nucleic acid test were infected, and the infection rate in the close contacts of the COVID-19 cases after the last negative nucleic acid test was 1.33%, all of these close contacts lived together with the index cases. No secondary close contacts were infected. Conclusion: COVID-19 patient becomes infectious after the last nucleic acid is negative, and has no infectivity before the last nucleic acid negative.

[Mechanism of cleft palate in C57BL/6N mice induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin]

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of cleft palate in mice induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Methods: The pregnant mice were randomly divided into TCDD-treated group (n=42) and control group (n=42). TCDD-treated group was given by gavage a single dose of TCDD (64 μg/kg) at 8: 00 AM on gestation day 10 (GD10) and the control group was given by gavage the isopyknic corn oil. At GD13-GD15, the fetal mice palate development was observed by HE staining. The mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cell proliferation was detected by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunofluorescence. The localization and expression of maternally expressed gene3 (MEG3) in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells was detected by situ hybridization and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The key protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme were analyzed by Western blotting. The interaction of MEG3 and TGF-β receptor Ⅰ (TGF-βRⅠ) was examined by RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP). Results: At GD13 and GD14, compared with the control group, the ratio of BrdU-positive cells in the palatal mesenchyme of TCDD-treated fetuses decreased significantly (GD13, t=6.66, P=0.003; GD14, t=6.56, P=0.003). However, at GD15, the ratio of BrdU-positive cells was significantly increased (t=-5.98, P=0.004). MEG3 was mainly expressed in the nuclei of fetal mouse palatal mesenchymal cells, and the expression of MEG3 in TCDD group was significantly increased at GD13, GD14 and GD15(GD13, t=39.28, P=0.012; GD14, t=18.75, P=0.042; GD15, t=28.36, P=0.045). At GD14, TCDD decreased the levels of p-Smad2 and Smad4 in embryonic palate mesenchymal cells (p-Smad2, t=9.48, P=0.001;Smad4, t=63.10, P=0.001), whereas the expression of Smad7 was significantly increased at GD14 (t=30.77, P<0.001). The results of the RIP experiment showed that the amount of TGF-βRⅠ-bound MEG3 in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells in the TCDD group (23.940±1.301) was higher than that in the control group (8.537±1.523)(t=24.55, P<0.001). Conclusions: MEG3 is involved in the suppression of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cell proliferation, functioning at least in part via interacting with the TGF-βRⅠ protein and thereby suppressing Smad signaling in the context of TCDD induced cleft palate.

[Relationship between the pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and risk of preeclampsia and its subtypes]

Objective: To explore the effects of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain and its subtypes on the risk of preeclampsia. Methods: Pregnant women delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from March 2012 to September 2016 were selected as the research subjects. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 274 pregnant women were included. 901 preeclampsia pregnant women were selected as the case group, and 8 373 non-preeclampsia pregnant women were selected as the control group. General demographic characteristics, pre-pregnancy weight, height, lifestyle during pregnancy, reproductive history, and disease history of pregnant women were collected, and pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain were calculated. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy and PE and its clinical subtypes. Results: Among the 901 preeclampsia after inclusion and exclusion, 401 cases were diagnosed as early-onset PE (EOPE), 500 cases were late-onset PE (LOPE), 178 cases were Mild PE (MPE), and 723 cases were severe PE (SPE). There were statistically significant differences between PE and non-PE pregnant women in terms of maternal age, residence, parity, family history of gestational diabetes and hypertension (P<0.05). After adjusting for the above factors, the logistic regression analysis results showed that pre-pregnancy BMI<18.5 kg/m² and inadequate gestational weight gain were protective factors for PE (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.56-0.98; OR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.62-0.99), while pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m² and excessive gestational weight gain were risk factors for PE (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.54-2.14; OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.54-2.15). After subtype analysis on PE, the results showed that pre-pregnancy BMI<18.5 kg/m² was a protective factor for EOPE and MPE (OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.32-0.83; OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.23-0.97), while pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m² and excessive gestational weight gain were risk factors for clinical subtypes of PE. After stratification according to pre-pregnancy BMI, excessive gestational weight gain was the risk factor for PE (OR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.51-2.30; OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.39-2.60) in pregnant women 18.5 kg/m²≤BMI<24.0 kg/m² and ≥24.0 kg/m². Inadequate gestational weight gain (OR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.34-0.89) was a protective factor for PE in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m². Excessive gestational weight gain (OR=4.05, 95%CI: 1.20-13.69) was a risk factor for EOPE in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI<18.5 kg/m². Excessive gestational weight gain was a risk factor for the clinical subtype of PE in pregnant women 18.5 kg/m²≤BMI<24.0 kg/m² before pregnancy. Inadequate gestational weight gain was a protective factor for EOPE and MPE (OR=0.39, 95%CI: 0.19-0.80; OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.11-0.77) in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m². Excessive weight gain was a risk factor for EOPE, LOPE and SPE (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.06-2.42;OR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.44-3.37;OR=2.28, 95%CI: 1.58-3.29). Conclusions: Pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain affect the risk of preeclampsia and its clinical subtypes. In contrast, the influence of gestational weight gain on preeclampsia varies among different pre-pregnancy BMI groups. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the changes in pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain simultaneously to reduce preeclampsia.

[Psychological and behavioral functioning of children and adolescents during long-term home-schooling]

Objective: To study the characteristics and risk factors of psychological and behavioral problems of children and adolescents of different ages and genders in long-term home-schooling during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Further, to provide scientific basis for more targeted psychological intervention and coping strategies in the future. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted on students aged 6-16 years old in five representative cities of North (Beijing), East (Shanghai), West (Chongqing), South (Guangzhou) and Middle (Wuhan) in China. In this study, the social behavior and psychological abnormalities which was defined as the positive of any dimension were investigated in multiple dimensions during long-term home-schooling. The influencing factors of psycho-behavioral problems were analyzed by Logistic regression, and the confounding factors were corrected with graded multivariable adjustment. Results: A total of 6 906 valid questionnaires were collected including 3 592 boys and 3 314 girls, of whom 3 626 were children (6-11 years old) and 3 280 were adolescents (12-16 years old). The positive detection rate of psychosocial-behavioral problems were 13.0% (900/6 906) totally, 9.6% (344/3 592) in boys and 16.8% (556/3 314) in girls respectively, and 7.3%(142/1 946) in boys aged 6-11, 14.0%(235/1 680) in girls aged 6-11, 12.3%(202/1 646) in boys aged 12-16, 19.6%(321/1 634) in girls aged 12-16 respectively. There were significant differences between the psychological problems group and the non-psychological problems group in gender, parent-offspring conflict, number of close friends, family income change, sedentary time, homework time, screen exposure time, physical activity, dietary problems (χ²=78.851, 285.264, 52.839, 26.284, 22.778, 11.024, 10.688, 36.814, 70.982, all P<0.01). The most common symptoms in boys aged 6-11 years were compulsive activity, schizoid and depression, in girls aged 6-11 years were schizoid/compulsive activity, hyperactivity and social withdrawal, in boys aged 12-16 years were hyperactivity, compulsive activity and aggressive behavior, and in girls aged 12-16 years were schizoid, anxiety/compulsive activity and depression/withdrawal, respectively. After graded multivariable adjustment, besides the common risk factors, homework time and online study time were the risk factors of 6-11 years old groups [boys OR(95%CI): 1.750 (1.32-2.32), 1.214(1.00-1.47), girls: 1.579(1.25-1.99), 1.222(1.05-1.42), all P<0.05], videogames time were the risk factors of 12-16 years old groups [ boys: 2.237 (1.60-3.13), girls: 1.272 (1.00-1.61), all P<0.05]. Conclusions: Some children and adolescents may have psychological and behavioral problems during long-term home-schooling. The psychological and behavioral manifestations differed in age and gender subgroups, which deserve special attention in each subgroups. Schools, families and specialists should actively provide precise psychological support and comprehensive intervention strategies according to special features and risk factors.

[Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the risk of preeclampsia (PE). Methods: A total of 9 048 pregnant women were selected from the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in Taiyuan from March 2012 to September 2016. Among them, 882 pregnant women with PE were divided into case group, and 8 166 pregnant women without PE were divided into control group. Information on demographic characteristics, folic acid supplementation, maternal complications, and other factors were collected by face-to-face interviews after child birth in the hospital. Unconditional logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the risk of PE and the effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on the relationship of folic acid supplementation with the risk of PE. Results: Compared with nonusers, folic acid supplement users had reduced risk of PE (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.64-0.96). Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy were negatively related with the risk of PE (OR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.49-0.81). Pregnant women who used folic acid tablets only or used both folic acid tablets and multivitamin containing folic acid had reduced risk of PE (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.66-0.99; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.49-0.85). No significant relationship was observed in the multivitamin group. Supplemental folic acid doses of <400, 400, and >400 μg/d were related with reduced risk of PE (OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.42-0.91; OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.66-0.99; OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.49-0.94). After stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnant women who used folic acid supplementation, those with pre-pregnancy BMI<24.0 kg/m(2) had reduced risk of PE (OR=0.75, 95%CI: 0.59-0.96). However, no significant relationship was observed in women with pre-pregnancy BMI≥24.0 kg/m(2). Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy were related with reduced risk of PE. Pre-pregnancy BMI might affect the relationship between folic acid supplementation and the risk of PE. Appropriate folic acid supplementation should be recommend for women with different pre-pregnancy BMI.

[Epidemiological characteristics of severe cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease in China, 2008-2018]

Objective: To characterize the epidemiology of severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in China from 2008 to 2018 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of severe HFMD. Methods: The incidence data of severe HFMD cases from 2008 to 2018 were collected from the National Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze distributions, pathogen constituent and change of severe HFMD. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trends of severity rate, proportion of severe cases and severe fatality rate. Results: From 2008 to 2018, a total of 157 065 cases of severe HFMD were reported in China, with an average annual case-severity rate of 1.05/100 000, a severe case proportion of 0.76% and a severity-fatality rate of 2.34%. The severity rate and the proportion of severe cases showed a downward trend after 2010, and severe fatality rate decreased significantly after 2014. The severe cases mainly occurred in infants aged ≤3 years (91.47%), more boys were affected than girls (1.78∶1). The median age of severe HFMD cases caused by EV-A71 was highest (1.99 years) and increased year by year, other enterovirus infection cases accounted for a higher proportion in infants aged ≤1 year (66.56%). The incidence peak occurred during April-July, other enteroviruses replaced EV-A71 as the predominant serotype in 2018 (61.97%). The incidence of severe HFMD were high in some provinces in southwestern, central and eastern China. Conclusion: The overall severity rate, proportion of severe cases and severe fatality rate of HFMD in the mainland of China have shown a downward trend. The predominant pathogen in some provinces has changed from EV-A71 to other enteroviruses. It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of HFMD in key population, high incidence seasons and areas and carry out the surveillance of various pathogens of HFMD.

Genetic Structure Analysis of Y Chromosome STR and SNP in Population of Changshu

Abstract

Objective To provide a theoretical basis for building a Y chromosome database in specific regions by analyzing the pedigree specific core haplogroup and region specific genetic structure in Changshu. Methods One thousand seven hundred and two samples from unrelated Han male individuals in Changshu were collected. Then 27 Y-STR were genotyped through YfilerTM Plus PCR Amplification Kit, Y-SNP haplogroup of each sample was speculated using Y-Predictor software and some samples were verified by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction （ARMS-PCR）. Results A total of 1 556 haplotypes were found on the 27 Y-STR genetic markers of the 1 702 samples. The haplotype diversity （HD） value was 0.999 827. DYS385 （0.933） had the highest gene diversity （GD） value while DYS438 （0.409） had the lowest. By the Y-Predictor software, all samples were confirmed to be from 162 sub-haplogroups of C, D, N, O, Q and R. Samples were randomly selected to verify the prediction results by the software and the prediction accuracy of Y-Predictor software was as high as 95.74%. Conclusion This study found that 27 Y-STR genetic markers have relatively high polymorphisms in the Changshu population, and have good forensic individual identification and paternity testing ability.

[Current status and projection of non-communicable diseases in 126 countries participating in the Belt and Road initiative]

Objective: To compare the indicators of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and predict the achieving time of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in 125 countries participating in the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative and China. Methods: Using the open access data of Global Burden of Disease study, we first got the premature mortality rates of four main chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases) and suicide mortality rate in the 126 countries from1990 to 2017. We transformed the value of each indicator into a scale of 0-100 in percentile for each country and applied geometric mean to calculate total NCD score for comparison among 126 countries. We then examined the association of NCD scores with socio-demographic index (SDI) values. Finally, we used annualized rates of change during 1990-2015 to predict achieving time of the UN goal by 2030 for each indicator of chronic diseases premature mortality rate and suicide mortality rates in each B&R country. Results: The integral median of total NCD score in the 126 countries in 2017 was 82.7. The score of China was 87.6, ranking 33(rd). The top three countries were Kuwait (98.1), Peru (97.5) and Italy (96.0). The last three countries were Papua New Guinea (28.9), Vanuatu (54.7) and Ukraine (58.0). The total NCD score showed positive correlation with SDI values (r=0.33) mainly due to chronic disease indicator (r=0.45). Fifteen countries will achieve the SDG goal of chronic disease premature mortality in or before 2030, but China will achieve it in 2038. Fifteen countries are expected to achieve the goal of suicide mortality, and China will acheive the goal ahead of schedule in 2024. Conclusions: The NCD rates varied widely among the countries along B&R. It is a challenge to achieve the SDG goal of chronic disease premature mortality rate by 2030 for China. In order to achieve the SDG goals by 2030, we should strengthen multilateral cooperation and complement each other's advantages, and reduce NCD mortality of people and improve people's health in countries along B&R.

[Analysis on the efficacy and safety of fibrinolytic therapy in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 epidemic]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fibrinolysis strategy in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to provide reference value for optimization of fibrinolytic process on the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff. Methods: The efficacy and safety of fibrinolysis were retrospectively analyzed in 7 patients with acute STEM, who hospitalized from February 29, 2020 to April 3, 2020 in the Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. To optimize the fibrinolytic process on the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff, a full-time medical team in charge of fibrinolysis under third-grade protection was established. The acute STEMI patients were treated immediately in a fixed and isolated area in emergency department before receiving green channel fibrinolysis. Blood samples for complete blood count, COVID-19 antibody test and nasopharyngeal swab samples for COVID-19 nucleic acid test were made before fibrinolysis, while the chest CT examination was accomplished after fibrinolysis. By comparing differences of time from the first electrocardiogram (ECG) to fibrinolysis before and after the improvement of fibrinolytic process, the effect of optimization of the fibrinolytic process was evaluated. Results: In the present study, seven patients with acute STEMI received fibrinolysis therapy, 6 of them achieved reperfusion and no bleeding was observed in all of the patients. Five out of the 7 patients were hospitalized after fibrinolysis, and the hospitalization days were 19.6 days on average. By following up to April 14, 2020, none of the 7 patients died. The first 2 patients were treated according to the routine medical procedure and the time from the first ECG to fibrinolysis were 201 and 106 minutes, respectively. After the optimization of the fibrinolytic process, the time from the first ECG to fibrinolysis of the last 5 patients were 42, 46, 51, 43 and 54 minutes, respectively，which was significantly shorter than that before optimization. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 epidemic, fibrinolysis in patients with acute STEMI is safe, effective and easy to implement. Therefore, it is recommended as the top priority for the patients with acute STEMI with indications for fibrinolysis. On the premise of prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission, including self-protection of medical staff, the duration of myocardial ischemia can be shortened by optimization of the fibrinolytic process.

[Value of magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis in evaluating renal allograft injury]

Objective: To explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) texture analysis in evaluating renal allograft injury. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on sixty-six patients who underwent allograft renal transplantation (42 males, 24 females; age range, 22-63 years; mean age, (40±10) years) between November 2013 and December 2016. All the patients were divided into three groups according to their eGFR on the day of MRI examination: normal renal allograft function (nRAF) group (n=15), mild to moderate renal allograft injury (mRAI) group (n=18), and severe renal allograft injury (sRAI) group (n=33). All the patients underwent conventional T(2) weighted image (T(2)WI), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), and blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) MRI examination. MRI texture features of renal allograft were extracted. The texture features based on T(2)WI, SWI, and BOLD with absolute correlation coefficient of eGFR greater than or equal to 0.3 (P<0.05)and also with the highest Z value for Boruta algorithmwere selected. The diagnostic performance of the selected texture features in differentiating the three groups was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: T(2)WI_Perc.50%, SWI_Perc.01%, BOLD_S(4,4)Contrast, and BOLD_S(5,5)Correlat with absolute correlation coefficient of eGFR greater than or equal to 0.3 (P<0.05) and also with the highest Z value for Boruta algorithm were selected. The AUC for T(2)WI_Perc.50%, SWI_Perc.01%, and BOLD_S(5,5)Correlat in differentiating the nRAF group with the mRAI group was 0.785, 0.720, and 0.700. The AUC for T(2)WI_Perc.50%, SWI_Perc.01%, BOLD_S(4,4)Contrast, and BOLD_S(5,5)Correlat in differentiating the nRAF group with the sRAI group was 0.687, 0.733, 0.784, and 0.737.The AUC for BOLD_S(4,4) Contrast in differentiating the mRAI group with the sRAI group was 0.667. Conclusion: MRI texture analysis can provide valuable information for evaluating renal allograft injury.

[Characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment clinic patients and influencing factors for HBsAg positivity based on Bayesian network model]

Objective: To understand the characteristics and explore the influencing factors of HBsAg positivity in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic patients. Methods: A face to face interview and medical record review were conducted in 1 040 patients at three MMT clinics in Guangxi from September to November in 2014. The questionnaire information included general demographic characteristics, drug use history, MMT status, sexual behaviors, and health status, etc. Blood samples were collected from the patients at the same time for the detections of the level of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. By using χ(2) test, unconditional logistic regression model and Bayesian network model the influencing factors for HBsAg positivity in MMT clinic patients and the complex network relationship among these factors were explored. Results: A total of 1 031 MMT clinic patients were surveyed, the HBsAg positive rate was 11.35% (117/1 031). The anti-HCV positive rate was 71.77% (740/1 031), among the anti-HCV positive patients, the HBsAg positive rate was 10.27% (76/740). After adjusting for the confounding factors, anti-HBs positive persons might not be HBsAg positive (OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.03-0.09), and anti-HCV positive persons might not be HBsAg positive too (OR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.17-0.52) compared with anti-HBs negative and anti-HCV negative persons, respectively. The persons with family history of hepatitis B virus infection were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared those with no such family history (OR=5.30, 95%CI: 2.68-10.52). Bayesian network model analysis results showed that family history of hepatitis B virus infection and anti-HBs were directly related with HBsAg positivity. Anti-HCV, intravenous drug use in the past three months and other drug using during treatment were indirectly related with HBsAg positivity. Conclusions: Anti-HBs, family history of hepatitis B virus infection, anti-HCV, intravenous drug use in past three months and other drug use during treatment were related with the HBsAg positivity in MMT clinic patients. So, it is necessary to enhance health education, improve health awareness and decrease high risk behaviors to reduce the rate of HBV infection.

[Advances in the application of clinical toxicology in the treatment of acute poisoning]

Acute poisoning is a component of emergency medicine and a key public health problem in clinical toxicology. In recent years, the research and development of industrial chemicals and drugs have developed rapidly, and the incidence of acute drug poisoning has been increasing. It is very important to strengthen the application research of clinical toxicology in acute poisoning, to identify rare and new toxic drugs, and to create conditions for rapid detection of toxic substances. Therefore, this article reviews the types of acute poisoning, the epidemiological characteristics, the detection technology and significance of clinical toxicology, the role of clinical toxicology in the treatment of acute poisoning and its application.

Comparison of Aspiration versus Stent Retriever Thrombectomy as the Preferred Strategy for Patients with Acute Terminal Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is no consensus on endovascular treatment for terminal ICA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparative safety and efficacy of preferred aspiration thrombectomy and stent retriever thrombectomy for revascularization in patients with isolated terminal ICA occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with terminal ICA occlusion treated with aspiration thrombectomy or stent retriever thrombectomy in our center, from September 2013 to November 2018. To minimize the case bias, propensity score matching was performed. The primary outcomes were successful reperfusion defined by expanded TICI grades 2b-3 at the end of all endovascular procedures and puncture-to-reperfusion time.

RESULTS

A total of 109 consecutive patients with terminal ICA occlusion were divided into the aspiration thrombectomy group (40 patients) and the stent retriever thrombectomy group (69 patients), and 30 patients were included in each group after propensity score matching. The proportion of complete reperfusion was significantly higher in the aspiration thrombectomy group (OR 4.75 [95% CI, 1.10-1.38]; P = .002). The median puncture-to-reperfusion time in the aspiration thrombectomy group was shorter than that in the stent retriever thrombectomy group (38  versus 69 minutes; P = .001). Fewer intracerebral hemorrhage events were recorded in the aspiration thrombectomy group (OR 0.29 [95% CI, 0.09-0.90]; P = .028). No significant differences were observed for good outcomes (OR 1.92 [95% CI, 0.86-4.25]) and mortality (OR 0.84 [95% CI, 0.29-2.44]) at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of terminal ICA occlusion, aspiration thrombectomy was technically superior to stent retriever thrombectomy in the absence of a balloon guide catheter in achieving successful reperfusion with shorter puncture-to-reperfusion time and procedure-related adverse events.

Combined PGE2 with TNF-α promotes laryngeal carcinoma progression by enhancing GRK2 and TRAF2 interaction

TNF-α has been confirmed to promote tumor growth in LSCC. PGE2 expression in LSCC tissues was significantly higher than in tumor-adjacent tissues. In the present work, we aimed to discover the combined role of TNF-α and PGE2 in LSCC progression and its potential mechanisms. TNF-α and PGE2 were quantified by ELISA. TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. UM-SCC-11A cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8, and cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. GRK2/TRAF2 interaction was tested by Co-IP. The results showed that TNF-α, PGE2, TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 expressions were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in tumor-adjacent tissues. Higher expressions of TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 were associated with poorer prognosis of LSCC. Combined TNF-α with PGE2 promoted UM-SCC-11A cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The interactions of TRAF2 and GRK2, as well as MMP-9 expression, were upregulated in response to TNF-α and PGE2 co-stimulation. In conclusion, we found crosstalk between PGE2 and TNF-α signaling pathways, and the interaction between GRK2 and TRAF2 led to the activation of TNF-α-TRAF2-MMP-9 signaling and resulted in the progression of LSCC.

Role of sonoelastography in assessment of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of shear-wave elastography (SWE) and strain elastography (SE) for axillary lymph nodes (ALNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until September 2018. Weighted mean difference was calculated for continuous variables. The accuracy of sonoelastography was assessed by calculating pooled sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). All data were analysed using Stata 12.0.

RESULTS

Ten studies with 1,038 ALNs were included in the meta-analysis. Five studies evaluated the use of SE, and the other five evaluated the SWE. The SWE stiffness values of malignant ALNs were significantly higher than those of benign nodes. Both SE and SWE have relatively high specificity and sensitivity. The max stiffness in SWE showed the highest specificity (0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.98), PLR (12.1; 95% CI, 4-36.5), NLR (0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.69), AUC (0.94; 95% CI, 0.91-0.96), and DOR (42; 95% CI, 12-154); in contrast, the mean stiffness showed the highest sensitivity (0.80; 95% CI, 0.61-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Sonoelastography demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating between malignant and benign ALNs. The max and mean stiffness on SWE appeared to exhibit the highest accuracy. Thus, SWE is an effective accompaniment to sentinel node biopsy, and is appropriate for preoperative assessment of ALNs in the post-Z0011 era.

[The value of DCE-MRI in predicting IDH gene mutation of high-grade gliomas]

Objective: To investigate the value of quantitative and semiquantitative parameters of DCE-MRI in predicting IDH gene mutation of high-grade gliomas before the operation. Methods: Twenty-six individuals with surgically and pathologically proved WHO Ⅲ-Ⅳ gliomas collected from April 2016 to June 2019 in First People's Hospital of Changzhou, were divided into two groups, IDH mutation group (7 cases, 27-67 years, 3 males and 4 females,) and IDH gene wild group (19 cases, 42-75 years, 12 males and 7 females) according to the results of molecular pathology. All individuals underwent conventional plain (T(1)WI, T(2)WI), enhanced MR scanning (T(1)WI) and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE). Four quantitative parameters:volume transfer constant (K(trans)), ratio constant of back flux (Kep), extravascular extracellular space fractional volume (Ve), and blood plasma fractional volume (Vp), and four semiquantitative parameters: time to peak (TTP), maximum concentration (MAX Conc), initial area under the gadolinium concentration-time curve (IAUC) and maximum slope of decrease (MAX Slope) were measured. The independent samples t test (normal distribution and homogeneity of variance) or Mann-Whitney rank sum test (abnormal distribution or heterogeneity of variance) were used to compare the differences of quantitative and semiquantitative parameters between IDH gene mutation group and IDH gene wild type group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficiency of quantitative and semiquantitative parameters in predicting IDH gene mutation of high-grade gliomas. Results: The value of K(trans),TTP in IDH mutated group were 0.096 (0.080,0.135)/min and (3.95±0.34) s, respectively. The value of K(trans), TTP in IDH wild type group were 0.168 (0.132, 0.337)/min and (2.58±1.15) s, respectively. The value of K(trans) in IDH mutated group was significantly less than the value of K(trans) in IDH gene wild type group (Z value was -2.168, P value was 0.030). The value of K(trans) in IDH mutated group was significantly greater than the value of K(trans) in IDH gene wild type (Z value was -2.630, P value was 0.007). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of K(trans) and TTP in predicting IDH gene mutation of high-grade gliomas was 0.782 and 0.842, respectively. The specificity of K(trans) was higher (73.7%), The sensitivity of TTP was the higher (100.0%). Combined K(trans)and TTP were the best for predicting IDH gene mutation of high-grade gliomas, AUC was 0.865. Conclusion: Quantitative and semiquantitative parameters of DCE-MRI can help to predict IDH gene mutation of high-grade gliomas before the operation.

Genetic Structure Analysis of Y-Chromosome STR and SNP in Population of Wujiang Area, Suzhou City

Abstract

Objective To analyze the genetic phenotypes of Y-chromosome STR and SNP in Han male population of Wujiang area, Suzhou City and explore the genetic structure of population of Wujiang area for further examination of regional-specific Y-SNP genetic markers ancestor haplogroups. Methods Blood samples of 472 Wujiang area Han males were randomly collected and genotyped by Yfiler^TM Plus PCR Amplification Kit. The allele frequencies and haplotype frequencies of each locus were obtained using the direct calculation method. Y-SNP haplogroups of each sample were estimated using Y-Predictor software and verified through experiments by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction （ARMS-PCR）. Results A total of 453 haplotypes were found in the 27 Y-STR genetic markers in 472 Han males of Wujiang area. The haplotype diversity （HD） was 0.997 696 93, among which, the highest gene diversity （GD） value was DYF387S1a/b （GD=0.953 1） and the lowest was DYS438 （GD=0.321 8）. Based on genotyping data of 27 Y-STRs and 472 samples, 132 haplogroups from C, D, N, O and Q, etc downstream Y-SNP haplogroups were estimated and then verified through experiments. Conclusion This study is based on Y-chromosome STR haplotypes, and predicts Y-SNP haplogroups by Y-Predictor software, then uses ARMS-PCR to verify. Y-SNP genetic markers were introduced to achieve precise analysis of the genetic structure of male families in population of three towns in Wujiang area.

[Characteristics of renal cortical perfusion and its association with renal function among elderly patients with renal artery stenosis]

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of renal cortical blood perfusion assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in elderly patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS) and its relationship with renal function. Methods: Ninety-three elderly patients diagnosed with RAS, who were admitted in Beijing Hospital during June 2017 and December 2018, were retrospectively enrolled. According to the degree of RAS, 186 renal arteries were divided into normal renal artery group (n=79), mild RAS group (30% to 49%, n=59), moderate RAS group (50% to 70%, n=33), and severe RAS group (70% to 99%, n=15). Renal cortical blood perfusion and renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured by CEUS and radionuclide renal dynamic imaging. According to the renal GFR, 186 kidneys were divided into normal renal function group (GFR≥35 ml/min, n=42) and mild renal insufficiency group (35 ml/min>GFR≥25 ml/min, n=51), moderate renal insufficiency group (25 ml/min>GFR≥15 ml/min, n=75) and severe renal insufficiency group (GFR<15 ml/min, n=18). The renal cortical blood perfusion time-intensity curve (TIC) and related parameters were analyzed, including the area under the curve (AUC), the slope of the ascending branch (A), the peak intensity (PI), the peak time (TTP) and the mean transit time (MTT), the kidneys of different RAS groups and patients with different renal function groups were analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between renal cortical blood perfusion parameters and renal GFR. Results: (1) Renal cortical blood perfusion and GFR: CEUS showed that parameter A of TIC was significantly reduced, while TTP was prolonged in the mild renal artery stenosis group compared with the normal renal artery group (both P<0.05), GFP was similar between the two groups. Cortical perfusion parameters, such as AUC, A, PI and GFR were significantly lower, while TTP and MTT were significantly prolonged in the moderate and severe renal artery stenosis group than in the normal and mild stenosis groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the moderate stenosis group, AUC, A, PI and GFR were significantly lower while TTP, MTT were significantly prolonged in the severe renal artery stenosis group (all P<0.05). (2) TIC showed that the renal perfusion parameters, AUC, PI and A were significantly lower, while TTP was significantly longer in the mild renal dysfunction group than in the normal renal function group (all P<0.001). The changes aggravated in proportion with renal dysfunction. (3) Correlation between perfusion parameters and GFR: Pearson correlation analysis showed that the AUC (r=0.774, P<0.05), A (r=0.815, P<0.05) and PI (r=0.772, P<0.05) were positively correlated with GFR; serum creatinine level (r=-0.841, P<0.05), renal function grading (r=-0.731, P<0.05), TTP (r=-0.803, P<0.05) and MTT (r=-0.741, P<0.05) were negative correlated with GFR. The degree of stenosis was negatively correlated with GFR (r=-0.427, P<0.05). Conclusion: Cortical perfusion parameters differ significantly among patients with various degree of RAS and renal dysfunction. The renal cortical blood perfusion parameters are correlated with renal GFR.

[Retrospective study of diagnosis and treatment of renal oncocytoma]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of renal oncocytoma, and to evaluate the surgical results based on follow-up results, in order to find the best strategy.

METHODS

In the study, 21 cases with renal oncocytoma from December 2003 to April 2016 in Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 4 males, and 17 females, with 10 cases on the right side and 11 cases on the left side. Their age was between 15 to 80 years (average: 58 years). Ultrasound or CT examination after admission was conducted. Ultrasound examination showed solid nodules. CT manifestations were solid masses with enhancement, and the tumor size was between 1.5 cm to 6.5 cm (average: 3.3 cm). Of the 21 cases, 9 were located in the middle of kidney, 7 were located in the upper pole, and 5 were located in the lower pole. After preoperative examination, according to the size and location of the tumor, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed, respectively.

RESULTS

All the operations were successful, in which 17 cases underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (including 3 cases which were converted to open surgery), and 4 cases underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The operation time ranged from 75 to 274 min (mean: 144 min), and the blood loss ranged from 10 to 1 000 mL (mean: 115 mL). The postoperative hospital stay time ranged from 6 to 13 d (average: 8.2 d). The pathological results were all renal oncocytoma. In the study, 17 cases were followed up while 4 cases were lost to follow-up. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 175 months (mean: 44 months). One case died in 20 months after operation with unknown reason, and there were no recurrence or metastasis in the other 16 cases.

CONCLUSION

Renal oncocytoma is a benign tumor with good prognosis. Enhanced CT is an effective diagnostic method in assistant examination, but it is difficult to differentiate clear cell carcinoma only from the naked eye. It is worthwhile to measure CT value at different stages of the tumor by picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and to compare with CT value of adjacent kidney tissue may improve the diagnostic efficiency of CT. Laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for renal oncocytoma. We recommend laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for the patients with renal oncocytoma as the best choice if conditions permit.

Large-scale turbulence structures in a laboratory-scale boundary layer under steady and gusty wind inflows

Experiments on turbulence structures and features of a wind field under steady inflow and gusty wind inflows were implemented in a straight-through wind tunnel. Streamwise and wall-normal velocity components were measured using a streamline constant temperature anemometer (streamline CTA). Power spectra analyses revealed the existence of very large-scale motions (VLSMs) under both steady and gusty wind inflows; but new gusty scale motions (GSMs) were revealed under only gusty wind inflows. The GSMs might originate from an ordered external driving force that forces hairpin packets to align coherently in groups with a length scale related to the gust inflow condition. The streamwise wavelength of VLSMs is independent of inflow conditions, while the turbulent energy of VLSMs is associated with the wall-normal height and local mean streamwise velocity. In particular, the streamwise wavelength of GSMs increases linearly with the average value and period of sinusoidal gusty wind inflows, and the turbulent energy of GSMs is sensitive to the wall-normal height and all characteristic parameters of gusty wind inflows, including the average value, amplitude and period. Considerable wall-normal airflows induced by gusty wind inflows were detected and these are negatively correlated with the variation in gusty streamwise velocity, and root mean square (RMS) values of the gusty wall-normal velocity tended to increase linearly with the average value and amplitude of gusty wind inflows.

[Association between maternal dietary intake and the incidence of babies with small for gestational age]

Objective: To investigate the relations between dietary intake during pregnancy and the incidence of their babies with small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: Data on demographics, dietary intake of protein, fat, and carbohydrates of the pregnant mothers during the first, second and third trimester, were collected. Information related to birth weight and gestational age of the infants were also gathered. A total of 8 102 women, who delivered their babies at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from March 2012 to September 2016, were enrolled in this project. Among them, 961 mothers had infants with SGA but the other 7 141 of them having normal infants. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the effect of dietary nutrient intake on SGA the first, second and third trimester. Results: We found that low dietary intake of protein during the first trimester and following trimesters during pregnancy were positively associated with higher risk of SGA (OR=1.534, 95%CI: 1.217-1.934; OR=1.268, 95%CI: 1.005-1.599; OR=1.310, 95%CI: 1.036-1.655). When adjusting for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, we found that when mothers were with a pre-pregnancy BMI less than 18.5 or with low maternal intake of protein during the first trimester, positive association with higher risk of SGA (OR=1.872, 95%CI: 1.033-3.395; OR=1.754, 95%CI: 1.125-2.734), was noticed. However, for mothers with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 and 24.0 or with low protein intake during the first trimester, significant association with higher risk of SGA (OR=1.465, 95%CI: 1.089-1.972) was found. Conclusions: Through our observation, maternal dietary intake during pregnancy seemed to be associated with the risk of SGA but the effects of dietary intake were different, according to the BMI of pre-pregnancy population. Early pregnancy appeares as the key period for dietary intake which may influence the SGA.

[Effect of a novel cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment with different temperatures on resin-dentin bonding]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of different treatment temperatures of a novel cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment on the resin-dentin bonding.

METHODS

(1) Fifty-two freshly extracted, non-carious and intact third molars were collected. The occlusal one-third of the crown was removed by means of a water-cooled low-speed Isomet saw. One dentin disc [(900 ±100) μm] was prepared for each tooth. The fifty-two dentin discs were randomly divided into control group and experimental groups, of which four were in control group, and forty-eight were divided into four experimental groups according to the different treatment temperatures (4 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C) of the novel radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure glow discharge (RF-APGD) plasma jet, twelve in each group. Each experimental group was divided into three subgroups according to different treatment time (10 s, 20 s and 30 s), with four in each subgroup. The occlusal one-third of the crown was removed by means of a water-cooled low-speed Isomet saw. The morphology of demineralized dentin surfaces was analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. (2) Twenty unerupted, non-carious and intact third molars were randomly divided into five groups, four in each group: control group, untreated; 4 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C experimental groups, each group was treated with the RF-APGD plasma jet for 20 s. The micro-tensile resin dentin bond strength was tested after 20 s RF-APGD plasma jet treatment with different temperatures, using a universal mechanical machine.

RESULTS

(1) The field emission scanning electron microscopy results indicated that when compared with the control group, a 10 s RF-APGD plasma jet treatment with 30 °C and 20 °C collapsed the collagen scaffold. Collagen fibrils maintained an uncollapsed three-dimensional structure after the 4 °C RF-APGD plasma jet treatment for even 30 s treatment. (2) The microtensile resin dentin bond strength results of the 4 °C RF-APGD plasma jet treatment group (57.8±0.7) MPa were significantly higher than that of the control group [(47.4±0.5) MPa] and 10 s, 20 s and 30 s RF-APGD plasma treatment group [(51.9±0.7) MPa,(29.7±1.0) MPa and (22.2±1.5) MPa] with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the micro-tensile bond strength increased about 21.9% and 9.5% after 4 °C and 10 °C RF-APGD plasma jet treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compared with other treatment temperatures, this novel RF-APGD plasma jet treatment with the temperature of 4 °C can preserve the three-dimensional morphology of demineralized dentin better, and can improve the resin-dentin bonding.

Mechanical properties of pristine and defective carbon-phosphide monolayers: a density functional tight-binding study

Using density functional tight-binding theory, we investigated the elastic properties and deformation and failure behaviors of pristine and defective carbon-phosphide (CP) monolayers subjected to uniform uniaxial tensile strain along arm-chair (AC) and zig-zag (ZZ) directions. Two variants of CP (α-CP and β-CP) were studied and two types of carbon and phosphorous vacancies (single and double) were considered. It was found that carbon monovacancies have the lowest formation energy, while phosphorous divacancies have the highest one in both CP allotropes. A strong mechanical anisotropy for CP was found with the Young's modulus and the failure stress along ZZ direction being an order of magnitude larger than those along AC direction. In both allotropes, the Young's modulus, failure stress and strain are considerably affected by vacancies, especially along AC direction. Fracture of pristine CP monolayer occurred via the rupture of phosphorous-phosphorous bonds when CP monolayer is stretched along AC direction, while via the rupture of carbon-phosphorous bonds when stretched along ZZ direction. Defective α-CP and β-CP monolayers both undergo a brittle-like failure initiated around the hosted vacancies at a lower critical strain. The failure strain and stress along the AC direction are affected only by phosphorous vacancies, while along the ZZ direction, they are almost equally affected by both phosphorous and carbon vacancies. These understandings may provide useful guidelines for potential applications of CP monolayers in nanoelectromechanical systems.

[Effects of botulinum toxin type A injection for pathological characteristic of calf in rats with spinal cord injure]

Objective: To explore the effect of BoTN-A on pathological characteristics of calf (GM) and motor function of ankle dorsiflexors in SCI model rats. Methods: Thirty-six SD male rats (weight 260-280 g) were randomly allocated into normal control group and 12w-control group, NS-injection group and BT-injection group in this study.NS/BT-injection groups were divided into two subgroups separately (2w-NS, 2w-BT, 8w-NS, 8w-BT). No injection was applied in normal control group or 12w-control group.Saline/BoTN-A was injected in right GM in NS/BT-injection group at two different time points(2w, 8w). GM and Sol on right side of rats would be forwarded for pathologicalexaminations, such as muscle weight, myosin heavy chain (MyHC) electrophoretic analysisat the 12th week. Results: Compared with the other three groups, the muscle weights of GM and Sol in the BT-injection group significantly decreased.MyHC type ratioof GM and Sol on the right side in the BT-injection group also significantlychanged.According to subgroup comparisons, MyHC type ratio of GM and Sol on the injectedside in the 2w-BT subgroup was significant different from that of the 8w-BT subgroup.MyHC type ratios of GM on the non-injected side in the BT injection group also changed more than normal control group.The change of MyHC type ratio of non-injected GM was significantly higher in the 2 week-BT subgroup than that in the 8-week subgroup. Conclusions: BoNT-A intervention resulted in pathological changes not only in the injected GM in SCI rats, but also in non-injected GM and non-injected Sol.The effects of earlier (2 weeks) BoTN-A intervention on pathologic characteristicsof GM and Sol were larger than that of later intervention.

Effect of vacancies on the mechanical properties of phosphorene nanotubes

Using density functional tight-binding method, we studied the mechanical properties, deformation and failure of armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ) phosphorene nanotubes (PNTs) with monovacancies and divacancies subjected to uniaxial tensile strain. We found that divacancies in AC PNTs and monovacancies in ZZ PNTs possess the lowest vacancy formation energy, which decreases with the tube diameter in AC PNTs and increases in ZZ PNTs. The Young's modulus is reduced, while the radial and thickness Poisson's ratios are increased by hosted vacancies. In defective AC PNTs, deformation involves fracture of the intra-pucker bonds and formation of the new inter-pucker bonds at a critical strain, and the most stretched bonds around the vacancy rupture first, triggering a sequence of the structural transformations terminated by the ultimate failure. The critical strain of AC PNTs is reduced significantly by hosted vacancies, whereas their effect on the critical stress is relatively weaker. Defective ZZ PNTs fail in a brittle-like manner once the most stretched bonds around a vacancy rupture, and vacancies are able to significantly reduce the failure strain but only moderately reduce the failure stress of ZZ PNTs. The understandings revealed here on the mechanical properties and the deformation and failure mechanisms of PNTs provide useful guidelines for their design and fabrication as building blocks in nanodevices.

[Effects of protease inhibitors on the activities of midgut proteases in Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus) larvae.]

To clarify the effects of protease inhibitors on the activities of midgut proteases in Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) larvae, the inhibitory effects of four kinds of protease inhibitors on the activities of midgut proteases of C. chinensis larvae were examined in vitro and in feeding conditions with indoor artificial insect inoculation. The activities of total protease, trypsin-like enzyme and chymotrypsin-like enzyme in the midgut of C. chinensis larvae fed on artificial mung bean that contained different contents of mung bean types in inhibitor (MBTI) were examined. The results showed that those four protease inhibitors had significant inhibitory effects on the activities of total protease, trypsin-like enzyme and chymotrypsin-like enzyme in C. chinensis larvae. The inhibitory effect was more significant when the concentration was higher. Among those inhibitors, the inhibitory effect of 20 μg·mL^-1 MBTI on three kinds of enzyme activities was the strongest, with reduction of 62.5%, 41.2% and 38.7%, respectively. Ovomucoid inhibitor (OI) had the lowest inhibitory effect. The activities of three enzymes in the midgut were also inhibited by C. chinensis larvae fed with artificial mung bean containing different inhibitors. The activities of three enzymes increased with the prolongation of the instar after feeding, but they were significantly lower than that in control. The inhibitory effect of MBTI was the strongest. The inhibitory effect on the activities of total protease and trypsin-like enzyme was gradually enhanced with the increases of MBTI contents when C. chinensis larvae were fed with artificial mung bean with different contents MBTI. The inhibitory effect on chymotrypsin-like enzyme activity was not significant. When the content of MBTI was up to 20%, the activity of chymotrypsin-like enzyme was obviously inhibited.

[Extraction-orthodontic treatment on patients with chronicperiodontitis: a preliminary study]

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate clinical and radiographic records of chronic periodontitis patients who underwent extraction-orthodontic treatment, in order to determine the effect of the treatment on probing depth, alveolar bone height of teeth adjacent to the extraction sites.

METHODS

In the study, 33 chronic periodontitis patients who had finished extraction-orthodontic treatment were selected, the periodontal examination system tables and panoramic tomography were recorded before treatment (T0) and after treatment (T1), and the periodontal probing depth (PD), residual alveolar bone height (RBH) of the teeth adjacent to extraction sites (TAES) and the non-teeth adjacent to extraction sites (NTAES) were measured at T0 and T1.

RESULTS

There was insignificant difference in PD of TAES and NTAES at T0 [(2.40±0.51) mm vs. (2.42±0.55) mm,P>0.05], neither was that at T1 [(2.70±0.67) mm vs. (2.67±0.64) mm, P>0.05]; From T0 to T1, PD of TAES and NTAES had mean increases of 0.3 mm [(2.40±0.51) mm vs. (2.70±0.67) mm,P<0.01] and 0.25 mm [(2.42±0.55 mm vs. (2.67±0.64) mm, P<0.01], respectively. And PD of TAES and NTAES increased from T0 to T1 statistically in the same degree [(0.30±0.64) mm vs. (0.25±0.58) mm,P>0.05]; at T0, RBH of TAES was 0.024 smaller than that of NTAES (0.74±0.16 vs. 0.76±0.16,P<0.05), but there was no difference in RBH between the TAES and NTAES at T1 (0.78±0.14 vs. 0.79±0.12,P>0.05); From T0 to T1, RBH of TAES and NTAES had mean increases of 0.04 (0.74±0.16 vs.0.78±0.14,P<0.05) and 0.02 (0.76±0.16 vs. 0.79±0.12,P<0.05), respectively. And the change of RBH between TAES and NTAES from T0 to T1 had no statistical difference (0.04±0.11 vs. 0.02±0.08,P>0.05)RBH of TAES in the side close to extraction sites was as the same as that of TAES in the side away from the extraction sites at T0 (0.73±0.17 vs. 0.74±0.16,P>0.05). From T0 to T1, RBH of both sides of TAES had mean increases of 0.04 (0.73±0.11 vs. 0.77±0.11,P<0.05) and 0.04 (0.74±0.11 vs. 0.78±0.11,P<0.05), respectively. But for both sides of TAES, from T0 to T1, there was no significant difference in change of RBH (0.04±0.11 vs. 0.04±0.11,P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With strict control of periodontal inflammation and maintenance of oral hygiene, orthodontic treatment preserves the periodontal conditions in patients with chronic periodontitis, and the extraction-orthodontic treatment can preserve the bone height of the teeth adjacent to extraction sites.

A vicious loop of fatty acid-binding protein 4 and DNA methyltransferase 1 promotes acute myeloid leukemia and acts as a therapeutic target

Aberrant DNA methylation mediated by deregulation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) is a key hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet efforts to target DNMT deregulation for drug development have lagged. We previously demonstrated that upregulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) promotes AML aggressiveness through enhanced DNMT1-dependent DNA methylation. Here, we demonstrate that FABP4 upregulation in AML cells occurs through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, thus elucidating a crucial FABP4-DNMT1 regulatory feedback loop in AML biology. We show that FABP4 dysfunction by its selective inhibitor BMS309403 leads to downregulation of DNMT1, decrease of global DNA methylation and re-expression of p15INK4B tumor suppressor gene by promoter DNA hypomethylation in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Functionally, BMS309403 suppresses cell colony formation, induces cell differentiation, and, importantly, impairs leukemic disease progression in mouse models of leukemia. Our findings highlight AML-promoting properties of the FABP4-DNMT1 vicious loop, and identify an attractive class of therapeutic agents with a high potential for clinical use in AML patients. The results will also assist in establishing the FABP4-DNMT1 loop as a target for therapeutic discovery to enhance the index of current epigenetic therapies.

[Influence of humidex on incidence of bacillary dysentery in Hefei: a time-series study]

Objective: To investigate the effect of humidex combined with mean temperature and relative humidity on the incidence of bacillary dysentery in Hefei. Methods: Daily counts of bacillary dysentery cases and weather data in Hefei were collected from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2013. Then, the humidex was calculated from temperature and relative humidity. A Poisson generalized linear regression combined with distributed lag non-linear model was applied to analyze the relationship between humidex and the incidence of bacillary dysentery, after adjusting for long-term and seasonal trends, day of week and other weather confounders. Stratified analyses by gender, age and address were also conducted. Results: The risk of bacillary dysentery increased with the rise of humidex. The adverse effect of high humidex (90 percentile of humidex) appeared in 2-days lag and it was the largest at 4-days lag (RR=1.063, 95%CI: 1.037-1.090). Subgroup analyses indicated that all groups were affected by high humidex at lag 2-5 days. Conclusion: High humidex could significantly increase the risk of bacillary dysentery, and the lagged effects were observed.