[Research progress of vaccination status, efficacy and safety in children with tumor]

Malignant tumors in children are one of the most important diseases that threaten the health and quality of life of children and are the second most common cause of death in children.With the continuous improvement and progress of treatment technology, the long-term survival rate of children with tumor has been significantly improved, but both the disease itself and the treatment can impair the immune function of children, which makes them vulnerable to various infectious diseases and secondary serious complications, and even become a source of infection, endangering the health of others. Vaccination is the most cost-effective measure to prevent infectious diseases. For children with normal immune functions, the benefits of vaccination usually outweigh the disadvantages. However, there is a lack of detailed data on the vaccination situation, efficacy and safety of vaccine use for such immunocompromised tumor survivors, and there are no authoritative and uniform vaccination recommendations. This article reviewed and summarized the literature and consensus of some domestic and foreign scholars on current status of post-treatment vaccination status, efficacy and safety of vaccination for children with tumors after treatment, with the aim of providing a reference for the practice in this field in China.

[Effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against invasive disease caused by serotype 19A in children: a meta-analysis]

Objective: Using Meta-analysis to evaluate the vaccine effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) against invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae disease (IPD) caused by serotype 19A in children <5 years old. Methods: "Streptococcus pneumoniae infection""invasive pneumococcal disease""13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine""PCV13""effectiveness""infant""child" and related terms were searched from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG DATA, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of science with no limited on language, region and research institution. The retrieval time was limited from January 2010 to February 2023 and cohort study, case-control study and randomized controlled trial were included. Data were extracted from eligible studies by two independent reviewers, and after study quality assessment by NOS scale, Meta-analysis was completed using Stata 16.0 software. Results: A total of 2 340 related literatures were searched, and 10 literatures were finally included, including 5 case-control studies and 5 indirect cohort studies, which showed good literature quality. The vaccine effectiveness against serotype 19A IPD of PCV13 in children was 83.91% (95%CI: 78.92%-88.89%), and the subgroup analysis (P=0.240) showed there was no significant difference among the case-control study (VE=87.34%, 95%CI:79.74%-94.94%) and the indirect cohort study (VE=81.30%, 95%CI:74.69%-87.92%). The funnel plot and Egger test suggested that the possibility of publication bias was small. Conclusion: The present evidence indicates that PCV13 has a good vaccine effectiveness against serotype 19A IPD in children, and it is recommended to further increase the vaccination rate of PCV13 to reduce the disease burden of IPD in children <5 years old.

[Risk factors of systemic allergic reactions caused by subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy]

Objective: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of systemic allergic reactions induced by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in patients undergoing SCIT injections in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). Methods: This is a single center retrospective cohort study. Using the outpatient information system of PUMCH, the demographic information and injection-related reaction data of patients undergoing SCIT injection in Allergy Department of PUMCH from December 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to count the incidence and risk factors of systemic allergic reactions caused by SCIT. Mann-Whitney nonparametric test or chi-square test was used for single-factor analysis, and multiple logistic regression was used for multiple-factor analysis. Results: A total of 2 897 patients received 18 070 SCIT injections in Allergy Department during the four years, and 40 systemic allergic reactions occurred, with the overall incidence rate of 0.22%. The incidence of systemic allergic reaction was 0.37% when using imported dust mite preparation and 0.15% when using domestic multi-component allergen preparation. The risk factors significantly related with SCIT-induced systemic allergic reactions in patients using imported dust mite preparation were age less than 18 years old (OR=3.186,95%CI: 1.255-8.085), highest injection concentration (OR value could not be calculated because all patients with systemic reactions were injected with highest concentration), and large local reaction in previous injection (OR=22.264,95%CI: 8.205-60.411). The risk factors for SCIT-induced systemic allergic reactions in patients using domestic allergen preparation were 5 or more types of allergens (OR=3.455,95%CI: 1.147-10.402), highest injection concentration (OR=3.794,95%CI: 1.226-11.740) and large local reaction in previous injection (OR=63.577,95%CI: 22.248-181.683). However, SCIT injection in pollen allergic patients during the pollen season did not show a correlation with systemic allergic reaction. Conclusion: The incidence of SCIT-induced systemic allergic reactions was low in the Chinese patient population of this study. Patients with one or more risk factors, such as multiple allergen injection, highest injection concentration, large local reaction in previous injection, should be given high attention and vigilance against systemic allergic reactions.

Phylogeny and species diversity of the genus Helvella with emphasis on eighteen new species from China

Helvella is a widespread, frequently encountered fungal group appearing in forests, but the species diversity and molecular phylogeny of Helvella in China remains incompletely understood. In this work, we performed comprehensive phylogenetic analyses using multilocus sequence data. Six datasets were employed, including a five-locus concatenated dataset (ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α, rpb2, hsp), a two-locus concatenated dataset (ITS, nrLSU), and four single-locus datasets (ITS) that were divided based on the four different phylogenetic clades of Helvella recognized in this study. A total of I 946 sequences were used, of which 713 were newly generated, including 170 sequences of ITS, 174 sequences of nrLSU, 131 sequences of tef1-α, 107 sequences of rpb2 and 131 sequences of hsp. The phylogeny based on the five-locus concatenated dataset revealed that Helvellas. str. is monophyletic and four phylogenetic clades are clearly recognized, i.e., Acetabulum clade, Crispa clade, Elastica clade, and Lacunosa clade. A total of 24 lineages or subclades were recognized, II of which were new, the remaining 13 corresponding with previous studies. Chinese Helvella species are distributed in 22 lineages across four clades. Phylogenetic analyses based on the two-locus concatenated dataset and four single-locus datasets confirmed the presence of at least 93 phylogenetic species in China. Among them, 58 are identified as known species, including a species with a newly designated lectotype and epitype, 18 are newly described in this paper, and the remaining 17 taxa are putatively new to science but remain unnamed due to the paucity or absence of ascomatal materials. In addition, the Helvella species previously recorded in China are discussed. A list of 76 confirmed species, including newly proposed species, is provided. The occurrence of H. crispa and H. elastica are not confirmed although both are commonly recorded in China. Citation: Mao N, Xu YY, Zhang YX, Zhou H, Huang XB, Hou CL, Fan L (2023). Phylogeny and species diversity of the genus Helvella with emphasis on eighteen new species from China. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 111-152. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.08.

[Long-term trend analysis of liver cancer survival rate in Qidong region, Jiangsu Province, 1972-2019]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and survival rate of liver cancer cases in the entire population in the Qidong region from 1972 to 2019, so as to provide a basis for prognosis evaluation, prevention, and treatment. Methods: The observed survival rate (OSR) and relative survival rate (RSR) of 34 805 cases of liver cancer in the entire Qidong region population from 1972 to 2019 were calculated using Hakulinen's method with SURV3.01 software. Hakulinen's likelihood ratio test was used for statistical analysis. Age-standardized relative survival (ARS) was calculated using the International Cancer Survival Standard. The Joinpoint regression analysis was performed with Joinpoint 4.7.0.0 software to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of the liver cancer survival rate. Results: 1-ASR increased from 13.80% in 1972-1977 to 50.20% in 2014-2019, while 5-ASR increased from 1.27% in 1972-1977 to 27.64% in 2014-2019. The upward trend of RSR over eight periods was statistically significant (χ (2) = 3045.29, P < 0.001). Among them, male 5-ASR was 0.90%, 1.80%, 2.33%, 4.92%, 5.43%, 7.05%, 10.78%, and 27.78%, and female 5-ASR was 2.33%, 1.51%, 3.35%, 3.92%, 3.84%, 7.18%, 11.45%, and 29.84%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in RSR between males and females (χ (2) = 45.68, P < 0.001). The 5-RSR for each age group of 25-34 years old, 35-44 years old, 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old were 4.92%, 5.29%, 8.17%, 11.70%, 11.63%, and 9.60%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in RSR among different age groups (χ (2) = 501.29, P < 0.001). The AAPC in Qidong region from 1972 to 2019 for 1-ARS, 3-ASR, and 5-ARS were 5.26% (t = 12.35, P < 0.001), 8.10% (t = 15.99, P < 0.001), and 8.96 % (t = 16.06, P < 0.001), respectively. The upward trend was statistically significant in all cases. The AAPC of 5-ARS was 9.82% in males (t = 14.14, P < 0.001), and 8.79% in females (t = 11.48, P < 0.001), and the upward trend was statistically significant in both. The AAPC of 25-34 years old, 35-44 years old, 45-54 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and 75 years old were 5.37% (t = 5.26, P = 0.002), 5.22% (t = 5.66, P = 0.001), 7.20% (t = 6.88, P < 0.001), 10.00% (t = 12.58, P < 0.001), 9.96% (t = 7.34, P < 0.001) and 8.83% (t = 3.51, P = 0.013), and the upward trend was statistically significant. Conclusion: The overall survival rate of registered cases of liver cancer in the Qidong region's entire population has greatly improved, but there is still much room for improvement. Hence, constant attention should be paid to the study on preventing and treating liver cancer.

[Read-through circular RNA rt-circ-HS promotes hypoxia inducible factor 1α expression and renal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness]

OBJECTIVE

To identify and characterize read-through RNAs and read-through circular RNAs (rt-circ-HS) derived from transcriptional read-through hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and small nuclear RNA activating complex polypeptide 1 (SNAPC1) the two adjacent genes located on chromosome 14q23, in renal carcinoma cells and renal carcinoma tissues, and to study the effects of rt-circ-HS on biological behavior of renal carcinoma cells and on regulation of HIF1α.

METHODS

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing were used to examine expression of read-through RNAs HIF1α-SNAPC1 and rt-circ-HS in different tumor cells. Tissue microarrays of 437 different types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were constructed, and chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) was used to investigate expression of rt-circ-HS in different RCC types. Small interference RNA (siRNA) and artificial overexpression plasmids were designed to examine the effects of rt-circ-HS on 786-O and A498 renal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), EdU incorporation and Transwell cell migration and invasion assays. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to exa-mine expression of HIF1α and SNAPC1 RNA and proteins after interference of rt-circ-HS with siRNA, respectively. The binding of rt-circ-HS with microRNA 539 (miR-539), and miR-539 with HIF1α 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), and the effects of these interactions were investigated by dual luciferase reporter gene assays.

RESULTS

We discovered a novel 1 144 nt rt-circ-HS, which was derived from read-through RNA HIF1α-SNAPC1 and consisted of HIF1α exon 2-6 and SNAPC1 exon 2-4. Expression of rt-circ-HS was significantly upregulated in 786-O renal carcinoma cells. ISH showed that the overall positive expression rate of rt-circ-HS in RCC tissue samples was 67.5% (295/437), and the expression was different in different types of RCCs. Mechanistically, rt-circ-HS promoted renal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness by functioning as a competitive endogenous inhibitor of miR-539, which we found to be a potent post-transcriptional suppressor of HIF1α, thus promoting expression of HIF1α.

CONCLUSION

The novel rt-circ-HS is highly expressed in different types of RCCs and acts as a competitive endogenous inhibitor of miR-539 to promote expression of its parental gene HIF1α and thus the proliferation, migration and invasion of renal cancer cells.

The post-discharge coping difficulty of puerperal women in a middle and low-income tourist city during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, the incidence of mental health problems in perinatal women has been high, and particularly prominent in China which was the first country affected by COVID-19. This paper aims to investigate the current situation and the related factors of maternal coping difficulties after discharge during COVID-19.

METHODS

General information questionnaires (the Perinatal Maternal Health Literacy Scale, Postpartum Social Support Scale and Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale-New Mother Form) were used to investigate 226 puerperal women in the third week of puerperium. The influencing factors were analyzed by single factor analysis, correlation and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The total score of coping difficulties after discharge was 48.92 ± 12.05. At the third week after delivery, the scores of health literacy and social support were 21.34 ± 5.18 and 47.96 ± 12.71. There were negative correlations among health literacy, social support and coping difficulties after discharge (r = -0.34, r = -0.38, P < 0.001). Primipara, family income, health literacy and social support were the main factors influencing maternal coping difficulties after discharge.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, puerperal women in a low- and middle-income city had moderate coping difficulties after discharge and were affected by many factors. To meet the different needs of parturients and improve their psychological coping ability, medical staff should perform adequate assessment of social resources relevant to parturients and their families when they are discharged, so they can smoothly adapt to the role of mothers.

[Application of augmented reality navigation in laparoscopic and robot-assisted liver surgery]

In recent years, laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery have been widely used, and various intraoperative image navigation systems have also developed rapidly. However, the liver itself has a complex vessel and duct system, which increase the difficulty of liver surgery. The augmented reality image navigation system combines the three-dimensional reconstructed image of the liver with the real liver anatomy, which presents the specific relationship between the tumor location and the surrounding vessels for the surgeon. Compared with other intraoperative image navigation methods, augmented reality has its unique advantages. This paper provides an overview of current advances in registration technology in augmented reality image navigation system, and focuses on its applications in liver surgery, including laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. Finally, the technological problems and difficulties still faced at present are summarized, and future directions worth studying in this field are proposed.

[Analysis of the effects of low/intermediate dose of coagulation factor Ⅷ on 30 adult patients with severe hemophilia A in a single center]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of low- and intermediate-dose factor Ⅷ (F Ⅷ) prophylaxis in Chinese adult patients with severe hemophilia A. Methods: Thirty adult patients with severe hemophilia A who received low- (n=20) /intermediate-dose (n=10) F Ⅷ prophylaxis at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College were included in the study. The annual bleeding rate (ABR), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR), number of target joints, functional independence score of hemophilia (FISH), quality of life score, and health status score (SF-36) before and after preventive treatment were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Results: The median follow-up was 48 months. Compared with on-demand treatment, low- and intermediate-dose prophylaxis significantly reduced ABR, AJBR, and the number of target joints (P<0.05) ; the improvement in the intermediate-dose prophylaxis group was better than that in the low-dose prophylaxis group (P<0.05). Compared with on-demand treatment, the FISH score, quality of life score, and SF-36 score significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: In Chinese adults with severe hemophilia A, low- and intermediate-dose prophylaxis can significantly reduce bleeding frequency, delay the progression of joint lesions, and improve the quality of life of patients as compared with on-demand treatment. The improvement in clinical bleeding was better with intermediate-dose prophylaxis than low-dose prophylaxis.

[Long-term trend of colorectal cancer survival rate in Qidong, 1972-2016]

Objective: The survival of colorectal cancer in Qidong City, Jiangsu Province from 1972 to 2016 was analyzed to provide a basis for the evaluation of prognosis and the formulation of prevention and control measures. Methods: Colorectal cancer data were obtained from the Qidong Cancer Registration and Reporting System, and the follow-up was up to December 31, 2021. The observed survival rate (OSR) and relative survival rate (RSR) were calculated by SURV 3.01 software, and the trend test was performed by Hakulinen's likelihood ratio test. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of survival, and the ARIMA model was used to predict the trend of colorectal cancer survival. Results: There were 8 637 new cases of colorectal cancer in Qidong from 1972 to 2016. Dividing 1972-2016 into 9 periods at 5-year intervals, the 5-year OSR from 1972-1976 to 2012-2016 increased from 21.86% to 48.86%, and the 5-year RSR increased from 26.45% to 59.91%. The increasing trend of RSR was statistically significant (χ(2)=587.47, P<0.001). From 1972 to 2016, the survival rates of colorectal cancer in different sexes in Qidong were similar, and the 5-year RSR was 44.63% for men and 44.07% for women. Since the 1990s, the 5-year OSR and RSR for men have been lower than those for women. From 1972 to 2016, the 5-year RSR of colorectal cancer in Qidong was significantly improved in the 65-74 and ≥75-year-old groups, but the survival rate of the ≥75-year-old group was still the lowest (36.78%), followed by the 35-44-year-old group ( 43.04%). The time trend showed that the overall AAPC of colorectal cancer 5-year RSR in Qidong from 1972 to 2016 was 2.50% (t=16.45, P<0.001). The upward trend of different sexes was consistent, and the increase was greater in women (AAPC for males=2.18%, AAPC for females=2.54%, both P<0.05). The 5-year RSR of colorectal cancer in each age group showed an upward trend, and the AAPCs of the 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75-year-old groups were 1.54%, 1.83%, 2.00%, 3.51% and 4.35%, respectively (all P<0.05). The prediction results of colorectal cancer survival rate showed that the 5-year RSR of colorectal cancer in Qidong will increase to 71.62% by 2026. Conclusions: The overall survival rate of colorectal cancer patients in Qidong has been greatly improved, but there is still room for improvement. We should continue to pay attention to the early diagnosis and early treatment of colorectal cancer.

[Long-term trend of esophageal cancer survival rate in Qidong, 1972-2016]

Objective: To analyze the survival of esophageal cancer cases in Qidong, Jiangsu Province from 1972 to 2016, and provide a basis for the prognosis evaluation and prevention of esophageal cancer patients. Methods: The data of esophageal cancer were obtained from the Qidong Cancer Registration and Reporting System, and the follow-up date ended December 31, 2021. Observed survival rate (OSR) and relative survival rate (RSR) were calculated by SURV 3.01 software, and Hakulinen's likelihood ratio test was used for statistical difference comparison. Joinpoint regression model was used to conduct the average annual percentage change (AAPC) in esophageal cancer survival rate, and the ARIMA model was used to predict the trend of esophageal cancer survival rate. Results: During 1972 to 2016, there were 5 112 new cases of esophageal cancer in Qidong. The OSR of esophageal cancer at 1, 5 and 10 years were 24.43%, 6.93% and 4.43%, and the RSR at 1, 5 and 10 years were 25.88%, 9.35% and 8.34%, respectively. Dividing 1972-2016 into 9 periods, compared with 1972-1976, the 5-year RSR from 2012-2016 increased from 4.47% to 17.85%, and the RSR trend of the 9 periods was statistically significant (χ(2)=263.43, P<0.001). The survival rate of female with esophageal cancer was slightly higher than that of male, however, there was no significant difference in RSR between male and female (χ(2)=9.40, P=0.401). The 5-OSR and 5-RSR for male were 6.73% and 9.11%, and for female were 7.37% and 9.87%, respectively. The 5-RSR for the age groups of 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and over 75 years old were 11.99%, 11.21%, 8.17% and 7.08%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in RSR among different age groups (χ(2)=98.19, P<0.001). The time trend results showed that the overall AAPC of the 5-RSR of esophageal cancer in Qidong from 1972 to 2016 was 3.89% (t=11.98, P<0.001). The 5-RSR uptrend was consistent among different genders, and the uptrend was greater in female (AAPC=4.25% for male, and AAPC=5.72% for female, P<0.05). Furthermore, the 5-RSR of esophageal cancer in all age groups showed an upward trend, and the upward trend was statistically significant in the 55-64-year-old group (AAPC=4.23%, P<0.05) and the 65-74-year-old group (AAPC=6.82%, P<0.05), there was no statistical significance in the 45-54-year-old group (AAPC=2.17%, P>0.05) and more than 75 years old group (AAPC=1.82%, P>0.05). Survival rate prediction of esophageal cancer showed that by 2026, 5-RSR will increase to 24.79%. Conclusions: During 1972 to 2016, the overall survival rate of esophageal cancer in the whole population of Qidong has improved to a certain extent, but there is still a large room for improvement. More emphasis should be continued to strengthen on the early diagnosis and early treatment of esophageal cancer.

[Progress on the diagnosis and therapy about atopic diseases and primary immunodeficiency diseases]

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) is a congenital disease caused by single gene germline mutation related to the immune system. PID patients have immune dysregulation, and are susceptible to infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and malignant tumors. The first symptom of some PID patients is atopic disease, therefore they go to the department of allergy, department of pediatrics and other relevant departments. How to identify and diagnose PID in allergic patients, to reduce diagnosis delay and prevent disease aggravation are the abilities that allergists, pediatricians, and doctors in other relevant departments need to master. This article summarizes the warning signs of PID in allergic patients and the mechanism of allergy combined with PID, and then summarizes the common types of PID in allergic patients, the evaluation, treatment and prevention in patients with PID and allergy.

[Central mechanism of acupuncture intervention in anxiety and depression under fMRI]

Despite the significant efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating anxiety and depression, the mechanism remains unclear. In recent years, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology has provided a visual method for deciphering the mechanism of acupuncture in treating anxiety and depression. This paper summarized the clinical studies about the imaging changes of anxiety and depression during the treatment with acupuncture under fMRI. The available studies demonstrated that acupuncture may act on functional nuclei and brain regions such as hippocampus, amygdala, cingulate gyrus, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe. The paper can lay a foundation for the further study of the central mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Species diversity, phylogeny, endemism and geography of the truffle genus Tuber in China based on morphological and molecular data

The genus Tuber (Tuberaceae, Pezizales) is an important fungal group of Ascomycota both economically and ecologically. However, the species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and geographic distribution of Tuber species in China remains poorly understood, primarily because descriptions of many new species relied heavily on morphological features with molecular data either not sought or ignored. The misapplication of European and North American names further added to confusion regarding the taxonomy of Chinese Tuber species. In this study, we examined more than 1 000 specimens from China, and performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis for Chinese Tuber species using ITS sequences and multilocus sequence data. To infer the phylogeny of Chinese Tuber spp., 11 molecular datasets were assembled, including a concatenated internal transcribed spacers of the nuc rDNA (ITS), nuc rDNA 28S subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) dataset as well as 10 ITS datasets (totally including 1 435 sequences from 828 collections with 597 newly generated sequences, and 168 sequences from the types of 63 species). Our phylogenetic tree based on a concatenated multilocus dataset revealed that all Chinese Tuber species nested in nine phylogenetic clades (phylogroups), including Aestivum, Excavatum, Latisporum, Macrosporum, Maculatum, Melanosporum, Puberulum, Rufum and Turmericum. Of these, five phylogroups (Macrosporum, Maculatum, Melanosporum, Puberulum and Rufum) are shared across the continents of Asia, Europe and North America; two phylogroups (Aestivum and Excavatum) are shared by Europe and Asia; and the phylogroups Turmericum and Latisporum are endemic only to Asia. Phylogenetic trees based on 10 ITS datasets confirmed the presence of at least 82 phylogenetic species in China. Of these, 53 are identified as known species, including three new records for China, and 25 species are identified as new to science. Of the new species, nine are described and illustrated in this paper, and the others remain unnamed due to the paucity or absence of ascomatal materials. Accordingly, the confirmed, excluded and doubtful Tuber species in China are discussed. Tuber species showed high endemism. Of the 82 phylogenetic species found in China, 68 species occur only in China, six species are also found in other regions in Asia, and only eight species (T. anniae, T. excelsum-reticulatum, T. formosanum, T. maculatum, T. wenchuanense, Tuber sp. CHN-3, Tuber sp. CHN-10 and Tuber sp. CHN-11) are shared with other continents. Most Tuber species have a small and limited distribution in China, but a few, such as T. formosanum and T. parvomurphium, are widely distributed across China. Some phylogenetically closely related species, such as T. liaotongense and T. subglobosum, as well as T. xuanhuaense and T. lijiangense, show a pattern of allopatric distribution.

A potential EBV-related classifier is associated with the efficacy of immunotherapy in gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a global health problem. As a complicated heterogeneous disease, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network recognized four subtypes of GC, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive GC (EBVaGC), which accounts for approximately 9% of all GC cases. The response to immunotherapy in GC is limited, and whether EBV status is a predictor of immunotherapy remains controversial.

Methods

The differential gene expression analysis was utilized to compare the gene expression between the EBV-positive group and the EBV-negative group in the TCGA-Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) cohort. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and gene functional enrichment analysis were used to investigate the most pivotal hub genes and their roles. The “Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumours using Expression data” (ESTIMATE) and CIBERSORT algorithms were performed to infer the immune compositions of tissue samples. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and survival analysis were used to validate the expression and prognosis of these hub genes in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) cohort. A GC cohort that received anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) therapy was used to analyze the predicted efficacy based on the expression of hub genes.

Results

There is a total of 1,686 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the EBV-positive group and EBV-negative group, and WGCNA identified a yellow-colored module that was most related to EBV features. Functional enrichment analysis of 144 genes in this yellow module demonstrated that these genes primarily performed immune-related functions, and PPI network analysis through the CytoHubba plug-in identified 11 hub genes in the network. The RT-qPCR results in the SYSUCC cohort further validated that the hub genes were all increased in the EBV-positive group. Finally, we found that a potential classifier was associated with the efficacy of immunotherapy based on the expression of these 11 hub genes.

Conclusions

Our study identified several hub genes associated with EBV status that are closely related to the immune microenvironmental features of EBVaGC and may be used as molecular markers for predicting the immune response in GC.

[Advances on the toxicology and molecular mechanisms of different components of ambient fine particulate matter]

Ambient fine particulate matters (PM_2.5) refer to particulate matters with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm. PM_2.5 enter the body through the target organ-lung, and can induce a variety of adverse health effects (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and adverse birth outcomes). PM_2.5 are known to have complex compositions (including water-soluble/-insoluble components and biological components), diverse sources and capacity of secondary transformation. Numerous epidemiological and toxicological studies indicated that different components of PM_2.5 may induce adverse health effects through different biological mechanisms. In adddition, co-exposure of different components and their interaction should also be considered. Thus here we have systematically reviewed studies in recent years about the toxicological effects and underlying mechanisms of different components of ambient fine particulate matters, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and so on. The information may give some insights into the prevention and treatment of adverse health effects caused by exposure to different components of PM_2.5.

SAPCD2 promotes neuroblastoma progression by altering the subcellular distribution of E2F7

Recent studies uncovered the emerging roles of SAPCD2 (suppressor anaphase-promoting complex domain containing 2) in several types of human cancer. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of SAPCD2 in the progression of neuroblastoma (NB) remain elusive. Herein, through integrative analysis of public datasets and regulatory network of GSK-J4, a small-molecule drug with anti-NB activity, we identified SAPCD2 as an appealing target with a high connection to poor prognosis in NB. SAPCD2 promoted NB progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SAPCD2 could directly bind to cytoplasmic E2F7 but not E2F1, alter the subcellular distribution of E2F7 and regulate E2F activity. Among the E2F family members, the roles of E2F7 in NB are poorly understood. We found that an increasing level of nuclear E2F7 was induced by SAPCD2 knockdown, thereby affecting the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and chromosome instability. In addition, Selinexor (KTP-330), a clinically available inhibitor of exportin 1 (XPO1), could induce nuclear accumulation of E2F7 and suppress the growth of NB. Overall, our studies suggested a previously unrecognized role of SAPCD2 in the E2F signaling pathway and a potential therapeutic approach for NB, as well as clues for understanding the differences in subcellular distribution of E2F1 and E2F7 during their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling.

[Epidemic characteristics of stomach cancer mortality in Qidong during 1972-2016]

Objective: To describe the epidemic characteristics of stomach cancer mortality in Qidong between 1972 and 2016. Methods: The cancer registry data of stomach cancer death and population during 1972-2016 in Qidong was collected. The mortality of crude rate (CR), China age-standardized rate (CASR), world age-standardized rate (WASR), 35-64 years truncated rate, 0-74 years cumulative rate, cumulative risk, percentage change (PC), annual percent change (APC) were calculated. Results: During 1972-2016, a total of 15 863 (male: 10 114, female: 5 749) deaths occurred attributed to stomach cancer, accounting for 16.04% of all cancers, with CR of 31.37/100 000 (CASR: 12.97/100 000, WASR: 21.39/100 000). The truncated rate of 35-64, cumulative rate of 0-74, and cumulative risk were 28.86/100 000, 2.54%, and 2.51%, respectively. For male, the CR, CASR, WASR were 40.53/100 000, 17.98/100 000, 30.13/100 000, respectively, and for female, the CR, CASR, WASR were 22.45/100 000, 8.52/100 000, 13.92/100 000, respectively. Age-specific mortality analysis showed that the mortality of each age group under 25-year-old group was less than 1/100 000. The CR increased with age. The 50-year-old group reached and exceeded the average mortality of the population, and more than 80-year-old group reached the peak of death. During 1972-2016 in Qidong, The PCs in CR, CASR, and WASR of stomach cancer were 55.43%, -52.02%, -43.60%. The APC were 0.54%, -2.30%, -2.08%, respectively. Period mortality analysis showed that except for the 75-year-old group, the mortality of stomach cancer decreased significantly. Conclusions: The crude mortality of stomach cancer increases slightly in Qidong, while the CASR and WASR decrease significantly. However, stomach cancer is still one of the malignant tumors that most affect health and seriously threat lives.

[Emulation pulmonary nodules localization model:a novel non-invasive localization technique in resection of pulmonary nodules]

Objective: To explore the accuracy and efficiency of a novel 3D-printed emulation localization model of small pulmonary nodules in lung surgery. Methods: From April 2020 to April 2021, a total of 66 patients were selected in the study, who underwent localization and resection of pulmonary nodules with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) guided by the 3D-printed emulation localization model at Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University. There were 13 males and 53 females, aged from 25 to 79 (52.7±11.4) years. Of all patients, 24 (36.4%) had single pulmonary nodule, and 42 (63.6%) had synchronous multiple pulmonary nodules. The chest high-resolution CT image data were utilized for digital reconstruction and 3D printing to make a tailored life-size emulation pulmonary nodules localization model, which was used to navigate real-time intraoperative localization of nodules. Clinical data including operative parameters, localization information, resection types and pathological findings of nodules were analyzed. The pulmonary nodules that doctors planned to resect were categorized into two categories:major nodules and additional nodules, according to their presence of invasion and radiological risk factors. The accuracy of localization and resection efficiency of nodules were evaluated in accordance with the categories of the nodules respectively. Results: On the basis of preoperative evaluation, there were 71 major nodules with median maximal diameter of 0.9 (0.6-1.3) cm, and 77 additional nodules with median maximal diameter of 0.5 (0.4-0.7) cm. All patients underwent VATS surgery, 52 of them (78.8%) were treated with uniportal VATS and 14 (21.2%) with triportal VATS. Among the patients with single nodule, 18 segmentectomies and 6 wedge resections were performed; whereas among the patients with multiple nodules, 5 segmentectomies, 14 wedge resections, and 23 combined pulmonary resections (including 2 cases of lobectomy+segmentectomy, 7 cases of lobectomy+wedge resections, and 14 cases of segmentectomy+wedge resections) were achieved. The median operative time was 93 (45-240) min, and the median resection time for all nodules was 51.4 (6.7-147.0) min. All major nodules were successfully resected and visibly dissected after removal, and all additional nodules were successfully resected with 85.7%(66/77) nodules visibly dissected. The accuracy rate of localization of both types of nodules was 100%. All major nodules were malignant, and the malignancy rate of additional nodules was 21.2%(14/66). Conclusion: This novel 3D-printed emulation localization model of small pulmonary nodules proved to be a non-invasive, accurate and efficient technique. Not only that, it has a unique advantage in localization of synchronous multiple pulmonary nodules.

[An analysis of mortality trends for upper gastrointestinal neoplasms in Qidong, 1972-2016]

Objective: To describe the trend of upper gastrointestinal cancer mortality in Qidong between 1972 and 2016, and to provide guidelines for prevention and control measures and strategies. Methods: The upper gastrointestinal data was collected in Qidong cancer registration from 1972 to 2016. Crude mortality rate (CR), China age-standardized rate (CASR), world age-standardized rate (WASR), truncated rate (35-64 years old), cumulative rate (0-74 years old) and cumulative risk were calculated. Annual percent change (APC) was calculated by Joinpoint software. Age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the influence of age, period and birth cohort on the changes in the mortality trend of upper gastrointestinal cancer patients. Results: From 1972 to 2016, there were 20 658 deaths of upper gastrointestinal cancer in Qidong, accounting for 20.89% of all cancer deaths. The CR, CASR, WASR, truncated rate (35-64 years old), cumulative rate (0-74 years old) and cumulative risk were 40.85/100 000, 27.96/100 000, 27.69/100 000, 36.01/100 000, 3.30% and 3.25%, respectively. There were 13 429 male deaths, the CR, CASR, and the WASR were 53.81/100 000, 37.62/100 000, and 39.93/100 000; the female deaths were 7 229, and the CR, CASR, and WASR were 28.23/100 000, 18.87/100 000, 17.25/100 000, respectively. The APCs of the 45-year-old, 55-year-old and 65-year-old age groups were -2.94% (95% CI: -3.32%, -2.56%), -2.94% (95% CI: -3.22%, -2.66%) and -2.04% (95% CI: -2.39%, -1.69%), with significant difference (P<0.05), while without significance of 75-year-old group (P>0.05). From 1972 to 2016, the APCs of CR, CASR, and WASR in the gastrointestinal cancer were 0.65% (95%CI: 0.43%, 0.87%), -2.01% (95%CI: -2.24%, -1.77%) and -2.05% (95%CI: -2.28%, -1.81%). The age-period-cohort model showed that the mortality of upper gastrointestinal cancer was increased with age (P<0.05). Conclusions: The crude mortality of upper gastrointestinal cancer increases slightly in Qidong, while the CASR and WASR decrease significantly. However, with aged tendency of population, the early diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancer is still needed to be paid attention.

Compositional and functional alterations of gut microbiota in patients with stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is accumulating evidence that gut microbiota plays a key role in cardiovascular diseases. Gut bacteria can transform dietary choline, l-carnitine, and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) into trimethylamine, which can be oxidized into TMAO again in the liver. However, the alterations of the gut microbiota in large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke and cardioembolic (CE) stroke have been less studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a case-control study in patients with LAA and CE types of strokes. We profiled the gut microbiome using Illumina sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (V4-V5 regions), and TMAO was determined via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Our results showed that the TMAO levels in the plasma of patients with LAA and CE strokes were significantly higher than those in controls (LAA stroke, 2931 ± 456.4 ng/mL; CE stroke, 4220 ± 577.6 ng/mL; healthy control, 1663 ± 117.8 ng/mL; adjusted p < 0.05). The TMAO level in the plasma of patients with LAA stroke was positively correlated with the carotid plaque area (rho = 0.333, 95% CI = 0.08-0.55, p = 0.0093). Notably, the composition and the function of gut microbiota in the LAA stroke group were significantly different from those in the control group (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05). There was no significant association between gut microbiota and CE stroke in our study.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for significant compositional and functional alterations of the gut microbiome in patients with LAA stroke. Gut microbiota might serve as a potential biomarker for patients with LAA stroke.

[Water Pollution Characteristics and Source Apportionment in Rapid Urbanization Region of the Lower Yangtze River: Considering the Qinhuai River Catchment]

Clarifying the current situation of regional water pollutants and the relationship between pollutants and pollution sources is considered essential for managing the water environment. Water quality identification index (WQI), cluster analysis (CA), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and stable isotope analysis in R (SIAR) were employed to interpret a large and complex water quality data set of the Qinhuai River catchment generated during 2015 to 2019 to monitor of 11 parameters at 29 different sampling sites. WQI analysis indicated that water quality in Qinhuai River catchment is considered to have "moderate pollution," and an improving trend of water quality was observed at the interannual scale. TN was the most deteriorated of all pollution parameters. CA and PMF results on the spatial scale revealed that sampling sites located at downtown of Nanjing and Lishui District or Jangling University town were highly polluted due to the sewage from domestic sewage and business service sewage (28.88%) as well as industrial wastewater (27.43%), while sampling sites located at Hushu Street Administrative District, Ergan River, and Sangan River were slightly polluted by rural domestic wastewater and garbage (28.79%), and agricultural non-point source pollution (24.3%). The middle-lower reaches (Jiangning Development Zone and Moling Street) and middle reaches (Lukou Street Administrative District) were moderately polluted by industrial wastewater (27.25%), sewage from domestic wastewater and business service wastewater (31.62%) as well as inner sources (24.76%). The SIAR results showed that NO₃^--N was the main nitrogen form, and the NO₃^--N mainly originated from sewage (61%) and soil (34%) in the Yuntaishan River sub-catchment. These results will aid in the development of measures required to control water pollution in river catchments.

[The effect on patient life quality of prophylactic treatment to seasonal allergic rhinitis and related transcriptomics research]

Objective: The preseason prophylactic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) caused by pollens could alleviate AR symptoms during the pollen season. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylaxis usage of suplatast tosilate on the life quality of AR patients in the pollen season, and investigate the potential mechanism of action through transcriptomic analysis. Methods: This is a randomized controlled study. AR patients allergic to weed pollens were recruited from Allergy Clinic of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2020 to June 2020, and divided into prophylactic group who started to take suplatast tosilate as prophylaxis 2 weeks before the spread of weed pollens[n=10, 4 men and 6 women with age range of (34±6) years old] and control group who did not use any prophylactic treatment[n=24, 12 men and 12 women with age range of (33±9) years old]. The differences of age (t=0.381, P=0.706) and gender (χ²=0.595, P=0.715) distribution between the patients of two groups were not statistically significant. All the subjects filled in the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) while onset of AR symptoms, and peripheral blood was drawn for transcriptomic analysis 1 month before and during the pollen season. Differences between groups were statistically analyzed through chi-square test and t test. Results: There was no significant difference in visual analogue scale of rhinitis symptom in the last pollen season between prophylactic group and control group[ 8.0 (6.4, 9.3) vs 7.3 (6.1, 8.0), Z=1.180, P=0.254]. The RQLQ score of prophylactic group was superior to that of control group in the weed pollen season (2.9±0.9 vs 3.7±0.9, t=-2.438, P=0.026). 210 differentially expressed genes of fold change ≥2 were identified, with 147 genes upregulated and 63 genes downregulated in the prophylactic group compared to the control group. Gene Ontology annotation showed that IL-12 and IL-23 related pathways were downregulated in prophylactic group (P=0.006 48). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) verification of differentially expressed genes indicated that the relative expression level of HLA-G in prophylactic group was significantly lower than that in control group (0.23±0.19 vs 1.00±0.49,t=4.016, P=0.006). Conclusion: The prophylactic treatment of suplatast tosilate showed some benefit to the life quality of seasonal AR patients during the pollen season, and the potential mechanism might be related with the downregulation of IL-12 and IL-23 pathways and decreased expression of HLA-G.

[Appropriate protocol of treatment modulation for seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by cypress pollens]

Objective: To investigate appropriate protocol of treatment modulation for seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, in order to promote the implementation of personalized medicine. Methods: Total of 124 AR patients allergic to cypress pollens were recruited from January to February 2020 in Department of Allergy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, 43 males and 81 females with an average age of (41±9) years. The patients were divided into two groups with block randomization method. In the first group, treatment was modulated every two days according to the average daily rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score of the last two days (short-term symptom-score group); while in the second group, therapy regimen was adjusted every week based on the Allergic Rhinitis Control Test (ARCT) score of the last week (long-term ARCT group). The treatment level was up-regulated when the cypress pollen count increased and stayed at a high level (step-up pharmacotherapy stage); and treatment was down-regulated while the pollen count decreased (step-down pharmacotherapy stage). Daily symptom scores, medicine scores, and ARCT scores of the two groups were recorded and compared. Results: During the whole cypress pollen season, the daily rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score of short-term symptom-score group was significantly lower than that in long-term ARCT group(2.4±1.0 vs 2.7±1.0, P<0.01), and the difference between the two groups was more pronounced in the step-up pharmacotherapy stage than that in the step-down pharmacotherapy stage, while there was no statistical difference between the daily medicine scores of the two groups (P>0.05). During the pollen rising period, the ARCT score of short-term symptom-score group was significantly better than that of long-term ARCT group (21(19, 22) vs 20 (17, 21), P=0.049); while in the pollen peak period and decreasing period, the ARCT scores of the two groups showed no statistical difference (P>0.05). The proportion of incompliance with doctor's advice was higher in long-term ARCT group compared to that in short-term symptom-score group (30.1% vs 6.7%, P<0.001). Conclusion: The protocol of treatment modulation for seasonal AR patients allergic to pollens should be developed flexibly according to the variation trend of pollen allergen exposure, so as to implement the idea of personalized medicine.

[HIV-1 drug resistance and subtypes in newly reported HIV/AIDS patients before antiretroviral therapy in Taizhou city, 2016-2018]

Objective: To explore the HIV-1 drug resistance and subtypes in newly reported HIV/AIDS patients before antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Taizhou city. Methods: A cross-sectional study of HIV-1 drug resistance was conducted among newly reported HIV/AIDS patients before ART in Taizhou from January 2016 to December 2018. HIV-1 pol gene sequences were obtained by RT-PCR. The sequences were submitted to the Stanford University drug resistance database. The drug resistance mutation and the sensitivity of HIV-1 strains to antiretroviral drugs were determined according to WHO Guidelines on HIV drug resistance surveillance of 2014. Results: A total of 806 HIV-1 pol gene sequences were obtained successfully. The overall HIV-1 drug resistance rate was 2.9% (23/806), 1.9% for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), 0.6% for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and 0.0% for protease inhibitors (PIs), respectively. From 2016 to 2018, the HIV-1 drug resistance rate was 1.6%, 1.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. The resistance mutations of NNRTIs and NRTIs were mainly K103 N (0.7%) and M184I/V (0.5%). HIV-1 subtypes were mostly CRF01_AE (42.7%,344/806),CRF07_BC (28.9%,233/806) and CRF08_BC (11.2%,90/806).HIV-1 subtypes among homosexually transmitted infections were mostly CRF01_AE (53.3%, 136/255) and CRF07_BC (32.2%, 82/255), and HIV-1 subtypes among heterosexually transmitted infections were mainly CRF01_AE (37.7%, 203/539), CRF07_BC (27.5%, 148/539) and CRF08_BC (16.1%, 87/539). Conclusion: HIV-1 drug resistance rate among newly reported HIV/AIDS patients before ART remained low in Taizhou during 2016 to 2018, an increasing trend seemed to be notifiable and warrants continuous surveillance of HIV-1 drug resistance.

[Prevalence and correlates of plasma cytomegalovirus viremia among newly reported HIV/AIDS patients in Taizhou city, 2017-2018]

Objective: To study the prevalence and correlates of plasma cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia among newly reported antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive HIV/AIDS patients in Taizhou during 2017-2018. Methods: CMV DNA was measured in plasma specimens of newly reported ART-naive HIV/AIDS patients by quantitative PCR. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate CMV viremia correlations among the individuals. Results: Of 612 HIV/AIDS patients, 480 (78.4%) were male, 125 (20.4%) were over 60 years old, 177 (28.9%) were infected via homosexual transmission, and 430 (70.3%) via heterosexual transmission. The prevalence of CMV viremia among HIV/AIDS patients was 13.4% (82/612). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of CMV viremia in CD₄⁺ lymphocyte cells counts (CD₄⁺) ≤200 cells/μl group was higher than CD₄ counts >500 cells/μl (OR=5.10, 95%CI:1.74-14.96, P=0.003); The median CMV DNA level (log₁₀) of 82 viremic patients was 1.57 (P₂₅,P₇₅:1.04,2.13); Viremic patients with CD₄ counts ≤200 cells/μl had the highest CMV viral load (P<0.01). Conclusions: Among ART-naive HIV/AIDS patients, the prevalence of CMV viremia was significantly associated with immunodeficiency status. Further research is needed to evaluate the association between CMV viremia and the course of HIV infection.

[Influencing factors of antiretroviral therapy and its association with immunological effect among HIV/AIDS patients in Taizhou city, 2006-2019]

Objective: To analyze influencing factors of instant antiretroviral therapy (ART) and explore associution between strategies of ART and immunological effects among HIV/AIDS patients in Taizhou city during 2006-2019. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients under ART, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze factors of instant ART. The student t-test and chi-square test were used to compare immunological effect of different ART strategies while the Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate a survival curve. Results: A total of 2 971 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled with 1 786 cases (60.1%) having instant ART strategy. The proportion of instant ART were 77.8% (1 170/1 504) during 2016 to 2019. The treatment success rate of the instant ART group (87.4%, 1 561/1 786) were higher than the delayed ART group (84.4%, 1 000/1 185). The results of multivariate logistic regression model indicated that male (aOR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.03-1.59), married (aOR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.33-2.19) and baseline CD(4)(+)T lymphocyte cells (CD(4)) counts ≤200 cells/μl (aOR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.27-2.02) were factors positively related to instant ART while 31-40 years old (aOR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.48-0.84), infected through heterosexual transmission(aOR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.49-0.74) and diagnosed before 2015 (aOR=0.20, 95%CI: 0.17-0.23) were inversely related to instant ART. The increase of the CD(4)/CD(8) ratio was greater, and the cumulative ART success rate was higher each year in the instant ART group than in the delayed ART group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The instant ART strategy has been well implemented in Taizhou city during 2006-2019, and the immunological effect was better in instant ART group. The proportion of instant ART were more than 60.0% among HIV/AIDS patients. Instant ART strategy needs to be strengthened for those who are 31-40 years old, women, unmarried, and infected through heterosexual transmission in an attempt to further increase treatment level and improve treatment effect.

Therapeutic potential of dental pulp stem cell transplantation in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Dental pulp stem cells are dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells that originate from the neural crest. They exhibit greater potential for the treatment of nervous system diseases than other types of stem cells because of their neurogenic differentiation capability and their ability to secrete multiple neurotrophic factors. Few studies have reported Alzheimer’s disease treatment using dental pulp stem cells. Rat models of Alzheimer’s disease were established by injecting amyloid-β1–42 into the hippocampus. Fourteen days later, 5 × 10⁶ dental pulp stem cells were injected into the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assays showed that dental pulp stem cell transplantation increased the expression of neuron-related doublecortin, NeuN, and neurofilament 200 in the hippocampus, while the expression of amyloid-β was decreased. Moreover, cognitive and behavioral abilities were improved. These findings indicate that dental pulp stem cell transplantation in rats can improve cognitive function by regulating the secretion of neuron-related proteins, which indicates a potential therapeutic effect for Alzheimer’s disease. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Harbin Medical University, China (approval No. KY2017-132) on February 21, 2017.

[An analysis of mortality trends for lung cancer during 1972-2016 in Qidong city of Jiangsu Province]

Crude mortality rate (CR) for lung cancer in Qidong increased from 11.50/10⁵ in 1972-1976 to 76.61/10⁵ in 2012-2016, China age-standardized rate (CASR) from 13.11/10⁵ in 1972-1976 to 34.27/10⁵ in 2012-2016, and World age-standardized rate (WASR) from 13.40/10⁵ in 1972-1976 to 34.30/10⁵ in 2012-2016. The average annual percentage change (AAPCs) of CR, CASR, WASR were 4.87% (95%CI: 4.63%-5.12%), 2.17% (95%CI: 1.96%-2.38%), 2.12% (95%CI: 1.92%-2.33%) (all P values<0.001), respectively. AAPCs for 45-54, 55-64, 65-74 and over 75 age groups were 0.74% (95%CI: 0.36%-1.11%), 1.23% (95%CI: 0.92%-1.53%), 2.55% (95%CI: 2.20%-2.90%), 4.26% (95%CI: 3.56%-4.96%) (all P values<0.001), respectively.

[A birth cohort study of the association between prenatal serum bisphenol A concentration and infant neurobehavior development]

Objective: To explore the association between maternal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy and neurobehavioral development in infant. Methods: Participants were from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort, which was established from October 2008 to October 2010 based on four municipal medical and health institutions in Ma'anshan. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was applied for the determination of serum BPA concentration in 1 783 pregnant women sampled at their first filing, and during 2.97 to 28.1 months age of the infants. Neurobehavioral development were assessed by 0-6-year-old pediatric examination table of neuropsychological development. Generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between serum BPA levels during pregnancy and infants' neurobehavioral development. Results: A total of 931 mother-child pairs had complete data on serum BPA detection during pregnancy and assessment of infants' neurobehavioral development status. The age of pregnant women at their first filing was (26.67±3.45) years old, and the M (P₂₅,P₇₅) of serum BPA concentration (ng/ml) was 0.23 (0.11, 0.52), with a detection rate of 84.1% (783/931). The age of infants was (13.18±5.46) months, and 53.5% (498) were boys. The developmental quotient scores of large motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, language ability and social behaviors of infants were (97.88±16.32), (97.16±15.35), (99.64±15.47), (95.3±16.04) and (98.95±14.76) points, respectively. Generalized linear model showed that after adjusting for factors such as delivery mode, feeding mode, family per capita monthly income, preterm delivery, gender, maternal age, residence, pre-pregnancy body mass index and residence time, serum BPA level in pregnancy was negatively associated with infant's development of social behavior [β (95%CI):-2.42 (-4.71, -0.12)]. The post-stratification analysis by infant age revealed that the serum BPA level in pregnancy was only negatively associated with the development of language and social behavior developmental quotient scores in infants between the ages of 12 and 18 months, with β (95%CI) about -6.66 (-13.06, -0.25) and -7.401 (-12.97, -1.83), respectively. Conclusion: BPA exposure during pregnancy affects language and social behavior development in infants, and the detection window is between 12 and 18 months old of the infant.

Complete Genome Sequences of Leclercia sp. W6 and W17 Isolated from a Gastric Cancer Patient

Leclercia sp. W6 and W17, which belong to the Enterobacteriaceae, were isolated from a stomach sample from a 78-year-old female gastric cancer patient, and genomic sequencing and analysis were performed. The genome of Leclercia sp. W6 consists of one chromosome with a size of 4,945,486 bp, while that of Leclercia sp. W17 contains one chromosome and two plasmids with a total size of 5,125,645 bp. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculations indicated that strains W6 and W17 exhibited similarities < 91.0% to other strains within the Enterobacteriaceae, except for six Leclercia strains. Phylogenomic analysis based on core-genome showed that strains W6 and W17 belong to the genus Leclercia, and phylogenetic analysis based on ANI values revealed that strains W6 and W17 formed an independent clade from those six Leclercia strains. Furthermore, comparative genomic analysis revealed that strains W6 and W17 had 5086 orthologous clusters (OCs) in their pan-genomes, and 59 exclusive OCs which were absent in their closest relatives. Genomic annotations revealed that the genomes of strains W6 and W17 encoded genes related to multidrug resistance clusters, multiple antibiotic resistance loci, and multidrug efflux pumps and had an identical urease gene cluster and a dissimilatory nitrate reduction pathway. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that strains W6 and W17 represented a novel species within the genus Leclercia. Genomic annotations revealed that these strains encoded genes related to multidrug resistance, nitrate reduction, and urease activity, which contribute to gastric malignant transformation. This will broaden our knowledge of the genetic mechanisms of the Enterobacteriaceae and help improve the clinical conditions of gastric cancer patients.

[Discussion on refractory factors of Bell's palsy and clinical experience in treatment]

The specific therapeutic regimen of Bell's palsy was proposed in association with the common refractory factors and the clinical experience of professor Fang Jian-qiao. It is viewed that aging, absent intervention standard treatment at early stage, no prodromal symptoms and progressive onset are the refractory factors. Acupuncture at the local area is predominated in treatment. The different acupoint prescription regimens of acupuncture therapy are selected depending on muscle relaxation, muscle stiffness and specific accompanying symptoms, associated with electric stimulation, moxibustion and the tapping technique with plum-blossom needle so as to ensure the improvement of clinical therapeutic effect.

[The derivation and vulidafion of a prediction rule for hypoxemia in infants with Pierre Robin sequence after weaning]

Objective: To set up a prediction scoring system for the hypoxemia in infants with Pierre Robin sequence after weaning and evaluate its clinical value. Methods: Data of consecutive patients from November 2016 to June 2019, who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, were retrospectively analyzed (n=148). All the cases were divided into two groups according to the appearance of hypoxemia after weaning. They were randomly divided into the derivation cohorc (2/3,n=100) and the validation cohort (1/3,n=48). Single factor and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to select the independent risk factors related to hypoxemia and establish a prediction model. A prediction scoring system was developed in accordance with assigning of the value of each variable β in the model. Internal verification of scoring system by validation population. Data of consecutive patients from July 2019 to November 2019, who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis, were prospectively analyzed (n=26). The diagnostic accuracy were conducted to evaluate the clinical value of the scoring system. Results: The logistic regression demonstrated that age at operation, pulmonary infection and the length of distraction less than 5 mm at weaning were the independent risk factors for hypoxemia. The P value of logistic regression model in Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test was 0.848, and a prediction scoring system was established accordingly. The area under the ROC curve of the scoring system was 0.890, and the optimum critical value was 53. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of the model were 78.6%(11/14),86.1%(74/86), 85.0%(85/100) respectively. The predictive effectiveness of the scoring system in the retrospective validation population was similar to that in the modeling population. 26 patients were included in the prospective analysis. The area under ROC curve of the scoring system was 0.870. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 80.0%(5/6),95.0%(20/21), 96.1%(25/26) respectively. Conclusion: The prediction scoring system established in the study are efficacious for the hypoxemia in infants with Pierre Robin sequence after weaning.

[The comparison of step-down pharmacotherapy and maintaining dose therapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis]

Objective:There is no standard algorithm for the modulation of pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to recruited allergic rhinitis patients caused by cypress pollens, and compare the step-down pharmacotherapy guided by pollen count and the maintaining therapy which keeps the previous medicine dose when the pollen count decreased. Method:This was a randomized, open-labelled, parallel control study. During the period after the pollen peak when the cypress pollen count decreased and stayed at a low level, allergic rhinitis patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the step-down group（n=67） medicine dose was reduced, while the maintaining group（n=68） kept taking the same dose as in the peak season. The rhinitis symptom score and medicine score of these two groups were recorded and compared. Result:The daily rhinitis symptom score of the step-down group showed no significant difference with the symptom score of the maintaining group, 2.45±0.32 vs 2.43±0.41, P=0.788. But the medicine score of step-down group（3.67±0.98） was significantly lower than that of maintaining group（4.78±0.70）, P<0.001. The compliance of step-down group（80.6%） was also better than maintaining group（60.3%）, P=0.014. However, in the subgroup of patients with severe rhinitis symptoms, the symptoms of patients taking step-down therapy tended to be more severe than those maintaining the same dose. Conclusion:During the later period of the pollen season when the pollen count was relatively low, the step-down pharmacotherapy guided by pollen count could reduce the medication use, increase the compliance of patients while controlling their rhinitis symptoms effectively. But this strategy might be more suitable for patients with milder symptoms, the severe rhinitis sufferers should be cautious before reducing their medicine dose.

[Effect of benazepril on nuclear factor E2 related factor 2, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and reactive oxygen species in rats with hepatic fibrosis]

Objective: To study the effect of benazepril on the expression of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration in rats with hepatic fibrosis and to explore the possible antifibrotic mechanism of benazepril. Methods: Twenty-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (6 rats), model group (8 rats) and benazepril treatment group (8 rats). Two rats died during modeling and treatment in the model group and the benazepril treatment group, and a model of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCL(4)) was established. The rats in benazepril group were given benazepril for 8 weeks by gastric gavage. The assessment of liver tissue damage in each group was measured using conventional hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining. The mRNA level of Nrf2, NOX4 in liver tissue was detected by RT-PCR, and serum ROS concentration was determined by colorimetry. All data were expressed in mean ± standard deviations, and were analyzed using SPSS21.0 statistical software. The data were compared using one-way analysis of variance, and the LSD-t method was used for pairwise comparison between the two groups. The correlation analysis was performed by Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: In the liver of the model group, with the aggravation of liver fibrosis the expression of Nrf2mRNA, NOX4 mRNA and ROS concentration were higher than control group [(4.01 ± 3.40), (31.78 ± 3.96), (1.82 ± 0.46) μg/ ml vs. (0.12 ± 0.11), (2.03 ± 0.31), (1.56±0.84) μg/ml, P < 0.05]. After benazepril treatment, NOX4 mRNA expression and ROS concentration were decreased than the model group [(15.93 ± 5.01), (0.78 ± 0.44) μg/ml vs. (31.78 ± 3.96), (1.82 ± 0.46) μg /ml, P < 0.05], while Nrf2 mRNA expression was higher than the model group [(6.69 ± 4.86) vs. (4.01 ± 3.40), P < 0.05]. There was a positive correlation between Nrf2 and NOX4, Nrf2 and ROS, and NOX4 and ROS (r = 0.616, 0.411, 0.802, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Benazepril may exert an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect by activating Nrf2 expression, or may inhibit the ROS-mediated oxidative stress in response to NOX4.

[Prevalence of alcohol use and related factors in HIV positive and HIV negative males]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of alcohol use and related factors in HIV positive and HIV negative males. Methods: Baseline data were from the prospective cohort study of comparative HIV and aging research in Taizhou of Zhejiang province from January to December, 2017. The information about alcohol use in the last month was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire interview. Participants were categorized into non-current drinkers, light/moderate drinkers and heavy drinkers according to the US National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) standard. Results: A total of 1 367 HIV positive males and 2 418 HIV negative males were included. Current alcohol use rate (35.2%, 481/1 367) and heavy alcohol use rate (5.0%, 24/481) were significantly lower in HIV positive males than in HIV negative males (48.0%, 1 161/2 418; 23.5%, 273/1 161), but the proportion of drinking wine and yellow rice wine were significantly higher (21.8%, 105/481; 9.1%, 44/481) in HIV positive males than in HIV negative males (13.5%, 157/1 161; 5.8%, 67/1 161). The multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis results showed that larger waist circumference, current smoking and regular physical exercise were associated with heavy alcohol use behavior in HIV positive males, and age ≥30 years, current smoking, regular physical exercise, higher score of depressive symptoms, heterosexual transmission route and baseline CD(4)(+)T cells counts of 200-499 cells/μl were significantly associated with mild/moderate alcohol use behavior in HIV positive males. Conclusions: The alcohol use rate was significantly lower in HIV positive males than in HIV negative males in Taizhou. It is important to strengthen intervention on alcohol drinking behavior and chronic disease risk factors, such as larger waist circumference, smoking and so on.

[Clinical study on microcirculation changes of bulbar conjunctiva after contact lens wear]

Objective: To explore the changes of microcirculation of the bulbar conjunctiva after wearing the contact lens and the relationship between contact lens discomfort and bulbar conjunctiva microcirculation. Methods: Prospective cohort study. The postgraduate students from School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and School of Biomedical Engineering of Wenzhou Medical University were included in this prospective cohort study. The subjects wore soft contact lenses, and the right eye was selected as the experimental eye. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer I and tear break-up time tests were completed before and after wearing the contact lens, and the conjunctival blood flow velocity and microvascular network density were also assessed by using functional slit lamp biomicroscopy. The changes of the indicators after wearing the contact lens were observed and the correlation between the subjective feelings of the wearers and the microcirculation parameters of the bulbar conjunctiva and the main factors affecting the subjective feelings of the wearers were analyzed. Results: Twenty-seven subjects were enrolled in the study, including 8 males and 19 females, aged (22.7±1.6) years. The OSDI score was 11.860± 7.783 before wearing the contact lens and 24.017±12.181 after wearing the contact lens. The comparison before and after wearing the contact lens was statistically significant (t=-4.356, P<0.001). The conjunctival blood flow velocity was (0.534±0.132) mm/s before wearing the contact lens and (0.587±0.134) mm/s after wearing the contact lens. The comparison was statistically significant before and after wearing the lens (t=-2.076, P=0.048). OSDI was positively correlated with blood flow velocity at 1 month after wearing the contact lens (correlation coefficient r=0.383, P=0.048). The test results of the independent variables in the generalized estimating equation model showed that time and blood flow velocity were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: The blood flow velocity of the bulbar conjunctiva was increased after wearing the contact lens, and the contact lens discomfort of the wearers was positively correlated with the blood flow velocity of the bulbar conjunctiva. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 98-104).

[Clinical significance of monitoring ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene expression in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of monitoring ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: Clinical data of 13 children received allo-HSCT in Peking University Institute of Hematology from May 2009 to March 2016 were retrospectively collected. The ETV6-RUNX1 gene was examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) . The correlation between its expression level and the disease status was analyzed. Results: Of 13 enrolled ALL cases, the ETV6-RUNX1 expression of 7 patients converted to positive after transplant at a median time of 137 days (range, 28-270 days) . The expression level of the first positive sample was 0.034% (range, 0.004%-0.061%) . The duration from ETV6-RUNX1 positive to hematological relapse was 196 days (range, 28-666 days) . Four patients experienced relapse at a median time of 294 days (range, 104-803 days) after allo-HSCT. The ETV6-RUNX1 expression converted to positive prior to MRD. Patients with positive ETV6-RUNX1 gene expression pre-transplantation would be more likely to relapse. Conclusion: Monitoring ETV6-RUNX1 by RQ-PCR could be used to evaluate MRD status after allo-HSCT. Patients with positive ETV6-RUNX1 after transplant had a poor prognosis.

[Association between early pregnancy bisphenol A exposure and sleep problems among preschool children]

Objective: To analyze the association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep problems among preschool children. Methods: Research subjects were from one of the sub-cohorts(Ma'anshan Cohort) of the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) in Ma'anshan city. The basic situation of pregnant women and sleep information of preschool children were investigated. We selected preschool children whose mother's maternal serum bisphenol A concentrations of the first trimester had been already detected between December 2012 to Januray 2014. 1 259 pairs of mothers and children were included. The concentrations of bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy were divided into low, medium and high exposure groups according to 25(th) percentile (P(25)) and 75(th) percentile (P(75)) levels. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep-related problems in preschool children. Results: The P(50) (P(25)-P(75)) of serum bisphenol A exposure level during early pregnancy was 0.231 (0.106-0.512) ng/ml. The sleep-related problems scores of 1 259 preschool children were (16.43±3.82) points. The occasional sleep-related problems were detected about 47.8% (602 cases) and frequent sleep-related problems were detected about 18.3% (230 cases). After the adjustment of the confounding factors such as children's gender, age, BMI, sleep position (lying down, sleeping on one's back), the length of time to sleep and the length of sleep at night, in comparison with bisphenol A low exposure group, the OR (95%CI) value of preschool children with occasional sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A high exposure group during early pregnancy was 1.44 (1.01-2.06). After the gender stratification, the results showed that in comparison with bisphenol A low exposure group, the OR (95%CI) value of preschool girls with occasional sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A medium and high exposure group during early pregnancy were 1.61 (1.05-2.46) and 2.40 (1.42-4.04), respectively. The OR (95%CI) value of preschool girls with frequent sleep-related problems in maternal bisphenol A high exposure group during early pregnancy was 2.64 (1.34-5.17). However, in boys, there was no statistically significant association between maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy and sleep-related problems (P>0.05). Conclusion: Maternal bisphenol A exposure during early pregnancy might be related to sleep-related problems in preschool children.

Novel insights into the pharmacological effects of resveratrol on the management of depression: a short review

Recently, it was suggested that resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol, possesses beneficial therapeutic roles in depression. The aim of this review is to discuss the novel potential pharmacological effects of RES on depression. We first consider the pathophysiology of depression and then review the potential antidepressant effects of RES. Apart from the alternation of the monoaminergic system and the molecular markers related to depression, RES might exert an antidepressant-like effect through modulating the HPA axis, BDNF and synaptic vesicle proteins, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, and thyroid hormones. Consumption of RES may represent an alternative strategy to delay the onset and progression of depression, and depressive-like symptoms through multiple pharmacological activities.

[Association and interaction of pre-pregnant body mass index and gestational weight gain of women on neonatal birthweight]

Objective: To investigate the association between maternal pre-pregnant body mass index and gestational weight gain, as well as their interaction on neonatal birthweight. Methods: We built a cohort in Anqing Municipal Hospital from January 2014 to March 2015, enrolling pregnant women who decided to give birth in this hospital. All women were asked to fill a questionnaire for basic information collection. Medical information of both pregnant women and their newborns were obtained through electronic medical record. Chi-square analysis, multinomial logistic regression, multiplicative and additive interaction methods were used to analyze the association between pre-pregnant body mass index and gestational weight gain as well as their interactions on birth weight of the neonates. Results: A total of 2 881 pregnant women were included in this study. Of the 2 881 newborns, 359 (12.46%) were small for gestational age (SGA) and 273 (9.48%) were large for gestational age (LGA). After adjusting the possible confounding factors, results from the multinomial logistic regression showed that pre-pregnancy underweight women were more possible to deliver SGA (aRR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.02-1.73). If the gestational weight gain was below the recommended criteria, the risk of SGA (aRR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.23-2.19) might increase. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obese could increase the risk of being LGA (aRR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.33-2.60). Maternal gestational weight gain above the recommendation level was associated with higher rates of LGA (aRR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.49-2.78). Results from the interaction analysis showed that there appeared no significant interaction between pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight on birthweight. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain were independently associated with neonatal birthweight while pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain did not present interaction on birthweight.