An oxidized dextran-composite self-healing coated magnesium scaffold reduces apoptosis to induce bone regeneration

Self-healing coatings have shown promise in controlling the degradation of scaffolds and addressing coating detachment issues. However, developing a self-healing coating for magnesium (Mg) possessing multiple biological functions in infectious environments remains a significant challenge. In this study, a self-healing coating was developed for magnesium scaffolds using oxidized dextran (OD), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) doped micro-arc oxidation (MHA), named OD-MHA/Mg. The results demonstrated that the OD-MHA coating effectively addresses coating detachment issues and controls the degradation of Mg in an infectious environment through self-healing mechanisms. Furthermore, the OD-MHA/Mg scaffold exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, it also promotes bone repair by upregulating the expression of osteogenesis genes and proteins. The findings of this study indicate that the OD-MHA coated Mg scaffold possessing multiple biological functions presents a promising approach for addressing infectious bone defects. Additionally, the study showcases the potential of polysaccharides with multiple biological functions in facilitating tissue healing even in challenging environments.

[Tracking evaluation on the implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) in Sichuan and Anhui provinces]

To evaluate the implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) in schistosomiasis-endemic foci, two schistosomiasis-endemic counties were selected from two provinces of Sichuan and Anhui. Professional staff working in province-, city-, county- and township-level disease control and prevention institutions, parasitic disease control institutions or medical institutions were recruited, and the understanding, use and implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) were investigated using questionnaires and interviews. The awareness, use, proportion of propagation and implementation and correct rate of answering questions pertaining to Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) were analyzed. A total of 270 questionnaires were allocated, and 269 were recovered, including 254 valid questionnaires. The overall awareness of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) was 84.64% (215/254), and propagation and implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) was not performed in 23.28% (17/73) of the survey institutions following implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017), with meeting training and allocation of propagation materials as the main type of propagation and implementation. Among 254 respondents, 77.16% (196/254) were familiar with the standard, 66.14% (168/254) understood the conditions for use of the standard during snail surveys, and 96.85% (246/254) had the approach for identifying snails. In addition, there were 41.73% (106/254), 50.78% (129/254) and 7.48% (19/254) of respondents that considered the operability of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) was very good, good and general, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the issue and implementation of Survey of oncomelanid snails (WS/T 563-2017) has filled the gap for the standardization of snail control techniques, and which plays an importang guiding role in the national schistosomiasis control program.

[Robotic-assisted laparoscopic modified ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft in complex ureteral stricture construction: experience of eight cases]

Objective: To examine the efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic modified ventral onlay lingual mucosal graft for complex ureteral stricture. Methods: The clinical data of 8 patients with ureteral stricture admitted to the Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from May to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 2 females, aged (45.1±10.2) years (range: 34 to 64 years), body mass index (24.6±2.0) kg/m2 (range: 20.7 to 26.6 kg/m2). Five cases on the left side, 3 cases on the right side, the length of the ureteral structure was (3.1±0.7) cm (range: 2.2 to 4.5 cm). The value of preoperative serum creatinine was (113.8±22.3) μmol/L (range: 96 to 15 μmol/L). Before excising the structure segment, the titched anastomosed part of the dorsal wall of the ureter, and then the posteriorly augmented anastomotic, the remaining ventral side was augmented with a onlay lingual mucosa graft, then the omentum flap was used to wrap the reconstructed ureteral segment. The lingual mucosa graft with a length of 2.5 to 5.0 cm and a width of 1.0 to 1.5 cm was cut according to the actual structure. The surgery information of the patient, complications, and recent follow-up were recorded. Results: The operation under robot-assisted laparoscopy was performed successfully in the 8 patients without conversion to open surgery. The duration of the operation was (226.9±22.8) minutes (range: 210 to 255 minutes), estimated blood loss was (93.8±25.9) ml (range: 75 to 150 ml), the retention time of the postoperative drainage tube was (4.8±1.3) days (range: 3 to 7 days), and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was (11.1±3.6) days (range: 9 to 14 days). One week after the operation, the patient could pronounce correctly, enunciate clearly, and eat normally. Double J tubes were removed 4 to 8 weeks after the operation. The follow-up time in this group was 3 to 9 months, the follow-up patients underwent imaging and other examinations, which showed a significant improvement in hydronephrosis on the affected side, and the value of renal pelvic separation on the affected side was (1.4±0.8) cm (range: 0 to 2.3 cm). The serum creatinine value was (100.1±24.9) μmol/L (range: 76 to 155 μmol/L). Three months after the operation, the ureteroscopy showed that the ureter was smooth and the mucosa was normal. Conclusions: Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosal graft is a safe and feasible operation for complex ureteral stricture without serious complications, which provides a surgical option for repairing ureteral stricture.

Derivation and validation of a novel preoperative risk prediction model for surgical site infection in pancreaticoduodenectomy and comparison of preoperative antibiotics with different risk stratifications in retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy.

AIM

To develop a model for preoperative identification of the risk of SSI that may improve outcomes and guide preoperative antibiotics.

METHODS

The prediction model was built by meta-analysis. After literature search and inclusion, data extraction, and quantitative synthesis, the prediction model was established based on the pooled odds ratio of predictors. A single-centre retrospective cohort was the validation cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve were used to assess the model's ability. We also created a decision curve and a calibration plot to assess the nomogram. The effects of prophylactic antibiotics on SSI were compared between groups by multivariable logistic regression with different risk stratifications.

FINDINGS

Twenty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, 17 studies in the derivation cohort. Age, male gender, body mass index, pancreatic duct diameter, high-risk diagnosis, and preoperative biliary drainage were selected to build the prediction model. The model was validated in an external cohort. The cut-off value was 3.5 and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.76 in open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). In laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, the cut-off value was 4.5 and AUC was 0.69. Decision curve and calibration plot showed good usability of the model, especially in OPD. Multivariable logistic regression did not indicate differences between broad- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics for SSI in different risk stratifications.

CONCLUSION

The model can identify patients with a high risk of SSI preoperatively. The choice of prophylactic antibiotics under different risk stratifications should be investigated further.

[How do young surgeons understand and grasp the new concepts, new techniques, and recent progress of hernia and abdominal wall surgery?]

With the development of modern surgery, the field of hernia and abdominal wall surgery is undergoing a transformative change, and new techniques, new concepts, and recent progress are being updated, which have motivated the high-quality development of the discipline. In the past two decades, the development of hernia and abdominal wall surgery in China has been recognized by international peers. Many young surgeons have gradually become the main force in the treatment of hernia and leaders in surgical technique. The innovation and development of discipline will never terminate; young surgeons as the main force should seriously think about how to improve their professional qualities. Young surgeons are interested in the innovation of surgical techniques and need to push for a traditional operation on the one hand and an innovative operation on the other. Updates to concepts and acquisition of new materials are more important, which can provide a solid foundation for technological innovation. Young surgeons should start with the basics and classics. Understanding the history and development of new techniques, new concepts and recent progress, and grasping indications of clinical application, is the important part of growing up for young surgeons, which can make surgical treatment more standardized, benefit patients, and promote the progress of Chinese specialized medical education.

[Goblet cell adenocarcinoma in the digestive system: a clinicopathological analysis of 22 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, morphological characteristics, immunophenotype, and differential diagnosis of goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) in the digestive system. Methods: The clinicopathological data, morphological characteristics, immunophenotypes of 22 cases of GCA in the digestive system diagnosed from January 2010 to January 2021 were collected. Meanwhile, 25 cases of neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) and 24 cases of adenocarcinoma were used as controls. Relevant literature was also reviewed. Results: There were 16 males and 6 females, aged from 36 to 79 years with an average of 56 years. The anatomical sites of the 22 GCA were mostly appendix (17 cases) and occasionally extra-appendix (5 cases), including 3 cases in stomach, 1 case in duodenum and 1 case in anal. All 17 cases of appendiceal GCA were pure GCA. Among the 5 cases of extra-appendiceal GCA, One case of gastric GCA was pure, two cases of gastric GCA with NEN or adenocarcinoma, duodenal GCA with NEN and adenocarcinoma, anal GCA with NEN.Low-grade GCAs were composed of goblet, Paneth and neuroendocrine cells, which were arranged in intestinal crypt tubular or cluster structures and distributed in the wall of digestive system. The tubular and cluster structures lacked adhesion. Goblet cells were columnar, located in the base, with clear cytoplasm, small nuclei, inconspicuous atypia, and uncommon mitoses. Extracellular mucus and signet-ring cells with nuclear variations could be seen in some cases. Nerve fiber bundle invasion and tumor thrombus in vessels were often present. High-grade GCAs lacked tubular and cluster structures, and their histological structures were more complex. Tumor cells expressed mixed neuroendocrine and glandular epithelial markers. Similar to the expression patterns of synaptophysin and chromogranin A, CD200 and INSM1 were also dot-like or patch-positive in GCA. Conclusions: GCA is an infrequent tumor of the digestive system and shows the bi-directional differentiation characteristics of neuroendocrine and glandular epithelium. Accurate diagnosis and staging are related to its prognosis.

[The applications and challenges of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in maternal and child health]

Due to its ultra-high sensitivity, specificity and throughput, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become an important analytical tool in clinical laboratories in quantifying various small molecules, such as vitamins, bile acids, steroids and other internal metabolites relevant to maternal diseases. As an effective means of screening and diagnosing diseases in preventive medicine, LC-MS/MS has been widely used in maternal and child health, contributing to the reduction of the incidence of maternal and child diseases and premature morbidity and mortality. At present, LC-MS/MS is an emerging and powerful platform in laboratory testing in China, facing both challenges and opportunities. In this article, the representative applications in the field of maternal and child health are summarized and discussed, along with the major hurdles of LC-MS/MS in clinical recognition and implementation.

Esophageal cancer-related gene 4 and solid tumors: a brief literature review

Esophageal cancer-related gene 4 (ECRG4) plays key roles in various malignancies, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer, and has potential applications in the early diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis of cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of ECRG4 in cancer remain elusive. An association between ECRG4 and proliferation, migration, cell cycle, apoptosis, methylation, and ubiquitination in cancer has been found. Additionally, some studies have investigated the regulatory mechanism of the relationship between ECRG4 and long non-coding RNAs, co-factors, and resistance to chemotherapy. Drugs that demethylate ECRG4 are in clinical use. Thus, further investigation of the mechanisms by which ECRG4 influences tumorigenesis, and its clinical significance, are needed. The present study outlines the current understanding of the functions of ECRG4 in cancer and discusses its potential value in cancer therapy.

[Multimodality-based super-resolution reconstruction for routine brain magnetic resonance images]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a multi-modality-based super-resolution synthesis model for reconstruction of routine brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) with a low resolution and a high thickness into high-resolution images.

METHODS

Based on real paired low-high resolution MRI data (2D T1, 2D T2 FLAIR and 3D T1), a structure-constrained image mapping network was used to extract important features from the images with different modalities including the whole T1 and subcortical regions of T2 FLAIR to reconstruct T1 images with higher resolutions. The gray scale intensity and structural similarities between the super-resolution images and high-resolution images were used to enhance the reconstruction performance. We used the anatomical information acquired from segment maps of the super-resolution T1 image and the ground truth by a segmentation tool as a significant constraint for adaptive learning of the intrinsic tissue structure characteristics of the brain to improve the reconstruction performance of the model.

RESULTS

Our method showed the performance on the testing dataset than other methods with an average PSNR of 33.11 and SSIM of 0.996. The anatomical structure of the brain including the sulcus, gyrus, and subcortex were all reconstructed clearly using the proposed method, which also greatly enhanced the precision of MSCSR for brain volume measurement.

CONCLUSION

The proposed MSCSR model shows excellent performance for reconstructing super-resolution brain MR images based on the information of brain tissue structure and multimodality MR images.

[Pathological characteristics and clinical prognosis of nodular sclerosis grade 2 of classic Hodgkin's lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the pathological characteristics and clinical prognosis of nodular sclerosis grade 2 of classic Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL-NS2) in our cancer center. Methods: A retrospective collection of 23 cases of cHL-NS2 admitted in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from July 2008 to April 2019 was performed. Fifty-five cases of nodular sclerosis grade 1 of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL-NS1) during the same period were selected as control group. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for survival. Results: The median age of 23 cases of cHL-NS2 was 30 years old. Five cases had extra nodal invasion, and 19 cases were Ⅰ-Ⅱ stage based on Ann Arbor system. The pathological morphology of cHL-NS2 showed that the lymph node structure was completely destroyed and was divided into nodules by thick collagen. The tumor cells in the nodules were abundant and proliferated in sheets. The boundaries between the tumor cells were not clear. The incidence of tumor necrosis in cHL-NS2 was 43.5% (10/23), which was significantly higher than 18.2% (10/55) in cHL-NS1 (P=0.040). The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of patients in the cHL-NS2 group was 58.1%, which was significantly lower than 89.7% in the cHL-NS1 group (P=0.002). In all of 78 cases, the 3-year PFS rate of patients who did not obtain complete response (CR) was 67.1%, which was significantly lower than 92.2% in patients who achieved CR (P=0.030). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that both cHL-NS2 and failure to obtain CR by first-line treatment were independent indicators for short PFS time (P<0.05). Conclusions: In cHL-NS2, the morphology of tumor cells are diverse, and tumor necrosis can be easily found. Under the current first-line treatments of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) or bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP), cHL-NS2 is an independent indicator for worse PFS.

Study of the intentional replantation procedure used to treat a tooth with a palatogingival groove: A case report

In order to clarify the prognosis of intentional replantation used for palatogingival groove treatment for long-term follow-up observation, the case of a patient with a maxillary lateral incisor with palatogingival groove was investigated. The intentional replantation was carried out to preserve the tooth. The periodontal pocket and the apical bone defect were almost completely repaired at 12-month follow-up. However, the infection was reoccurred after 25-month follow-up examinations. The infected tooth was extracted, of which the root was investigated by histological analysis. Therefore, the reason of the replant failure and the pathways of bacterial infection was investigated.

Key words:Palatogingival groove, intentional tooth replantation, bacterial infection, maxillary lateral incisor.

Ckip-1 Mediates P. gingivalis-Suppressed Cementoblast Mineralization

Porphyromonas gingivalis is responsible for the destruction of cementum in patients with periodontitis and periapical periodontitis. However, research about the effects of P. gingivalis on cementoblast mineralization and the underlying mechanism is still lacking. Casein kinase 2 interacting protein 1 (Ckip-1) is a scaffold protein that interacts with various proteins and signals to regulate different cell functions, such as cell morphology, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this study, we verified the suppressive effects of P. gingivalis and lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) on OCCM-30 mineralization. We also showed that Ckip-1 gradually decreased during OCCM-30 mineralization but increased with the aggravation of Pg-induced inflammation. However, it remained unchanged when cells were stimulated with Pg-LPS, regardless of the concentration and incubation time. Then, more cellular cementum and enhanced Osterix expression were observed in Ckip-1 knockout mice when compared with the wild-type mice. Meanwhile, Ckip-1 silencing significantly enhanced cementoblast mineralization with or without P. gingivalis-associated inflammation. The trend was opposite when Ckip-1 was overexpressed. Finally, we found that the p38, Akt, and Wnt pathways were activated, while the Erk1/2 pathway was inhibited when Ckip-1 was silenced. The opposite results were also observed in the Ckip-1 overexpression group. Furthermore, we proved that cell mineralization was weakened when p38, Akt inhibitors were applied and strengthened when the Erk1/2 pathway was inhibited. In summary, Ckip-1 is upregulated underP. gingivalis-induced inflammation and negatively regulates cementoblast mineralization partially through mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt signaling pathways, which may contribute to the restoration of cementum destroyed by P. gingivalis.

Molecular characterisation and function analysis of NOD1 gene from Yangzhou goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus)

1. NOD1 is a significant member of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family. Its main role is to identify microorganisms that invade the body, transmit immune signals and regulate innate immune responses. However, the expression and role of the NOD1 in immune defence against infection in geese remain unknown.2. The RT-PCR method and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was used to obtain the full-length goose NOD1 (gNOD1) cDNA series. The cDNA for gNOD1 contains 2856-bp nucleotides, i.e. 47-bp 5' UTR, 135-bp 3' UTR, and 1275-bp ORF region, and encodes a 951-amino-acids (AAs) polypeptide chain. The nucleotide sequence of gNOD1 was found more than 90% similar to its homologs from other avian organisms.3. The qRT-PCR results showed that gNOD1 mRNA was widely distributed in different tissues, but highly expressed in liver, spleen, lung and caecum tissues.4. Following stimulation of goose embryo fibroblasts (GEFs) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), the expression of gNOD1 and cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, changed with the response-efficacy correlation at 24 and 48 h post-infection (hpi).5. When the goslings were challenged with Salmonella entertidis (SE) and LPS, the expression of gNOD1 was up-regulated at 3 and 6 hpi in the spleen and caecum tissues, respectively. However, after SE infection, the expression level of gNOD1 fluctuated, while in the LPS group, gNOD1 mRNA increased immediately at a peak time of 6 hpi and then steadily declined. These results indicated that NOD1 was associated with the potency to resist bacterial and viral infections in the goose, both in vivo and in vitro.

[Expression of CD200 and INSM1 in gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and its diagnostic values]

Objective: To investigate the expression and diagnostic values of CD200 and insulinoma associated protein 1 (INSM1) in gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GIP-NEN). Methods: The expression of CD200, INSM1, Syn and CgA was detected in 69 cases of GIP-NEN, 66 cases of gastrointestinal and pancreatic non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (GIP-nonNEN) and 16 cases of metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasm by immunohistochemistry, to compare the values of CD200, INSM1, Syn, CgA and their combinations in diagnosing GIP-NEN. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used. Results: The immunoreactivity of CD200 was present in the cytoplasma and/or membrane of the neoplasms cells, the positive expression rates in GIP-NEN and GIP-nonNEN were significantly different (P<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of CD200 for diagnosing GIP-NEN were 95.7% and 78.8%, respectively. There was significant difference of the positive rates of CD200 between neuroendocrine tumor and neuroendocrine carcinoma (P=0.05). The immunoreactivity of INSM1 was present in the nuclei of neoplasms cells. The positive expression rates in GIP-NEN and GIP-nonNEN were significantly different (P<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of INSM1 for diagnosis of GIP-NEN were 85.5% and 95.5%, respectively. There were also significantly different positive rates of INSM1 between neuroendocrine tumor and neuroendocrine carcinoma, as well as between G1 and G3 neuroendocrine tumors (P<0.05). There was no difference in the area under ROC curve (AUC) of single stain of CD200, INSM1, Syn or CgA (0.857, 0.907, 0.890 and 0.833, respectively, P>0.05). The sensitivity of combined CD200+INSM1 stains for diagnosing GIP-NEN was significantly higher than that of Syn+CgA (85.5% vs. 63.8%, P<0.05). The AUC of two combinations were 0.962 and 0.925, respectively, which were not statistically different (P>0.05). Conclusions: CD200 and INSM1 are two novel markers of neuroendocrine neoplasm, which aid to diagnosis for GIP-NEN and exclude its mimickers. They are associated with tumor grades. Combining both as an immunohistochemical panel shows high sensitivity and specificity. Thus, the combined panel can be utilized as useful supplement for Syn and CgA.

Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of post-stroke pulmonary infection in integrated ICU

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of SAP (stroke-associated pneumonia) is high in integrated ICU (Intensive Care Unit), and it might result in sepsis, which exacerbates the clinical outcome and increases mortality. It is necessary to investigate the epidemiological features of post-stroke infection and sepsis, identify the risk factors and analyze the prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 329 patients with cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, from seven tertiary university hospitals in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. Basic demographic and clinical data including common health evaluation, stroke severity, microbiological parameters, surgical interventions and treatments were recorded for the analysis. SAP was diagnosed according to the criteria and recommendation from American Heart Association (AHA).

RESULTS

188 (66.4%) patients suffered pneumonia, 124 patients were diagnosed as SAP. Compared with SAP, patients with non-SAP pulmonary infection had prolonged mechanical ventilation time, prolonged central venous catheter indwelling time, and higher incidence of sepsis (17.7% vs. 48.4%). 53 patients (18.7%) developed sepsis during hospitalization, whose mortality rate during hospitalization and the occurrence of neurologic dysfunction at 3 months were significantly increased (p<0.05). 130 positive results of sputum cultures were found. The detected pathogens were mainly gram-negative bacteria. The pathogenic detection rate of non-SAP patients with pulmonary infection was higher (78.1%). The in-hospital mortality was 16.3% and the related risk factors were higher NIHSS score at admission, lower GCS score at admission, pulmonary infection (especially non-SAP pulmonary infection) and sepsis during hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of pulmonary infection after stroke in the integrated ICU is high, and it is easy to be complicated with sepsis, prolonging the mechanical ventilation time, central venous catheter indwelling time and hospitalization time, and the prognosis of long-term neurological function is relatively poor. The definition of stroke-associated pneumonia has implications for the classification of clinical infections, the prediction of possible pathogenic pathogens, and the guidance of anti-infective treatment.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

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

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

[Establishment of naive Bayes classifier-based risk prediction model for chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a risk prediction model of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting based on naive Bayes classifier.

OBJECTIVE

We collected the basic information, treatment protocols and follow-up data from 300 patients receiving chemotherapy in the Oncology Department of Second Xiangya Hospital from July to September, 2020. Correlation analysis was carried out between the potential factors related to nausea and vomiting in the treatment plan and the individual characteristics of the patients. For the two characteristics with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.8, their contribution to the area under curve (AUC) was calculated, and the characteristic with a smaller contribution was removed. The naive Bayes classifier in the machine learning library scikit-learn was used as the prediction model of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and 10-fold stratified-shuffled-split cross-validation was used to obtain the final result of the model. The machine learning model was trained using 70% of the samples, and 30% of the samples were used as the test set to assess the performance of the model.

OBJECTIVE

The sensitivity of the model for predicting the risk of nausea and vomiting due to acute chemotherapy was 0.83±0.04 (95%CI: 0.80-0.86) with a specificity of 0.45±0.03 (95%CI: 0.42-0.47) and an AUC of 0.72±0.04 (95% CI: 0.69-0.75). The sensitivity of the model for predicting the risk of delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting was 0.84±0.01 (95%CI: 0.83-0.86) with a specificity of 0.48±0.03 (95%CI: 0.45-0.52) and an AUC of 0.74±0.02 (95%CI: 0.72-0.77).

OBJECTIVE

The naive Bayes classifier model has a good performance in predicting the risk of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in Chinese cancer patients.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 regulates ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting miR-186-5p/WIPF2 axis

To investigate the role of small nucleolus RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS), bioinformatics analysis, and other relevant experiments (cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and western blot assays) were done. The current study revealed that SNHG14 level was high in the serum of AS patients and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced AS cell lines. Besides, we found that SNHG14 accelerated cell proliferation while inhibited cell apoptosis in ox-LDL-induced AS cell lines. Next, SNHG14 was confirmed to be a sponge for miR-186-5p in AS cells, and it was validated that SNHG14 regulated AS cell proliferation and apoptosis by sponging miR-186-5p. Moreover, we uncovered that WAS-interacting protein family member 2 (WIPF2) was a downstream target of miR-186-5p in AS cells. Finally, it was demonstrated that miR-186-5p modulated AS cell proliferation and apoptosis via targeting WIPF2. To conclude, our research disclosed that SNHG14 affected ox-LDL-induced AS cell proliferation and apoptosis through miR-186-5p/WIPF2 axis, which may provide a theoretical basis for the treatment and diagnosis of AS.

Effects of the FABP4 gene on steroid hormone secretion in goose ovarian granulosa cells

1. To investigate the physiological role of FABP4 in the goose ovary, this study determined the effects of overexpressing and siRNA interfering FABP4 on progesterone (P₄) and oestradiol (E₂) production in granulosa cells. Measurements were made by ELISA, real-time qRT-PCR and western blotting. 2. The concentrations of P₄ and E₂ in the FABP4 overexpression granulosa cells were increased compared to the control group (P > 0.05 for P₄; P < 0.05 for E₂). Likewise, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Conversely, the concentrations of P₄ and E₂ in the FABP4 silencing granulosa cells were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Likewise, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001, or P < 0.01). 3. The study indicated that the FABP4 gene may regulate steroid hormone secretion and the expression of the steroidogenic genes in geese ovarian granulosa cells. These results support the possibility that the FABP4 gene mediates ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis function and reproduction in geese.

MicroRNA-338-3p inhibits the progression of bladder cancer through regulating ETS1 expression

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) was reported to influence the metastasis and development of several human cancers. However, in bladder cancer (BC), the special function of miR-338-3p remains unknown. Here, we aimed at exploring the miR-338-3p function in the progression of BC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

miR-338-3p and ETS1 expressions were examined by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in BC samples. Following that, transwell assays for cell migration and invasion were performed. And MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay for cell proliferation was conducted as well. Western blot was employed to examine the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expressions. Finally, the relationship between miR-338-3p and E26 transformation specific-1 (ETS1) was verified by luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The decreased miR-338-3p expression was examined in BC cells. Moreover, miR-338-3p upregulation repressed cell proliferation ability in BC. Next, miR-338-3p upregulation also depressed cell metastasis and EMT in BC cells. Furthermore, ETS1 was a direct target of miR-338-3p and inversely associated with its expression. And upregulation of ETS1 partially rescued the suppression of miR-338-3p for cell proliferation and metastasis in BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of miR-338-3p inhibited the proliferation, metastasis and EMT in BC by suppressing ETS, showing that miR-338-3p might block the development of BC through regulating ETS1 expression.

[Effect of silencing hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-Met expression on biological characteristics of colon cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of silencing hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) expression on the biological characteristics of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Methods: Cellular model of c-Met transient transfection was established by using small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of c-Met in colon cancer cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. The apoptosis assay, cell invasion assay, cell migration and other experiments were conducted to observe the effects of silencing c-Met on the biological characteristics of colon cancer cells. Results: RT-qPCR results showed that the relative expression levels of c-Met mRNA in siRNA-Met group, blank control group and siRNA negative control (siRNA-NC) group were 0.32±0.26, 1.01±0.03 and 1.05±0.23, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the expression level of c-Met protein in the siRNA-Met group was 0.24±0.03, significantly lower than 1.23±0.06 in the blank control group and 1.18±0.11 in the siRNA-NC group (P<0.05). The cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) results showed that the 72-hour absorbance (A) values of the siRNA-Met group, blank control group and the siRNA-NC group were 1.13±0.05, 1.48±0.08 and 1.53±0.07, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Cell cycle results showed that the proportion of cells in G(2)/M phase was (14.65±1.41)% in siRNA-Met group , (5.07±0.70)% in blank control group and (5.63±0.71)% in siRNA-NC group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins Cdc25c and cyclin B1 in siRNA-Met group were significantly decreased. The apoptotic rate in siRNA-Met group was (5.85±0.35)%, significantly higher than (1.00±0.17)% in blank control group and (0.91±1.14)% in siRNA-NC group (P<0.05). The expression level of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 in the siRNA-Met group was significantly decreased while Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) expression level was significantly increased. The cell scratching result showed that the cell migration abilities of the siRNA-Met group, blank control group and the siRNA-NC group were (51.33±8.62)%, (100.00±3.72)% and (102.33±6.43)%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The number of cell penetrating into the basement membrane of the siRNA-Met group, blank control group and the siRNA-NC group were 47.50±10.60, 100.00±5.33 and 102.50±10.61, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expressions of invasion related proteins including MMP-2 and MMP-9 in siRNA-Met group were decreased significantly. Conclusions: c-Met plays an important role in maintaining the biological characteristics of colon cancer cells. Inhibition of c-Met may have important values in the treatment of colon cancer.

Retrospective analysis of defect reconstruction after abdominal wall tumor resection in 30 patients

PURPOSE

It is difficult to manage the full-thickness defect that is created by radical resection of an abdominal wall tumor. This report aimed to review our institutional experience with immediate reconstruction using mesh reinforcement after abdominal wall tumor resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined patients who underwent abdominal wall tumor resection with immediate mesh-reinforced reconstruction between April 2014 and November 2018. The patients' records were reviewed to collect data regarding their demographic characteristics, surgical procedures, and complications.

RESULTS

We identified 30 eligible patients, including 5 who underwent simultaneous resection of affected intra-abdominal organs or tissues. The median size of the resulting abdominal wall defect was 60 cm² (interquartile range: 32-127.5 cm²) and the median mesh size was 150 cm² (interquartile range: 150-225 cm²). The median operative time was 85 min (interquartile range: 60-133.8 min), the mean hospital stay was 19.4 ± 9.0 days, and the mean follow-up period was 28.6 ± 16.0 months. The complications included seroma (n = 4), infection (n = 2), massive hematoma (n = 1), and abnormal sensation (n = 3). Tumor recurrence was observed in two patients, and three patients died because of cancer progression. No patient developed a ventral hernia or abdominal bulging.

CONCLUSION

Immediate mesh-reinforced reconstruction is feasible and effective for patients who require abdominal wall tumor resection.

Forensic Significance of Skin Injury and Fracture Caused by Child Abuse

Abstract

In recent years, cases of child abuse that result in injuries and death have occurred from time to time in China, and there may be more undetected child abuse cases. However, many pediatricians and forensic doctors lack professional knowledge and formal training in detecting child abuse, which leads to the missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and misidentification of many cases of child abuse. This paper reviews a large number of relevant domestic and foreign literatures, combined with practical work experience and China's national conditions, preliminarily summarizes the main points of clinical diagnosis and forensic identification of child abuse cases, in order to provide some help for early detection, accurate identification of child abuse cases and timely and effective treatment and protection for abused children.

[Technical notes and clinical efficacy analysis of full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy via transforaminal approach]

Objective: To study the technical notes and clinical efficacy of full-endoscopic thoracic intervertebral discectomy via transforaminal approach. Methods: We included 16 patients with thoracic disc herniation treated by full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy via transforaminal approach between January 2017 and September 2018 in ours department of orthopedics. The average age is 53.7 years. The compressionare classified by nature: 5 cases of soft thoracic disc herniation, 7 cases of calcified or ossified thoracic disc herniation, and 4 cases of osteophyte protrusion of the posterior edge of the adjacent vertebral body of the diseased disc. All patients had symptoms of thoracic myelopathy before operation, and 7 of them had radiculopathy. Via transforaminal approach under local anesthesia, enlarged foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic thoracic discectomy were used for treatment. Observe the changes of postoperative imaging, pain symptoms and recovery of spinal cord function at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Back pain and radicular pain were scored with VAS, neurological function was assessed with Nurick score and mJOA score, and thoracic spine function was assessed with Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results: All operations were successfully completed, and no intraoperative conversion of surgical methods occurred. Postoperative thoracic MRI and CT examinations of all patients showed that the spinal cord was fully decompressed without any residual compression. Back pain and radicular pain were all relieved obviously in all patients, and spinal cord function was obviously restored. Transient intercostal neuralgia occurred in 2 cases after operation, and no other surgical complications occurred. Conclusions: Full-endoscopic or fluoroscopic foraminoplasty and full-endoscopic thoracic discectomyvia transforaminal approach under local anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment for soft and hard thoracic disc herniation located on the ventral side of the spinal cord.

Forensic Identification of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This paper reviews relevant literatures at home and abroad. The cases of child sexual abuse are systematically discussed from the aspects of epidemiology and forensic examination, in order to develop and improve the inspection and appraisal thinking and ability of domestic forensic workers in such cases. The paper also briefly introduces the current situation and existing problems of dealing with child sexual abuse cases for case-handling units at base level in China, in order to provide help to the formulation, improvement and development of relevant standards and norms for child protection in China.

Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of occult cervical lymph node metastases in cN0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

We have explored the relations between clinicopathological features and cervical lymph node metastases (LNM) in patients with cN0 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue, and developed and validated a nomogram for predicting the risk of their development. Clinical data on 230 patients with cN0 SCC of the tongue who had had primary extended excision and lymph node dissection of the neck were collected retrospectively. They were divided into a development cohort and a validation cohort in a 4:1 ratio. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors of cervical LNM in patients in the development cohort, and a nomogram was established to predict the risk of such nodes. In the validation cohort, the predictive performance and compliance of the model were evaluated using the consistency index (C-index) and calibration curve, and the clinical value was evaluated by decision curve analysis. Of the 230 patients, 60 had cervical LNM, of which 60 were invaded (26%). Analysis of the development cohort showed that the site of the primary lesion, depth of invasion, size of the tumour, and histopathological grade were included in the prediction model, which was validated in the validation cohort. Consistency was high (C-index=0.846), calibration good, and it was clinically valuable. The nomogram could be used to predict the probability of occult cervical LNM before operation in patients with stage cN0 SCC of the tongue. It could also be used as a reference tool for dissection of cervical nodes and a communication tool between the doctor and the patient.

Emergent dynamics of extremes in a population driven by common information sources and new social media algorithms

We quantify how and when extreme subpopulations emerge in a model society despite everyone having the same information and available resources – and show that counterintuitively these extremes will likely be enhanced over time by new social media algorithms designed to reduce division. We verify our analysis mathematically, and show it reproduces (a) the time-dependent behavior observed in controlled experiments on humans, (b) the findings of a recent study of online behavior by Facebook concerning the impact of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ news, (c) the observed temporal emergence of extremes in U.S. House of Representatives voting, and (d) the real-time emergence of a division in national opinion during the ongoing peace process in Colombia. We uncover a novel societal tipping point which is a ‘ghost’ of a nearby saddle-node bifurcation from dynamical systems theory, and which provides a novel policy opportunity for preventing extremes from emerging.

[Comparison between hybrid surgery and transabdominal preperitoneal surgery in treatment of irreducible inguinal hernia: A case-control study]

Objective: To compare the effects between hybrid surgery and transabdominal preperitoneal surgery in treatment of irreducible inguinal hernia. Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between June 2011 and December 2017 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two group: hybrid surgery group (observation group, n=30) and transabdominal preperitoneal group (control group, n=30). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, hospital cost and complications were analyzed. Results: The operative time of observation group and control group was 45 (35-65) minutes and 50(35-70) minutes, respectively. Intraoperative blood loss of two groups was 10(5-15) ml and 5(2-10) ml. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 2(1-4) days and 2(1-3) days in the two groups, respectively. And the hospitalization cost of two groups was 9 646 (9 066-11 560) yuan and 9 494(8 989-10 660) yuan, respectively. The intraoperative complications occurred in 4 cases in control group, including 1 case of vas deferens injury, 2 cases of spermatic vessel injury and 1 case of inferior epigastric artery injury. No intraoperative complications occurred in observation group. Perioperative complications in observation group and control group included dysuria (6.7% vs 10.0%), scrotum hematoma (3.4% vs 0%), wound pain (46.7% vs 6.7%) and fever (16.7% vs 20.0%). Twelve months of follow-up was completed in all the patients, and no recurrence or infections occurred in the two groups. The incidence of seroma in observation group and control group was 26.7%, 33.3%, respectively. One case of foreign body sensation and one case of chronic pain occurred in control group. The incidence of perioperative wound pain in patients undergoing hybrid surgery was higher than those undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal surgery (P<0.05), but no statistical differences were observed for other variables between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Hybrid surgery is safe and feasible for the treatment of irreducible inguinal hernia. Though with a higher incidence of postoperative acute pain, it may have advantages of avoiding injuries of the vas deferens and spermatic vessels.

Upgrading Plan Towards Multi-messenger Observation with LHAASO

LHAASO is planning to enhance its sensitivity at energies around 100 GeV by utilize MCP staffed 20” PMT in the Water Cherekove Detector Array. The effective area for gamma ray detection will reach to 1800 m2 and differential sensitivity to 0.2 CU at 50 GeV. It will be the very useful survey detection for transient phenomena at 50 GeV in the northern sky. LHAASO is expected to play an important role in the multimessenger observation with the upgrading.