[Feasibility analysis of the application of programmed process endoscopic lateral neck dissection via chest-breast approach in papillary thyroid carcinoma surgery]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of endoscopic lymph node dissection(LND) with programmed breast approach for the treatment of papillary thyroid cancer. Methods: A case series study. The clinical data of 39 patients with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent endoscopic LND treatment with programmed breast approach in Shenzhen People's Hospital from January to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 10 males and 29 females, aged (35.95±10.17) years. LND time, total surgical time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Among 39 patients, there were 18 cases of unilateral thyroid cancer, 21 cases of bilateral thyroid cancer, 35 cases of unilateral LND, and 4 cases of bilateral LND. The maximum diameter of thyroid cancer lesions was (1.48±0.69) cm, and the maximum diameter of lymph node metastases was (1.63±0.58)cm. The operative time of unilateral neck dissection was (124.11±19.92) min (102-170 min), and the total operative time was (226.42±55.68) min (110-390 min). The number of lymph nodes cleaned was (32.40±10.44)(12-54), the number of metastasis and detection was 207/1 393. The postoperative drainage volume was (174.64±82.33) ml(41-350 ml). There were no neck hematomas, no skin burns or no shrugging disorders in the postoperative period. There were 7 cases of numbness and discomfort in neck skin sensation, which gradually relieved after half a year. Postoperative discharge time (4.77±1.94) d(3-15 d). Conclusion: It is safe and feasible to treat papillary thyroid cancer with endoscopic LND with programmed breast approach, which can improve surgical efficiency and clinical application value.

[The ninth edition of TNM staging for lung cancer: precise staging for precise diagnosis and treatment]

The ninth edition of TNM staging for lung cancer has been announced at the 2023 World Lung Cancer Congress and implemented from January 1, 2024. Te focus of the ninth TNM staging change is dividing N2 into N2a and N2b, as well as M1c into M1c1 and M1c2. Although the T staging has not changed, it has played an important role in verifying the eighth edition of the T staging. The subdivision of stage N2 has led some patients with ⅢA of the eighth edition to experience ascending or descending stages, which will more accurately help to assess the condition and prognosis of patients with mediastinal lymph node metastasis, as well as the design of related clinical studies. Modifying the M1c staging will help define oligometastasis and explore new treatment models in the future. The ninth edition of the TNM staging system provides a more detailed division of different tumor loads, but there is no clear explanation for the staging of lung cancer after neoadjuvant therapy. Further data analysis is needed, and it is expected to be answered in the tenth edition of TNM staging.

[The association between baseline TPOAb and/or TgAb positivity and thyroid immune-related adverse events in patients with malignancies following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors]

Objective: To investigate the association between positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and/or anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and the occurrence of thyroid immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients with malignant tumors who treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: A case-control study. A total of 116 patients with malignant tumor who received ICIs treatment and underwent thyroid function evaluation at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2017 to April 2023 were enrolled retrospectively, including 77 males and 39 females, with a median age of (M(Q1, Q3)) 63.0 (55.0, 70.0) years. The patients were divided into the euthyroid group (n=58) and the thyroid irAEs group (n=58) according to whether thyroid irAEs occurred after ICIs treatment. The clinical characteristics and baseline anti-thyroid antibodies associated with the occurrence of thyroid irAEs after ICIs treatment in patients with malignant tumors were evaluated. Variables with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors for thyroid irAEs in patients with malignant tumors who received ICIs treatment. Results: In irAEs group, therewore 4 (3.4%) cases of clinical thyrotoxicosis, 23(19.8%) cases of subclinical thyrotoxicosis, 23 (19.8%) cases of clinical hypothyroidism, and 8(6.9%) cases of subclinical hypothyroidism. The positive rate of anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline in the thyrioid irAEs group was higher than that in the euthyroid group［16/58（27.6%）vs 3/58（5.2%），P=0.001］. After at least one course of ICIs treatment, the incidence of thyroid irAEs in patients with positive anti-thyroid antibodies at baseline was 84.2% (16/19), whereas it was 43.3% (42/97) in patients with negative anti-thyroid antibodies(P=0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR=2.812, 95%CI:1.257-6.293), baseline thyroid autoantibodies were positive (OR=6.984, 95%CI: 1.909-25.547), baseline TgAb positivity (OR=8.909, 95%CI: 1.923-41.280), and baseline TPOAb positivity (OR=7.304, 95%CI: 1.555-34.308) were associated with thyroid irAEs (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that baseline TgAb positivity (OR=7.637, 95%CI: 1.617-36.072) was a risk factor for thyroid irAEs (P=0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of thyroid irAEs is higher in patients who are positive for baseline TPOAb and/or TgAb compared to those who are negative for TPOAb and TgAb. Patients with positive TgAb at baseline are at high risk of developing thyroid irAEs.

[LncRNA SNHG11 promotes malignant progression of colorectal cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway]

Objective: To investigate the effects of lncRNA SNHG11 on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cancer cells and possible mechanisms. Methods: qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression level of lncRNA SNHG11 in colorectal cancer tissues and its related cell lines. The correlation between SNHG11 expression and clinical prognosis of patients was assessed by bioinformatics techniques. Cultured CRC cell lines were transfected with shCtrl (shCtrl group), shSNHG11#1 (shSNHG11#1 group), shSNHG11#2 (shSNHG11#2 group), Control cDNA (Control cDNA group), and SNHG11 cDNA (SNHG11 cDNA), respectively. Thiazolyl blue (MTT), clone formation assay, Transwell assay, cell scratch assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of CRC cells in each group. Western protein blotting was used to detect the expression of relevant proteins in each group, and the effect of lncRNA SNHG11 knockdown on the growth of tumour cells in vivo was analysed by nude mice tumouring assay. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway inhibitor LY294002 was used for rescue experiments. Results: The expression of lncRNA SNHG11 was significantly higher in colorectal cancer cells and tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). Survival analysis showed that the expression level of SNHG11 was not statistically associated with CRC survival (P>0.05). shSNHG11#2 group compared with shCtrl group. MTT OD490/570 values decreased, the number of CRC cell clones decreased, the number of Transwell cells decreased, the area of cell scratch decreased, and the apoptosis rate increased (P<0.05). The mesenchymal markers matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), N-cadherin and vimentin were significantly reduced, and the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was upregulated. The expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was decreased, and the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax was increased (P<0.05).In vivo experiments showed that lncRNA SNHG11 knockdown inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells, and the expression of Ki67 was reduced in tumours (P<0.05). LncRNA SNHG11 knockdown inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR.The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002 was able to restore the malignant cytological progression of colorectal cancer cells induced by the overexpression of lncRNA SNHG11. Conclusions: LncRNA SNHG11 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer. lncRNA SNHG11 can promote the malignant progression of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and this finding provides a new theoretical basis for targeted therapy of colorectal cancer.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of bupivacaine liposome for pericapsular nerve group block for postoperative analgesia in elderly patients with hip replacement]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bupivacaine liposome for pericapsular nerve group block (PENGB) for postoperative analgesia in elderly patients with total hip replacement. Methods: A total of 42 elderly patients underwent total hip replacement were selected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from May to July in 2023, including 19 males and 23 females, aged (68.8±6.3) years, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ. They were divided into bupivacaine liposome group (observation group) and levobupivacaine hydrochloride group (control group) according to random number table, with 21 cases in each group. All the patients were anesthetized by lumbar anesthesia combined with PENGB. During PENGB, the observation group was injected with 10 ml (133 mg) bupivacaine liposome+5 ml normal saline, and the control group was injected with 10 ml (75 mg) levobupivacaine hydrochloride+5 ml normal saline. The primary outcome measures included the rest and movement visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h after operation, the sufentanil consumption in analgesic pump, the numbers of analgesic pump compressions, and the rates of additional parexib sodium use in ward. The secondary outcome measures were the changes in lower limb muscle strength, the length of hospital stay and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Results: There was no significant difference in the rest and movement VAS scores between the two groups at pre-operation and at 6 h after operation (P>0.05);but the rest and movement VAS scores at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after operation in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05); the rest and movement VAS scores at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after operation were lower than those at pre-operation in two group (P<0.05). The consumption of sufentanil in analgesic pump and parexib sodium usage in observation group were lower than those in control group at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after operation (P<0.05). The total number of analgesic pump compressions, the number of effective compressions and the number of ineffective compressions in 48 h in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The muscle strength of the lower limbs of all patients were able to move against gravity at 12 h after operation. The incidence of nausea in 48 h after operation in observation group was 9.5% (2/21), which was lower than 42.9% (9/21) in control group (P=0.014). No postoperative vomiting occurred in all patients. The length of the hospital stay was (9.3±2.2) d in observation group and (8.9±1.9) d in control group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.500). Conclusion: Compared with levobupivacaine hydrochloride, liposomal bupivacaine in PENGB provides analgesic effects for up to 72 h after total hip replacement in elderly patients, reduces postoperative opioid and other analgesics usage, decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea, and has a minor effect on lower limb movement without prolonging hospitalization.

[Research progress on HEG1 in cardiovascular generation and tumor development]

Heart development protein with EGF-like domains 1 (HEG1) is a novel mucin-like membrane protein with a long O-glycosylation region and EGF domain. HEG1 plays critical roles in embryo development and cardiogenesis, and is closely related to the occurrence and progression of malignant tumors. Here this article demonstrates the research progress on HEG1 in cardiovascular formation and tumor development in recent years, to inspire new ideas for the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.

[Analysis of iodine nutritional status of children aged 8-10 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021]

Objective: To analyze the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8 to 10 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021. Methods: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select non-residential children aged 8 to 10 years from 90 counties in Zhejiang Province. A total of 114 103 children were included in the study from 2016 to 2021. Direct titration method and arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry were used to detect salt iodine content and urinary iodine level, respectively, to evaluate the iodine nutritional status of children. Ultrasound was used to detect thyroid volume and analyze the current prevalence of goiter in school-age children. Results: The age of 114 103 children was (9.04 ± 0.81) years old, with 50.0% of (57 083) boys. The median of iodine content M (Q1, Q3) in children's household salt was 23.00 (19.80, 25.20) mg/kg, including 17 242 non-iodized salt, 6 173 unqualified iodized salt, and 90 688 qualified iodized salt. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 84.89%, and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 79.48%. The proportion of non-iodized salt increased from 11.85% in 2016 to 16.04% in 2021 (χ2trend=111.427, P<0.001). The median of urinary iodine concentration M (Q1, Q3) in children was 182.50 (121.00, 261.00) μg/L, among which the proportions of iodine deficiency, iodine suitability, iodine over suitability, and iodine excess were 17.25% (19 686 cases), 39.21% (44 745 cases), 26.85% (30 638 cases), and 16.68% (19 034 cases), respectively. The median of urinary iodine concentration in children in inland areas [M (Q1, Q3): 190.90 (128.80, 269.00) μg/L] was significantly higher than that in children in coastal areas [M (Q1, Q3): 173.00 (113.00, 250.30) μg/L] (P<0.001). From 2016 to 2021, a total of 39 134 ultrasound examinations were conducted, and 1 229 cases of thyroid enlargement were detected. The goiter rate was 3.14% (95%CI: 2.97%-3.32%). The incidence of goiter in children in coastal areas [3.45% (95%CI: 3.19%-3.72%), 641/18 604] was higher than that in children in inland areas [2.86% (95%CI: 2.64%-3.10%), 588/20 530] (P=0.001). Conclusion: From 2016 to 2021, the iodine nutrition level of children aged 8-10 years in Zhejiang Province is generally suitable, and the rate of goiter in children meets the limit of iodine deficiency disease elimination standards.

[Comparing the prognostic value of 3 diagnostic criteria of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants]

Objective: To compare the prognostic value of 3 diagnostic criteria of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants with gestational age<32 weeks. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect the clinical data of 285 preterm infants with BPD admitted to the Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to September 2021, who were followed up regularly after discharge. The primary composite adverse outcome was defined as death or severe respiratory morbidity from 36 weeks of corrected gestational age to 18 months of corrected age, and the secondary composite adverse outcome was defined as death or neurodevelopmental impairment. According to the primary or secondary composite adverse outcomes, the preterm infants were divided into the adverse prognosis group and the non-adverse prognosis group. The 2001 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) criteria, 2018 NICHD criteria, and 2019 Neonatal Research Network (NRN) criteria were used to diagnose and grade BPD in preterm infants. Chi-square test, Logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Delong test were used to analyze the prognostic value of the 3 diagnostic criteria. Results: The 285 preterm infants had a gestational age of 29.4 (28.1, 30.6) weeks and birth weight of 1 230 (1 000, 1 465) g, including 167 males (58.6%). Among 285 premature infants who completed follow-up, the primary composite adverse outcome occurred in 124 preterm infants (43.5%), and the secondary composite adverse outcome occurred in 40 preterm infants (14.0%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that severe BPD according to the 2001 NICHD criteria, gradeⅡand Ⅲ BPD according to the 2018 NICHD criteria and grade 2 and 3 BPD according to the 2019 NRN criteria were all risk factors for primary composite adverse outcomes (all P<0.05). ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the 2018 NICHD criteria and 2019 NRN criteria were both higher than that of the 2001 NICHD criteria (0.70 and 0.70 vs. 0.61, Z=4.49 and 3.35, both P<0.001), but there was no significant difference between the 2018 NICHD and 2019 NRN criteria (Z=0.38, P=0.702). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the secondary composite adverse outcomes were all associated with grade Ⅲ BPD according to the 2018 NICHD criteria and grade 3 BPD according to the 2019 NRN criteria (both P<0.05). ROC curve showed that the AUC of the 2018 NICHD criteria and 2019 NRN criteria were both higher than that of the 2001 NICHD criteria (0.71 and 0.71 vs. 0.58, Z=2.93 and 3.67, both P<0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2018 NICHD and 2019 NRN criteria (Z=0.02, P=0.984). Conclusion: The 2018 NICHD and 2019 NRN criteria demonstrate good and comparable predictive value for the primary and secondary composite adverse outcomes in preterm infants with BPD, surpassing the predictive efficacy of the 2001 NICHD criteria.

New insights on the association of weight loss with the reduction in carotid intima-media thickness among patients with obesity: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive marker of atherosclerosis, a typical pathologic process underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is essential to explore the relationships between weight loss and the reduction of CIMT.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to collect relevant clinical trials. The pooled results of meta-analyses were assessed by weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

Thirty-three articles involving 2273 participants were collected in this meta-analysis. Among all participants with obesity, the pooled mean of weight loss was -23.26 kg (95% CI: -27.71 to -18.81), and the pooled mean change of CIMT was -0.06 mm (95% CI: -0.08 to -0.04). Compared with Non-surgical interventions, Surgical ones could lead to much higher weight loss (Pbetween groups < 0.001). A more significant CIMT reduction was identified among Surgical intervention patients than among Non-surgical intervention participants (Pbetween groups < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Effective interventions, especially Surgical interventions, could reduce the weight of patients with obesity, followed by the decline of CIMT, which might further disturb atherosclerosis progression and lower CVD risk.

[Killing effect of anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells on ovarian epithelial cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxic effects of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells of anti-mesothelin (MSLN)-chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cells (anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells) on ovarian epithelial cancer cells. Methods: Twenty cases of ovarian cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021 were collected, and 20 cases of normal ovarian tissues resected during the same period due to other benign diseases were also collected. (1) Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to verify the expression of MSLN protein in ovarian cancer tissues. (2) Fresh ovarian cancer tissues were extracted and cultured to obtain primary ovarian cancer cells. Recombinant lentiviral vectors targeting anti-MSLN-CAR-CD244 were constructed and co-cultured with iPS cells to obtain anti-MSLN-iCAR cells. These cells were differentiated into anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells using cytokine-induced differentiation method. The cell experiments were divided into three groups: anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group, natural killer (NK) cell group, and control group. (3) Flow cytometry and live cell staining experiment were used to detect the apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells in the three groups. (4) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), granzyme B (GZMB), perforin 1 (PRF1), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in the three groups of ovarian cancer cells. Results: (1) Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that a positive expression rate of MSLN protein in ovarian cancer tissues of 65% (13/20), while normal ovarian tissues had a positive rate of 30% (6/20). The comparison between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=4.912, P=0.027). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the positive expression rate of MSLN protein in ovarian cancer tissues was 70% (14/20), while normal ovarian tissues had a positive rate of 30% (6/20). The comparison between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=6.400, P=0.011). (2) Flow cytometry analysis showed that the apoptotic rate of ovarian cancer cells in the anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group was (29.27±0.85)%, while in the NK cell group and control group were (8.44±0.34)% and (6.83±0.26)% respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the comparisons between the three groups (all P<0.01). Live cell staining experiment showed that the ratio of dead cells to live cells in the anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group was (36.3±8.3)%, while in the NK cell group and control group were (5.4±1.4)% and (2.0±1.3)% respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the comparisons between the three groups (all P<0.001). (3) ELISA analysis revealed that the expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, GZMB, PRF1, IL-6, and IL-10 in ovarian cancer cells of the anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cell group were significantly higher than those in the NK cell group and the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The anti-MSLN-iCAR-NK cells exhibit a strong killing ability against ovarian cancer cells, indicating their potential as a novel immunotherapy approach for ovarian cancer.

[Effects of preoperative quetiapine on postoperative delirium and sleep quality in elderly orthopaedic patients]

Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative quetiapine on postoperative delirium (POD) and sleep quality in elderly orthopedic patients. Methods: Prospectively, 111 elderly patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, scheduled to undergo knee or hip surgery in the Affiliated Huangyan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University under continuous spinal anesthesia from August 2021 to March 2023, were selected and randomly divided into two groups by random number table: control group (group C, 1 h preoperative placebo) and quetiapine group (group Q, 1 h preoperative quetiapine 12.5 mg). In group C, 54 cases were enrolled, including 25 males and 29 females, with an average age of (73.5±4.9) years. In group Q, 57 cases were enrolled, including 26 males and 31 females, with an average age of (74.8±5.0) years. The primary outcome measures were the incidence of POD evaluated by using confusion assessment method (CAM) at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery, and the secondary outcome measures included Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores at 24 and 48 hours after surgery and satisfaction of pain management within 24 hours after surgery. Results: The incidence of POD at 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery in group Q was 5.4% (3/57), 12.5% (7/57), 14.3% (8/57), respectively, while that in group C was 18.2% (10/54), 21.8% (12/54), 21.8% (12/54), respectively. The incidence of POD at 24 h after surgery in group Q was lower than that in group C (P=0.036). There was no significant difference in the incidence of POD at 48 and 72 h after surgery between two groups (all P>0.05). The PSQI score of patients in group Q at 24 and 48 h after surgery were (3.8±1.2) and (6.9±1.1) scores, respectively, which in group C were (10.5±2.8) and (7.3±1.3) scores, respectively. Compared with group C, the PSQI score of patients in group Q at 24 h after surgery was significantly higher (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference at 48 h after surgery (P=0.068). The satisfaction scores of pain management at 24 h after surgery in group Q was (91±7) scores, which was higher than that in group C of (81±6) scores (P<0.001). Conclusion: Oral intake of low-dose quetiapine 1 h preoperatively can reduce the incidence of POD, improve postoperative sleep quality and enhance postoperative satisfaction of pain management at 24 hours after surgery in elderly orthopedic patients undergoing knee or hip surgery.

[Interaction of SENP6 with PINK1 Promotes Temozolomide Resistance in Neuroglioma Cells via Inducing the Mitophagy]

Temozolomide resistance is a major cause of recurrence and poor prognosis in neuroglioma. Recently, growing evidence has suggested that mitophagy is involved in drug resistance in various tumor types. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of mitophagy in temozolomide resistance in glioma remain unclear. In this study, mitophagy levels in temozolomide-resistant and -sensitive cell lines were evaluated. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of mitophagy were explored through RNA sequencing, and the roles of differentially expressed genes in mitophagy and temozolomide resistance were investigated. We found that mitophagy promotes temozolomide resistance in glioma. Specifically, small ubiquitin-like modifier specific protease 6 (SENP6) promoted temozolomide resistance in glioma by inducing mitophagy. Protein-protein interactions between SENP6 and the mitophagy executive protein PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) resulted in a reduction in small ubiquitin-like modifier 2 (SUMO2)ylation of PINK1, thereby enhancing mitophagy. Our study demonstrates that by inducing mitophagy, the interaction of SENP6 with PINK1 promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma. Therefore, targeting SENP6 or directly regulating mitophagy could be a potential and novel therapeutic target for reversing temozolomide resistance in glioma.

[Investigation of the chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of adult residents in Hongtong County, Shanxi Province]

Objective: To investigate the chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of adult residents in 3 towns of Hongtong County, Shanxi Province, and to explore their risk factors. Methods: The investigation of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function status of adult residents in Hongdong County is based on the regional population of the entire county in Hongdong County. The project was initiated by the Science and Technology Department of Linfen City and coordinated by the Hongdong County Government. The investigation will be conducted in 3 townships in Hongdong County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province from April to November 2021: Demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, smoking dust exposure and other personal history were collected through questionnaires. Physical examination, routine blood tests and lung function tests were also performed on each individual. SPSS 22.0 software was used to conduct t test, χ2 test, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical analysis of the collected information. Results: 10 945 subjects aged 18-102 years were included in the analysis, of whom 3 754 (34.3%) were male, 1 222 (11.2%) had a history of dust exposure, 7 164 (65.5%) had used straw and firewood as cooking fuel, and 3 296 (30.1%) had a history of smoking. Among the participants, 394 (3.6%), 339 (3.1%), and 1 543 (14.1%) had respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum, and dyspnea. Statistics showed that the population with chronic respiratory symptoms was more elderly and had a smoking history, and the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher in those who smoked more than 40 packs a year (all P<0.05). Men with a history of dust exposure were more likely to suffer from chronic cough and expectoration, while emaciation and biofuel use for more than 40 years were more likely to suffer from chronic expectoration and dyspnea (all P<0.05). The median values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC in 1 second were 2.19 L/s, 3.24 L and 69.16%, respectively. Among them, the lung function of 5 801 (53.0%) respondents was lower than the expected value. The median FEV1/FVC decreased with the increase of age. The FEV1/FVC of people over 40 years old with smoking history was lower, the dust exposure history of people with decreased lung function was more than that of people with normal lung function, and the incidence of chronic expectoration and dyspnea was higher in people with decreased lung function (all P<0.05). The absolute value and ratio of eosinophils in patients with decreased ventilation function over 60 years old were significantly higher than those with normal ventilation function, but the level of body mass index (BMI) was lower (all P<0.05). Conclusion: In Hongdong County, Shanxi Province, grassroots residents have poor medical awareness, low lung function examination rate, chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function decline are associated with more risk factors. Primary medical institutions need to formulate prevention strategies and carry out lung function detection according to the actual situation, focusing on monitoring and follow-up of high-risk groups to achieve early and timely prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The effectiveness of using platelet-rich concentrate with iliac bone graft in the repair of alveolar cleft: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The purpose of this study was to review the existing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of autogenous bone grafts combined with a platelet-rich concentrate on alveolar clefts. An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for studies published between January 2000 and April 2022. This study included six RCTs to evaluate bone quantity (bone formation ratio, %) and quality (bone density in Hounsfield units, HU), as well as complications as a way to assess the safety of the technique. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias. There was no statistically significant difference in bone formation ratio at 6 months of follow-up between the use of autologous bone alone for alveolar bone grafting or adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (mean difference (MD) 14.33%, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 7.19% to 35.85%; P = 0.196) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) (MD 9.38%, 95% CI -2.36% to 21.12%; P = 0.123) to autologous bone. The MD for the change in bone density at 6 months was in favour of PRP added to autologous bone graft (MD 155.69 HU, 95% CI 99.29-212.09 HU; P < 0.001); however, this result was based on only two studies, one of which had a high risk of bias. Patients who received autologous bone graft with PRP were significantly less likely to experience complications (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.92; P = 0.038), but this was no longer statistically significant after a sensitivity test (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.04-1.56; P = 0.138). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis appears to show no benefit to using a platelet-rich concentrate combined with autologous bone for alveolar cleft grafting in terms of bone volume, bone density, or complications.

[Investigation and factor analysis of postoperative surgical site infections in emergency abdominal surgery in China from 2018 to 2021 based on Chinese SSI Surveillance]

Objective: We investigated the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) in China and further explored its risk factors, providing a reference for preventing and controlling SSI after EAS. Methods: This was an observational study. Data of patients who had undergone EAS and been enrolled in the Chinese SSI Surveillance Program during 2018-2021were retrospectively analyzed. All included patients had been followed up for 30 days after surgery. The analyzed data consisted of relevant patient characteristics and perioperative clinical data, including preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, and blood glucose concentrations, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, grade of surgical incision, intestinal preparation, skin preparation, location of surgical site, approach, and duration. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI occurring within 30 days following EAS. SSI was defined as both superficial and deep incisional infections and organ/space infections, diagnoses being supported by results of microbiological culture of secretions and pus. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative mortality rates, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), duration of postoperative hospitalization, and associated costs. The patients were classified into two groups, SSI and non-SSI, based on whether an infection had been diagnosed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with SSI following EAS. Results: The study cohort comprised 5491 patients who had undergone EAS, comprising 3169 male and 2322 female patients. SSIs were diagnosed in 168 (3.1%) patients after EAS (SSI group); thus, the non-SSI group consisted of 5323 patients. The SSIs comprised superficial incision infections in 69 (41.1%), deep incision infections in 51 (30.4%), and organ or space infections in 48 (28.6%). Cultures of secretions and pus were positive in 115 (68.5%) cases. The most frequently detected organism was Escherichia coli (47/115; 40.9%). There were no significant differences in sex or body mass index between the SSI and non-SSI groups (both P>0.05). However, the proportion of individuals aged 60 years or older was significantly greater in the SSI than in the non-SSI group (49.4% [83/168] vs. 27.5% [1464/5323), χ2=38.604, P<0.001). Compared with the non-SSI group, the SSI group had greater proportions of patients with diabetes (11.9% [20/168] vs. 4.8% [258/5323], χ2=16.878, P<0.001), hypertension (25.6% [43/168] vs. 12.2% [649/5323], χ2=26.562, P<0.001); hemoglobin <110 g/L (27.4% [46/168] vs. 13.1% [697/5323], χ2=28.411, P<0.001), and albuminemia <30 g/L (24.4% [41/168] vs. 5.9% [316/5323], χ2=91.352, P<0.001), and a reduced rate of preoperative skin preparation (66.7% [112/168] vs. 75.9% [4039/5323], χ2=7.491, P=0.006). Furthermore, fewer patients in the SSI group had preoperative ASA scores of between one and two (56.0% [94/168] vs. 88.7% [4724/5323], χ2=162.869, P<0.001) in the non-SSI group. The incidences of contaminated and infected incisions were greater in the SSI group (63.1% [106/168] vs. 38.6% [2056/5323], χ2=40.854, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in surgical site distribution between the SSI and non-SSI groups (small intestine 29.8% [50/168] vs. 10.6% [565/5323], colorectal 26.2% [44/168] vs. 5.6% [298/5 323], and appendix 24.4% [41/168] vs. 65.1% [3465/5323]) χ2=167.897, P<0.001), respectively. There was a significantly lower proportion of laparoscope or robotic surgery in the non-SSI group (24.4 % [41/168] vs. 74.2% [3949/5323], χ2=203.199, P<0.001); the percentage of operations of duration less than 2 hours was significantly lower in the SSI than non-SSI group (35.7% [60/168] vs. 77.4% [4119/5323], χ2=155.487, P<0.001). As to clinical outcomes, there was a higher 30-day postoperative mortality rate (3.0%[5/168] vs. 0.2%[10/5323], χ2=36.807, P<0.001) and higher postoperative ICU occupancy rate (41.7% [70/168] vs. 19.7% [1046/5323], χ2=48.748, P<0.001) in the SSI group. The median length of stay in the ICU (0[2] vs. 0[0] days, U=328597.000, P<0.001), median total length of stay after surgery (16[13] vs. 6[5] days, U=128146.000, P<0.001), and median hospitalization cost (ten thousand yuan, 4.7[4.4] vs. 1.7[1.8], U=175965.000, P<0.001) were all significantly greater in the SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the absence of skin preparation before surgery (OR=2.435,95%CI: 1.690-3.508, P<0.001), preoperative albuminemia <30 g/L (OR=1.680, 95%CI: 1.081-2.610, P=0.021), contaminated or infected incisions (OR=3.031, 95%CI: 2.151-4.271, P<0.001), and laparotomy (OR=3.436, 95% CI: 2.123-5.564, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of SSI. Operative duration less than 2 hours (OR=0.465, 95%CI: 0.312-0.695, P<0.001) and ASA score of 1-2 (OR=0.416, 95% CI: 0.289-0.601, P<0.001) were identified as independent protective factors for SSI. Conclusions: It is important to consider the nutritional status in the perioperative period of patients undergoing EAS. Preoperative skin preparation should be conducted and, whenever possible, laparoscope or robot-assisted surgery. Duration of surgery should be as short as possible while maintaining surgery quality and improving patient care.

[Preliminary report on the use of total lumpectomyconical remnant gastric - esophagus side overlap anastomosis in radical resection of Siewert type II proximal gastric cancer]

Objective: There is no standard method for esophageal remnant gastric reconstruction for proximal gastrectomy. Reflux esophagitis caused by esophagogastrostomy remains a difficult surgical problem. To report the preliminary surgical results of novel esophagus-conical remnant gastric side overlap anastomosis (CGEO) , with particular emphasis on postoperative esophageal reflux. Methods: In June 2022, we developed a novel CGEO for laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy on two patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Surgical procedures for CGEO: (1) Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and preparation of conically shaped gastric remnant; (2) Determining anastomotic site of residual stomach and esophagus; (3) Side-to-side anastomosis of right esophageal wall to anterior of conical gastric remnant; (4) Valvuloplasty of esophageal stump. Results: Case 1 was a 71-year-old man with an operation time of 305 minutes and was successfully discharged from the hospital on the 9th day after surgery, and the postoperative pathology was T3N0M0. Case 2 was an 82-year-old man with an operation time of 325 minutes. He was discharged on the 10th day after surgery. In both cases, only mild esophageal mucosal changes were seen in gastroscopy, there were no obvious symptoms of esophageal reflux. There was also no significant weight change at half a year after operation. Conclusion: CGEO is moderately safe in radical surgery for proximal gastric cancer, and may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of postoperative esophageal reflux, but long-term results need to be confirmed by further studies with follow-up.

[Etiological analysis on a foodborne disease outbreak caused by two serotypes of Salmonella]

Objective: To understand the etiological characteristics of 2 serotypes of Salmonella strains isolated from a foodborne disease outbreak. Methods: A total of 11 anal swabs of the cases, 13 suspected contaminated food and 10 environmental samples were collected from a foodborne disease outbreak occurred on September 8, 2022 in a school. The anal swabs were enriched with selenite brilliant green enrichment broth (SBG) and brain heart infusion broth (BHI) respectively. PCR detection and culture of common intestinal pathogens were carried out. The suspected food samples were tested according to national standards for food safety. Multiple suspected Salmonella colonies were obtained and selected for serotype determination and whole genome sequencing. Serotypes were determined based on the whole-genome sequence, and clustering analysis was performed based on core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Results: The positive rates of Salmonella in anal swabs and suspected food samples were 9/11 and 5/13 respectively. Both Salmonella Uganda and Salmonella Idikan were isolated from 4 anal swabs and 4 suspected food samples. For the remaining samples, only Salmonella Uganda or Salmonella Idikan was isolated in each sample. The positive rate of Salmonella in 11 anal swabs of the cases after BHI enrichment for 12 h and 24 h were all 9/11 in real-time PCR, same to the culture results. Salmonella Uganda and Salmonella Idikan formed two independent and genetically distant lineages in the clustering tree based on core genome SNP, and 0-14 and 0-23 SNP were observed in Salmonella Uganda and Salmonella Idikan respectively. Conclusions: This foodborne disease outbreak was probably caused by Salmonella Uganda and Salmonella Idikan, which both exhibited strong genetic diversity. The PCR based pathogen screening strategy plus pathogen enrichment for cases' annal swabs can be used in the routine outbreak investigation.

[Comparison of two child growth standards in assessing the nutritional status of children under 6 years of age]

Objective: To compare the application of China growth standard for children under 7 years of age (China standards) and World Health Organization child growth standards (WHO standards) in evaluating the prevalence of malnutrition in children aged 0-<6 years in China. Methods: The research data came from the national special program for science & technology basic resources investigation of China, named "2019-2021 survey and application of China's nutrition and health system for children aged 0-18 years". Multi-stage stratified random sampling was used to recruit 28 districts (regions) in 14 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities across the country. Children (n=38 848) were physically measured and questionnaires were conducted in the guardians of the children. The indicators of stunting, underweight, wasting, overweight and obesity were evaluated by China standards and WHO standards respectively. Chi-square test was used to comparing the prevalence of each nutritional status between the two standards, as well as the comparison between the two standards by gender and age. Results: Among the 38 848 children, 19 650 were boys (50.6%) and 19 198 were girls (49.4%), 19 480 urban children (50.1%) and 19 368 rural children (49.9%). The stunting, underweight and wasting cases in the study population were 2 090 children (5.4%), 1 354 children (3.5%) and 1 276 children (3.3%) according to the China standards, and 1 474 children (3.8%), 701 children (1.8%) and 824 children (2.1%) according to the WHO standards, respectively; the above rates according to the China standards were slightly higher than those to the WHO standards (χ²=111.59, 213.14, and 99.99, all P<0.001). The overweight and obesity cases in the study population were 2 186 children (5.6%) and 1 153 children (3.0%) according to the China standards, and 2 210 children (5.7%) and 1 186 children (3.1%) according to the WHO standards, with no statistically significant differences (χ²=0.14 and 0.48, P=0.709 and 0.488, respectively). Compared to the results based on WHO standards, the China standards showed a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys (χ²=14.95 and 5.85, P<0.001 and =0.016, respectively), and higher prevalence of overweight in girls (χ²=12.60, P<0.001); but there was no statistically significant differences in girls' obesity prevalence between the two standards (χ²=2.62, P=0.106). Conclusions: In general, the prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 0-<6 years based on China standards is slightly higher than that on WHO standards. To evaluate the nutritional status of children, it is advisable to select appropriate child growth standards based on work requirements, norms or research objectives.

[Association between metabolism-related chronic disease combination and prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in community residents in Shanghai]

Objective: To explore the combination of metabolism-related chronic diseases associated with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in community residents in Shanghai. Methods: The baseline data of Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank were used to understand the prevalence of five metabolism-related chronic diseases, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, gout and diabetes, based on questionnaire survey, physical examination and blood biochemical detection. NAFLD was diagnosed by B-ultrasound detection and questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of 31 metabolism-related chronic diseases combinations with the prevalence of NAFLD. Results: The median age (Q1, Q3) of 65 477 subjects was 60 (51, 66) years, and men accounted for 40.6%. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 38.2%, and the prevalence of HAFLD in patients without any of the five metabolism-related chronic diseases was 12.0%. The chronic disease combination with the strongest association with NAFLD was obesity + hypertension + hyperlipidemia + gout + diabetes in the total population (OR=37.94, 95%CI: 31.02-46.41), in women (OR=36.99, 95%CI: 28.78-47.54) and in age group ≥60 years (OR=36.19, 95%CI: 28.25-46.36). The chronic disease combination with the strongest association with NAFLD was obesity + hyperlipidemia + gout + diabetes in men (OR=50.70, 95%CI: 24.62-104.40) and in age group <60 years (OR=49.58, 95%CI: 24.22-101.47). Conclusions: The prevalence of NAFLD in community residents in Shanghai was high. Attention needs to be paid to health of obese people and weight loss should be promoted for them. Community health education should be strengthened for patients complicated with gout, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension and it is necessary to correct abnormal serum uric acid, blood sugar, blood lipids and blood pressure in a timely manner to reduce the risk of NAFLD.

[Three-dimensional finite element study on the effects of maxillary anterior two-step retraction and en-masse retraction with clear aligners]

Objective: To investigate the effects of two-step retraction and en-masse retraction on tooth movement pattern of anterior teeth and posterior anchorage with clear aligners using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Methods: A finite element model of maxillary first premolar extraction case undergoing clear aligner treatment was established based on maxillofacial cone-beam CT data of a 24-year-old adult male with individual normal occlusion, who visited Department of Oral Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine for impacted mandibular third molar in June, 2022. The initial tooth displacement of five anterior retraction protocols (two-step with canine retraction, two-step with incisor bodily retraction, two-step with incisor retraction-overtreatment, en-masse bodily retraction, and en-masse retraction-overtreatment) were evaluated. Results: Two step with canine retraction caused distal tipping of the canine and labial tipping of the incisors (0.18° for central incisor and 0.13° for lateral incisor). Two step with incisor retraction caused mesial tipping of the canine. In two step with bodily retraction protocol, uncontrolled lingual tipping was found in central incisor (0.29°) and lateral incisor (0.32°). In two-step with incisor retraction-overtreatment protocol, the movement pattern of the incisors didn't change, but the inclinations reduced to 0.21° and 0.18°. En-masse retraction caused distal tipping of the canine. In en-masse bodily retraction protocol, uncontrolled lingual tipping was also found in central incisor (0.19°) and lateral incisor (0.27°). In en-masse retraction-overtreatment protocol, the central incisor showed controlled lingual tipping (0.02°) and the lateral incisor showed palatal root movement (0.03° labial inclination). Posterior teeth exhibited mesial tipping in all five protocols. Conclusion: En-masse retraction with incisor overtreatment was beneficial to incisor torque control in clear aligner treatment.

[Clinical effects of plantar split-thickness skin grafts in repairing the deep burn wounds in the back and buttocks]

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of plantar split-thickness skin grafts in repairing the deep burn wounds in the back and buttocks. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2011 to February 2022, 98 patients with deep burn who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the 910th Hospital of Joint Service Support Unit of PLA, including 64 males and 34 females, aged 17 to 78 years, with total burn areas of 35%-95% total body surface area (TBSA). The area of full-thickness burns in the back and buttocks ranged from 5% to 17% TBSA and the wounds were repaired only using stamp-shaped split-thickness skin grafts from plantar areas of both feet or combined with Meek microskin grafts or stamp-shaped skin grafts from other sites. According to the times of skin graft harvesting from both soles, these patients were divided into one-harvesting group (29 cases), two-harvesting group (38 cases), three-harvesting group (21 cases), and four-harvesting group (10 cases). The area of skin grafts harvested each time from both soles, the healing time of donor sites after each skin graft harvesting, and the survival rate of plantar skin graft in recipient site at 7 days after each skin graft harvesting in 98 patients, the interval between two adjacent skin graft harvesting in 69 patients with skin grafts harvested twice or more, as well as the healing time of donor site and survival rate of skin graft in recipient site after the last skin graft harvesting from both soles of patients in the 4 groups were recorded. The patients were followed up to observe the appearance, texture, and scar in recipient site of plantar skin grafts as well as the scar and function in plantar donor sites. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and chi-square test. Results: In the 98 patients, the area of skin graft was 2.0%-4.5% ((3.4±0.6)%) TBSA harvested each time from both soles, the healing time of donor site after each skin graft harvesting was 7-10 (7.8±1.1) d, and the survival rate of plantar skin graft in recipient site at 7 days after each skin graft harvesting was 93% (92%, 95%). The interval between two adjacent skin graft harvesting in the 69 patients was 7-38 (11.2±0.5) d. The healing time of donor site and survival rate of skin graft in recipient site after the last skin graft harvesting from both soles of patients in the 4 groups showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). A total of 88 patients were followed up for 3 months to 5 years, the appearance in recipient site of plantar skin graft was smooth, the texture was firm, the scar hyperplasia was mild, and the area was compressive- and wear-resistant. Among them, the plantar donor site recovered well in 85 patients, without obvious scar hyperplasia and only 3 patients had small area of scar hyperplasia in the non-weight-bearing areas which did not affect walking or wearing shoes or socks. Ten patients were lost in the follow up after discharge. Conclusions: Stamp-shaped split-thickness skin grafts can be repeatedly harvested from both soles of patient to repair the deep burn wounds in the back and buttocks, with high survival rate of skin grafts, thus can reduce the burden of other donor sites. Moreover, the skin grafts have good wear-resistance and pressure-resistance, without affecting postoperative normal walk.

[Study on the features of Clostridioides difficile infection among diarrhea patients in Kunming from 2018 to 2020]

Objective: We analyze the characteristics of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection among diarrhea patients in Kunming from 2018 to 2020 and provide evidence for follow-up surveillance and prevention. Methods: A total of 388 fecal samples of diarrhea patients from four sentinel hospitals in Yunnan Province from 2018 to 2020 were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the fecal toxin genes of C. difficile. The positive fecal samples isolated the bacteria, and isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. The genomic DNA of the strains was extracted for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The fecal toxin, strain isolation, and clinical patient characteristics, including co-infection with other pathogens, were analyzed. Results: Among the 388 fecal samples, 47 samples with positive reference genes of C. difficile were positive, with a total positive rate of 12.11%. There were 4 (8.51%) non-toxigenic and 43 (91.49%) toxigenic ones. A total of 18 strains C. difficile were isolated from 47 positive specimens, and the isolation rate of positive specimens was 38.30%. Among them, 14 strains were positive for tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, tcdR, and tcdE. All 18 strains of C. difficile were negative for binary toxins. The MLST results showed 10 sequence types (ST), including 5 strains of ST37, accounting for 27.78%; 2 strains of ST129, ST3, ST54, and ST2, respectively; and 1 strain of ST35, ST532, ST48, ST27, and ST39, respectively. Fecal toxin gene positive (tcdB+) results were statistically associated with the patient's age group and with or without fever before the visit; positive isolates were only statistically associated with the patient's age group. In addition, some C. difficile patients have co-infection with other diarrhea-related viruses. Conclusions: The infection of C. difficile in diarrhea patients in Kunming is mostly toxigenic strains, and the high diversity of strains was identified using the MLST method. Therefore, the surveillance and prevention of C. difficile should be strengthened.

[Establishment of PCR assays and genetic polymorphism analysis of genes encoding Clostridium perfringens β2 toxin from different sources]

Objective: To establish and optimize PCR methods for the gene encoding of Clostridium perfringens β₂ toxin (cpb₂) and atypical-cpb₂ (aty-cpb₂), analyze the epidemiological characteristics and genetic polymorphism of the cpb₂ of Clostridium perfringens in 9 Chinese areas from 2016 to 2021. Methods: The cpb₂ of 188 Clostridium perfringens strains were examined by PCR; the cpb₂ sequences were acquired by whole-genome sequencing to analyze the genetic polymorphism. Using Mega 11 and the Makeblastdb tool, a phylogenetic tree, and cpb₂-library based on 110 strains carrying the cpb₂ were produced. Using the Blastn technique, a comparison was made to discover sequence similarity between consensus-cpb₂ (con-cpb₂) and aty-cpb₂. Results: The specificity of PCR assay for the cpb₂ and aty-cpb₂ was verified. The PCR results for cpb₂ amplification were highly consistent with the whole-genome sequencing approach (Kappa=0.946, P<0.001). A total of 107 strains from nine regions in China carried cpb₂, 94 types A strains carried aty-cpb₂, 6 types A strains carried con-cpb₂, and 7 types F strains carried aty-cpb₂. The nucleotide sequence similarity between the two coding genes was 68.97%-70.97%, and the similarity between the same coding genes was 98.00%-100.00%. Conclusions: In this study, a specific PCR method for cpb₂ toxin was developed, and the previous PCR method for detecting aty-cpb₂ was improved. aty-cpb₂ is the primary gene encoding of β₂ toxin. There is a significant nucleotide sequence variance between the various cpb₂ genotypes.

[Current status of lymph node dissection in pyloric-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer]

With the gradual increase in the diagnosis rate of early gastric cancer, clinicians must consider prevention of gastric anatomical structure and physiological function while ensuring the radical treatment of the tumor. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is a function- preserving operation that preserves the pylorus, inferior pyloric vessel, and the vagus nerve in patients with early middle gastric cancer. One of the major controversies at present is the thoroughness of limited lymph node dissection for pyloric-preserving gastrectomy. Various studies have reported that the lymph node metastasis rate of early middle gastric cancer was low, especially in the suprapyloric region, inferior pylorus and the upper pancreatic region. Partial lymph node dissection is required for vascular and neurological protection, which is also safe and feasible in studies reported by major centers. Many clinical studies have been carried out in Japan and Korea, and postoperative follow-up has gradually increased evidence, providing the basis for the safety of lymph node dissection. In large case studies comparing pylorus- preserving gastrectomy with traditional distal gastrectomy, the incidence of postoperative morbidity, such as dumping syndrome, bile reflux esophagitis, weight loss, and malnutrition is low. Sentinel lymph node navigation technology is gradually applied to the diagnosis and treatment of early gastric cancer, and its clinical application value still needs further research.

Probiotic characterization and comparison of broiler-derived lactobacillus strains based on technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution analysis

A total of 10 lactobacillus strains were isolated from broiler chickens and their probiotic properties including tolerance to gastrointestinal fluids and heat treatment, antimicrobial activity, adhesion capacity to intestinal cells, surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, antioxidative activity, and immunomodulatory effects on chicken macrophages were evaluated. The Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR) was the most frequently isolated species, followed by Lactobacillus johnsonii (LJ) and Ligilactobacillus salivarius (LS). All isolates showed good resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions and antimicrobial activity against 4 indicator strains including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis LR 21 exhibited excellent performances on autoaggregation, hydrophobicity and adhesion capacity to Caco-2 intestinal cells. In the meantime, this strain also possessed considerable tolerance to heat treatment, which indicated great potential to be used in the feed industry. However, LJ 20 strain had the highest free radical scavenging activity compared with the other strains. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results revealed that all isolated strains significantly increased the transcriptional levels of proinflammatory genes and tended to induce the M1-type polarization on HD11 macrophages. Particularly, the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was adopted in our study to compare and select the most promising probiotic candidate based on in vitro evaluation tests.

[The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with different types of acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with cryptogenic stroke]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with different types of acute ischemic stroke and its relationship with cryptogenic stroke. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke within 7 days of onset who were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to September 2019 were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. All included patients were classified according to TOAST classification of ischemic stroke. Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy among patients with different TOAST classifications. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of cryptogenic stroke. Results: A total of 1 098 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in the study, including 661 males and 437 females, with a median age [M(Q₁,Q₃)] of 61 (53, 68) years. The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke[53.5% (46/86)] was higher than that in patients with large artery atherosclerosis [38.0%(63/166), P=0.018] and small vessel occlusion [19.4%(37/191), P<0.001], but was lower than that of patients in the cardioembolic group [97.3% (72/74), P<0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that atrial cardiomyopathy was an associated factor for cryptogenic stroke (OR=2.945, 95%CI: 1.766-4.911, P<0.001). Conclusions: Atrial cardiomyopathy is associated with cryptogenic stroke. The prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy in patients with cryptogenic stroke is higher than that in patients with large artery atherosclerosis and small vessel occlusion, but lower than that in patients with cardiac embolism.

[Progress in research of Clostridium perfringens toxin]

Clostridium perfringens can produce many kinds of toxins and hydrolase, causing gas gangrene, enteritis and enterotoxemia in both human and animals. It is known that C. perfringens can produce more than 20 toxins and hydrolases. The different toxin types are associated with specific disease types. At present, molecular toxin-typing method by PCR has replaced the traditional serological typing method. In this study, we systematically summarize the types, basic characteristics, pathogenic mechanism and the relationship with disease of C. perfringens toxins to provide evidence for the establishment of rapid detection method, immune antigen screening, antibody preparation and research of related pathogenic mechanism.

Observation of an Isoscalar Resonance with Exotic J^{PC}=1^{-+} Quantum Numbers in J/ψ→γηη^{'}

Using a sample of (10.09±0.04)×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γηη^{'} is performed. The first observation of an isoscalar state with exotic quantum numbers J^{PC}=1^{-+}, denoted as η_{1}(1855), is reported in the process J/ψ→γη_{1}(1855) with η_{1}(1855)→ηη^{'}. Its mass and width are measured to be (1855±9_{-1}^{+6})  MeV/c^{2} and (188±18_{-8}^{+3})  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic, and its statistical significance is estimated to be larger than 19σ.

Neuroprotective Effect of Abelmoschus manihot Flower Extracts against the H2O2-Induced Cytotoxicity, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in PC12 Cells

The progression of neurodegenerative diseases is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Abelmoschus manihot L. flower (AMf) has been shown to possess excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the protective effect of ethanolic extract (AME), water extract (AMW) and supercritical extract (AMS) of AMf on PC12 neuronal cells under hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation. This study also explored the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effect of AME, which was the best among the three extracts. The experimental results showed that even at a concentration of 500 μg/mL, neither AME nor AMW showed toxic effects on PC12 cells, while AMS caused about 10% cell death. AME has the most protective effect on apoptosis of PC12 cells stimulated with 0.5 mM H2O2. This is evident by the finding when PC12 cells were treated with 500 μg/mL AME; the viability was restored from 58.7% to 80.6% in the Treatment mode (p < 0.001) and from 59.1% to 98.1% in the Prevention mode (p < 0.001). Under the stimulation of H2O2, AME significantly up-regulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase; promoted the production of the intracellular antioxidant; reduced glutathione; and reduced ROS generation in PC12 cells. When the acute inflammation was induced under the H2O2 stimulation, AME significantly down-regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS). AME pretreatment could also greatly promote the production of nucleotide excision repair (NER)-related proteins, which were down-regulated by H2O2. This finding indicates that AME could repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. Results from this study demonstrate that AME has the potential to delay the onset and progression of oxidative stress-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

[Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery with multiple-onset in Henan Province from 2005 to 2020]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery with multiple-onset in Henan province from 2005 to 2020. Methods: The reported cases of bacillary dysentery (including confirmed cases and clinically diagnosed cases) in Henan Province from January 2005 to December 2020 were collected through China's National Disease Supervision Information Management System. The main information included gender, age, home address, date of onset and date of diagnosis. The interval between two episodes of the same case was more than 15 days, which was judged as two episodes. The incidence characteristics of bacillary dysentery patients with two or more cases in Henan Province from 2005 to 2020 were analyzed, and the regional distribution map of cases was drawn using ArcGIS software. Results: From 2005 to 2020, a total of 250 430 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported in Henan Province, with a cumulative incidence rate of 228.66/100 000. There were 2 342 cases with two or more attacks. The incidence of recurrent cases of bacillary dysentery increased year by year (χ²_trend=2 932.28, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of two or more cases of different sexes (χ²=0.39, P=0.540). There was significant difference in the incidence among different age groups (χ²=438.40, P<0.001). The incidence of two or more cases in the 60-69 age group was relatively high (1.70%). The shortest time interval between the onset of the disease was 16 days, and the longest was 5 579 days, with M (Q₁, Q₃) about 428 (237, 843) days. Compared with healthy people, those with a history of bacterial diseases had a higher risk of developing bacillary dysentery (RR: 4.12, 95%CI: 3.95‒4.29). Conclusion: The proportion of patients with multiple-onset shows an increasing trend, and there is an age difference.

First Observation of the Direct Production of the χ_{c1} in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation

We study the direct production of the J^{PC}=1^{++} charmonium state χ_{c1}(1P) in electron-positron annihilation by carrying out an energy scan around the mass of the χ_{c1}(1P). The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. An interference pattern between the signal process e^{+}e^{-}→χ_{c1}(1P)→γJ/ψ→γμ^{+}μ^{-} and the background processes e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}J/ψ→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} and e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} is observed by combining all the data samples. The χ_{c1}(1P) signal is observed with a significance of 5.1σ. This is the first observation of a C-even state directly produced in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation. The electronic width of the χ_{c1}(1P) resonance is determined to be Γ_{ee}=(0.12_{-0.08}^{+0.13})  eV, which is of the same order of magnitude as theoretical calculations.

A minimized and efficient low temperature loading device for indentation

A minimized and efficient low temperature loading device cooling with Peltier coolers for indentation test is developed. Both specimen and indentation tip are immersed in 50% methanol-water solution, totally eliminating the contact thermal drift problem. Low temperature indentation tests down to 253.8 K can be realized within 10 min. The size of the device is miniaturized within 50 × 40 × 30 mm³, and no vacuum environment is required. Monocrystalline copper is tested to perform the feasibility of the device. Based on the simple structure and stable experimental effect, the developed device can be integrated into various types of current indentation devices to attach low temperature testing ability.

[Labor progression characteristics of primiparous term singleton pregnant women complicated with adenomyosis]

Objective: To analyze the labor progression characteristics of primiparous term singleton pregnant women with adenomyosis. Methods: From April 2014 to May 2021, pregnant women underwent regular antenatal examination in Peking University Third Hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study, 109 primiparous term pregnant women with adenomyosis who underwent singleton, primipara, cephalic and vaginal delivery were referred as the adenomyosis group, while 109 pregnant women without adenomyosis primiparous term pregnant women at the same time were referred as the control group. The general clinical information, labor process intervention, pregnancy outcomes and labor course time of the two groups were analyzed. Results: (1) General clinical conditions: the pre-pregnancy uterine volume of the adenomyosis group was larger than that of the control group [(66.8±23.7) vs (41.4±13.1) cm³, P<0.05]. The proportion of assisted reproductive pregnancy and endometriosis in the adenomyosis group were higher than those in the control group [31.2% (34/109) vs 7.3% (8/109); 31.2% (34/109) vs 5.5% (6/109); all P<0.05]. There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age at delivery, pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, gravidity, incidence of pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia and thyroid diseases) and premature rupture of membranes between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Labor process intervention and maternal and fetal outcomes: postpartum hemorrhage was higher in the adenomyosis group than the control group (median: 300 vs 260 ml, P=0.018). There were no significant differences in the proportion of labor onset, use of oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes, perineal laceration Ⅲ and above, episiotomy, newborn weight and 1-minute Apgar score between the two groups (all P>0.05). (3) Time of labor process: there were no significant differences between the two groups in the time required for the first stage, third stage, total stage and cervical dilation 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7 cm (all P>0.05). The time required for cervical dilation 7-8, 8-9, 9-10 cm and the second stage of labor in adenomyosis group (median: 20, 18, 15 and 12 minutes, respectively) were shorter than those of the control group (median: 23, 23, 23 and 26 minutes, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (4) The effect of endometriosis on labor: there was no significant difference in the effect of endometriosis on labor in adenomyosis group (P>0.05). Conclusions: The labor process of primiparous term pregnant women with adenomyosis is significantly accelerated after the cervical dilatation for 7 cm, which should be closely observed. The third stage of labor course is managed aggressively with drugs to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

[Prevalence and risk factors of silicosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To explore the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in silicosis patients. Methods: In May 2021, a cross-sectional study was used to retrospectively include 329 silicosis patients first diagnosed in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2020. The demographic data, occupational history, chest imaging, pulmonary function and blood routine indicators of silicosis patients with COPD were analyzed, and the risk factors of silicosis with COPD were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results: There were 128 patients with silicosis complicated with COPD, and the overall prevalence rate was 38.9% (128/329) . Among them, 73.4% (94/128) were male and 33.6% (43/128) were heavy smokers; 33.6% (43/128) of patients were classified as gold 1, 37.5% (48/128) as gold 2, 25.0% (32/128) as gold 3, and 3.9% (5/128) as gold 4. Diagnostic age (OR=1.04, 95%CI=1.02~1.06, P<0.001) , cumulative smoking (OR=1.03, 95%CI=1.01~1.05, P=0.008) and silicosis stage III (OR=7.06, 95% CI=4.00-12.46, P<0.001) were risk factors for silicosis complicated with COPD. Conclusion: Diagnostic age, cumulative smoking volume and third stage of silicosis are the risk factors of silicosis patients with different degrees of COPD, which should be paid attention to in clinical treatment.

[Application of three-dimensional visualized model of impacted tooth for surgical extraction in undergraduate oral experimental teaching]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the application of a self-developed three-dimensional visualized model of impacted tooth for surgical extraction in undergraduate oral experimental teaching. Methods: Forty-one undergraduates majoring stomatology of Tongji University from 2018 [19 males and 22 females, aged (22.4±0.8) years] were enrolled and randomly divided into the conventional group and the experimental group. Students of the conventional group (21 students including 8 males and 13 females) received a teaching protocol for the surgical extraction of impacted tooth including theoretical lectures, watching operation videos, and operating on head-simulator teaching systems. Students of the experimental group (20 students including 11 males and 9 females) received an additional training of resistance assessment and surgical extraction using the three-dimensional visualized model of impacted tooth before operating on the head simulators. After class, a questionnaire survey was carried out among students, and the operation results on the head simulators were evaluated by the teacher. Results: The results of the questionnaire showed that the students in the experimental group were rated higher than those in the traditional group in terms of being able to imagine the relationship between impacted teeth and adjacent structures (U=114.00, P=0.006), avoiding damage to adjacent teeth (U=87.00, P<0.001) and inferior alveolar nerve during tooth extraction (U=111.50, P=0.006), and being more confident in clinical operations in the future (U=120.00, P=0.013). According to the evaluation results of tooth extraction on the head simulators, there was no significant difference in the operation time between the two groups (U=138.50, P=0.056). In the experimental group, 5% (1/20) caused adjacent tooth loosening and 15% (3/20) caused the excessive bone defect, which was less than those in the traditional group [38% (8/21) and 48% (10/21), respectively] (P=0.021; P=0.043). There was no significant difference in the incidence of grinding out the deep bone of impacted teeth between the two groups (P=0.232). Conclusions: The application of three-dimensional visualized model of impacted tooth for surgical extraction in undergraduate oral experimental teaching had achieved good results and was worth popularizing.

Observation of a State X(2600) in the π^{+}π^{-}η' System in the Process J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η'

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, the process J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η^{'} is studied using two largest decay channels of the η^{'} meson, η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→ηπ^{+}π^{-}, η→γγ. A new resonance, which we denote as the X(2600), is observed with a statistical significance larger than 20σ in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant mass spectrum, and it has a connection to a structure around 1.5  GeV/c^{2} in the π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectrum. A simultaneous fit on the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} and π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass spectra with the two η^{'} decay modes indicates that the mass and width of the X(2600) state are 2618.3±2.0_{-1.4}^{+16.3}  MeV/c^{2} and 195±5_{-17}^{+26}  MeV, where the first uncertainties are statistical, and the second systematic.

[Analysis on the trend of liver cancer morbidity and mortality in certain district, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 2017 to 2019]

Objective: To analyze the trend of liver cancer morbidity and mortality among residents with household registration in certain District, 2017 to 2019. Methods: The crude morbidity and mortality rate of males and females in the whole population were calculated by using the relevant data from the certain District Cancer Registry and Report System and the Cause of Death Surveillance System. The standardized morbidity and mortality rate were calculated according to the age structure of 2000 National Demographic Census and Segi's world population, respectively. Trend in liver cancer morbidity and mortality were evaluated using percent change (PC), annual percentage change, and case-number-weighted annual percent change. Age-specific rates were used to analyze the epidemic trend of liver cancer with age. Results: The crude morbidity rate of liver cancer in the whole population (male and female) of the certain district from 2017 to 2019 were 18.86/100 000, 26.05/100 000 and 11.90/100 000 respectively, and the crude mortality rates were 21.20/100 000, 29.29/100 000 and 13.38/100 000 respectively. The crude morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer among male showed a downward trend (PC=-16.77% and -20.15% respectively). The crude morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer among female showed inconsistent changes; however, the crude morbidity rate showed a downward trend, and the crude mortality rate first increased and then decreased (PC=-19.42% and -0.30% respectively). Liver cancer morbidity and mortality rate in male after the age of 30 were increased with age. The two key points of accelerated growth were around the age of 65 and 75, and the peak of morbidity (130.78/100 000) and mortality (201.96/100 000) were after the age of 80. The morbidity and mortality rate were significantly lower in female than those of male aged 60; however, after the age of 65, the morbidity rate was increased rapidly and gradually approached as that of male. After the age of 80 (the peak morbidity and mortality were 104.40/100,000 and 132.87/100,000, respectively), male were about twice as high as those female aged between 75 and 79. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality rate of liver cancer in the certain District showed an overall downward trend from 2017 to 2019, but it increased with age, and the disease burden was relatively high among the elderly population. Liver cancer mostly occurred in male, so the prevention and control of liver cancer epidemics in middle-aged and elderly should be actively monitored.

[Clinical application of complete laparoscopic gastrectomy with function preservation of cardia in gastric carcinoma]

To investigate the feasibility and safety of total laparoscopic cardia function preserving gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. Clinical data of 10 patients undergoing total laparoscopic cardia function preserving gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma from November 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. There were 7 males and 3 females. The mean age was (66.1±12.9) years (ranged from 38 to 86 years). All of the 10 patients were successfully performed total laparoscopic cardia function preserving gastrectomy without conversion to laparotomy. The time of digestive tract reconstruction was (24.8±3.3) min (20-30 min), and the intraoperative blood loss was (35±24) ml(20-100 ml). The time of postoperative exhaust was (2.5±0.9) days(2-3 d), the time of postoperative liquid diet was (2.25±0.87) days(2-3 d), postoperative hospital stay was (9.5±2.1) days(6-13 d). No surgical complications such as bleeding, anastomotic fistula or anastomotic stenosis occurred. Postoperative pathology showed that the proximal and distal margins of resected specimens were negative. Patients were followed up for 2 to 15 months, respectively. No death or tumor recurrence and metastasis occurred during the follow-up period. There were no symptoms of reflux after operation. Compared with total gastrectomy and proximal gastrectomy, total laparoscopic cardia function preserving gastrectomy can theoretically reduce the incidence of reflux esophagitis. We used manual suture method for digestive tract reconstruction, which can reduce the application of 2-3 stapling studs and reduce the cost of surgical materials. Compared with subtotal gastrectomy, total laparoscopic cardia function preserving gastrectomy has the advantages of more thorough lymph node dissection, with little residual gastric tissue; therefore, the blood supply is relatively better. The incidence of reflux esophagitis of total laparoscopic cardia function preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer may was lower than total gastrectomy.

Observation of J/ψ Electromagnetic Dalitz Decays to X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)

Using a sample of about 10^{10}  J/ψ events collected at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=3.097  GeV with the BESIII detector, the electromagnetic Dalitz decays J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}π^{+}π^{-}η^{'}, with η^{'}→γπ^{+}π^{-} and η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}η, have been studied. The decay J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is observed with a significance of 15σ, and also an e^{+}e^{-} invariant-mass dependent transition form factor of J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X(1835) is presented for the first time. The intermediate states X(2120) and X(2370) are also observed in the π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} invariant-mass spectrum with significances of 5.3σ and 7.3σ. The corresponding product branching fractions for J/ψ→e^{+}e^{-}X, X→π^{+}π^{-}η^{'} [X=X(1835), X(2120), and X(2370)] are reported.

[Analysis of curative effects of chemoembolization with drug-loaded microspheres of different particle sizes for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To compare and analyze the clinical curative effect and safety of chemoembolization with drug-loaded microspheres of different particle sizes (D-TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Clinical data of 281 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with drug-loaded microspheres-transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different particle sizes of drug-loaded microspheres, they were divided into 100~300 µm (small particle size) and 300~500 µm (large particle size) group. Tumor response rate and complication conditions at 1, 3, and 6 months after chemoembolization were compared. The overall survival time of the two groups were analyzed. Quantitative data conformed to normal distribution and homogeneity of variance were compared using t-test, while other with Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Qualitative data were compared using χ² test. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the differences in survival were analyzed using Log-rank test. P＜0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Survival curves and histograms were drawn using GraphPad Prism9.1 software. Results: The complete remission rates at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery in the small and large particle size groups were 31.25%, 30.15%, and 42.45% and 18.25%, 15.79% and 24.74%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant between groups (P_{1 month}=0.012, P_{3 month}=0.009, P_{6 month}=0.008, P＜0.05). The objective remission rates at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery in the small and large particle size groups were 88.19%, 76.99%, and 70.75% and 81.02%, 72.81% and 53.60%, respectively. Six months after surgery, the small particle size group (objective response rate = 70.75%) was significantly higher than the large particle size group (objective response rate=53.6%, P=0.012). The disease control rates of the small particle size group were 95.14%, 83.33%, and 74.53%, while large particle size group were 91.24%, 81.58%, and 64.95%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, the incidence of postoperative biliary tumors (6.20%) was significantly higher in the small-size than large-size group (0.70%), and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05, P=0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between other adverse events such as post-embolization syndrome, liver abscess, and myelosuppression. The median survival time of the small and large particle size groups was 31.8 months and 20.5 months, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.182). Conclusions: In the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with D-TACE, the short-term curative effect of the small particle size group was better than large particle size group, but the incidence of biliary tumors was high, and D-TACE of different particle sizes had no significant effect on long-term survival.

[Current situation and the latest progress in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare chronic inflammatory non-infectious skin dermatosis, and there is no clear treatment guideline for this disease at home and abroad. There are a variety of clinical treatment methods for PG, including local therapy and systemic application of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, intravenous immuno- globulin, and biologics. Glucocorticoids are the first-line drugs commonly used in clinical practice, and immunosuppressants can be used alone or in combination with glucocorticoids. In recent years, more and more evidence has shown that biologics are a new trend in the treatment of PG, mainly including tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors, interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, rituximab, and small molecular inhibitors. This article summarizes the current status and latest progress in the treatment of PG, hoping to provide clinicians with ideas for the treatment of PG.

[Follow-up study of fetal cardiac birth defects after prenatal diagnosis and graded counseling]

Objective: To explore accurate prenatal diagnosis, full-coverage graded counseling and follow-up for the fetus with cardiac birth defects (CBD). Methods: CBD fetus diagnosed prenatal by echocardiography from January 2018 to December 2020 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Fetal CBD was graded (Ⅰ-Ⅵ) according to prognosis and possible operation time after birth, and the classification criteria and common diseases included were proposed. After the prenatal grading counseling, the outcome of the fetus was followed-up. The induced labor rate, live birth rate, prenatal and postnatal ultrasound diagnosis coincidence rate and other indicators were calculated. The disease composition ratio, prognosis of fetus with different grades and the outcome of integrated treatment were analyzed. Results: The detection rate of fetal CBD was up to 16.2% (1 971/12 188), 30 cases of which were excluded. A total of 1 941 cases were included in this study, including 196 cases (10.1%) of gradeⅠ, 433 cases (22.3%) of gradeⅡ, 615 cases (31.7%) of grade Ⅲ, 261 cases (13.4%) of grade Ⅳ, 388 cases (20.0%) of gradeⅤ, 48 cases (2.5%) of grade Ⅵ. Grade Ⅱ and gradeⅢ (the operation time was within 1 year after birth) accounted for 54.0% (1 048/1 941). The distribution of some diseases in different grades had obvious proportion advantage, which was representative. Among 1 747 CBD fetus, 736 cases (induced labor rate 42.1%) chose to terminate pregnancy due to CBD. Of the 1 010 live births, 975 cases (96.5%) had the same prenatal and postnatal diagnosis, 3 cases were missed diagnosis and 32 cases were misdiagnosed. The diagnostic accuracy of live births with severe and complex congenital heart disease was 383 out of 389 (98.5%). A total of 258 cases have received surgery or intervention. The age at the time of surgery or intervention was different among grades（χ²=47.3，P<0.001）. With the improvement of prognosis from gradeⅠ to Ⅴ, the live birth rate increased and the induced labor rate decreased accordingly; the difference between grades was significant（χ²=623.6，P<0.001）. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnosis and graded counseling is important in the integrated model. Fetal CBD grading could refine post-natal treatment strategies, guide delivery decisions and become an evaluation standard.

Observation of the Singly Cabibbo Suppressed Decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+}

The singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 7.3σ by using 3.9  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.612 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. The branching fraction of Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} is measured to be (6.6±1.2_{stat}±0.4_{syst})×10^{-4}. By taking the upper limit of branching fractions of Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{0} from the Belle experiment, the ratio of branching fractions between Λ_{c}^{+}→nπ^{+} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{0} is calculated to be larger than 7.2 at the 90% confidence level, which disagrees with most predictions of the available phenomenological models. In addition, the branching fractions of the Cabibbo-favored decays Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+} and Λ_{c}^{+}→Σ^{0}π^{+} are measured to be (1.31±0.08_{stat}±0.05_{syst})×10^{-2} and (1.22±0.08_{stat}±0.07_{syst})×10^{-2}, respectively, which are consistent with previous results.

Effects of Abelmoschus manihot Flower Extract on Enhancing Sexual Arousal and Reproductive Performance in Zebrafish

The flower of Abelmoschus manihot L. is mainly used for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases, and has been reported to have bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antidepressant activities. This study used wild-type adult zebrafish as an animal model to elucidate the potential bioactivity of A. manihot flower ethanol extract (AME) in enhancing their sexual and reproductive functions. Zebrafish were fed AME twice a day at doses of 0.2%, 1%, and 10% for 28 days, and were then given the normal feed for an additional 14 days. The hormone 17-β estradiol was used as the positive control. Sexual behavioral parameters such as the number of times males chased female fish, the production of fertilized eggs, and the hatching rate of the fertilized eggs were recorded at days 0.33, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42. The expression levels of sex-related genes—including lhcgr, ar, cyp19a1a, and cyp19a1b—were also examined. The results showed that the chasing number, fertilized egg production, and hatching rate were all increased with the increase in the AME treatment dose and treatment time. After feeding with 1% and 10% AME for 28 days, the chasing number in the treated group as compared to the control group increased by 1.52 times and 1.64 times, respectively; the yield of fertilized eggs increased by 1.59 times and 2.31 times, respectively; and the hatching rate increased by 1.26 times and 1.69 times, respectively. All three parameters exhibited strong linear correlations with one another (p < 0.001). The expression of all four genes was also upregulated with increasing AME dose and treatment duration. When feeding with 0.2%, 1%, and 10% AME for 28 days, the four sex-related genes were upregulated at ranges of 1.79−2.08-fold, 2.74−3.73-fold, and 3.30−4.66-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of AME was persistent, as the promotion effect continued after the treatment was stopped for at least two weeks. The present findings suggest that AME can enhance the endocrine system and may improve libido and reproductive performance in zebrafish.