Correlation between immune-related adverse events and efficacy of PD-(L)1 inhibitors in small cell lung cancer: a multi-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving PD-(L)1 inhibitors frequently encounter unusual side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, the correlation of irAEs development with clinical response in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is unknown. METHOD: This retrospective study enrolled 244 stage IV SCLC patients who receiving PD-(L)1 inhibitors from 3 cancer centers. The correlation of irAEs with objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: 140 in 244 (57%) patients experienced irAEs, with 122 (87.1%) experiencing one and 18 (12.9%) experiencing two or more. Compared to patient without irAEs, those developing irAEs had higher ORR (73.6% vs. 52.9%, P < 0.001) and DCR (97.9% vs. 79.8%, P < 0.001), as well as prolonged median PFS (8.8 vs. 4.5 months, P < 0.001) and OS (23.2 vs. 21.6 months, P < 0.05). Among the different spectra of irAEs, thyroid dysfunction, rash, and pneumonitis were the most powerful indicator for improved PFS. When analyzed as a time-dependent covariate, the occurrence of irAEs was associated with significant improvement in PFS rather than in OS. Furthermore, patients experiencing multisystem irAEs displayed a longer PFS and OS compared with single-system irAEs and the irAE-free ones. IrAEs grade and steroid use did not impact the predictive value of irAEs on PFS. CONCLUSION: The presence of irAEs predicts superior clinical benefit in SCLC. Patients who develop multi-system irAEs may have an improved survival than those developed single-system irAEs and no-irAEs. This association persists even when systemic corticosteroids were used for irAEs management.

Prognostic value of body mass index for first-line chemoimmunotherapy combinations in advanced non-small cell lung cancer in Chinese population.

Background: Few studies have examined the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and effectiveness of first-line chemoimmunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); moreover, the conclusion remains elusive and no such studies have been conducted in the Chinese population. Our study aimed to validate the predictive significance of BMI in Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy combinations. Methods: Data of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy between June 2018 and February 2022 at three centers were retrieved retrospectively. The association between baseline BMI with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. BMI was categorized according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results: Of the included 805 patients, 5.3 % were underweight, 63.4 % had normal weight, 27.8 % were overweight, and 3.5 % were obese. Survival analysis showed that patients in the high BMI group had significantly better PFS (p = 0.012) and OS (p = 0.014) than those in the low BMI group. Further, patients in the overweight subgroup had better PFS (p = 0.036) and OS (p = 0.043) compared to the normal weight population. The results of Cox regression analysis confirmed the correlations between BMI and prognosis of advanced NSCLC patients receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy combinations. Conclusions: Baseline BMI affected the clinical outcomes of first-line chemoimmunotherapy combinations in patients with advanced NSCLC, and was especially favorable for the overweight subgroup.

Effects of Pelletized and Coated Organic Fertilizers on Flavor Compounds of Tomato Fruits and Leaves.

The application of organic fertilizers is one of the most important agricultural measures aimed at improving the flavor and productivity of Lycopersicon esculentum, with the granulation and coating of organic fertilizers, which can reduce seepage losses of great significance to the ecosystem. In this study, Jingcai 8 tomato was selected as the test material. Headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) methods were used to investigate the effects of different pelletized organic fertilizers and various coating materials on the flavor profile of the tomatoes. The results indicated that 67 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in the tomato fruits and 62 volatile compounds were identified in the leaves under different fertilizer treatments. The volatile compound content of the fruits in the BP treatment group was 35.38 µg/g, which was higher than that in other treatment groups, and the volatile compound content of the leaves was lower. A differential compound analysis with log2|fold change| ≥ 1 and variable important in projection (VIP) > 1 highlighted styrene, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and (E, E)-2,4-hexadienal as the major up-regulated compounds and methyl salicylate as the major down-regulated compound in the tomato fruit BCK (control) vs. BP. Moreover, the α-phellandrene content decreased in the tomato leaves. In addition, an analysis of the tomato fruit differential compounds and compounds with odor activity values (OAV) of ≥ 1, considering the OAV values of characteristic aroma compounds, identified key compounds affecting the flavor of the tomato fruits under the BP treatment. These included 2-nonenal, (E)-2-pentylfuran, trans-ß-ionone, 1-penten-3-one, (E, E)-2,4-hexadienal, and 3-hexenol (fruity, floral, and herbaceous odors), (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal (fatty odor), and hexanal (green odor). The combined results analysis of the volatile compound content, differential compounds, and OAV values of characteristic aroma compounds aimed to clarify that the BP treatment group, which applied pelletized, large-grain organic fertilizer with polyurethane (pozzolanic + small-grain oil-coated + 2% paraffinic + 4% polyurethane) as a coating material, proved to be most effective in influencing the flavor of the tomato fruits. This finding lays the foundation for its potential commercial application in artificial orchards.

Efficacy of first-line treatment options beyond RET-TKIs in advanced RET-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer: A multi-center real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Although RET-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RET-TKIs) are the preferred first-line therapy for advanced RET-arranged NSCLC, most patients cannot afford them. In this population, bevacizumab, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy are the most commonly used regimens. However, the optimal scheme beyond RET-TKIs has not been defined in the first-line setting. METHODS: This retrospective study included 86 stage IV NSCLC patients harboring RET rearrangement from six cancer centers between May 2017 and October 2022. RET-TKIs, chemotherapy, or one of the combination therapies (including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combined with chemotherapy (I + C), bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy (B + C), ICI and bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy (I + B + C)), were used as the first-line therapeutics. The clinical outcomes and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: Fourteen of the 86 patients received RET-TKIs, 57 received combination therapies, and 15 received chemotherapy alone. Their medium PFS (mPFS) were 16.92 months (95% CI: 5.9-27.9 months), 8.7 months (95% CI: 6.5-11.0 months), and 5.55 months (95% CI: 2.4-8.7 months) respectively. Among all the combination schemes, B + C (p = 0.007) or I + B + C (p = 0.025) gave beneficial PFS compared with chemotherapy, while I + C treatment (p = 0.169) generated comparable PFS with chemotherapy. In addition, I + B + C treatment had a numerically longer mPFS (12.21 months) compared with B + C (8.74 months) or I + C (7.89 months) schemes. In terms of safety, I + B + C treatment led to the highest frequency of hematological toxicity (50%) and vomiting (75%), but no ≥G3 adverse effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS: I + B + C might be a preferred option beyond RET-TKIs in the first-line therapy of RET-arranged NSCLC. Combination with Bevacizumab rather than with ICIs offered favorable survival compared with chemotherapy alone.

Exquisitely designed TiO2 quantum dot/Bi2O2CO3 nano-sheet S-scheme heterojunction towards boosted photo-catalytic removal.

The development of novel semiconductor photo-catalysts for the efficient degradation of antibiotics poses a considerable challenge in the context of ever-increasing environmental pollution. Herein, an S-scheme photo-catalyst consisting of TiO2 quantum dots (QDs, size ∼4-6 nm) anchored on Bi2O2CO3 nano-sheets was synthesised via a facile hydrothermal protocol. TiO2/Bi2O2CO3 (TB) nano-composite exhibits enhanced photo-catalytic removal of tetracycline, achieving ∼0.0158 min-1 photo-degradation rates using visible light, which is 3- and 53-fold greater than that of pristine TiO2 and Bi2O2CO3, respectively. The theoretical calculations substantiate that the built-in electric field in the TB nano-composite is conducive to the separation and transfer of photo-excited carriers. Notably, the generated superoxide radicals rather than hydroxyl were identified as the responsible species for tetracycline degradation. In addition, the corresponding degradation pathway and eco-toxicity analysis were also elucidated. In conclusion, this work contributes valuable insights and presents a feasible approach for the fabrication of S-scheme photo-catalysts (TiO2 QDs and bismuth-based nano-materials), thereby enabling the efficient removal of water pollutants.

Hormone replacement therapy alone or in combination with tamoxifen in women with thin endometrium undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A retrospective study.

Research question: To investigate the effects of two protocols (hormone replacement therapy (HRT) alone or in combination with tamoxifen) on the endometrium and pregnancy outcome of patients with thin endometrium in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Design: A total of 465 infertile patients with thin endometrium who underwent FET between January 2020 to June 2021 at the Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 187 patients were given tamoxifen in addition to HRT (TMXF-HRT group), whereas 278 patients were given only HRT (HRT group). Clinical data were compared between the two groups, including general characteristics, endometrial thickness, and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics of all enrolled patients between two groups. Serum progesterone (P) was higher in HRT group than in the TMXF-HRT group (0.28 ± 0.53 ng/mL vs. 0.15 ± 0.25 ng/mL, P = 0.002). There was a significant increase in endometrial thickness in the TMXF-HRT group compared with the HRT group (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.32-1.75, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, early miscarriage rate, or live birth rate between these two groups. Conclusion: Although tamoxifen when used in combination with hormone replacement therapy can significantly increase endometrial thickness, it may not have a role in improving the pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium undergoing FET cycles.

Development of TaqMan quantitative PCR assay for detection of Nocardia seriolae in fish and the environment.

Nocardia seriolae is a gram-positive bacterium that causes nocardiosis, threatening fish farming. Advanced nocardiosis is challenging to control; thus, accurate detection methods of the causal agent in the early disease stage are required. In this study, we developed a TaqMan fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for quantitative detection of N. seriolae in fish tissues and water samples. A pair of highly specific primers and a TaqMan probe were designed based on the N. seriolae 16S23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. A high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.998) of the standard curve with a 99.5% efficiency was obtained. The qPCR detection limit of the method was as low as 19.8 copies/µL, 1000 times more sensitive than conventional PCR, and has a good performance in the detection of cultured bacteria (y = -3.750× + 48.075, R2 = 0.974). Even 1.42 CFU/mL N. seriolae collected from 500 mL of natural pond water can be detected. Furthermore, a linear model for the relationship between the log of bacteria load and Cq values in water was established (y = -3.239× + 40.978), and the R2 value was 0.979. This assay was used for accurate N. seriolae detection in fish tissues, water samples, feeds and soils. This study provides a valuable tool for the early detection and control of nocardiosis in aquaculture.

Positive Effects of Organic Substitution in Reduced-Fertilizer Regimes on Bacterial Diversity and N-Cycling Functionality in Greenhouse Ecosystem.

Conventional fertilization in the greenhouses of North China used excessive amounts of chemical and organic fertilizer, resulting in soil degradation and severe agricultural non-point source pollution. A nine-year study was conducted on a loamy clay soil in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, to investigate the effects of reduced-fertilizer input regimes on soil property, bacterial diversity, nitrogen (N) cycling and their interactions. There were four treatments, including high organic + chemical fertilizer application rate and three reduced-fertilizer treatments with swine manure, maize straw or no substitution of 50% chemical N. Treatments with reduced-fertilizer input prevented soil salinization and acidification as in local conventional fertilization after being treated for nine years. In comparison to chemical fertilizer only, swine manure or maize straw substitution maintained higher nutrient availability and soil organic C contents. Fertilizer input reduction significantly increased bacterial richness and shifted bacterial community after nine years, with decisive factors of EC, Olsen P and C/N ratio of applied fertilizer. Soil chemical characteristics (EC, pH and nutrients), aggregation and C/N ratio of applied fertilizer selected certain bacterial groups, as well as N-cycling functions. Reduced-fertilizer input decreased the potential nitrification and denitrification functioning of bacterial community, but only in organic substitution treatments. The results of this study suggested that fertilizer input reduction combined with organic C input has potential in reducing non-point source pollution and increasing N-use efficiency in greenhouse vegetable production in North China.

A novel chemerin receptor 1 (Chemerin1) takes part in the immune response of cobia (Rachycentron canadum).

Chemerin receptor 1 (Chemerin1) plays a critical role in innate and adaptive immune systems. In this study, a cobia (Rachycentron canadum) Chemerin1 was identified, and its molecular characterization and expression patterns were analyzed. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the RcChemerin1 possessed a typical dynein regulatory complex (DRC) motif. There was also a potential N-glycosylation site in the extracellular regions of the N-terminus and intracellular loops (ICL) 1 region. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the RcChemerin1 was clustered together with homologous proteins from other fish species. RcChemerin1 was constitutively expressed in a wide range of tissues (especially in immune-related tissues) with different expression levels, which suggests that the RcChemerin1 plays different roles in un-stimulated tissues. RcChemerin1 expression showed up-regulation in the head kidney after Vibrio harveyi challenge. Up-regulation in the head kidney and spleen was also observed after polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I: C) challenge, which suggests that RcChemerin1 may play vital roles during bacterial and viral infection. The differential responses of immune organs to bacteria and poly I: C imply the differences in defense mechanisms against viruses and bacteria.

Stability of Aquatic Nitrogen Cycle Under Dramatic Changes of Water and Sediment Inflows to the Three Gorges Reservoir.

Stability of nitrogen cycle is a key indicator to aquatic health. In recent years, water and sediment inflows to the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) have changed significantly. To reveal the effects of such dramatic hydrological changes on aquatic nitrogen cycle, this paper at first analyzed the changing trends of water and suspended sediment discharges of TGR based on dynamic harmonic regression, and found that the intra-year distribution of water flow was significantly homogenized between flood and dry seasons, with the seasonal variations narrowed by 43.5%-69.9% during 2007-2016, while sediment concentration sharply dropped (the non-periodic term decreased by 1.48%-2.07%/month). Modified with the effects of sediment concentration variations on nitrification/denitrification rates, the proposed numerical model surprisingly showed that ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen concentrations in TGR were insensitive to either water flow homogenization or sediment reduction, implying relative stability of microbial community related to nitrogen cycle, which is a positive sign for aquatic health. However, N2 emission varied more violently. The variation range of nitrogen gas (N2) emitted from TGR enlarged by 30% with the homogenization of water inflow from 2010 to 2016, while the annual total N2 emission decreased by 7% due to the reduction of sediment concentration, indicating quick response and strong adaption of the microbial N2 producing process to the environmental changes of TGR, which is beneficial for maintaining ecological functions related to nitrogen cycling. This work helps understanding nitrogen cycle of reservoirs experiencing dramatic changes in water and sediment inflows.

Effect of recombinant LH supplementation timing on clinical pregnancy outcome in long-acting GnRHa downregulated cycles.

BACKGROUND: Timely and moderate luteinizing hormone (LH) supplementation plays positive roles in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) cycles with long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) pituitary downregulation. However, the appropriate timing of LH supplementation remains unclear. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 2226 cycles at our reproductive medicine centre from 2018 to 2020. We mainly conducted smooth curve fitting to analyse the relationship between the dominant follicle diameter when recombinant LH (rLH) was added and the clinical pregnancy outcomes (clinical pregnancy rate or early miscarriage rate). In addition, total cycles were divided into groups according to different LH levels after GnRHa and dominant follicle diameters for further analysis. RESULTS: Smooth curve fitting showed that with the increase in the dominant follicle diameter when rLH was added, the clinical pregnancy rate gradually increased, and the early miscarriage rate gradually decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In long-acting GnRHa downregulated IVF/ICSI-ET cycles, the appropriate timing of rLH supplementation has a beneficial impact on the clinical pregnancy outcome. Delaying rLH addition is conducive to the clinical pregnancy rate and reduces the risk of early miscarriage.

Acute septicemia and immune response of spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) to Aeromonas veronii infection.

A previous study confirmed that spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus), an economically important cultured species in East Asia, is a new host of Aeromonas veronii, which can cause acute death in these fish, but there is little in-depth understanding of this disease. In the present study, the virulence of 10 isolates of A. veronii derived from spotted sea bass was determined. It was found that the 18BJ181 isolate was a virulent strain and led to the fastest death of spotted sea bass. Death was determined to be within in 2-12 h, and resulted in abdominal effusion and varying degrees of hemorrhage in internal organs. Bacterial colonization analysis showed that the bacterial load in the spleen was highest, and was up to 3.1 × 105 cfu g-1. In addition, the bacteria proliferated massively in the blood and reached 2.4 × 107 cfu mL-1 at 12 h after 18BJ181 strain infection, which was also a typical feature of acute septicemia. Histopathology of the spleen revealed edema in interstitial tissue, degeneration, and necrosis in lymphoid tissue, and hemorrhage in the capillary network. Transcriptome analysis of the spleen showed that the expression level of HSP70, CCL19, and IL-1ß was extremely significantly up-regulated at 8 h after infection (P < 0.01), and the expression of these genes was normal at 24 h. These results revealed that A. veronii infection could rapidly activate the chemokine signal pathway and stimulate the acute inflammatory response in the host. The bacterial colonization, pathological features, and gene expression patterns in immune pathways will help us to better understand acute septicemia in spotted sea bass caused by A. veronii.

Effects of dietary black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) on the disease resistance of juvenile grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

An experiment was performed to study the effects of dietary levels of black soldier fly larva meal (BSFLM) on the growth performance, immunity and disease resistance of juvenile grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Four isoproteic and isoenergetic diets were formulated with dietary BSFLM levels of 0 g/kg (T0), 25 g/kg (T2.5), 50 g/kg (T5) and 100 g/kg (T10). Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups, each containing 40 fish. The results of the 30-day study indicated that fish growth performance was not affected in the T2.5 and T5 groups compared with the T0 group. In the group with a dietary BSFLM level of 100 g/kg, the feed coefficient was significantly higher than that in the other three groups. The superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme activity, and malondialdehyde content in the liver, and the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression in the gills, head kidney, liver and spleen remained consistent in all groups. In addition, no significant differences in the cumulative mortality or parasite abundance in groupers after Vibrio harveyi and Cryptocaryon irritans infection were observed. These results suggested that BSFLM supplemented diets did not inhibit disease resistance in groupers.

A mathematical model for predicting the number of transferable blastocysts in next-generation sequencing-based preimplantation genetic testing.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical factors that could be used predict the number of transferable blastocysts in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and formed form a mathematical model to predict the chance likelihood of obtaining one transferable blastocyst, which is helpful for genetic counseling. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled couples undergoing PGT cycles for chromosomal structural rearrangement (PGT-SR, n = 363, 202 with reciprocal translocation carriers, 131 with Robertsonian translocation carriers, 30 with inversion carriers), monogenic diseases (PGT-M, n = 47), and for Aneuploidies (PGT-A, n = 132) from January 2015 to October 2018. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors relevant for obtaining at least one transferable blastocyst. The factors that predict the number of biopsied blastocysts were further analyzed. RESULTS: The transferable blastocyst rates were 29.94, 41.99, 49.09, 41.42, and 44.37% in the reciprocal translocation carrier, Robertsonian translocation carrier, inversion carrier, PGT-M, and PGT-A cycles, respectively. The number of transferable blastocysts in these cycles were 0.3004 × the number of biopsied blastocysts (NBB) - 0.0031, 0.4063 × NBB + 0.0460, 0.5762 × NBB - 0.3128, 0.3611 × NBB + 0.1910, and 0.4831 × NBB - 0.0970, respectively. Furthermore, the number of MII oocytes and female age were clinical predictors of NBB in reciprocal translocation and PGT-A couples, while the number of MII oocytes was the only clinical predictor in Robertsonian translocation carriers, inversion carriers, and PGT-M couples. CONCLUSIONS: The number of biopsied blastocysts was the only clinical predictor of the ability to obtain a transferable blastocyst in PGT cycles; therefore, for clinical practice, theoretically the minimum numbers of biopsied blastocysts is 4 in reciprocal translocation carrier and 3 in couples undergoing PGT for other reasons. The number of MII oocytes and female age were clinical predictors of the number of biopsied blastocysts. With the mathematical models in our study as a reference, in clinical practice, clinicians will be able to conduct a more targeted genetic consultation for different kinds of PGT patients.

Serum LH Level on the Day of hCG Administration as a Predictor of the Reproductive Outcomes in Ovulation Induction Cycle Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical utility of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level in predicting frozen embryo transfer (FET) outcomes among the patients with an ovulation induction (OI) cycle. Methods: A total of 250 patients who underwent OI cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer from January 2018 to June 2020 in Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate. Results: The results showed that a significant difference in Serum LH level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration was observed between the clinical pregnancy group and no clinical pregnancy group (p = 0.002), while there was no significant difference between the live birth group and no live birth group (p = 0.06). Multiple logistic regression analysis of factors related to clinical pregnancy showed serum LH level on the day of hCG administration was related to improved clinical pregnancy rate (OR was 1.02, 95% CI: 1.0-1.03, p = 0.02), while serum LH level had no significant effect on live birth rate. The ROC curves revealed the serum LH level was significantly correlated with clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate; the cut-off point of serum LH level on the day of hCG administration was 8.46 miu/mL for clinical pregnancy rate (AUC 0.609, p = 0.003). Conclusion: In patients with OI FET, serum LH level on the day of hCG administration might be a biomarker for the prediction of clinical pregnancy. The prediction that patients who underwent OI cycle frozen-thawed embryo transfer with serum LH levels below 8.46 mIU /mL might be pregnant appeared to be meaningful.

Effect of intrauterine perfusion of granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of thin endometrium with granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) remains controversial. AIM: To investigate the effect of G-CSF on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium. METHODS: A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study was performed to assess patients administered frozen embryo transfer at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, in 2012-2018. The patients were divided into G-CSF intrauterine perfusion (G-CSF) and non-G-CSF groups, and clinical pregnancy, implantation, ectopic pregnancy, and early abortion rates between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Before PSM, 372 cycles were enrolled, including 242 and 130 cycles in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups, respectively. Age (34.23 ± 5.76 vs 32.99 ± 5.59 years; P = 0.047) and the blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio (0.68 vs 0.37; P = 0.011) were significantly elevated in the G-CSF group compared with the non-G-CSF group; however, clinical pregnancy (46.28% vs 51.54%; P = 0.371) and embryo implantation (35.21% vs 35.65%; P = 0.910) rates were similar in both groups. After PSM by age and blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio, 244 cycles were included (122 cases each in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups). The clinical pregnancy (50.82 % vs 48.36%; P = 0.701) and embryo implantation (37.38% vs 34.11%; P = 0.480) remained similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine infusion of G-CSF does not improve the clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.

Decline in nitrogen concentrations of eutrophic Lake Dianchi associated with policy interventions during 2002-2018.

Excessive nutrient discharges have resulted in pervasive water pollution and aquatic eutrophication. China has made massive efforts to improve water quality since 2000. However, how long-term policy interventions govern external and internal fluxes as well as nitrogen (N) concentrations is not well known. Here we examined the historical N concentration change and its key drivers in eutrophic Lake Dianchi (southwest China) over the period 2002-2018, based on monthly observations of water quality and external N fluxes, local surveys of mitigation measures, and process-based model simulations of internal N fluxes. Our data indicated that N concentrations peaked at 3.0 mg L-1 in 2007-2010 but afterwards declined down to 1.2 mg L-1 in 2018. Compared with 2010, the decline in lake N concentrations was attributed to reduced riverine N inflow decreasing by 0.20 g N m-3 month-1 and the water-sediment exchange flux decreasing by 0.07 g N m-3 month-1 from 2010 to 2018. Adoptions of wastewater treatment, pollution interception, and transboundary water transfer dominated the changes in external and internal fluxes of N and thereby the decline of lake N concentrations. These findings underscore the priority of reducing external discharge for historical lake water quality improvement and the need of enhancing internal N removal for future lake ecosystem restoration.

The effect of adenomyosis on IVF after long or ultra-long GnRH agonist treatment.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does adenomyosis affect IVF independent of decreased ovarian reserve, and what are the characteristics and IVF outcome of the ultra-long gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol in adenomyosis? DESIGN: Observational cohort study of three groups of patients undergoing first cycle of IVF treatment with normal ovarian reserve: (A) 362 patients with adenomyosis using the ultra-long GnRH agonist protocol; (B) 127 patients with adenomyosis using the long GnRH agonist protocol; (C) 3471 patients with tubal infertility using the long GnRH agonist protocol. RESULTS: Compared with groups B and C, the number of oocytes retrieved in group A decreased, and the gonadotrophin dosage and duration in group A were higher (P < 0.001). In long GnRH agonist treatment, clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.492, 95% CI 0.327 to 0.742, P < 0.001), implantation rate (OR 0.527, 95% CI 0.350 to 0.794, P = 0.002) and live birth rate (OR 0.442, 95% CI 0.291 to 0.673, P < 0.001) decreased and miscarriage rate (OR 3.078, 95% CI 1.593 to 5.948, P < 0.001) increased in adenomyosis patients compared with tubal infertility. For adenomyosis patients, clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.925, 95% CI 1.137 to 3.250, P = 0.015), implantation rate (OR 1.694, 95% CI 1.006 to 2.854, P = 0.047) and live birth rate (OR 1.704, 95% CI 1.012 to 2.859, P = 0.044) increased in the ultra-long GnRH agonist treatment compared with long GnRH agonist treatments. CONCLUSION: Adenomyosis could negatively affect IVF outcomes independent of ovarian reserve after long GnRH agonist protocol. Patients with adenomyosis following the ultra-long GnRH agonist protocol could have a better pregnancy outcome than those following the long GnRH agonist protocol.

[Effects of different slow/controlled release fertilizers on yield, quality of fresh maize and ammonia emissions]. / 不同缓控释肥对鲜食玉米产量、品质及氨挥发的影响.

A field experiment with five treatments, control (CK, no fertilizer), conventional fertilization (U), double-effect inhibitor synergistic urea (DU), coated urea (CU) and slow/controlled release urea mixture (CDU), was conducted to investigate the effects of conventional fertilization (240 kg N·hm-2) and one-off application of different slow/controlled release fertilizers (180 kg N·hm-2) on the yield and quality of fresh maize, soil inorganic nitrogen (N), and ammonia (NH3) emissions. The results showed that the total amount of ammonia volatilization was the highest in treatment of conventional fertilization (U), with N topdressing being an important source of NH3 emission. Compared with U treatment, the NH3 volatilization in the DU, CU, and CDU treatments was reduced by 78%-81%. At harvest stage, the soil layer of 80-100 cm in the U treatment had the highest nitrate concentration (51.6 mg·kg-1), resulting in a high risk of N leaching. In contrast, the nitrate concentrations in the same soil layer in the slow/controlled release fertilizer treatments were much lower, reducing the risk of leaching. In comparison with U, three slow/controlled release fertilizer treatments with 25% lower N application did not decrease yield but increased seed Vc, soluble sugar and protein contents. The agronomic efficiency and economic benefit of DU treatment were the highest among three slow/controlled release fertilizers treatments. In conclusion, the application of new type of slow/controlled release fertilizer could improve the yield and quality of fresh maize, and significantly reduce the risk of ammonia loss and N leaching. Considering the higher cost of the polymer coated urea, the double-effect inhibitor urea has lower cost and is more convenient to make. It is therefore a better choice to fresh maize planting.

Positive effects of the inclusion of open-mouth pressure for elimination of blood in microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy.

PURPOSES: Primary varicocele (PVC) may cause testicular hypofunction and scrotal pain. We believe that the currently used procedure microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) can be further improved to provide more benefits to the patients. METHODS: In total, 100 patients who were diagnosed as having PVC grade II or III with venous reflux based on ultrasound results, along with scrotal pain and visible scrotal varicose veins, were enrolled; they were randomly divided into two groups. When the experimental group underwent MSV, stagnant venous blood in the internal spermatic vein close to the testis was drained using manual pressure, whereas the control group was treated with routine MSV procedure. The patients' psychological condition, symptoms, prognoses, scrotal appearances, and other related indexes were evaluated before and after the surgeries, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Scores on days 1-3 after the surgeries were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05) for the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) after viewing the scrotum immediately after the surgeries, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) after viewing the scrotum immediately after the surgeries, and the average visual analog scale (VAS). No significant differences were found between the groups for other evaluation indexes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of open-mouth pressure for elimination of blood reduces postoperative filling of dilated scrotal veins, reduces the visual stimuli to patients immediately after surgery, significantly improves the anxiety and depression of patients, helps to maintain positive mental condition in patients after the surgeries, and increases their confidence in recovery from the disease. It also leads to better pain relief within a short period after the surgery and maximizes surgical benefits for the patients.