Limosilactobacillus reuteri peptidoglycan alleviates aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity through adsorbing toxins and improving growth, antioxidant status, immunity and liver pathological changes in chicks.

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of a peptidoglycan produced by Limosilactobacillus reuteri against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo in broiler chicks.2. Toxin adsorption experiments were carried out firstly in vitro. These experiments indicated that the absorption efficiency of the peptidoglycan for AFB1 was 64.3-75.9%.3. In the in vivo experiments, Hy-Line Brown chicks were fed a diet containing AFB1 at 71.43 µg/kg with and without peptidoglycan supplementation at concentrations of 100, 200, or 300 g/kg feed from 0-42 d of age.4. The peptidoglycan supplementation in AFB1-contaminated diets resulted in significant improvements in terms of average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, white blood cell count, haemoglobin content, glutathione peroxidase activity, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM and Newcastle disease virus antibody titres (p < 0.05) and diminished liver steatosis.5. In conclusion, peptidoglycan supplementation alleviated AFB1-induced toxicity through adsorbing toxins and improving growth performance, antioxidant ability, immunity and liver pathological changes in chicks. The optimal supplemental dose was 200 mg/kg in feed.

[Application of super-resolution and ultrafast ultrasound to reveal the characteristics of vascular blood flow changes after rat spinal cord injury at different segments].

Objective: To investigate the changes of spinal vascular blood flow in SD rats after cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) using super-resolution ultrafast ultrasound technology. Methods: A total of 9 SD rats were used to construct SCI models at different segments using a 50 g aneurysm clip. Super-resolution ultrafast ultrasound technology was used to perform vascular blood flow imaging on the spinal cord of rats before and after injury at 6 hours, obtaining quantitative information such as spinal cord vascular density and blood flow velocity. Results: Ultrasound imaging showed that after SCI, the vascular density in the thoracic segment decreased (18.16%±1.04%) more than in the cervical segment (11.42%±1.39%) and lumbar segment (13.88%±1.43%, both P<0.05). The length of the spinal cord with decreased vascular density in the thoracic segment [(4.80±0.34)mm] was longer than that in the cervical segment [(2.80±0.57)mm] and lumbar segment [(3.10±0.36)mm, both P<0.05]. After injury, the decrease of blood flow in the thoracic segment [(8.87±0.85)ml/min] was higher than that in the cervical segment [(4.88±0.56)ml/min] and lumbar segment [(6.19±0.71)ml/min, both P<0.05]. HE staining and Nissl staining showed that the proportion of cavity area after thoracic SCI (11.53%±0.93%) was higher than that in the cervical segment (4.90%±1.72%) and lumbar segment (7.64%±0.84%, both P<0.05). The number of Nissl bodies in the thoracic segment (18.0±5.3) was also lower than that in the cervical segment (32.3±5.1) and lumbar segment (37.0±5.6) (both P<0.05). Conclusions: There are different changes in vascular blood flow after SCI in different segments of rats. The same injury causes the most severe damage to blood vessels in the thoracic spinal cord, followed by the lumbar spinal cord, and the cervical spinal cord has the least damage.

[Effect of HBV DNA load on the safety and prognosis of systematic therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To study the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the occurrence of liver damage, HBV reactivation (HBVr) and the influence of HBVr on the prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving systemic therapy. Methods: The clinical data of 403 patients with HBV-related HCC at the Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University et al, from July 2018 to December 2020 were collected. The incidence of liver damage and HBVr during systematic therapy, and the influence of HBVr on survival prognosis were analyzed. Results: Of the 403 patients, 89.1% were male (n=359), with a median age of 51 years (51.5±12.1). Before propensity score matching (PSM), the proportion of patients with cirrhosis, TNM and advanced BCLC stage was higher in high HBV-DNA (baseline HBV-DNA>1000 U/ml, n=147) group comparing with the low HBV-DNA (baseline HBV DNA≤1000 u/ml, n=256) group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in baseline indexes between the two groups after PSM. In 290 patients after PSM, there was no significant difference in the incidence of liver damage and HBVr between high HBV-DNA group and low HBV-DNA group (P>0.05). Survival analysis was performed on 169 patients with survival data, the median overall survival (OS) was found to be 11.49 months (95%CI: 7.77-12.89) and 16.65 months (95%CI: 10.54-21.99, P=0.008) in the high and low HBV-DNA groups, respectively. And median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.41 months (95%CI: 5.06-8.67) and 10.55 months (95%CI: 6.72-13.54, P=0.038), respectively, with a statistically significant difference. There were no differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with and without HBVr and those with or without liver damage (P>0.05). Conclusions: HBV-DNA levels above 1 000 U/ml before systemic therapy do not increase the risk of liver damage or HBVr during systemic therapy in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma, and such patients can safely receive systemic therapy.

[A multicenter study on the accuracy of PAX1/JAM3 dual genes methylation testing for screening cervical cancer].

Objective: To explore the value of cervical cytologic DNA methylation for screening cervical cancer. Methods: This study was a prospective multicenter study conducted from May to October 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Women who accepted opportunistic cervical cancer screening in gynecological outpatient clinics were subjected to liquid-based thin-layer cytology testing (TCT), high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA testing and PAX1/JAM3 dual-genes methylation testing (PAX1m/JAM3m). Colposcopy evaluation and biopsy were offered to women according to current guidelines. The accuracies of various testing methods and their combinations were compared based on histological diagnosis. Results: A total of 1 184 samples diagnosed by histopathology were included in this study, consisting of 541 cases (45.7%) of benign cervical tissue or chronic cervicitis, 273 (23.1%) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 168 (14.2%) of CIN2, 140 (11.8%) of CIN3, and 62 (5.2%) of cervical cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of PAX1m/JAM3m testing for detecting CIN2 or more severe lesions (CIN2+) were 74.1% and 95.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PAX1m/JAM3m testing for detecting CIN3+were 87.6% and 86.8%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that, for detecting CIN3+, the area under curve of PAX1m/JAM3m testing (0.872, 95%CI: 0.847-0.897) was significantly superior to TCT testing (0.580, 95%CI: 0.551-0.610) or hrHPV testing (0.503, 95%CI: 0.479-0.515) (all P values<0.05). Conclusions: The PAX1m/JAM3m test in cervical exfoliated cells has excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of both CIN2+and CIN3+, which is superior to traditional screening protocols and screening strategies.

[Research progress on the effect of hepatitis B virus DNA integration on antiviral therapy].

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration occurs during the reverse transcription process of HBV replication, which develops in the early stages of HBV infection and accompanies the entire disease course. The integration of HBV DNA is detrimental to the attainment of clinical cure goals and also raises the risk of developing liver cancer. Theoretically, nucleos(t)ide analogs can reduce the synthesis of new double-stranded linear DNA, but there is no clearance function for hepatocytes that have already integrated HBV. Therefore, patients with serum HBV DNA-negative conversions still have the risk of developing liver cancer. As an immunomodulatory drug, interferon can not only inhibit viral replication but also inhibit or even eliminate existing clonally amplified hepatocytes carrying integrated HBV DNA fragments. However, there are currently few studies on the effects of nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon therapy on HBV DNA integration. Thus, large-scale clinical studies are urgently needed for further clarification.

[SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex BAF subunit-deficient lung carcinoma: a case report].

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex BAF subunit (SMARCB1)-deficient lung carcinoma is rare and may be suitable for immunotherapy. This article presents the case of an elderly male who presented with "a persistent dry cough for 3 months without obvious inducement", and was initially diagnosed with non-small cell lung carcinoma following bronchoscopic biopsy. Immunohistochemical staining for SMARCB1 (-), SMARCA4 (+), PD-L1(22C3) (tumor proportion score is 60%), Ki-67 (+) with a positive index of 60%. The final diagnosis is SMARCB1-deficient lung carcinoma. He was subsequently treated once with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and has been followed up for 34 months. Currently, the patient continues to survive with tumor.

[Establishment of Nano-ITO induced rat model of indium lung disease and exploration of its pathological characteristics].

Objective: To study the dynamic pathological characteristics of lung tissue in a Nano-ITO induced rat model of indium lung disease and to guide clinical and basic scientific research to further explore the mechanisms of pulmonary interstitial injury and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Methods: Dose-response (three divided doses) and time-course studies (six exposure periods) were performed to investigate the pulmonary toxicity induced by Nano-ITO. At the end of the experiment, cytokine levels and oxidative stress were analyzed in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Rat lung tissues were also collected for staining with H&E, PAS, Masson's, Oil Red O, and Sirius Red. Ultrastructure of lung tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Expression of IL-1ß, HO-1, SP-A was observed by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of α-SMA was observed by immunofluorescence. Results: Nano-ITO intratracheal instillation caused pulmonary toxicity by inducing acute inflammation at 3 days, granuloma (nodule) formation and collagen hyperplasia at 14 days, and alveolar proteinosis at 56 days post-exposure. Pathological features of lung tissue included typical alveolar exudates, cellular fibrous nodules, enlarged alveolar fat droplet fusion, cholesterol crystal granuloma and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The intra-alveolar eosinophilic material (multilamellated, lattice-shaped, and myelin-like structure) showed abnormal lamellar bodies (features of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells) and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria (features of fibroblasts) on transmission electron microscopy of the lung tissue from rats exposed to Nano-ITO on the 84th day. Cellular pathology revealed that a large amount of amorphous PAS stain-positive substances appear in BALF at 28 days post-exposure, and pink granular protein-like substances can be seen in alveolar macrophages. Conclusions: There are three characteristic developmental stages in Nano-ITO induced pulmonary injury in rats, acute inflammation, granuloma (nodule) formation and collagen proliferation, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, which provide a reference feature model for the pathogenesis of indium lung disease.

[Associations of blood pressure change with change in foods' intake among adults with mild to moderate hypertension].

Objective: To explore the association between the intake and changes in various types of food and the changes in blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Methods: Mild to moderate hypertension participants with complete baseline and outcome data were included from DECIDE-Diet study, a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Dietary records and blood pressure measurements at both 7-day run-in (baseline) and 28-day intervention phases were collected for enrolled participants. Blood pressure change was defined as the difference between blood pressure at the end of trial and the baseline blood pressure. Baseline intake of food was the average daily intake during the run-in period, and the intake increment was defined as the difference between the average intake during the trial period and the average intake during the run-in period. After adjusting for age, sex, study center, intervention groups, baseline body mass index (kg/m2), antihypertension medication use, and baseline total calorie intake, a linear regression model was used to analyze the associations of the before-after-intervention change in blood pressure with baseline intake and intake increment of foods. Results: A total of 258 patients with mild to moderate hypertension were included, including 133 males, aged (56.5±9.9) years. (1) After adjusting for confounding factors, there was no significant association between baseline intake of food and baseline blood pressure (all P>0.05). The blood pressure change was negatively associated with baseline intakes of tubers, vegetables, and vegetable oils but positively with baseline intake of meats; and was negatively associated with intake increment of whole grains and fish (all P<0.05). (2) The multiple linear regression analysis showed that baseline intake of vegetables (ß=-0.021, P=0.004), vegetable oils (ß=-0.260, P=0.002), and increment in intake of fish (ß=-0.128, P=0.026) were all significantly associated with changes in systolic blood pressure; baseline intake of vegetables (ß=-0.017, P=0.002), vegetable oils (ß=-0.182, P=0.001), dairy products (ß=0.021, P=0.022), and increment in intake of fish (ß=-0.092, P=0.010) were all significantly associated with changes in diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Increasing the intake of whole grains, vegetables, vegetable oils, and fish and decreasing the intake of meat may be beneficial for blood pressure control in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

[Effect of pH on the chelation between strontium ions and decellularized small intestinal submucosal sponge scaffolds].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preparation of decellularized small intestinal submucosa (dSIS) sponge scaffolds with chelated strontium (Sr) ions at different pH values, and to select the appropriate pH values for synthesizing Sr/dSIS scaffolds using the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the scaffolds as evaluation indexes. METHODS: (1) Sr/dSIS scaffolds preparation and grouping: After mixing dSIS solution and strontium chloride solution in equal volumes, adjusting pH of the solution to 3, 5, 7, and 9 respectively, porous scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying method after full reaction at 37℃, which were named Sr/dSIS-3, -5, -7, and -9 respectively, and the dSIS scaffolds were used as the control group. (2) Physicochemical property evaluation: The bulk morphology of the scaffolds was observed in each group, the microscopic morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and the porosity and pore size determined, the surface elements analyzed by energy spectroscopy, the structure of functional groups analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, the chelation rate determined by atomic spectrophotometry, the water absorption rate detected by using specific gravity method, and the compression strength evaluated by universal mechanical testing machine.(3) Biocompatibility evaluation: The cytotoxicity and proliferative effect to bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) of each group were evaluated by Calcein-AM/PI double staining method. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy showed that the scaffolds of each group had an interconnected three-dimensional porous structure with no statistical difference in pore size and porosity. Energy spectrum analysis showed that strontium could be detected in Sr/dSIS-5, -7 and -9 groups, and strontium was uniformly distributed in the scaffolds. Functional group analysis further supported the formation of chelates in the Sr/dSIS-5, -7 and -9 groups. Chelation rate analysis showed that the Sr/dSIS-7 group had the highest strontium chelation rate, which was statistically different from the other groups (P < 0.05). The scaffolds in all the groups had good water absorption. The scaffolds in Sr/dSIS-5, -7 and -9 groups showed significantly improved mechanical properties compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The scaffolds in all the groups had good biocompatibility, and the Sr/dSIS-7 group showed the best proliferation of BMSCs. CONCLUSION: When pH was 7, the Sr/dSIS scaffolds showed the highest strontium chelation rate and the best proliferation effect of BMSCs, which was the ideal pH value for the preparation of the Sr/dSIS scaffolds.

[Burned-out testicular germ cell tumors: a clinicopathological analysis of three cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and possible mechanisms of burned-out testicular germ cell tumors. Methods: The clinical and imaging data, histology and immunophenotypic characteristics of three cases of burned-out testicular germ cell tumors diagnosed at the Ruijin Hospital, Medical College of the Shanghai Jiaotong University, from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The mean age of the three patients was 32 years. Case 1 had an elevated preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level (810.18 µg/L) and underwent "radical pancreaticoduodenectomy and retroperitoneal lesion resection" for a retroperitoneal mass. Postoperative pathology showed embryonal carcinoma, which needed to exclude gonadal metastasis. Color Doppler ultrasound showed a solid mass of the right testis, with hypoechoic lesion and scattered calcification in some areas. Case 2 was a "right supraclavicular lymph node biopsy specimen." Chest X-ray showed multiple metastases in both lungs. The biopsy showed metastatic embryonic carcinoma and bilateral testicular color Doppler ultrasound revealed abnormal calcifications in the right testicle. Case 3 showed a cystic mass of the right testis with calcification and solid areas. All 3 patients underwent radical right orchiectomy. Grossly, borders of the testicular scar areas were well defined. Cross sectioning of the tumors showed a gray-brown cut surface and single focus or multiple foci of the tumor. The tumor maximum diameter was 0.6-1.5 cm. Microscopically, lymphocytes, plasma cells infiltration, tubular hyalinization, clustered vascular hyperplasia and hemosiderin laden macrophages were found in the scar. Atrophic and sclerotic seminiferous tubules, proliferation of clustered Leydig cells and small or coarse granular calcifications in seminiferous tubules were present around the scar. Seminoma and germ cell neoplasia in situ were seen in case 1, germ cell neoplasia in situ was seen in case 2 and germ cells with atypical hyperplasia were seen in case 3. Immunohistochemistry showed that embryonic carcinoma expressed SALL4, CKpan(AE1/AE3) and CD30, seminoma and germ cell tumor in situ expressed OCT3/4, SALL4 and CD117, and spermatogenic cells with atypical hyperplasia expressed CD99 and SALL4. The Ki-67 positive index was about 20%, while OCT3/4 and CD117 were both negative. Conclusions: Burned-out testicular germ cell tumors are rare. The possibility of gonad testicular metastasis should be considered first for extragonadal germ cell tumor. If fibrous scar is found in testis, it must be determined whether it is a burned-out testicular germ cell tumor. The burned-out mechanisms may be related to the microenvironment of tumor immune-mediated and local ischemic injury.

[Postpartum fatal pulmonary embolism with F5 gene mutation: a case report].

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal death. Various clinical and environmental risk factors can cause PE. Here, we reported an uncommon PE case with multiple etiological causes, including caesarean section, overweight, anti-cardiolipin antibody positive, and factor 5 gene mutation. The patient was a 25-year-old woman who developed cardiac asystole and apnea one day after cesarean delivery due to pulmonary embolism. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation and thrombolytic therapy, high doses of epinephrine were still needed to maintain blood pressure and heart rate, so we treated her with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to maintain systemic circulation. She progressively improved and was discharged on oral warfarin treatment. Comprehensive laboratory tests revealed a positive anticardiolipin antibody. Through whole exon gene sequencing, we identified a novel mutation (A2032➝G) in the F5 gene. This mutation was predicted to result in the replacement of lysine with glutamate at position 678, close to one of the APC cleavage sites. P.Lys678Glu was found to be a detrimental mutation by SIFT software and suspected detrimental by Polyphen-2 software. Attention should be paid to the etiological screening of young patients with pulmonary embolism, which is helpful in guiding the anticoagulant scheme and anticoagulant duration, and is of great significance in preventing thrombosis recurrence and complications.

[Pulmonary crystal-storing histiocytosis: a case report].

A 45-year-old female patient was found to have a nodule in the right lower lobe on physical examination. Chest CT showed the nodule was lobulated measuring 24 mm×23 mm, with obvious enhancement and adjacent pleural traction. As the PET-CT showed increased 18F-FDG uptake suggesting malignancy, the wedge resection of the right lower lobe was performed. Grossly, the mass was adjacent to the pleural area with indistinct boundary. On cut sections, the lesion was solid and tough, with a greyish-pink colour. Microscopically, the lesion had an ill-defined margin, and was composed of spindle and polygonoid histiocytes with rich eosinophilic cytoplasm similar to rhabdoid muscle cells. The cytoplasm of histiocytes was filled with diamond-shaped or club-shaped crystals. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed the histiocytes were positive for CD68, κ, λ, IgG, IgM and IgA. The patient had been followed up for 41 months and had shown neither recurrences nor new diseases. CSH is a rare non-neoplastic histiocytic proliferative disease. Pulmonary CSH should be differentiated from multiple diseases. Accurate pathological diagnosis depends on its morphology and immunophenotype. This disease is often related to potential lymphoproliferative or plasma cell disorder. After diagnosis, a systemic examination is required and long-term follow-up is recommended.

[Protective effect of anti-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis drug Pirfenidone and Sufenidone (SC1011) on pulmonary injury induced by tuberculosis in a mouse tuberculosis model].

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of anti-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) marketed drug Pirfenidone and its clinical drug Sufenidone (SC1011) against lung injury in a mouse tuberculosis model. Methods: C57BL/6 mouse model of tuberculosis was established. A total of 75 C57BL/6 mice were infected with 1×107 CFU/ml H37Rv suspension by aerosol and randomly divided into untreated (n=9) group, isoniazid+rifampicin+pyrazinamide (HRZ) group (n=22), PFD+HRZ group (n=22), and SC1011+HRZ group (n=22). C57BL/6 mice were infected with H37Rv by aerosol for 6 weeks and then treated. Seven mice in each treatment group were weighed, sacrificed, dissected and observed for lung and spleen lesions at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. HE staining and Masson staining were used to assess degree of lung injury and fibrosis, respectively. ELISA was used to assess the IFN-γ/TNF-α content in the serum of mice in each treatment group after 4 weeks of treatment. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content in lung tissue was measured by alkaline hydrolysis; meanwhile, CFU counts were used to assess the bacterial load in the lung and spleen of mice in each treatment group and the recurrence of spleen and lung tissue after 12 weeks of drug withdrawal. Results: At 8 weeks, the HYP content in the lung tissue was (630±58), (635±17), and (840±70) µg/mg in the PFD+HRZ, SC1011+HRZ, and HRZ treatment group, respectively (P<0.05).At 8 weeks, the proportion of Masson staining blue-stained area, that was, positive area, in lung tissue was 16.65%±1.82%, 10.01%±2.16%, and 21.36%±3.21%, respectively (F=27.11, P<0.001).The lung injury scores by HE staining at 8 weeks were (5.00±0.50), (5.00±0.47), and (6.89±0.99) points, respectively (F=19.81, P<0.001).The results of 4-week ELISA showed that the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum of the SC1011+HRZ-treated group were lower than those of the HRZ-treated group (all P<0.05).The degree of lung injury and fibrosis in PFD+HRZ and SC1011+HRZ treatment groups were lower than those in HRZ treatment group (all P<0.001). The number of viable bacteria in the lung tissue of mice treated with PFD+HRZ, SC1011+HRZ, and HRZ for 4 weeks was lower than that of mice untreated [(1.82±0.10), (1.91±0.05), (1.79±0.17) vs. (5.27±0.07) lg(CFU+1)/ml, all P<0.05)]. And the aseptic transformation of the spleen of mice was achieved in each treatment group at 8 weeks of administration. After 12 weeks of drug withdrawal, the recurrence of lung infection in the SC1011+HRZ treatment group was 3/7 lower than 5/7 in the HRZ treatment group (P>0.05); the recurrence of spleen infection in the SC1011+HRZ treatment group was 1/7 lower than 5/7 in the HRZ treatment group (P>0.05).Pulmonary infection recurred more frequently in PFD+HRZ 6/7 versus HRZ 5/7 (P>0.05). Conclusions: PFD/SC1011, when combined with HRZ, reduced lung injury and reduced secondary fibrosis in pulmonary tuberculosis in C57BL/6 mice. SC1011 combined with HRZ has no significant short-term therapeutic effect on MTB, but may reduce its recurrence rate in long-term treatment, especially in reducing the recurrence rate of mouse spleen.

[Study on the related factors of antiviral treatment in previously reported hepatitis C patients based on the Andersen model].

Objective: To understand the basic characteristics of previously reported patients with hepatitis C and analyze the related factors affecting their antiviral treatment. Methods: A convenient sampling method was adopted. Patients who had been previously diagnosed with hepatitis C in the Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province and Xuzhou City of Jiangsu Province were contacted by telephone for an interview study. The Andersen health service utilization behavior model and related literature were used to design the research framework for antiviral treatment in previously reported hepatitis C patients. A step-by-step multivariate regression analysis was used in previously reported hepatitis C patients treated with antiviral therapy. Results: A total of 483 hepatitis C patients, aged 51.73 ± 12.06 years, were investigated. The proportion of male, agricultural occupants who were registered permanent residents, farmers and migrant workers was 65.24%, 67.49%, and 58.18%, respectively. Han ethnicity (70.81%), married (77.02%), and junior high school and below educational level (82.61%) were the main ones. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that married patients with hepatitis C (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.93-5.25, compared with unmarried, divorced, and widowed patients) with high school education or above (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.54-4.20, compared with patients with junior high school education or below) were more likely to receive antiviral treatment in the predisposition module. Patients with severe self-perceived hepatitis C in the need factor module (compared with patients with mild self-perceived disease, OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 2.09-5.40) were more likely to receive treatment. In the competency module, the family's per capita monthly income was more than 1,000 yuan (compared with patients with per capita monthly income below 1,000 yuan, OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02-2.47), and the patients had a high level of awareness of hepatitis C knowledge (compared with patients with a low level of knowledge, OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.35), and the family members who knew the patient's infection status (compared with patients with an unknown infection status, OR = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.24-9.39) were more likely to receive antiviral treatment. Conclusion: Different income, educational, and marital statuses are related to antiviral treatment behavior in hepatitis C patients. Family support of hepatitis C patients receiving hepatitis C-related knowledge and their families knowing the infection status is more important in promoting the antiviral treatment of patients, suggesting that in the future, we should further strengthen the hepatitis C knowledge of hepatitis C patients, especially the family support of hepatitis C patients' families in treatment.

[The value of cardiac MRI in the risk stratification in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

Objective: To explore the value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the risk stratification of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods: HCM patients who underwent CMR examination in Fuwai Hospital between March 2012 and May 2013 were retrospectively enrolled. Baseline clinical and CMR data were collected and patient follow-up was performed using telephone contact and medical record. The primary composite endpoint was sudden cardiac death (SCD) or and equivalent event. The secondary composite endpoint was all-cause death and heart transplant. Patients were divided into SCD and non-SCD groups. Cox regression was used to explore risk factors of adverse events. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the performance and the optimal cut-off of late gadolinium enhancement percentage (LGE%) for the prediction of endpoints. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare survival differences between groups. Results: A total of 442 patients were enrolled. Mean age was (48.5±12.4) years and 143(32.4%) were female. At (7.6±2.5) years of follow-up, 30 (6.8%) patients met the primary endpoint including 23 SCD and 7 SCD equivalent events, and 36 (8.1%) patients met the secondary endpoint including 33 all-cause death and 3 heart transplant. In multivariate Cox regression, syncope(HR=4.531, 95%CI 2.033-10.099, P<0.001), LGE% (HR=1.075, 95%CI 1.032-1.120, P=0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR=0.956, 95%CI 0.923-0.991, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for primary endpoint; Age (HR=1.032, 95%CI 1.001-1.064, P=0.046), atrial fibrillation (HR=2.977, 95%CI 1.446-6.131, P=0.003),LGE% (HR=1.075, 95%CI 1.035-1.116, P<0.001) and LVEF (HR=0.968, 95%CI 0.937-1.000, P=0.047) were independent risk factors for secondary endpoint. ROC curve showed the optimal LGE% cut-offs were 5.1% and 5.8% for the prediction of primary and secondary endpoint, respectively. Patients were further divided into LGE%=0, 0

Modification of Enteromorpha prolifera with dielectric barrier discharge plasma to enhance malachite green adsorption.

Dyes, a kind of visible chemical, have severe deleterious effects on human health and ecological environment. In this work, batch biosorption experiments were carried out under various experimental conditions such as pH value and agitation time to optimize the potentiality of Enteromorpha prolifera for the removal of malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous solution (70·7%). Then, the algal biomass was treated with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in helium for 4 and 10 min to enhance MG removal efficiency (84·7 and 96·6%). In addition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in combination with scanning electron microscopy was employed to monitor the chemical and physical changes of algal cells treated by DBD. This study illustrates that DBD may serve as an effective tool to activate the functional groups on the cell wall surface for dye binding, and it even offers an alternative new technique to improve the adsorption properties of native biosorbents for the removal of toxic dyes from wastewater.

[Efficacy of selective bronchial occlusion in the treatment of intractable pneumothorax].

Objective: To analyze the effect of selective bronchial occlusion (SBO) in the treatment of intractable pneumothorax. Methods: A total of 86 patients with refractory pneumothorax treated with SBO in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 were included in this study. The basic information, diagnosis and treatment of the patients were collected and analyzed based on their inpatient records. Results: The age of the subjects was (62±11) years old, and 83 cases (96.5%) were male. The first time SBO cure rate was 30.2% (26/86). The effective rate of the first time SBO treatment was 38.4% (33/86), and the final cure rate of SBO was 59.3% (51/86). The total cure rate of SBO combined with other therapies was 73.3% (63/86). The median time [M (Q1, Q3)] from the first plugging to the complete cessation of air leakage in SBO cured patients was 6.5 (3, 7) days, which was shorter than that in the final extubation patients after SBO [11 (7, 19) days] (H=30.24, P<0.001). The median [M (Q1, Q3)] length of hospital stay of the first SBO cured patients was 19 (14, 25) days, which was shorter than that of all patients [28 (19, 37) days] (H=12.89, P=0.002). The median [M (Q1, Q3)] hospitalization expenses of patients with first SBO cure, effective SBO treatment and ineffective SBO treatment were 23 187 (18 906, 27 798), 41 580 (29 388, 50 762) and 38 462 (27 542, 51 720) yuan, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H=18.58, P<0.001). The incidence of complications after SBO was 7.59% (11/145). Conclusion: SBO has good efficacy and relative high safety in the treatment of intractable pneumothorax.

[Pathogenic spectrum and laboratory indicators of fungal infections in the central nervous system].

Central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections are challenging and difficult to diagnose and treat. This article introduces the high risk factors, pathogen spectrum and laboratory indicators that cause CNS fungal infection. As patients with CNS fungal infections are often accompanied by immunodeficiency, it is especially necessary for clinical early detection, early prevention, and early diagnosis, and timely and effective implementation of optimized diagnosis and treatment programs to prevent further deterioration of the disease.

[Effects of caloric restriction and rope-skipping exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese college students].

Objective: To explore the effect of three interventions including caloric restriction, rope-skipping exercise and caloric restriction combined with rope-skipping exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight or obese college students. Methods: This study was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Overweight or obese students who met the inclusion criteria were recruited at Sun Yat-sen University in September 2019 and were randomly divided into four groups: caloric restriction group (CR), rope-skipping group (RS), combined group (CR-RS) and control group (CT). The intervention in each group lasted 8 weeks, specifically: the daily energy intake of CR was 100% to 110% of the basal metabolic energy; RS was instructed to rope three times a week, and CR-RS combined caloric restriction with rope-skipping. At the baseline and end of 8-week intervention, basic information, anthropometric indicators and fasting vein blood of students were collected. Paired t test and Wilcoxon paired-samples signed rank test were used for comparison before and after intervention, and analysis of covariance was used for comparison between groups after intervention. Results: A total of 29 students completed the trial and were included in the final analysis (7, 9, 7 and 6 students in CR, RS, CR-RS and CT, respectively). The mean age of students were (19.00±1.00) years, including 11 males and 18 females. The baseline characteristics of four groups were comparable. After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with CT, there was an increase in the body fat percentage and fat mass index in CR and CR-RS (P<0.05). Insulin level decreased in CR-RS (P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure in CR and diastolic blood pressure in CR-RS were higher (P<0.05). Compared with baseline, fat mass index decreased in CR (P<0.05), while body weight, BMI, and fat mass index decreased in CR-RS (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that the caloric restriction alone and calorie restriction combined with rope-skipping exercise can benefit overweight or obese college students with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Effects of Wenyang Zhenshuai Granules on the Expression of Key Mitochondrial Autophagy Proteins in the Doxorubicin-Induced Model of H9c2 Cardiomyocyte Injury.

This study aimed to explore the effects of Wenyang Zhenshuai granules (WZG) on the morphology of cardiomyocytes, cell viability, and the expression of key mitochondrial autophagy proteins in the doxorubicin-induced model of H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury. Cardiomyocytes were cultured for 44 h and divided into 4 groups: intact control, doxorubicin-injured cells (DOX), doxorubicin-injured cells treated with WZG (DOX+WZG), and doxorubicin-injured cells treated with valsartan (DOX+valsartan; reference group). The morphology of cardiomyocytes was analyzed under an inverted microscope; cardiomyocyte survival rate was determined by MTT assay. The expression of the key mitochondrial autophagy proteins (PINK1, parkin, LC3-II, and prohibitin-2) was analyzed by Western blotting. WZG down-regulated the expression of the key mitochondrial autophagy proteins in DOX-injured cells, which may be one of the important mechanisms for regulating ventricular remodeling and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.