[Ultrasonic convex array probe applied to increase success rate of external cephalic version without anesthesia].

Objective: To explore the feasibility of using ultrasonic convex array probe compressing abdominal wall to increase success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) without anesthesia in full-term and near-term pregnancy. Methods: Totally 190 singleton and non-cephalic presentation pregnant women in 36-39+4 weeks of gestation performed ECV from April 2019 to August 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were analyzed. According to whether use the ultrasound probe compressing fetal breech or not, the pregnant women were divided into two groups: 81 cases in the probe-compressing group (including primipara 61 cases and multipara 20 cases) and 109 cases in the non-probe-compressing group(including primipara 72 cases and multipara 37 cases). Clinical data, ECV related factors and complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: (1) The overall success rate of ECV was 64.2% (122/190). There was no significant difference in the success rate of ECV between probe-compressing group and non-probe-compressing group [69.1% (56/81) vs 60.6% (66/109), χ2=1.490, P=0.222]. The total vaginal delivery rate after successful ECV was 81.1% (99/122), while 71.1% (54/76) in primipara and 97.8% (45/46) in multipara, respectively. (2) Compare to the non-probe-compressing group, the success rate of ECV in primipara was significantly higher in the probe-compressing group [45.8% (33/72) vs 70.5% (43/61)], but the gestational age was shorter and the height was higher in the probe-compressing group (all P<0.05). The success rate of ECV of multipara in the probe-compressing group (65.0%, 13/20) was lower than that in the non-probe-compressing group (89.2%, 33/37), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that abdominal wall compressed by ultrasound probe (OR=2.601, 95%CI: 1.113-6.075; P=0.027) and amniotic fluid index (AFI; OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.001-1.020; P=0.028) were positive factors for the successful rate of ECV in primipara pregnant women. (4) The main complication of ECV was transient fetal heart rate reduction (8.9%,17/190), the incidence in the probe-compressing group was significantly higher than that in the non-probe-compressing group [14.8% (12/81) vs 4.6% (5/109); χ2=5.967, P=0.015]. No statistical differences were found in rates of complications between the ECV successful and unsuccessful pregnant women, and between probe-compressing and non-probe-compressing groups (all P>0.05). No adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes related to ECV were observed. Conclusions: The ultrasonic convex array probe compressing could significantly improve the success rate of ECV in primipara without increasing the incidence of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The success rate of ECV in primipara is influenced by AFI and operation mode.

Preoperative prediction of mediastinal lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer based on 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics.

AIM: To establish and verify a 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram to predict mediastinal lymph node metastasis (LNM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients preoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 155 NSCLC patients (primary cohort, n=93; validation cohort, n=62). For each patient, 2,704 radiomic features were extracted from the primary lung cancer regions. Four procedures including the Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's correlation analysis, minimum redundancy-maximum relevance (mRMR), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) binary logistic regression were utilised for determining essential features and establishing a radiomics signature. After that, a nomogram was established. The nomogram's potential was assessed based on its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. The radiomics signature and nomogram predictive performances were evaluated with respect to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity. RESULTS: The radiomics signature composed of eight selected features had good discriminatory performance of LNM versus non-LNM groups an AUC of 0.851 and 0.826 in primary and validation cohorts, respectively. The nomogram also indicated good discrimination with an AUC of 0.869 and 0.847 in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, good calibration was demonstrated utilising the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: An 18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics nomogram that integrates the radiomics signature and age was promoted to predict mediastinal LNM within NSCLC patients, which could potentially facilitate individualised therapy for mediastinal LNM before treatment. The nomogram was beneficial in clinical practice, as illustrated by decision curve analysis.

[Relationship between plasma levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue-type plasminogen activator and deep venous thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Objective: To investigate the plasma levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and their relationship with deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Methods: A case-control study was conducted to retrospectively select 32 SLE patients with deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities (thrombus group) admitted to Liaocheng People's Hospital in Shandong Province from June 2018 to June 2021, including 4 males and 28 females, with a mean age of (49.7±5.5) years. Meanwhile, 64 SLE patients without deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities (control group) were also selected, including 11 males and 53 females, with a mean age of (50.8±5.5) years. The plasma levels of TAFI, PAI-1 and t-PA of the two groups were compared. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation of TAFI, PAI-1 and t-PA with SLE in patients. Results: The plasma levels of TAFI, PAI-1 and t-PA were (32.77±5.17) mg/L, (29.43±5.51) µg/L and (6.58±1.40) µg/L in the thrombotic group, while the plasma levels of TAFI, PAI-1 and t-PA in the control group were (23.56±4.40) mg/L, (19.00±4.40) µg/L and (9.40±2.23) µg/L. The levels of TAFI and PAI-1 in the thrombotic group were higher than those in the control group, while the level of t-PA was lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The results of logistic regression model showed that higher TAFI levels (OR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.05-2.90, P=0.043), higher PAI-1 levels (OR=1.85, 95%CI: 1.04-3.29, P=0.046), and lower t-PA levels (OR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.52-0.99, P=0.048) were related factors for the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs in SLE patients. Conclusion: The plasma levels of TAFI and PAI-1 in SLE patients with deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities increase, while the t-PA level decreases, which are related factors for the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities in SLE patients.

[Expression of miR-17-5p in the plasma of patients with multiple myeloma and its role in tumorigenesis and development].

Objective: To investigate the expression of miR-17-5p in the plasma of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and its role in tumorigenesis and development. Methods: Patients diagnosed with unidentified monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or MM in Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 2013 to April 2018 were enrolled, as well as 20 healthy volunteers. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-17-5p in plasma circulation and bone marrow mononuclear cells. There were 22 cases with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), 11 cases with complete remission MM (CRMM) and 59 case with recurrent refractory MM (RRMM). The expression levels of miR-17-5p in each group were analyzed. The correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between plasma miR-17-5p and the proportion of serum M protein and bone marrow plasma cells in patients with untreated multiple myeloma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the possibility of plasma miR-17-5p as a molecular marker related to MM diagnosis. After over expression or knockdown of miR-17-5p expression, CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of miR-17-5p on the proliferation of MM cell line. The effect of miR-17-5p on the proliferation of MM cells was detected in nude mice subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiment. Results: The expression of miR-17-5p in bone marrow mononuclear cells in NDMM and RRMM group were higher than those in healthy volunteers [1.37 (0.47, 4.87), 2.68 (1.02, 5.02) vs 1.00 (1.00, 1.00), all P<0.05], and the expression levels of miR-17-5p in plasma were also higher than those in healthy control group [1.85 (0.92, 3.51), 2.79 (1.22, 5.04) vs 1.00 (1.00, 1.00), all P<0.05]. The expression of miR-17-5p in MM cell lines such as KMS-11, RPMI-8226, H929, MM-1R, U266B1 were higher than that in bone marrow mononuclear cells of healthy control group (3.96±0.68, 1.58±0.32, 3.51±0.55, 5.08±0.76, 3.22±0.75 vs 1.00±0, all P<0.05) ; Plasma miR-17-5p was positively correlated with the ratio of serum M protein and bone marrow plasma cells (r=0.50, P<0.05; r=0.60, P<0.01). ROC curve showed that the specificity was 0.591 and the sensitivity was 0.900 of plasma miR-17-5p as a molecular marker related to diagnosis (area under ROC curve=0.74, cut-off value: 0.491). CCK-8 results showed that over expression of miR-17-5p increased the proliferation of RPMI-8226 and NCI-H929 cell lines at 72 hours compared with the control group (1.37±0.11 vs 1.07±0.09, 2.14±0.09 vs 1.82±0.11, both P<0.05), and low expression of miR-17-5p reduced the proliferation of NCI-H929 and MM-1R cell lines at 72 hours compared with the control group (1.38±0.09 vs 1.83±0.11, 1.45±0.10 vs 1.73±0.09, both P<0.05). The subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiment in nude mice showed that the tumor volume of miR-17-5p over expression group was larger than that of the control group [(1 865±181) vs (1 389±227) mm3, P<0.05], and the tumor volume of miR-17-5p low expression group was smaller than that of the control group [ (1 006±171) vs (1 389±227) mm3, P<0.05]. Conclusion: miR-17-5p may play an oncogene role in MM cell lines as a plasma molecular marker related to the development of MM disease.

[The expression of clock gene CLOCK and its clinical significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the relationship between expression levels of CLOCK mRNA and protein and the clinical characteristics of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: The frozen tissue specimens from 33 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from 2018 to 2019 were collected. Seventeen cases of tissue specimens from patients with nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University in 2019 were collected. From 2008 to 2014, 68 cases of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedding (FFPE) nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue and 37 cases of FFPE nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation tissue were collected from the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of CLOCK. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells including CNE1, CNE2, 5-8F and the normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell NP69 were cultured. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of CLOCK mRNA in each cell line at the time points of ZT2, ZT6, ZT10, ZT14, ZT18 and ZT22. The cosine method was used to fit the rhythm of CLOCK gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The protein expression of CLOCK protein was detected by using immunohistochemical method in 68 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 37 cases of nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation tissue. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test, and the influencing factors was analyzed by Cox regression model. Results: The expression levels of CLOCK mRNA in CNE1, CNE2 and 5-8F cells (0.63±0.07, 0.91±0.02 and 0.33±0.04, respectively) were lower than that in NP69 cell (1.00±0.00, P<0.05). The expression levels of CLOCK protein in CNE1, CNE2 and 5-8F cells (0.79±0.06, 0.57±0.05 and 0.74±0.10, respectively) were lower than that of NP69 cells (1.00±0.00, P<0.05). The expressions of CLOCK mRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells including CEN1, CNE2, 5-8F and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell NP69 were different at different time points, with temporal fluctuations. The fluctuation periods of CLOCK mRNA in CNE1, CNE2, 5-8F, and NP69 cells were 16, 14, 22 and 24 hours, respectively. The peak and trough times were ZT10: 40 and ZT18: 40, ZT10 and ZT3, ZT14: 30 and ZT3: 30, ZT12: 39 and ZT0: 39, respectively. CLOCK mRNA and protein expression levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues (0.37±0.20 and 0.20±0.26, respectively) were lower than those in nasopharyngeal chronic inflammation tissues (1.00±0.00 and 0.51±0.41, respectively, P<0.05). The 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group (CLOCK protein expression level ≥ 0.178) were 96.2%, 92.1%, and 80.1%, respectively, which were higher than those in the low expression group (CLOCK protein expression level <0.178, 92.9% , 78.6% and 57.1%, respectively, P=0.009). The 1, 3, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group were 96.2%, 87.8%, and 87.7%, respectively, which were higher than those in the low expression group (92.7%, 82.2%, and 70.8%, respectively, P=0.105). Compared with the low-expression group (100.0%, 96.9%, and 90.0%, respectively), the 1, 3, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group (100.0%, 95.7%, and 95.7%, respectively) were not statistically significant (P=0.514). Compared with the low-expression group (92.7%, 82.2%, and 79.3%), the 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates without metastasis in the CLOCK protein high expression group (96.2%, 92.0%, and 92.0%, respectively) were not statistically significant (P=0.136). CLOCK protein expression and T stage were independent prognostic factors of overall survival (P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression of CLCOK is downregulated in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell and nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues. Clock gene CLOCK is rhythmically expressed in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Compared with normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, the fluctuation period of CLOCK in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells is shortened. The overall survival of patients in the CLOCK protein high expression group is better than that of low expression group. The expression of CLOCK protein is an independent influencing factor for overall survival. CLOCK gene may be a potential tumor suppressor gene in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[The effect of extended depth of focus contact lenses on the accommodation of presbyopic eyes].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of extended depth of focus contact lenses on the accommodation of presbyopic eyes. Methods: It was a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty eyes of 30 emmetropic volunteers (15 males, 15 females) who were staff or family members of Hainan Eye Hospital, aged (49.6±4.5) years, were selected. Non-dominant eyes were fitted with soft contact lenses with an extended depth of field. The subjects and examiners were double-blind. Visual acuities of the subjects were examined at 5 m, 40 cm and 60 cm distance before and after the contact lens wear. Meanwhile, the monocular accommodative amplitude, monocular accommodative facility (±1.00 D), accommodative response, binocular positive/negative relative accommodation and accommodation convergence/accommodation at 40 cm distance were measured. The data were analyzed by paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test before and after the contact lens wear, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Before and after the contact lens wear, the visual acuity at 40 cm was 4.59±0.14 and 4.69±0.10, and the difference was statistically significant (t=4.16, P<0.01). The visual acuity at 60 cm was 4.74±0.10 and 4.74±0.12, and the difference had no statistical significance (t=0.626, P>0.05). The distance visual acuity was 5.00±0.06 and 4.96±0.06, and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.89, P<0.01). The monocular accommodative amplitude was significantly improved from (3.26±0.26) D to (4.00±0.51) D (t=7.59, P<0.01). The monocular accommodative facility was also significantly improved from (2.67±1.60) cyc/min to (3.53±1.87) cyc/min (t=2.17, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the positive and negative relative accommodation (t=1.90, 0.66; P>0.05). The accommodation convergence/accommodation and adjustment lag had no statistical significance (Z=0.83, 0.11; P>0.05). Conclusion: Wearing contact lenses with an extended depth of field can improve the near vision and accommodation of presbyopes (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57:292-296).

[Analysis of follow-up results of chrono-chemotherapy or conventional chemotherapy combined with intensity modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term effect and safety of chrono-chemotherapy combined with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: 160 patients with locally advanced NPC were randomly divided into a chrono group and conventional group according to random number table. In the first stage, all patients underwent two cycles of induced chemotherapy, consisting of docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-Fu every 21 days. Notably, patients received chrono-moduated chemotherapy according to circadian rhythm in the chrono group, and conventional chemotherapy in the conventional group. Then, 21 days after the completion of first stage, three cycles of concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy every 21 days were given to all patients during IMRT. The median follow-up after the completion of radiotherapy was 31 months. Long-term side effects and the survival of patients were observed. Results: Patients in the chrono group had significantly lower rates of hearing loss (22.72%), dysphagia (0) and neck fibrosis (4.54%) compared with those in the conventional group (39.13%、8.69%, 15.94%, respectively, all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the 1- year overall survival rates (97.0% vs 92.8%), 3-year overall survival rates (80.3% vs 81.2%), 1-year progression free survival rates (95.5% vs 87.0%), 3-year progression free survival rates (71.2% vs 73.9%), 1-year locoregional relapse-free survival rates (97.0% vs 95.7%), 1-year locoregional relapse-free survival rates (92.4% vs 92.8%), 1-year distant metastasis-free survival rates (97.0% vs 98.6%) and 3-year distant metastasis-free survival rates (90.9% vs 91.3%) between the chrono group and the conventional group were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with conventional chemotherapy, chrono-chemotherapy combined with IMRT didn't affect long-term survival, but reducing the incidence of adverse events in patients with locally advanced NPC.

[The influence of different corneal diameters on Belin/Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display of Pentacam corneal topography].

Objective: To investigate the effect of corneal diameter on Belin/Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display (BAD). Methods: Retrospective case series study. The subjects were 6 744 myopic patients, including 3 341 males and 3 403 females, who had undergone corneal refractive surgery or had completed preoperative examination but had not undergone corneal refractive surgery at the Army Medical Center and Chongqing Vision Institute in Chongqing from June 2017 to June 2019. Age was (23.74±5.73) years old. No patients had keratoconus. One eye of each patient was randomly included, and the patients were divided into groups according to the corneal diameter measured by Pentacam. Group A included 630 patients (630 eyes) with corneal diameter ≤ 11.1 mm. In group B, there were 4 063 patients (4 063 eyes) with corneal diameter of 11.2 to 11.8 mm. In group C, there were 2 051 patients (2 051 eyes) with corneal diameter ≥11.9 mm. Preoperative BAD parameters of deviation of front elevation difference map (Df), deviation of back elevation difference map (Db), deviation of average pachymetric progression index (Dp), deviation of minimum thickness (Dt), deviation of Ambrósio's relational thickness maximum (Da) and overall deviation value (Do) were measured by Pentacam. One-way analysis of variance was used for preoperative BAD parameters comparison between groups. The distribution of normal, suspicious and pathological results of Df, Db, Dp, Dt, Da and Do in each group was tested by chi-square test. Results: In groups A, B and C, Df was 0.73±1.14, 0.48±1.02, and 0.11±0.91, Db was 1.09±1.07, 0.23±0.83, and-0.34±0.62, Dp was 1.57±0.91, 1.14±0.86, and 0.68±0.75, Dt was -0.11±0.84, -0.2±0.82, and 0.03±0.78, Da was 0.78±0.61, 0.64±0.64, and 0.48±0.64, and Do was 1.65±0.64, 1.24±0.60, and 0.86±0.55, respectively. The BAD parameters of Df (F=129.549), Db (F=829.491), Dp (F=344.373), Dt (F=7.249), Da (F=68.637) and Do (F=524.877) were all significantly different between groups (P<0.01). The proportion of suspicious and pathological BAD parameters [Df (χ²=161.8), Db (χ²=611.75), Dp (χ²=478.84), Da (χ²=44.636), and Do (χ²=553.11)] suggested the distribution in each group was significantly different (P<0.01). Conclusions: Corneal diameter had a significant influence on BAD. Compared with eyes with large corneas, the false positive rate of BAD was higher in eyes with small corneas.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 761-767).

[Renal cell carcinoma in patients with end-stage renal disease: a clinicopathological analysis].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: The clinicopathological data of patients of renal cell carcinoma arising in end-stage renal disease were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (ten cases) and 971 Hospital of PLA Navy (five cases) from January 2009 to August 2018. Results: Among 15 patients, 14 were male and 1 was female, and the age ranged from 38 to 78 years (mean 51 years, median 49 years). All patients had history of chronic renal failure (7-192 months), including 9 patients treated with hemodialysis for 6 to 132 months. In 12 cases the tumor border was distinct and the tumor size ranged from 1.8 to 11.0 cm. Two cases were multifocal and one case showed extensive renal hemorrhage with an inconspicuous tumor mass. Microscopically, 9 cases were clear cell reanl cell carcinoma including one with sarcomatoid differentiation, 4 were acquired cystic kidney disease-associated(ACKD-RCC) and two were papillary renal cell carcinoma. All patients had a follow-up of 3 to 120 months. Four patients died during a follow-up of 6 to 60 months (mean 30 months) as a result of extensive distant metastases (two cases) and renal failure (two cases), while other eleven patients were alive without tumor recurrence or metastasis (median 40.8 months of follow-up ranging from 3 to 120 months). Conclusions: ESRD-RCC is more often seen in younger male patients. The time intervals from the onset of chronic renal failure to the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma differ and tumors are frequently incidental findings. The histological types can be sporadic renal cell carcinoma or unique ACKD-RCC. Tumors are often hemorrhagic and necrotic. Routine physical examination and early detection could benefit ESRD-RCC patients. ESRD-RCC may have a favorable prognosis despite of a large tumor size or the presence of sarcomatoid differentiation.

[Effect of different medication time prior to corneal refractive surgery on tear film stability].

Objective: To investigate the effect of different medication time prior to corneal refractive surgery on tear film stability. Methods: Prospective cohort study. A total of 60 patients (60 eyes), including 38 males (63.3%) and 22 females (37.7%) with an average age of (24.2±5.1) years (form 18 to 37 years), who had planned for corneal refractive surgery with normal ocular surface disease index score were included in this study. The patients were divided into 1d group (medication of 1 day, 30 eyes) and 3d group (medication of 3 days, 30 eyes) randomly. The first tear break up time (FBUT), the average tear break up time (AVBUT) and the dry eye grade score were recorded on the examination day and the operation day with Keratograph 5M. The difference of FBUT and AVBUI between the two groups was compared with the independent sample t test. The difference of FBUT and AVBUT between the examination day and the operation day was compared with the paired t test. The difference of the dry eye classification between the two groups was compared using chi-square test. Results: The FBUT and AVBUT of 1d group and 3d group were (10.89±5.19)s and (10.88±6.82)s, (16.24±3.62)s and (16.21±4.74)s respectively in preoperative examination, and (10.65±6.03)s and (8.14±5.75)s, (15.14±5.30)s and (12.86±5.92)s respectively in operation day. There was no significant difference in FBUT and AVBUT between the two groups (t=0.01, 1,47, 0.02, 1.44; P>0.05). However, in the 3d group, the AVBUT of operation day decreased as compared with that of the examination day, and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.31, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of dry eye classification between the two groups (χ(2)=0.07, 3.36; P>0.05). Conclusion: Both of medication of 1 day and medication of 3 days prior to corneal refractive surgery can provide a similar tear film stability, however more attention should be paid to the medication for patients with asymptomatic but abnormal BUT. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 744-747).

[Observational study on the impact of corneal power on refractive status of patients after small incision lenticule extraction surgery].

Objective: To observe the change of refractive status and possible influencing factors for patients with different corneal power who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Methods: Prospective cohort study was performed for patients who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery at Daping Hospital and Research Institute of Surgery of Third Military Medical University between January and August 2016. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their corneal power: low curvature group (K(1)≤41.00 D), common curvature group (41.00 D

[Effects and its mechanism of Nimotuzumab on radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma ECA-109 and TE-13 cell lines].

Objective: To investigate the effects of nimotuzumab on radiosensitivity of ECA-109 and TE-13 esophageal carcinoma cell lines and explore its possible mechanism. Methods: The ECA-109 and TE-13 cells were divided into control group, irradiation group, medicine group, and combined group (irradiation + medicine). In the combined group, ECA-109 and TE-13 cells were treated with nimotuzumab for 24 h before irradiation, and the cells were collected 2 h after irradiation. The radiosensitizing effects of nimotuzumab on ECA-109 and TE-13 cells were evaluated by clone formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of EGFR, p-EGFR, DNA-PKcs, p-DNA-PKcs and γH2AX. Results: The values of Dq (quasithreshold dose), D0(mean lethal dose)and SF2 (surviving fraction at 2 Gy) of ECA-109 and TE-13 cells in the combined group were significantly lower than those of the radiation group (for ECA-109 cells, 1.11 vs. 1.72, 1.40 vs. 2.14, 0.42 vs. 0.66, respectively; for TE-13 cells, 0.41 vs. 0.46, 0.43 vs. 0.65, 0.40 vs. 0.71, respectively (all P<0.05). The sensitivity enhancement ratio (SER) of ECA-109 and TE-13 cells were 1.35 and 1.43, respectively. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of ECA-109 and TE-13 cells in the combined group were significantly higher than those of the radiation group [for ECA-109 cells, (41.31±1.52)% vs. (9.54±0.52)%; for TE-13 cells, (46.28±0.28)% vs. (11.32±0.31)%, both P<0.01]. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of EGFR and DNA-PKcs were not significantly different in all groups (all P>0.05). Compared with those of the control group, p-EGFR and p-DNA-PKcs of the radiation group were significantly higher in both cell lines (P<0.05), and the γH2AX levels in the radiation group and medicine group were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with those of the radiation group and medicine group, p-EGFR and p-DNA-PKcs protein expression in the combined group were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while γH2AX protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions: Nimotuzumab can enhance the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer ECA-109 and TE-13 cells. The potential mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation and down-regulation of DNA damage repair proteins. The radiosensitizing effect of nimotuzumab is greater on poorly differentiated esophageal cancer cells.

[Evaluation and establishment of Mongolian gerbil model of long-term infection of Helicobacter pylori with highly-expressed thioredoxin-1 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a Mongolian gerbils model by long-term infection of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) with highly-expressed thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) gene and to investigate the histopathological findings of gastric mucosa in Mongolian gerbils. METHODS: In this study, 75 healthy male Mongolian gerbils were randomly divided into 3 groups: Hp with highly-expressed Trx1 gene group (n=30), Hp with lowly-expressed Trx1 gene group (n=30), and control group (n=15). The animals underwent gastric perfusion of Hp suspension once a week for 5 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 4, 20, 34, 48, 70, and 90 weeks after inoculation for detecting Hp colonization by rapid urease test and Warthin-Starry silver staining and histological examination, respectively. RESULTS: (1) The Mongolian gerbil model of long-term infection of Hp with highly-expressed Trx1 gene and lowly-expressed Trx1 gene were successfully established. (2) The macroscopic mucosal lesions, including erythema, uneven, erosion, nodules, etc. could be observed in experimental groups. The severity of lesions and the time when lesions occurred in Hp with highly-expressed Trx1 gene group were heavier/earlier than that in Hp with lowly-expressed Trx1 gene group. (3) Histopathologically, the gastric mucosa of Hp with highly-expressed Trx1 gene group showed the mild dysplastic hyperplasia of epithelial cells 34 weeks after the Hp inoculation, and the time was in the 48th week in Hp with lowly-expressed Trx1 gene group. At the end of the 90th week after Hp inoculation, the gastric adenocarcinoma could be detected in the two experimental groups (71.4% vs. 42.8%). The difference between the two experimental groups did not reach statistical significance (P=0.592), which might be due to the small sample capacity and/or short observation time. In addition, there were 2 cases with severe epithelial dysplastic hyperplasia in Hp with highly-expressed Trx1 gene group, and only 3 cases with moderate epithelial dysplastic hyperplasia in Hp with lowly-expressed Trx1 gene group. The uninfected control animals showed no abnormal findings throughout the entire observation period. CONCLUSION: Hp with highly-expressed/lowly-expressed Trx1 gene colonizes stably in the glandular gastric mucosa of Mongolian gerbils. The histological changes after infection are similar to those of the Hp infected human being, and Hp with highly-expressed Trx1 gene cause the injury of gastric mucosa and the occurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma. Trx1 maybe the virulence factor that participates in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and Hp expressing high levels of Trx1 should be highly toxic for gastric diseases in China.

Ultrasound Findings of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm in Bile Duct and the Added Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To investigate the imaging features of intraductal papillary neoplasm in bile duct (IPNB) on baseline ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging features on baseline ultrasound and CEUS in 16 pathologically proven IPNB lesions in 15 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Real-time contrast specific modes and contrast agent of SonoVue were used for CEUS. RESULTS: Bile duct dilation was present in all patients. The mean lengths for the intraductal papillary adenomas and adenocarcinomas were 2.5 ± 1.1 (range, 1.2 - 4.2 cm) and 5.6 ±â€Š2.0 cm (range, 3.3 - 9.8 cm) (P = 0.004). Three imaging types of IPNB on ultrasound were depicted: bile duct dilation with intraductal mass (n = 8), bile duct dilation without intraductal mass (n = 3), and cystic-solid mixed type (n = 5). On CEUS, solid components of 13 lesions appeared hyper- (n = 12) or iso-enhancement (n = 1) in the arterial phase whereas all showed hypo-enhancement in the portal and late phases. For 3 lesions of bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, CEUS showed non-enhancement during all phases. Pre-surgical CEUS and conventional ultrasound made correct diagnoses in 12 (75.0 %) and 5(31.3 %) of 16 IPNBs respectively (P = 0.04). For CECT, correct diagnosis was also achieved in 12 (75.0 %) of 16 lesions (P = 1.00, in comparison with CEUS). CONCLUSIONS: IPNB should be taken into consideration when intraductal mass or cystic-solid mass with bile duct dilation, or remarkable bile duct dilation without intraductal mass, are found on US. Intraductal mass length > 3.0 cm is more commonly found in malignant IPNB. CEUS might facilitate the diagnosis of IPNB by easily excluding the possibility of commonly found sludge, nonshadowing stones, or blood clots.

Levels of sparganum infections and phylogenetic analysis of the tapeworm Spirometra erinaceieuropaei sparganum in wild frogs from Henan Province in central China.

Sparganosis is a serious food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by infection with Spirometra spargana. The prevalence of sparganum infection in wild frogs (Rana nigromaculata, R. limmochari, R. temporaria and Bufo gargarizans) was investigated in Henan Province of central China during 2008-2012. Of 3482 caught wild frogs, 565 (16.23%) were found to be infected with plerocercoids (spargana) of the genus Spirometra. Spargana were found in 14.85% (320/2155) of R. nigromaculata, 20.82% (233/1119) of R. limmochari and 10.91% (12/110) of R. temporaria frogs. However, no sparganum was found in B. gargarizans. To investigate the phylogenetic position of collected spargana, three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions, namely cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and 3 (cox1 and cox3), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (nad4), were amplified, sequenced and analysed. Sequences of cox1, cox3 and pnad4 were 417, 390 and 578 bp in length, respectively. The base composition of cox1, cox3 and pnad4 were generally AT rich with a mean of 63.5%, 68.3% and 67% AT, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the sparganum isolates in Henan Province represented Spirometra erinaceieuropaei and were a well-supported clade. These findings demonstrated clearly the usefulness of the three mtDNA sequences for molecular identification and population genetics studies of S. erinaceieuropaei spargana of human and animal health significance.

[Correlation between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary flow reserve in coronary heart disease patients with no chest pain].

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness is associated with coronary flow reserve (CFR) and could be used to detect coronary microvascular dysfunction. METHODS: We enrolled 62 nondiabetic patients who underwent computed tomography angiography or invasive coronary angiography and had no obstructive coronary artery disease. CFR and EAT thickness were measured by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE). RESULTS: In the study, a total of 62 patients were enrolled, echocardiographic coronary flow reserve were obtained in 61 of the patients with a mean age of (59±10) years. 34 patients (56%) had reduced CFR (CFR<3, 2.52±0.32) suggesting microvascular dysfunction and 27 patients (44%) had normal CFR (CFR≥3, 3.56±0.52). EAT thickness was significantly increased in the patients with microvascular dysfunction as compared with those without [(3.4±0.8) mm vs. (2.3±0.6) mm, P<0.001]. EAT thickness was strongly related to CFR (r=-0.668, P<0.001). By Logistic regression analysis, EAT thickness was the independent predictor of coronary microvascular dysfunction (OR=7.78, 95%CI: 2.44-24.79). EAT thickness>2.9 mm had 82.4% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity to detect CFR<3 (area under ROC curve 0.860, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: EAT thickness was significantly increased in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction. EAT thickness was independently associated with impaired CFR. EAT>2.9 mm had high sensitivity and specificity to detect coronary microvascular dysfunction.

[Analysis of DMD gene variants in a single center].

Objective: To investigate the DMD genetic variants of the Chinese population with Duchenne (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophies (BMD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2 690 unrelated patients with DMD and BMD aged 0-18 who visited the Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2005 to February 2022. The clinical data, such as gender, age, clinical manifestations, and address, were collected. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, next generation sequencing panel, Sanger sequencing, and PCR amplification were used to detect the variants of the DMD gene in the patients, whose clinical information and gene detection results were descriptively analyzed. Results: The 2 690 patients included 2 648 males and 42 females, with an age of 6.0 (4.0, 9.0) years. The serum creatine kinase increased in all patients. Pathogenic DMD gene variants were detected in the 2 618 patients, including 1 875 cases (71.6%) large deletions, 231 cases (8.8%) duplications, and 512 cases (19.6%) small variants. Among the deletion variants, the deletion of 3 exons was the most common, accounting for 15.4% (288/1 875); and hotspot deletion involved exons 45 to 50, accounting for 6.3% (119/1 875). Exon 2 was the most common type duplication region, accounting for 13.0% (30/231). Small variants were distributed in all 79 exons of the DMD gene, with no hotspots. In addition, the 46 small variants were previously unreported. Conclusion: Exon deletion is the most common type of DMD gene variant, followed by small variants and exon duplication.

Development of a real-time impedance matching system for ion cyclotron resonance heating in experimental advanced superconducting tokamak.

To achieve stable operation of an ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) system in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), a real-time impedance matching system needs to be established to respond to antenna load variation during long pulse discharges. A new impedance matching method based on capacitors was proposed in this study. By considering the reflected voltage of the transmission line as the feedback parameter, the real-time impedance-matching system can quickly control the motors based on a programmable logic controller to determine the minimum reflection voltage. A real-time impedance matching system was successfully used on the test platform in the laboratory and on the ICRH system in EAST. A significant result is that we can match the variable impedance within 1 s by suitably adjusting the motor controller to ensure high-power and long-pulse operation of the ICRH system to satisfy the requirements of the EAST experiment.

Author Correction: Experimental study on thioredoxin redox inhibitor 1-methylpropyl 2-imidazolyl disulfide promoting apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2022; 26 (4): 1283-1292. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202202_28121-PMID: 35253185-published online on December 15, 2022. After publication, the authors corrected the order of the author's affiliations as follows: Q.-D. Lin1,2,3,4, L.-N. Liu1,2,3,4, X.-Y. Liu1,2, Y. Yan1,2, B.-J. Fang1,2,3,4, Y.-L. Zhang1,2,3,4, J. Zhou1,2,3,4, Y.-F. Li1,2,3,4, W.-L. Zuo1,2,3,4, Y.-P. Song1,2,3,4 1Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China 2Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China 3Henan Key Lab of Experimental Hematology, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China 4Henan Institute of Hematology, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/28121.

Magnetic navigation in ultrasound-guided interventional radiology procedures.

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of magnetic navigation in ultrasound (US)-guided interventional procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who were scheduled for US-guided interventional procedures (20 liver cancer ablation procedures and 17 other procedures) were included. Magnetic navigation with three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3D US, and position-marking magnetic navigation were used for guidance. The influence on clinical outcome was also evaluated. RESULTS: Magnetic navigation facilitated applicator placement in 15 of 20 ablation procedures for liver cancer in which multiple ablations were performed; enhanced guidance in two small liver cancers invisible on conventional US but visible at CT or MRI; and depicted the residual viable tumour after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver cancer in one procedure. In four of 17 other interventional procedures, position-marking magnetic navigation increased the visualization of the needle tip. Magnetic navigation was beneficial in 11 (55%) of 20 ablation procedures; increased confidence but did not change management in five (25%); added some information but did not change management in two (10%); and made no change in two (10%). In the other 17 interventional procedures, the corresponding numbers were 1 (5.9%), 2 (11.7%), 7 (41.2%), and 7 (41.2%), respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Magnetic navigation in US-guided interventional procedure provides solutions in some difficult cases in which conventional US guidance is not suitable. It is especially useful in complicated interventional procedures such as ablation for liver cancer.