[Epidemiological analysis and screening mode of breast cancer screening in Fujian province from 2015 to 2018].

Objective: To analyze the screening results of breast cancer in rural women in Fujian Province from 2015 to 2018, and to explore the screening mode of breast cancer. Methods: Breast cancer screening was provided for 35-64 years old rural women in Fujian province. Color Doppler ultrasound was used as the primary screening method. Suspected patients were referred to mammography. Color Doppler ultrasound and breast X -ray 4-5 grade were diagnosed by pathology. Results: The incidence of breast cancer from 2015 to 2018 was 56.96/10 million, 94.41/10 million, 71.61/10 million, and 73.05/10 million, respectively. And the peak age of breast cancer was (46-55) years. From 2015 to 2018, the proportion of cancer in situ showed an overall upward trend. The sensitivity of color Doppler ultrasound was 79.06%, and the sensitivity of mammography for those diagnosed abnormally by ultrasound was 91.88%. Conclusion: Breast cancer screening for women of the right age is an important measure to raise the rate of early diagnosis and early treatment and reduce the mortality of breast cancer. Screening mode based on breast ultrasound is the most suitable technology. We need to further expand the coverage of screening, improve the screening system and process, and ensure the health of women.

[Dihydromyricin alleviates doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in rats].

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury and its mechanism. Methods: Twenty-four healthy male SD rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, DOX group, DOX+DHM100 group and DOX+DHM200 group. Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac function. At the end of the 6th week, the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, and the pathological changes of the cardiac tissues were observed by HE staining, Masson staining and WGA staining. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining, and protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1ß, bax and bcl-2 were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the control group, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening decreased significantly in DOX group, while left ventricular internal dimension at systole and left ventricular internal dimension at diastole increased. In DOX+DHM group, both left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening increased, while left ventricular internal dimension at systole and left ventricular internal dimension at diastole decreased (P<0.05). Furthermore, DOX group showed significant myocardial injury histologically, while DOX+DHM group significantly inhibited DOX-induced myocardial injury in rats. Meanwhile, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was found in the DOX group, while the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was notably inhibited in the DOX+DHM group. Compared with the control group, the apoptotic rates of cardiomyocytes and the levels of bax/bcl-2　ratio were significantly increased in DOX group, which were significantly alleviated in the DOX+DHM group (P<0.05). In addition, the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1ß were increased as compared with control group, while the levels of the above indicators were remarkably reversed in DOX+DHM group as compared with DOX group (P<0.05). Conclusion: DHM alleviates DOX-induced myocardial injury in rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Impact of an intervention programme on knowledge, attitudes and practices of population regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in endemic areas of Lu'an, China.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the population regarding severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in endemic areas of Lu'an in China were assessed before and after an intervention programme. The pre-intervention phase was conducted using a sample of 425 participants from the 12 selected villages with the highest rates of endemic SFTS infection. A predesigned interview questionnaire was used to assess KAP. Subsequently, an intervention programme was designed and applied in the selected villages. KAP was re-assessed for each population in the selected villages using the same interview questionnaire. Following 2 months of the programme, 339 participants had completed the re-assessed survey. The impact of the intervention programme was evaluated using suitable statistical methods. A significant increase in the KAP and total KAP scores was noted following the intervention programme, whereas the proportion of correct knowledge, the positive attitudes and the effective practices toward SFTS of respondents increased significantly. The intervention programme was effective in improving KAP level of SFTS in populations that were resident in endemic areas.

[Metformin protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice].

Objective: To explore the effect of metformin on murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Methods: A total of 30 mice were divided into 3 groups: control, BLM, and BLM with metformin, in accordance with the random number table and each group had 10 mice. To induce the pulmonary fibrosis model, a concentration of 2 mg/ml bleomycin was intratracheally administered in the BLM group and BLM with metformin group with a volume of 1.75 µl/g, while the control group accepted saline with the same volume. Metformin (200 mg/kg) was given to the mice orally once a day from the day before intratracheal instillation of bleomycin to day 14. The daily survival condition of mice was recorded during 14 days. At day 14, HE-staining was used to assess the severity of fibrosis according to the method proposed by Ashcroft. Total lung collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay and Masson's trichrome staining. To examine the expression of fibronectin we used the method of immunohistochemistry staining. The changes of Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF-ß(1)) in plasm, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung were measured by ELISA. Results: The survival rates of control group, BLM group and BLM with metformin group at day 14 were 10/10, 4/10 and 7/10 respectively. According to the method proposed by Ashcroft the score of metformin treated mice was significantly lower than that of the bleomycin model mice[(3.82±0.58) vs (7.79±0.06), (P<0.05)]. The hydroxyproline level in lung tissue were markedly attenuated in metformin treated mice compared with bleomycin model mice [(0.40±0.05) vs (0.73±0.10) µg/mg, (P<0.05)]. The level of TGF-ß(1) in plasma, BALF and lung tissue were also decreased in mice treated with metformin compared with bleomycin model mice [(2.32±0.68) vs (4.59±0.45) ng/ml, (0.81±0.09) vs (1.40±0.06) ng/ml, (17.12±0.83) vs (21.25±0.69) ng/mg, all P<0.05]. Conclusion: Metformin can reduce the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in mice induced by bleomycin.

[Investigation on depressive mood of Nurses in a Maternal and Child Hospital].

Objective: To understand the depression of nurses in the maternity and child care hospital and in order to provide references for improving the physical and mental health of nurses. Methods: A total of 679 nurses from 14 departments of a provincial maternity and child health care hospital in June 2017 were selected as the subjects to investigate the depression of nurses by questionnaire. Results: The total rate of depression was 40% in this group and the average standard of SDS was (49.45+12.02) , which was higher than the norm in our country and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01) . The average standard of SDS for nurses in different departments was higher than the norm in our country except the women's health caredepartment. The differences of the depression in age、the age for nurse、monthly income、night shift frequency、children's status、the work feelings and family support were statistically significant (The values of 2 are 12.908、9.953、10.316、19.422、11.246、41.672 and 61.434, P<0.05) . Multivariate Logistics Regression Analysis showed age、family income、night shift frequency、the work feelings、family support were risk factors of depression among nurses, by 26-35 years of age、the monthly income less than 6 000 yuan、night shift frequency (less than 5~6 days) , dislike work、family support for work in general and no support. Conclusion: The rate of depression among nurses in provincial maternity and child health care hospital is high. Hospital departments should attach great importance to the psychological problems of nurses and give psychological intervention in order to improve the mental health level of nurses.

Comparative study of 13 candidate genes applying multi-reference normalization to detect the expression of different fineness in skin tissues of wool sheep.

Fiber diameter is a useful indicator of wool traits and it is the main determinant of wool quality and value. A comparative study was conducted to analyze the abundance and expression of 13 candidate genes using expression profile microarray analysis and to identify novel molecular markers associated with wool traits to provide a molecular basis for improving wool quality in sheep. Genes associated with fineness of skin tissue were identified using a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method with 18SrRNA, ß-Actin, and GAPDH used for multi-reference normalization. The results indicated that the expression levels of TXNIP, TFDP1, and FAIM genes in super-fine type wool sheep were higher than those in fine-type wool sheep; the corresponding expression ratios of super-fine to fine wool sheep were 1.45, 1.57, and 2.55, respectively. The expression levels of PIK3CA, ADAM9, and FZD3 genes were lower in super-fine wool sheep compared with fine-type wool sheep; the corresponding expression ratios were 0.61, 0.65, and 0.52, respectively. The other genes tested (RPS6KA, ABCG2, GSTA1, PTPN13, GJB3, PPARD, and LAMB1) were similarly expressed in both types of wool sheep. These results infer that lower expression of PIK3CA, ADAM9, and FZD3 genes was associated with lower fiber diameter, whereas lower expression of TXNIP, TFDP1, and FAIM genes was associated with higher fiber diameter.

Inhibitory effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on cell growth and invasion in human bladder cancer T-24 cells.

Recently, 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) has been considered to be a potential anticancer agent but has not been investigated in bladder cancer. This study was conducted to clarify the role of 2-ME in bladder cancer cells. The bladder cancer cell line T-24 was treated with 2 µm 2-ME for 2 d. The T-24 cell viability, colony formation, invasion and apoptosis were observed in 2-ME-treated and control cells. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Then western blotting assay was applied to assess expressions of HIF-1α and apoptosis factors caspase-3 and Bcl-x proteins. The mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α in 2-ME-treated T-24 cells were remarkably lower than that of the control cells (P < 0.05). Treatment of 2-ME could significantly inhibit T-24 the cell viability, colony formation, invasion, and promote apoptosis (all P < 0.05). In addition, the protein expression of Caspase-3 was higher and that of Bcl-x protein was lower after administration of 2-ME compared to control (both P < 0.05). Collectively, we characterized the efficacy of 2-ME on bladder cancer T-24 cells as being mediated by inhibition of cell viability, colony fomation, invasion and promoting cell apoptosis, which may be achieved by suppressing HIF-1α levels. This study suggests 2-ME as a potential drug for bladder cancer therapy.

[Effect of water-soluble C(60) fullerenes on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice].

Objective: To evaluate the role of water-soluble C(60) fullerenes in mice model of lung injury and fibrosis that induced by bleomycin. Methods: A total of 20 healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control group, bleomycin group, high dose C(60) group, low dose C(60) group, each group with 5 mice. Mice were induced pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection of bleomycin except the normal control group, which was induced by saline instead. In low dose C(60) group and high dose C(60) group, 1 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) and 10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) water-soluble C(60) fullerenes was injected into mice intraperitoneally every day, which began from one day before intratracheal instillation of bleomycin until the end of observation. Saline was given to mice in the same way in normal control and bleomycin group. This study investigated the variation of weight and survival rate of mice for 14 d. HE-staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess the severity of fibrosis according to the method proposed by Ashcroft at 14th day. Total lung collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay. The changes of transforming growth factor-ß(1) (TGF-ß(1)) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in plasma, bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And, the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was tested by 2, 7-dichlorofuorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), and determined by the ratio of fluorescence intensity and protein content (OD/µg). Results: C(60) can protect mice that injured by bleomycin from weight loss. According the method proposed by Ashcroft et al.HE and Masson's trichrome staining showed that collagen deposition in lung tissue were markedly attenuated in C(60) (1 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) and 10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) treated mice compared with bleomycin model mice[(4.08±0.52), (3.00±0.41) vs (6.75±0.75) points, both P<0.01]. In low dose C(60) group and high dose C(60) group, the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were significantly lower than that in bleomycin group[(0.36±0.06), (0.35±0.08) vs (0.55±0.16) µg/mg, both P<0.05]. The level of TGF-ß(1) in BALF and lung tissue were also decreased in mice treated with C(60) (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) compared with bleomycin model mice, but the difference had no statistical significance[(9.38±5.32) vs (23.60±8.96) pg/ml, (2.89±0.35) vs (6.44±2.95) pg/mg, both P>0.05]. Also, in high dose C(60) group, the content of TNF-α in plasma, BALF and lung tissue were significantly lower than those in bleomycin group[(4.56±0.73) vs (7.21±2.26) pg/ml, (34.58±23.30) vs (151.00±27.34) pg/ml, (22.99±5.83) vs (122.90±22.04) pg/mg, all P<0.05]. In addition, Compared with bleomycin group, ROS in lung tissue was significantly decreased after treatment with C(60) (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1))[(19.68±0.91) vs (22.92±1.71) OD/µg, P<0.05]. Conclusion: Water-soluble C(60) fullerenes reduce the severity of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice.

[Computer Aided Diagnosis system of breast ultrasound based on support vector machine: a clinical analysis].

Objective: To investigate the value of based on support vector machine (SVM) breast ultrasonography technology of Computer-Assisted diagnosis (CAD) for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses. Methods: Total of 143 patients who had 151 breast masses were collected in Fujian Maternity and Children Health Hospital or The Fist Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2014 to December 2015. Based on pathological results as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficiency of CAD and ultrasonography were compared. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of ultrasonography were 80.1%, 71.0%, 76.8%, 80.0% and 72.1%, respectively. And the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CAD were 96.6%, 90.3%, 94.0%, 93.5% and 94.9%, respectively. The specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive of CAD technology were significantly higher than those of ultrasonography (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of ultrasonography and CAD were 0.759 and 0.935 respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions: CAD has a higher specificity and accuracy rate than ultrasonography in the diagnosis of breast masses. It could help to differentiate benign from malignant breast masses.

A Comparison of Natural (D-α-tocopherol) and Synthetic (DL-α-tocopherol Acetate) Vitamin E Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Oxidative Status of Broilers.

The present study was conducted to compare the supplementation of natural (D-α-tocopherol) and synthetic (DL-α-tocopherol acetate) vitamin E on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular antioxidant capacity and genes expression related to oxidative status of broilers. A total of 144 1 day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 8 birds each. Birds were given a basal diet (control group), and basal diet supplemented with either 20 IU D-α-tocopherol or DL-α-tocopherol acetate for 42 days, respectively. The results indicated that treatments did not alter growth performance of broilers (p>0.05). Compared with the control group, concentration of α-tocopherol in the breast muscle was increased by the supplementation of vitamin E (p<0.05). In the thigh, α-tocopherol content was also enhanced by vitamin E inclusion, and this effect was more pronounced in the natural vitamin E group (p<0.05). Vitamin E supplementation increased the redness of breast (p<0.05). In the contrast, the inclusion of synthetic vitamin E decreased lightness of thigh (p<0.05). Dietary vitamin E inclusion reduced drip loss at 24 h of thigh muscle (p<0.05), and this effect was maintained for drip loss at 48 h in the natural vitamin E group (p<0.05). Broilers given diet supplemented with vitamin E showed decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the breast (p<0.05). Additionally, natural rather than synthetic vitamin E reduced MDA accumulation in the thigh (p<0.05). Neither natural nor synthetic vitamin E supplementation altered muscular mRNA abundance of genes related to oxidative stress (p>0.05). It was concluded that vitamin E supplementation, especially the natural vitamin E, can enhance the retention of muscular α-tocopherol, improve meat quality and muscular antioxidant capacity of broilers.

[Latent tuberculosis infection and associated risk factors among the tuberculosis contacts in one of district in Shanghai].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI) and associated risk factors among the tuberculosis(TB) contacts in Minhang District of Shanghai. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire was used to acquire socio-demographic information and to assess the degree of exposure to index cases. LTBI screening was performed by T-SPOT.TB assay. Pearson chi-square test and Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors associated with LTBI among the TB contacts. Results: A total of 137 contacts from 59 mycobacterial (culture) positive pulmonary TB patients were enrolled in this study. In these contacts, there were 54 men and 83 women, with the average age of 42. LTBI was identified in 20% (27/137) of these contacts. Several risk factors were found by logistic analyses in this study. The worse the ventilation in the exposure location was, the more likely to develop LTBI. Contacts aged more than 60 (42.1%) were 3.9 times more likely to develop LTBI than those aged less than 60 (16.1%). Individuals in contact with TB patients for more than 40 h/week(25.8%) had a 4.2 times risk of LTBI as compared to those for less than 40 h/week(6.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI was 20% among the TB contacts in this study, highlighting the need of TB screening and intervention among TB contacts.

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes fibrosis in bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice.

The specific role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis of mice, a model of human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has not been characterized. We injected bleomycin intratracheally into TLR4 knockout (TLR4(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice. Twenty-one days after injection, mice were sacrificed and their lungs were harvested for pathological, hydroxyproline, mRNA expression, and collagen I analyses. Body weight changes and mortality were observed. Light microscopy showed that lung fibrosis was minimal in TLR4(-/-) compared to that in WT mice on day 21 after bleomycin instillation. The Ashcroft score was significantly lower in TLR4(-/-) than in WT mice (3.667 ± 0.730 vs 4.945 ± 0.880, P < 0.05). Hydroxyproline content was significantly lower in TLR4(-/-) than in WT mice on day 21 after bleomycin injection (0.281 ± 0.022 vs 0.371 ± 0.047, P < 0.05). Compared to WT mice, bleomycin-treated TLR4(-/-) mice expressed significantly lower type I collagen mRNA levels (mesenchymal marker; 11.069 ± 2.627 vs 4.589 ± 1.440, P < 0.05). Collagen I was significantly lower in TLR4(-/-) than in WT mice (0.838 ± 0.352 vs 2.427 ± 0.551, P < 0.05). Bleomycin-treated TLR4(-/-) mice had a significantly lower mortality rate on day 21 than WT mice (33 vs 75%, P < 0.05). Body weight reduction was lower in TLR4(-/-) mice than in WT mice; this difference was not statistically significant (-3.735 ± 5.276 vs -6.698 ± 3.218, P > 0.05). Thus, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis is TLR4-dependent and TLR4 promoted fibrosis in bleomycin-challenged mice.

MiR-29c mediates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human colorectal carcinoma metastasis via PTP4A and GNA13 regulation of ß-catenin signaling.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a critical role in this process. Accumulating evidence indicates that EMT can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). miR-29c has been implicated as a tumor suppressor in several human cancers. However, the role of miR-29c in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remains largely unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of miR-29c was examined by qRT-PCR in a cohort of primary CRC (PC) and distant liver metastasis (LM) tissues. A series of in vivo and in vitro assays were carried out in order to elucidate the functions of miR-29c and the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of metastatic CRC. RESULTS: miR-29c was markedly downregulated in PCs with distant metastasis and determined to be an independent predictor of shortened patient survival. But LM tissues showed higher levels of miR-29c than that in PC tissues. In CRC cells, miR-29c dramatically suppressed cell migration and invasion abilities in vitro and cancer metastasis in vivo. In addition, miR-29c inhibited EMT and negatively regulated Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Guanine nucleotide binding protein alpha13 (GNA13) and protein tyrosine phosphatase type IVA (PTP4A) were identified as direct targets of miR-29c, which acted through ERK/GSK3ß/ß-catenin and AKT/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathways, respectively, to regulate EMT. Furthermore, significant associations between miR-29c, its target genes (GNA13 and PTP4A) and EMT markers were validated in both PC and LM tissues. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the important role of miR-29c in regulating CRC EMT via GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signaling by targeting GNA13 and PTP4A and provide new insights into the metastatic basis of CRC.

Prospects of targeting JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways for vasculitis.

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels caused by autoimmunity and/or autoinflammation, and its etiology and pathogenesis remain largely unknown. The Janus kinase (JAK) and Signal transduction Transcription Activator (STAT) signal transduction pathways are a group of molecules involved in the major pathways by which many cytokines exert and integrate their functions, and their dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, current data supporting the role of the JAK/STAT pathway in the development of vasculitis is limited. In terms of treatment, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants have been the standard therapy. However, because of the huge burden of treatment side effects, people have long waited for new treatment options. JAK inhibitors reduce the production of multiple cytokines and inhibit inflammation by targeting the JAK/STAT pathway, and have the advantage of rapidly acting in oral formulations, reducing glucocorticoid dependence and associated adverse events, especially in refractory cases. Therefore, JAK inhibitors are expected to be a promising drug for the treatment of vasculitis.

Mortality associated with polymyalgia rheumatica in the United States in the 1999-2020 period: a multiple-cause-of-death study.

OBJECTIVE: Multicause-of-death methods were used to analyze mortality and leading causes of death associated with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in the United States from 1999 to 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Data analysis system and selected death certificates that listed PMR as the cause of death based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) category code. Relevant mortality rates, number of deaths and historical trends were analyzed. The number of PMR-related deaths and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) trend charts were made using Excel 2010 version and trend lines were added. RESULTS: Over the last 22 years, the total number of PMR-related deaths in the United States was 15,421 women (89.8%), a ratio of about 1:9 men to women. When PMR is listed as the underlying cause of death, the ASMR for women and men (per 100,000 people) is approximately 1.8-5.1:1, and when it is listed as the non-underlying cause of death, it is 1.8-3.3:1. PMR deaths are more frequent in individuals aged 70 years and above, with patients aged 80 years and above being most affected. Among different ethnicities, the highest number of deaths was found in Caucasians, followed by Black or African American. When it comes to causes of death, heart disease still ranks first, followed by cancer. In addition, we also found that when PMR combined with malignant tumors as a multiple cause of death, the number of female deaths was higher than that of male deaths, the overall number of deaths of both showed an upward trend, and the overall ASMR of both showed a downward trend. CONCLUSIONS: In the past 22 years, we have observed a low mortality rate of PMR in the United States. However, for patients with PMR, especially elderly women, medical workers should be vigilant and pay attention to whether they are combined with other complications, such as malignant neoplasms, and make timely diagnosis and treatment to further reduce the mortality rate of patients with PMR.

[Epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China, 2018-2021].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in China. Methods: The incidence data of SFTS in China from 2018 to 2021 were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System for a statistical and descriptive epidemiological analysis by using software such as Excel 2016, Joinpoint 5.0.2, SPSS 26.0, and GraphPad Prism 8.0, especially, the SFTS cases reported monthly by key provinces were analyzed. Results: From 2018 to 2021, a total of 8 835 SFTS cases were reported in 25 provinces and the annual incidence showed an upward trend. The distribution of SFTS cases showed clustering, but the cases were mainly sporadic ones. The cases began to increase in March, mainly occurred during April to October (96.79%,8 551/8 835), and peaked during May to July. The cases were mainly distributed in middle-aged and old farmers, and slight more cases were women. The average case fatality rate was 5.38%, which varied greatly with areas. The case fatality rate tended to increase with age. Conclusion: From 2018 to 2021, the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS in China remained stable, but the number of reported cases gradually increased and the distribution showed an expanding trend, to which close attention should be paid.

Outcomes of elderly patients with traumatic brain injury associated with the pre-injury antithrombotic prophylaxis type - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Our review aims at comparing the morbidity and mortality-related risks associated with the pre-injury administration of VK-antagonists or DOACs in elderly patients with TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the academic literature across five databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE), following PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to compare the influence of pre-injury VK-antagonists or DOACs administration on the overall intensive care unit and hospital stays of patients with TBI. We also evaluated the overall risks associated with VK-antagonists and with DOACs for intracranial hemorrhage progression, surgical intervention, and overall mortality in patients with TBI. RESULTS: From 973 studies, we found 11 eligible with 4,991 patients with traumatic brain injury (mean age, 77.82 ± 6.76 years). Our meta-analysis revealed insignificantly higher odds of surgical intervention (OR=1.72) and mortality (OR=1.07) associated with VK-antagonists administration than with DOACs administration. Similarly, we found that the intensive care unit (Hedge's g, 0.13) and hospital (g, 0.26) stays were insignificantly longer for individuals on VK-antagonists than for those on DOAC. Moreover, we observed insignificantly higher intracranial hemorrhage progression risks (OR=1.22) for individuals receiving DOACs than for those receiving VK-antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence on the morbidity and mortality-related outcomes associated with the pre-injury administration of VK-antagonists or DOACs in patients with TBI. We found no significant differences between VK-antagonists and DOACs on the overall morbidity (hospital and intensive care unit stays, intracranial hemorrhage, and surgical intervention frequency) and mortality outcomes in elderly patients with TBI.

Effect of concentrated growth factor on lower lip hypoesthesia after osseous genioplasty: a prospective, split-mouth, double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Lower lip hypoesthesia is the most common complication following osseous genioplasty. Concentrated growth factor (CGF) has recently been shown to improve neural regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concentrated growth factor on neurosensory recovery after osseous genioplasty. Patients who underwent osseous genioplasty between June 2017 and February 2020 were enrolled. CGF was applied to the mental nerve on one side. The treatment side was randomized, and the other side was considered as the control. Lower lip hypoesthesia was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively (1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 9 months) using the two-point discrimination test and a 10-point visual analogue scale (self-reported paresthesia). The assessor was blinded. Twenty-six female patients completed the study. At 1 and 3 months, both the mean two-point discrimination value and mean visual analogue scale score were significantly lower in the CGF group than in the control group (P < 0.001). At 3 months, the percentage of patients with lower lip hypoesthesia in the CGF group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Both groups showed resolution of lower lip hypoesthesia at 6 months. Concentrated growth factor may accelerate the recovery of long-standing sensory nerve impairment following mental osteotomy.