Uric acid is negatively associated with cognition in the first- episode of schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: We explored the relationship between levels of serum uric acid (UA) and cognitive impairment in people with schizophrenia to order to better protect and improve cognitive function in such patients. METHODS: A uricase method evaluated serum UA levels in 82 individuals with first-episode schizophrenia and in 39 healthy controls. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the event-related potential P300 were used to assess the patient's psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functioning. The link between serum UA levels, BPRS scores, and P300 was investigated. RESULTS: Prior to treatment, serum UA levels and latency N3 in the study group were significantly higher than in the control group, whereas the amplitude P3 was considerably lower. After therapy, the study group's BPRS scores, serum UA levels, latency N3, and amplitude P3 were lower than before treatment. According to correlation analysis, serum UA levels in the pre-treatment study group significantly positively correlated with BPRS score and latency N3 but not amplitude P3. After therapy, serum UA levels were no longer substantially related to the BPRS score or amplitude P3 but strongly and positively correlated with latency N3. CONCLUSIONS: First-episode schizophrenia patients have higher serum UA levels than the general population which partly reflects poor cognitive performance. Improving patients' cognitive function may be facilitated by lowering serum UA levels.

[Comparison of prognosis of elderly patients with gastric and colorectal tumors receiving different nutritional support treatments].

Objective: To compare the prognosis of elderly patients with gastric and colorectal cancer treated with different nutritional support methods. Methods: Elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors who received surgical treatment in Beijing Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively included and divided into malnourished group and non-malnourished group according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). The patients were divided into parenteral nutrition (PN) group, enteral nutrition (EN) group and enteral+parenteral nutrition (EN+PN) group according to the nutritional support. The prognosis of patients with different nutritional support treatment was compared. Results: A total of 426 elderly patients with gastric and colorectal tumors underwent surgical treatment were included, including 287 males and 139 females, aged 65-91 (72±6) years. There were 186 cases in malnourished group and 240 cases in non-malnourished group. A total of 257 patients received nutritional support therapy, including 108 cases in PN group, 48 cases in EN group and 101 cases in EN+PN group. The body mass index (BMI) of malnutrition group was lower than that of non-malnutrition group [(20.5±3.4) vs (23.7±2.8) kg/m2, P<0.001], and the score of nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) [M (Q1, Q3)] was higher than that of non-malnutrition group [4 (4, 5) vs 2 (2, 3) points, P<0.001]. The total hospitalization time of patients in EN group was shorter than that in PN group and EN+PN group [(11.9±4.0) vs (16.5±6.5) and (19.2±7.1) d, all P<0.001]. The total hospitalization time in PN group was shorter than that in EN+PN group [(16.5±6.5) vs (19.2±7.1) d, P=0.005]. The total incidence of complications in EN group was lower than that in PN group [0 vs 9.3% (10/108), P=0.030] and EN+PN group [0 vs 19.8% (20/101), P<0.001]. The incidence of total complications in PN group was lower than that in EN+PN group [9.3% (10/108) vs 19.8% (20/101), P=0.030]. Conclusion: Among the three nutritional supportive treatment modalities: EN, PN, and EN+PN, patients receiving EN support treatment have a shorter total hospitalization time and a lower complication rate.

Exome-wide screening identifies novel rare risk variants for bone mineral density.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is an independent risk factor of osteoporosis-related fractures. We performed gene-based burden tests to assess the association between rare variants and BMD, and identified several BMD candidate genes. PURPOSE: BMD is highly heritable and a major predictor of osteoporotic fractures, but its genetic basis remains unclear. We aimed to identify rare risk variants contributing to BMD. METHODS: Utilizing the newly released UK Biobank 200,643 exome dataset, we conducted a gene-based exome-wide association study in males and females, respectively. First, 100,639 males and 117,338 females with BMD values were included in the polygenic risk scores (PRS) analysis. Among individuals with lower 30% PRS, cases were individuals with top 10% BMD, and individuals with bottom 10% BMD were the controls. Considering the effects of vitamin D (VD), individuals with the highest 30% VD concentration were selected for VD-BMD analysis. After quality control, 741 males and 697 females were included in the BMD analysis, and 717 males and 708 females were included in the VD-BMD analysis. The variants were annotated by ANNOVAR software, then BMD and VD-BMD qualified variants were imported into the SKAT R-package to perform gene-based burden tests, respectively. RESULTS: The gene-based burden test of the exonic variants identified genome-wide candidate associations in ANKRD18A (P = 1.60 × 10-5, PBonferroni adjust = 2.11 × 10-3), C22orf31 (P = 3.49 × 10-4, PBonferroni adjust = 3.17 × 10-2), and SPATC1L (P = 1.09 × 10-5, PBonferroni adjust = 8.80 × 10-3). For VD-BMD analysis, three genes were associated with BMD, such as NIPAL1 (P = 1.06 × 10-3, PBonferroni adjust = 3.91 × 10-2). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that rare variants contribute to BMD, providing new sights for broadening the genetic structure of BMD.

[Tumor Mechanomedicine].

Malignant tumors represent a significant health challenge, critically impacting human well-being. Historically, the focus has been on leveraging the biochemical cues of tumors for both diagnosis and treatment. While valuable, this strategy does not capture the full complexity of tumor diagnosis and management. Recently, the integration of biomechanics and mechanobiology with oncology has highlighted the importance of mechanical cues, which have emerged as new hallmarks of tumors, opening potential novel routes for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Despite the advances, a thorough literature review suggests a pronounced gap in our understanding of the mechanical properties of tumors. The clinical community has not yet completely recognized the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of the mechanical cues of tumors. To bridge this knowledge gap, we propose and introduce the paradigm of "Tumor Mechanomedicine". We provide a comprehensive overview of the multi-scale mechanical characteristics of tumors, exploring their influence on tumor biology, from the aspects of tumor biomechanics, tumor mechanobiology, tumor mechanodiagnostics, and tumor mechanotherapeutics. By elucidating the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of these mechanical cues, we aim to furnish the oncology community with fresh insights, paving the way for innovative solutions to persistent clinical conundrums.

[Two cases of acute chlorfenapyr poisoning and literature review].

In recent years, chlorfenapyr poisoning has gradually increased in clinical practice, but the case fatality rate remains high. At present, the research on its poisoning mechanism and clinical characteristics is limited, and there is no effective treatment. In order to summarize the clinical characteristics of chlorfenapyr poisoning, in order to guide the clinical treatment, this article reported 2 cases of acute chlorfenayr poisoning and 21 cases of literature review, and summarized the clinical characteristics of chlorfenapyr poisoning.Most of the symptoms of gastrointestinal symptoms, profuse sweating, high fever, and changes in consciousness after chlorfenapyr poisoning, and delayed exacerbations are common, which can involve multiple organ systems such as the central nervous system, providing a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[A case of intramuscular injection of methomyl poisoning].

Methomyl is a carbamate insecticide widely used in pesticides. Most of the poisoning methods are through digestive tract, respiratory tract and skin contact. At present, there is no report of poisoning caused by intramuscular injection. A case of poisoning caused by intramuscular injection of methomyl was analyzed retrospectively. About 4 minutes later, cholinergic crisis and central inhibition occurred. Venovenous-Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and atropine were given quickly. Finally, the patient was successfully rescued and had a good prognosis. After intramuscular injection of methomyl, cholinergic crisis can occur rapidly, and the onset rate is significantly faster than that of digestive tract, respiratory tract and skin contact.

Glucocorticoids promote CCL20 expression in keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are generally envisioned as immunosuppressive, but in conditions such as rosacea and perioral dermatitis they can lead to increased skin inflammation. In lung epithelia, GCs promote expression of the proinflammatory cytokine CCL20, which contributes to steroid-resistant asthma. In the skin, CCL20 stimulates inflammation by recruiting T helper 17 T lymphocytes and dendritic cells, and is elevated in papulopustular rosacea. OBJECTIVES: To understand if, and how, GCs affect CCL20 expression in human keratinocytes. CCL20 expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. METHODS: Selective inhibition of candidate genes and signalling pathways was performed using RNA interference and chemical inhibitors. The binding of activated GC receptor to genomic DNA was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and enhancer activity of genomic sequences was measured with a reporter assay. RESULTS: We found that GC treatment increased CCL20 expression in human keratinocytes and murine skin, both in the undisturbed state and with tumour necrosis factor-α stimulation. GC repressed proinflammatory signalling pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B and p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase, but these inhibitory effects were opposed by the direct binding of activated GC receptor to the CCL20 enhancer, promoting CCL20 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Viewed together, these findings demonstrate a mechanism by which GCs induce expression of CCL20 in keratinocytes, which may contribute to the inflammation seen in steroid-exacerbated skin conditions.

Polypharmacy, functional outcome and treatment effect of intravenous alteplase for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Polypharmacy is an important challenge in clinical practice. Our aim was to determine the effect of polypharmacy on functional outcome and treatment effect of alteplase in acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of the randomized, placebo-controlled WAKE-UP trial of magnetic resonance imaging guided intravenous alteplase in unknown onset stroke. Polypharmacy was defined as an intake of five or more medications at baseline. Comorbidities were assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The primary efficacy variable was favourable outcome defined by a score of 0-1 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days. Logistic regression analysis was used to test for an association of polypharmacy with functional outcome, and for interaction of polypharmacy and the effect of thrombolysis. RESULTS: Polypharmacy was present in 133/503 (26%) patients. Patients with polypharmacy were older (mean age 70 vs. 64 years; p < 0.0001) and had a higher score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at baseline (median 7 vs. 5; p = 0.0007). A comorbidity load defined by a CCI score ≥ 2 was more frequent in patients with polypharmacy (48% vs. 8%; p < 0.001). Polypharmacy was associated with lower odds of favourable outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.85; p = 0.0099), whilst the CCI score was not. Treatment with alteplase was associated with higher odds of favourable outcome in both groups, with no heterogeneity of treatment effect (test for interaction of treatment and polypharmacy, p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: In stroke patients, polypharmacy is associated with worse functional outcome after intravenous thrombolysis independent of comorbidities. However, polypharmacy does not interact with the beneficial effect of alteplase.

CircRNA_103801 accelerates proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by sponging miR-338-3p and regulating HIF-1/Rap1/PI3K-Akt pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the roles of hsa_circRNA_103801 in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of circRNA_103801 in OS cells. Cell count kit-8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays were employed to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells. The effects of circRNA_103801 on the apoptosis of OS cells were identified by flow cytometry. The binding relationship between circRNA_103801 and miR-338-3p was verified by bioinformatics analysis. MiR-338-3p level in OS cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR. Additionally, Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression levels of HIF-1, Rap1, PI3K, and Akt in OS cells. The results showed that the expression level of circRNA_103801 was significantly up-regulated in OS patients' tissues. Inhibiting the expression level of circRNA_103801 could attenuate the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells. In addition, the down-regulated expression level of circRNA_103801 could induce cell apoptosis. The results of the luciferase reporter assay suggested that circRNA_103801 could be combined with miR-338-3p, and the RT-qPCR revealed that the miR-338-3p level in OS cells after knockdown of circRNA_103801 was elevated compared with the control group. The results of Western blotting suggested that the expression levels of HIF-1, Rap1, PI3K, and Akt were elevated in OS cells. In conclusion, the circRNA_103801-miR-3388-3p-HIF-1/Rap1/PI3K-Akt pathway could be a therapeutic target of OS.

Evaluation of the probiotic and functional potential of Lactobacillus agilis 32 isolated from pig manure.

Escherichia coli is a symbiotic bacterium in humans and animals and an important pathogen of humans and animals. Prevention and suppression of E. coli infection is of great concern. In this study, we isolated a strain of Lactobacillus agilis 32 from pig manure and evaluated its biological characteristics, and found that its bacterial survival rate was 25% after 4 h of treatment at pH 2, and under the condition of 0·5% bile concentration, its survival rate exceeds 30%. In addition, L. agilis 32 has a cell surface hydrophobicity of 77·8%, and exhibits 67·1% auto-aggregation and 63·2% aggregation with Enterotoxigenic E. coli 10 (ETEC 10). FITC fluorescence labelling showed that the fluorescence intensity of cecum was significantly higher than that of duodenum, jejunum or colon (P < 0·05), but no significant difference from ileum. Lactobacillus agilis 32 bacterial culture and CFS showed average inhibition zone diameters of 14·2 and 15·4 mm respectively. Lactobacillus agilis 32 CFS treatment can significantly reduce the pathogenicity of ETEC 10. These results show that L. agilis 32 is an active and potential probiotic, and it has a good antibacterial effect on ETEC10, which provides basic research for probiotics to prevent and treat intestinal diarrhoea pathogen infection.

Proteomic analysis of liver tissue between fat and lean broiler lines.

1. The liver is the major site of fatty acid synthesis in chickens. Lipid metabolism in the liver correlates with the deposition of triglycerides in adipose tissue. Northeast Agricultural University broilers lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) provide a unique model to study the mechanisms of fat deposition.2. In previous studies, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the livers of fat and lean broilers were evaluated across different developmental stages. Whether protein expression differences exist between the livers of fat and lean broilers is largely unknown. The current experiment used 2D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) to screen expressed protein (DEP) spots in the liver tissues of NEAUHLF at one, four and seven weeks of age.3. Twenty-two DEPs were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS that were involved in lipid, energy, protein and amino acid metabolism, oxidative stress, cytoskeleton, and transport.4. These data furthered the understanding of the fat and lean phenotypes of broiler chickens.

[Imaging-based patient selection for mechanical thrombectomy based on time since symptom onset]. / Welche Bildgebung zur Patientenauswahl für Thrombektomie in welchem Zeitfenster?

BACKGROUND: In ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO), the indications for patient selection for endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are based on findings from brain imaging. Several imaging protocols from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available to guide treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE: To recommend the optimal choice of imaging modalities and protocols for MT with respect to time windows from symptom onset. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Evaluation of the results of large randomized placebo-controlled trials regarding imaging-based patient selection in MT categorized by time intervals since symptom onset. We discuss methodological aspects, advantages and caveats of individual stroke imaging protocols. Summary of recommendations for the practice. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In MT trials CT was mostly used for patient selection. Plain CT combined with CT angiography or additional perfusion imaging is the preferred option. In early time windows CT with CTA is adequate (≤ 6 h for MT, ≤ 4.5 h in cases of accompanying thrombolysis according to exclusion criteria). In later or unknown time windows perfusion imaging is needed for patient selection. Patients presenting with unknown time windows should be examined by MRI as a first-line choice in mild to moderate deficits, in cases of severe deficits CT imaging with perfusion imaging.

[The effects of liraglutide on body composition and muscle strength in adult obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Objective: The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of liralutide on body composition and muscle function in adult obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Method: A total of 63 adult obese type 2 diabetic patients who were (52.6±9.7) years of age and with body mass index (BMI) of ≥28 kg/m2 were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. On the basis of maintaining the original hypoglycemic regimen, patients in the control group (n=24) were given dietary guidance only, and those in the treatment group (n=39) were injected with liraglutide. All patients were followed up for a period of 12 weeks. Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) and insulin levels, liver and kidney function, body composition assessed with electrical impedance methods, and grip strength measured by a grip meter for muscle function were detected at the baseline and the end of the study. Results: Compared with those in the control group, the reductions in HbA1c [(-1.54±2.10) % vs.(-0.53±0.84) %], body weight [(-3.46±4.2) kg vs.(-0.34±3.66) kg], body fat mass [(-1.97±2.98) kg vs.(-0.01±2.16) kg] and visceral fat area [(-0.01±2.16) cm2 vs.(0.34±6.39) cm2] were more pronouced in liraglutide treated group (all P<0.05). However, no changes could be observed in muscle mass and grip strength after liraglutide treatment. Conclusions: In addition to reducing blood glucose, body weight and fat mass, treatment with lilaluptide had no impact on muscle mass and muscle function. Therefore, liralutide is suitable for obese patients with type 2 diabetes, especially for weight management patients who are at risk of muscle loss.

[Chordoid glioma: a clinicopathological study].

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features of chordoid glioma. Methods: A total of 12 cases of chordoid gliomas from 2009 to 2020 in Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University and General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical and imaging characteristics, pathologic and molecular characteristics were analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: All 12 patients (4 males and 8 females) aged from 25 to 67 years (mean 39 years) and mainly had a history of headache or/and vision loss. MRI showed that the lesions located in the third ventricle, and they showed abnormal enhancement. Pathologically, these 12 cases displayed the morphologic characteristics of chordoid gliomas, including papillary structures in two cases. Immunohistochemically, GFAP and vimentin were expressed in all 12 cases (12/12). TTF1 was also expressed in all cases (10/10). CD34 and CKpan were seen in 11 cases (11/12). EMA with dot-and/or-ring like positivity was seen in 9 cases (9/10). Tissues were available in nine chordoid gliomas for Sanger sequencing to detect PRKCA and IDH gene mutation, and eight cases (8/9) showed PRKCA gene D463H mutation. None of these cases showed IDH1 R132 and IDH2 R172 mutation. All 12 patients underwent surgery, and four were lost to follow up. The remaining eight patients were progression or recurrence free at last follow-up in January 2021. Conclusions: Chordoid gliomas have relatively distinguishing clinical and histopathological features. PRKCA gene mutation in chordoid gliomas can be considered as a biomarker for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chordoid gliomas, and may provide a direction for future targeted therapy.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure science: current knowledge, information needs, future directions.

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been documented at all spatial scales with concerns of adverse ecological and human health effects. Human exposures and relative pathway contributions depend on the specific population, their exposure scenarios, and pathways of local sources. OBJECTIVES: Provide a narrative overview of (1) current per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances knowledge for sources, concentrations, and exposures; (2) critical per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure information gaps and needs, and (3) United States Environmental Protection Agency's strategies and action plans in collaboration with other federal, industrial, and academic partners. METHODS: A literature review was conducted for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (primarily perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid) compounds in blood, water, soil, house dust, indoor and outdoor air, consumer products, food, and fish, as well as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure modeling. RESULTS: Large variability exists in measured per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances environmental concentrations and human exposures. Literature indicated that ingestion of food ("background"), drinking water ("contaminated" scenarios), and house dust (for children) are main pathways for perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid. DISCUSSION: Needs for addressing critical data gaps are identified. More information is available on long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances than for replacement and emerging compounds. A large-scale research effort by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies is underway for a better understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposures.

Subterahertz Momentum Drag and Violation of Matthiessen's Rule in an Ultraclean Ferromagnetic SrRuO_{3} Metallic Thin Film.

SrRuO_{3}, a ferromagnet with an approximately 160 K Curie temperature, exhibits a T^{2}-dependent dc resistivity below ≈30 K. Nevertheless, previous optical studies in the infrared and terahertz range show non-Drude dynamics at low temperatures, which seem to contradict Fermi-liquid predictions. In this work, we measure the low-frequency THz range response of thin films with residual resistivity ratios, ρ_{300K}/ρ_{4K}≈74. At temperatures below 30 K, we find both a sharp zero frequency mode which has a width narrower than k_{B}T/ℏ as well as a broader zero frequency Lorentzian that has at least an order of magnitude larger scattering. Both features have temperature dependences consistent with a Fermi liquid with the wider feature explicitly showing a T^{2} scaling. Above 30 K, there is a crossover to a regime described by a single Drude peak that we believe arises from strong interband electron-electron scattering. Such two channel Drude transport sheds light on reports of the violation of Matthiessen's rule and extreme sensitivity to disorder in metallic ruthenates.

Bio-inspired gas sensing: boosting performance with sensor optimization guided by "machine learning".

The performance of existing gas sensors often degrades in field conditions because of the loss of measurement accuracy in the presence of interferences. Thus, new sensing approaches are required with improved sensor selectivity. We are developing a new generation of gas sensors, known as multivariable sensors, that have several independent responses for multi-gas detection with a single sensor. In this study, we analyze the capabilities of natural and fabricated photonic three-dimensional (3-D) nanostructures as sensors for the detection of different gaseous species, such as vapors and non-condensable gases. We employed bare Morpho butterfly wing scales to control their gas selectivity with different illumination angles. Next, we chemically functionalized Morpho butterfly wing scales with a fluorinated silane to boost the response of these nanostructures to the vapors of interest and to suppress the response to ambient humidity. Further, we followed our previously developed design rules for sensing nanostructures and fabricated bioinspired inorganic 3-D nanostructures to achieve functionality beyond natural Morpho scales. These fabricated nanostructures have embedded catalytically active gold nanoparticles to operate at high temperatures of ≈300 °C for the detection of gases for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. Our performance advances in the detection of multiple gaseous species with specific nanostructure designs were achieved by coupling the spectral responses of these nanostructures with machine learning (a.k.a. multivariate analysis, chemometrics) tools. Our newly acquired knowledge from studies of these natural and fabricated inorganic nanostructures coupled with machine learning data analytics allowed us to advance our design rules for sensing nanostructures toward the required gas selectivity for numerous gas monitoring scenarios at room and high temperatures for industrial, environmental, and other applications.

Integrating transcriptome-wide association study and mRNA expression profiling identified candidate genes and pathways associated with osteomyelitis.

Objective: Osteomyelitis (OM) is an acute or chronic inflammatory process, characterized by severe inflammation and progressive bone destruction. Limited efforts have been made to explore the genetic basis of OM.Method: The genome-wide association study data set of OM was obtained from the UK Biobank. A transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) of OM was conducted by the FUSION tool using the gene expression reference weights of lymphocytes and blood. The OM-associated genes identified by TWAS were subjected to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis to explore OM-related gene sets. The TWAS results of OM were finally compared with a genome-wide mRNA expression profiling of OM to detect common genes and gene sets.Results: TWAS of OM detected 86 genes for lymphocytes and 387 genes for blood. Comparing the genes identified by TWAS and mRNA expression profiling detected eight common genes for OM, including VWF (pTWAS = 0.0030, pmRNA = 3.44 × 10-9), CCDC50 (pTWAS = 0.0130, pmRNA = 0.0003), and TPD52 (pTWAS = 0.0180, pmRNA = 1 × 10-6). GO analysis of the genes identified by TWAS detected multiple OM-associated GO terms, e.g. peroxisomal matrix (pTWAS = 0.0082), extracellular exosome (pTWAS = 0.0248), and monooxygenase activity (pTWAS = 0.0040). Further comparing the GO results of TWAS and mRNA expression profiling detected one common GO term, named extracellular exosome (pTWAS = 0.0248, pmRNA = 0.0027).Conclusion: This integrative study of TWAS and mRNA expression profiling detected multiple candidate genes and GO terms for OM. Our results provide novel clues for understanding the pathogenesis of OM.

Hong Kong Society of Clinical Blood Management recommendations for implementation of patient blood management.

Patient blood management (PBM) is a patient-centred, multidisciplinary approach to optimise red cell mass, minimise blood loss, and manage tolerance to anaemia in an effort to improve patient outcomes. Well-implemented PBM improves patient outcomes and reduces demand for blood products. The multidisciplinary approach of PBM can often allow patients to avoid blood transfusions, which are associated with less favourable clinical outcomes. In Hong Kong, there has been increasing demand for blood in the ageing population, and there are simultaneous blood safety and donor issues that are adversely affecting the blood supply. To address these challenges, the Hong Kong Society of Clinical Blood Management recommends implementation of a PBM programme in Hong Kong, including strategies such as optimising red blood cell mass, improving anaemia management, minimising blood loss, and rationalising the use of blood and blood products.

[Analysis of the pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 in Hubei Province].

Objective: To study the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes and neonatal prognosis in Hubei Province. Method: s A retrospective comparison of the pregnancy outcomes was done between 16 women with COVID-19 and 45 women without COVID-19. Also, the results of laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) nucleic acid test were performed in 10 cases of neonatal delivered from women with COVID-19. Result: s (1) Of the 16 pregnant women with COVID-19, 15 cases were ordinary type and 1 case was severe type. No one has progressed to critical pneumonia.The delivery method of the two groups was cesarean section, and the gestational age were (38.7±1.4) and (37.9±1.6) weeks,there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Also, there wee no significant differences in the intraoperative blood loss and birth weight of the newborn between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Ten cases of neonates delivered from pregnant women with COVID-19 were collected. The 2019-nCoV nucleic acid test were all negative.There were no significant differences in fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, preterm birth, and neonatal asphyxia between the two groups (all P>0.05).(3) In the treatment of uterine contraction fatigue, carbetocin or carboprost tromethamine was used more in cesarean section for pregnant women with COVID-19 (1.3±0.6), compared with Non-COVID-19 group (0.5±0.7),the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusions: If there is an indication for obstetric surgery or critical illness of COVID-19 in pregnant women, timely termination of pregnancy will not increase the risk of premature birth and asphyxia of the newborn, but it is beneficial to the treatment and rehabilitation of maternal pneumonia. Preventive use of long-acting uterotonic agents could reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage during surgery. 2019-nCoV infection has not been found in neonates delivered from pregnant women with COVID-19.