[Application of immune combination therapy in MSS/pMMR-type colorectal cancer: current status and future perspectives].

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in malignant solid tumors with remarkable efficacy. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC), ICIs have shown significant therapeutic effects only in patients with highly microsatellite unstable/mismatch repair-deficient metastatic CRC and these patients are only a minority of all CRC patients. In contrast, the majority of patients, those with microsatellite stable (MSS)/mismatch repair-complete (pMMR)-type metastatic CRC, could hardly benefit from ICI monotherapies, and immune combination therapies have become the key to solveing this clinical challenge. This article introduces the common patterns and possible mechanisms of immune-combination therapies for MSS/pMMR-type CRC, the exploration and progress made in the application of immune-combination therapies, as well as the possible predictive markers of efficacy of immune therapies. The prospects and directions of ICIs in the treatment of MSS/pMMR-type CRC are also discussed.

[Current status and future of application of spinal surgery robot in spinal deformity surgery].

At present, spinal surgical robots can be used for preoperative surgical planning, pedicle screw placement, and intervertebral processing and intervertebral fusion in spinal deformity surgery. Existing spinal surgical robots have become the main means for spinal surgery to improve surgical accuracy and safety and reduce surgical complications. However, the efficiency of robot-assisted spinal deformity surgery is lower than that of traditional surgery, and there are shortcomings such as low accuracy of robot screw placement and fewer integrated functions. This article reviews the current application status and future development trends of spinal surgical robots in spinal deformity surgery.

[Clinical outcome of posterior lumbar interbody fusion combined with Ponte osteotomy for reconstruction of coronal sagittal plane balance in degenerative scoliosis].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of posterior lumbar interbody fusion combined with Ponte osteotomy in the treatment of patients with degenerative scoliosis. Methods: The medical records and imaging data of degenerative scoliosis in department of orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively collected, and the shortest follow-up time was 1 year. A total of 38 patients were included, including 13 males and 25 females, aged 50-87(65.6±10.9) years old.The follow-up was12-119(43±20) months. Standing position full spine anteroposterior lateral X-ray examinations were performed on all patients preoperatively, postoperatively, and at latest follow-up. The length of hospital stay, complications, operation time, blood loss, instrumented segment, fusion segmen were recorded. The clinical scores and coronasagittal imaging indicators at three time points were compared. Results: The operation time was (274.5±70.5)min, and intraoperative blood loss was (619.2±93.5)ml. The coronal vertical axis was improved from (2.9±1.8)cm preoperatively to (1.2±1.0)cm postoperatively. The preoperative coronal Cobb angle was 16.6°±9.9° and the immediate postoperative correction was 6.4°±4.0°(t=-6.83, P<0.001). The difference was statistically significant (t=-6.12, P<0.001). The coronal Cobb Angle at the last follow-up was 5.7°±3.7°, and there was no significant orthopaedic loss at the last follow-up (t=-6.12, P<0.001).The sagittal vertical axis decreased from (5.6±3.9)cm preoperatively to (3.2±2.5) cm immediately after operation (t=-6.83,P<0.001), and was well maintained at the last follow-up[(2.7±1.8) cm,t=-7.77,P<0.001]. Lumbar lordosis increased from 21.8°±10.2° preoperatively to 35.8°±8.3° postoperatively(t=12.01, P<0.001)and 40.1°±8.6° at last follow-up(t=-10.21, P<0.001). Oswestry disability score (ODI score), visual analogue score (VAS) low back pain score and VAS leg pain score were also lower after surgery than before surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion combined with Ponte osteotomy can significantly improve the coronal and sagittal plane deformity and postoperative functional score in adult patients with degenerative scoliosis.

[Neural network analysis of mechanization's impact on coal miner's occupational health].

In order to clarify the transmission mechanism of the impact of mechanization on the occupational health of miners and to provide empirical evidence for the development of new quality productivity in the coal industry that balances health and efficiency. In August 2022, we selected a typical coal mine, constructed a comprehensive evaluation index of miners' occupational health through a questionnaire survey based on the fully connected neural network model. A Bayesian model was used to verify the influence of mechanization level on miners' occupational health. We found that: the predicted probability of occupational diseases could be used as a comprehensive indicator of the level of occupational health, providing a basis for early intervention and prevention of occupational diseases. Mechanization could directly promote the improvement of miners' occupational health level, and also indirectly affect occupational health level by influencing hazards level and work intensity. The indirect effect of mechanization on work intensity was positive, and the indirect effect of mechanization on hazards level was positive. Presented the "inverted U-shaped" process in the mechanization breakthrough semi-mechanized level would realize the economies of scale of health protection, its impact on the prevention and control of occupational hazards would turn from negative to positive.

[Research on the effect of training program based on service-oriented leadership theory on nurses' job burnout].

Objective: To explore the effect of training program based on service-oriented leadership theory on alleviating the degree of job burnout of clinical nurses, and provide reference for improving the situation of job burnout of nurses. Methods: From January to December 2023, 10 head nurses of a Grade A general hospital were selected by random number table method for training, and 5 nurses were selected from the department of each head nurse by random number table method, a total of 50 nurses were selected as research objects. Through the training program based on the service-oriented leadership theory, the selected head nurses were trained on the service-oriented leadership theory, job burnout and burnout mitigation methods and passed the examination. The training period was 2 months. The general data of 50 nurses were collected, and the job burnout of nurses was investigated by using the Maslach Burnout Inventory before and 6 months after the training of head nurses, and the changes of scores of each dimension were compared by paired t-test. Results: The nurses were (30.4±5.5) years old and their working life was (8.1±6.1) years. The total detection rate of job burnout before training was 100% (50/50), the detection rate of moderate to severe emotional exhaustion was 60% (30/50), and the detection rate after training was 36% (18/50). The detection rate of moderate to severe depersonalization was 72% (36/50) and 40% (20/50) after training. The detection rate of moderate to severe lack of job accomplishment was 86% (43/50) and 54% (27/50) after training. After 6 months of head nurses training, the scores of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of nurses were significantly lower than those before training, while the scores of personal achievement were significantly higher than those before training, with statistical significances (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The training program based on service-oriented leadership theory can scientifically prevent and alleviate nurses' job burnout after receiving training of administrators, which is helpful to improve the current situation of nurses' job burnout and reduce the degree of nurses' job burnout, and can play a positive role in promoting nurses' physical and mental health.

Identifying canonical and replicable multi-scale intrinsic connectivity networks in 100k+ resting-state fMRI datasets.

Despite the known benefits of data-driven approaches, the lack of approaches for identifying functional neuroimaging patterns that capture both individual variations and inter-subject correspondence limits the clinical utility of rsfMRI and its application to single-subject analyses. Here, using rsfMRI data from over 100k individuals across private and public datasets, we identify replicable multi-spatial-scale canonical intrinsic connectivity network (ICN) templates via the use of multi-model-order independent component analysis (ICA). We also study the feasibility of estimating subject-specific ICNs via spatially constrained ICA. The results show that the subject-level ICN estimations vary as a function of the ICN itself, the data length, and the spatial resolution. In general, large-scale ICNs require less data to achieve specific levels of (within- and between-subject) spatial similarity with their templates. Importantly, increasing data length can reduce an ICN's subject-level specificity, suggesting longer scans may not always be desirable. We also find a positive linear relationship between data length and spatial smoothness (possibly due to averaging over intrinsic dynamics), suggesting studies examining optimized data length should consider spatial smoothness. Finally, consistency in spatial similarity between ICNs estimated using the full data and subsets across different data lengths suggests lower within-subject spatial similarity in shorter data is not wholly defined by lower reliability in ICN estimates, but may be an indication of meaningful brain dynamics which average out as data length increases.

Quantum Reliability.

Quantum technology has led to increasingly sophisticated and complex quantum devices. Assessing their reliability (quantum reliability) is an important issue. Although reliability theory for classical devices has been well developed in industry and technology, a suitable metric on quantum reliability and its loss has not been systematically investigated. Since reliability loss depends on the process, quantum fidelity does not always fully depict it. This study provides a metric of quantum reliability by shifting the focus from state distinguishing to trajectory distinguishing. In contrast to the conventional notion of classical reliability, which is evaluated using probabilistic measurements of binary logical variables, quantum reliability is grounded in the quantum probability amplitude or wave function. This research provides a universal framework for reliability theory encompassing both classical and quantum devices. It offers a new perspective on quantum engineering by elucidating how intensely the real quantum process that a device undergoes influences its performance.

Ultra-low-dose CT lung screening with artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction: evaluation via automatic nodule-detection software.

AIM: To test the feasibility of ultra-low-dose (ULD) computed tomography (CT) combined with an artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction (AIIR) algorithm for screening pulmonary nodules using computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chest phantom with artificial pulmonary nodules was first scanned using the routine protocol and the ULD protocol (3.28 versus 0.18 mSv) to compare the image quality and to test the acceptability of the ULD CT protocol. Next, 147 lung-screening patients were enrolled prospectively, undergoing an additional ULD CT immediately after their routine CT examination for clinical validation. Images were reconstructed with filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), the AIIR, and were imported to the CAD software for preliminary nodule detection. Subjective image quality on the phantom was scored using a five-point scale and compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Nodule detection using CAD was evaluated for ULD HIR and AIIR images using the routine dose image as reference. RESULTS: Higher image quality was scored for AIIR than for FBP and HIR at ULD (p<0.001). As reported by CAD, 107 patients were presented with fewer than five nodules on routine dose images and were chosen to represent the challenging cases at an early stage of pulmonary disease. Among such, the performance of nodule detection by CAD on ULD HIR and AIIR images was 75.2% and 92.2% of the routine dose image, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined with AIIR, it was feasible to use an ULD CT protocol with 95% dose reduction for CAD-based screening of pulmonary nodules.

Identification of vulnerable carotid plaque with CT-based radiomics nomogram.

AIM: To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for identifying high-risk carotid plaques on computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 280 patients with symptomatic (n=131) and asymptomatic (n=139) carotid plaques were divided into a training set (n=135), validation set (n=58), and external test set (n=87). Radiomic features were extracted from CTA images. A radiomics model was constructed based on selected features and a radiomics score (rad-score) was calculated. A clinical factor model was constructed by demographics and CT findings. A radiomics nomogram combining independent clinical factors and the rad-score was constructed. The diagnostic performance of three models was evaluated and validated by region of characteristic curves. RESULTS: Calcification and maximum plaque thickness were the independent clinical factors. Twenty-four features were used to build the radiomics signature. In the validation set, the nomogram (area under the curve [AUC], 0.977; 95% CI, 0.899-0.999) performed better (p=0.017 and p=0.031) than the clinical factor model (AUC, 0.862; 95% CI, 0.746-0.938) and radiomics signature (AUC, 0.944; 95% CI, 0.850-0.987). In external test set, the nomogram (AUC, 0.952; 95% CI, 0.884-0.987) and radiomics signature (AUC, 0.932; 95% CI, 0.857-0.975) showed better discrimination capability (p=0.002 and p=0.037) than clinical factor model (AUC, 0.818; 95% CI, 0.721-0.892). CONCLUSION: The CT-based nomogram showed satisfactory performance in identification of high-risk plaques in carotid arteries, and it may serve as a potential non-invasive tool to identify carotid plaque vulnerability and risk stratification.

Health inequalities of global protein-energy malnutrition from 1990 to 2019 and forecast prevalence for 2044: data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

OBJECTIVES: Protein-energy malnutrition poses a serious medical problem worldwide. This study aims to describe the global burden, trends, and health inequalities of protein-energy malnutrition and forecasts for future prevalence. STUDY DESIGN: This was a comprehensive analysis based on data provided by the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global Health Data Exchange query tool, including prevalence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and sociodemographic index (SDI). The estimated annual percentage changes were calculated to evaluate temporal trends. We quantified cross-country inequalities in protein-energy malnutrition burden and predicted the prevalence number and rate to 2044. RESULTS: Globally, there were 147,672,757 (130,405,923 to 167,471,359) cases of protein-energy malnutrition in 2019, with 212,242 (185,403 to 246,217) deaths. Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest age-standardised death and DALY rates in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the global age-standardised prevalence rate of protein-energy malnutrition showed an upward trend, while the age-standardised death rate showed a downward trend. A significant decline occurred in SDI-related health inequality, from 2126.1 DALYs per 100,000 persons between the poorest and richest countries in 1990 to 357.9 DALYs per 100,000 persons in 2019. There was a trend of decreasing age-standardised death and DALY rates along with increases in the SDI. Frontier analyses showed that there is much room for improving the current situation of protein-energy malnutrition in some countries. In the next 35 years, the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition will continue to increase. CONCLUSION: Although the disease burden of protein-energy malnutrition has greatly decreased since 1990 and health inequalities between countries are shrinking, the prevalence in Asian and African countries may continue to increase. Focussing on regional differences and strengthening the nutritional intake of people in underdeveloped areas are necessary to reduce future burdens.

[Follow-up analysis of sex hormone levels and prognosis in women after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the levels of sex hormone and fertility in female patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), as well as their correlation with conditioning regimens, and analyse the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in young women after HSCT. Methods: Retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 147 women who underwent HSCT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2010 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The sex hormone levels were measured and followed-up, and the survival, menstrual fertility and the use of HRT of the patients were also followed-up. The sex hormone levels were measured after transplantation, and the ovarian function was evaluated. Independent sample t test and χ2 test were used for comparison between the two groups. Results: The median age of the 147 patients was 26 (range, 10-45) years. Of them, 135 patients received allogeneic HSCT and 12 patients received autologous HSCT. Furthermore, 129 patients received myeloablative conditioning, and 18 patients received reduced conditioning dose. The median follow-up time was 50 months (range, 18-134 months). Five patients died of disease recurrence during follow-up. Of the 54 patients with subcutaneous injection of zoladex, three recovered menstruation spontaneously after transplantation, and all of them were myeloablative conditioning patients, one patient gave birth to twins through assisted reproductive technology. Ninety-three patients did not use zoladex before conditioning, two patients with aplastic anemia with non-myeloablative transplantation resumed menstruation spontaneously, and conceived naturally. The level of follicle stimulating hormone after transplantation in patients receiving myeloablative conditioning regimen was significantly higher than that in patients receiving reduced-dose conditioning regimen [(95.28±3.94) U/L vs. (71.85±10.72) U/L, P=0.039]. Among 147 patients, 122 patients developed premature ovarian failure, 83 patients received sex hormone replacement therapy after transplantation, and 76 patients recovered menstruation and improved endocrine function. Conclusions: The incidence of premature ovarian failure is high in female patients after HSCT, and patients have a chance at natural conception. Reducing the dose of conditioning regimen and the application of zoladex before transplantation can reduce ovarian of conditioning drugs. HRT after transplantation can partially improve the endocrine function of patients.

A modified triangular flap suture method used for inferior third molar extraction: A three-arm randomized clinical trial for the assessment of quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to explore whether decreasing the number of sutures can improve the quality of life after inferior third molar extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study used a three-arm randomized design that included 90 individuals. Patients were randomized and divided into three groups-the airtight suture group (traditional), the buccal drainage group, and the no-suture group. Postoperative measurements, including treatment time, visual analog scale, questionnaire on postoperative patient quality of life, and details about trismus, swelling, dry socket, and other postoperative complications were obtained twice and the mean values were recorded. To verify the normal distribution of the data, the Shapiro-Wilk test was performed. The statistical differences were evaluated using the one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni post-hoc correction. RESULTS: The buccal drainage group showed a significant decrease in postoperative pain and better speech ability than the no-suture group on the 3st day, with a mean of 1.3 and 0.7 (P < 0.05). The airtight suture group also showed similar eating and speech ability, which was better than the no-suture group, with a mean of 0.6 and 0.7 (P < 0.05). However, no significant improvements were noted on the 1st and 7th days. The surgical treatment time, postoperative social isolation, sleep impairment, physical appearance, trismus, and swelling showed no statistical difference between the three groups at all measured times (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above findings, the triangular flap without a buccal suture may be superior to the traditional group and no-suture group in less pain, and better postoperative patient satisfaction in the first 3 days and may be a simple and viable option in clinical practice.

The lateral cervical stria approach to selective neck dissection: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to propose a lateral cervical stria approach for selective neck dissection (SND) in patients of early-stage oral malignancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The lateral cervical stria approach was used in 11 patients undergoing SND between December 2020 and March 2022. The surgical incision was located in submandibular cervical stria, with a length of 5.0 cm. The ipsilateral SND was performed according to the pathological type, covering part or all of I-V levels. Perioperative variables including operation time, blood loss, drainage volume, number of lymph node as well as complications were assessed. The score of appearance using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was recorded 6-month postoperatively. RESULTS: Direct closure of primary lesion was performed in ten patients and a forearm free flap reconstruction was used in one patient. No wound breakdown or infection was found in all cases. The mean operative time of SND was 157.63±27.39 min. The volume of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage was 120.45±36.77 ml and 314.09±98.82 ml, respectively. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 17.89±6.03 (ranging from 12 to 31). Postoperative complications included mild static lower lip deviation (n=1), shoulder discomfort (n=1) and mild auricular paraesthesia (n=1). The mean score of appearance was 86.36±13.06, with 100 scores in 5 patients and 75 scores in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral cervical stria approach for SND in early-stage oral malignancies is reliable, achieving to satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.

[The effect of modified nasopharynx airway with spontaneous breathing under general anesthesia on the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing hysteroscopic daytime surgery].

Objective: To explore the impact of a new type of modified nasopharynx airway preserving spontaneous breathing under general anesthesia on the postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing hysteroscopic daytime surgery. Methods: A total of 80 patients undergoing hysteroscopic daytime surgery at Beijing Tongren Hospital from August to December 2022 was prospectively selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table method: patients in the laryngeal mask mechanical ventilation general anesthesia group (laryngeal mask group, n=40) aged (46.8±10.1) years (20-65 years), while patients in the modified nasopharyngeal airway preserving spontaneous breathing general anesthesia group (nasopharyngeal airway group, n=40) aged (45.5±12.1) years (26-65 years). The main outcome measures were the clinical recovery score (CRS) and modified alertness and sedation score (MOAA/S) of patients at different postoperative time points. Secondary observation indicators included anesthesia induction time, awakening time, and extubation time, changes of hemodynamic indicators between preoperative and intraoperative period, and incidence of adverse reactions during and after surgery. Results: The CRS scores [M (Q1, Q3)] of patients in the nasopharyngeal airway group were 8 (8, 9), 8 (8, 9), 8 (8, 9), 9 (9, 9) and 10 (10, 11) at postoperative awakening, immediately after extubation, 5 minutes after extubation, 15 minutes after extubation, and 30 minutes after extubation, respectively, which were higher than those in the laryngeal mask group [7 (6, 8), 7 (7, 8), 7 (7, 8), 8 (8, 8) and 9 (8, 9)] (all P<0.001). The MOAA/S scores of the nasopharyngeal airway group were 5 (5, 5), 5 (5, 5), 5 (5, 5) and 5 (5, 5) at postoperative awakening, immediately after extubation, 5 minutes after extubation, and 15 minutes after extubation, respectively, which were higher than those in the laryngeal mask group [4 (3, 5), 4 (4, 5), 5 (5, 5) and 5 (5, 5)] (all P<0.05). The anesthesia induction time, awakening time, and extubation time of the nasopharyngeal airway group were (47.8±4.3) s, (4.1±1.7) min and (4.5±1.7) min, respectively, which were shorter than those of laryngeal mask group [(138.8±4.2) s, (7.2±2.9) min and (8.1±2.7) min] (all P<0.05). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) of patients in the nasopharynx airway group during extubation was (84.9±10.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), which was lower than that of the laryngeal mask group [(93.2±7.5) mmHg] (P<0.05). The partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) during cervical dilation was (22.0±5.9) mmHg, which was lower than those of the laryngeal mask group [(37.2±2.2) mmHg] (P<0.05). The PetCO2 during intrauterine operation and extubation were (45.5±6.7) and (41.6±4.5) mmHg, which were higher than those of the laryngeal mask group [(39.2±4.1) mmHg and (38.6±3.6) mmHg] (both P<0.05). The incidence of respiratory depression and body movement during surgery in the nasopharyngeal airway group were 27.5% (11/40) and 17.5% (7/40), respectively, which were higher than those in the laryngeal mask group [0 and 0] (both P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative drowsiness was 2.5% (1/40), which was lower than that of the laryngeal mask group [17.5% (7/40)] (P<0.05). There was no severe physical activity or intraoperative awareness in the two groups. Conclusion: The new modified general anesthesia method of preserving spontaneous breathing through the nasopharynx airway can improve the postoperative recovery quality of patients, and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions, which facilitates rapid recovery after hysteroscopic daytime surgery.

[Efficacy of arteriovenous argatroban versus heparin flush anticoagulation after cardiovascular surgery].

Objective: To compare the effects of arteriovenous argatroban and heparin flushes on platelet count and assess the occurrence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and other complications in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries. Methods: A single-center, prospective randomized control study was conducted. Patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March to December 2019 were randomly divided into the argatroban group (250 ml normal saline plus 2.5 mg of argatroban) and the heparin group (250 ml normal saline plus 10 mg of heparin). Platelet count, hemorrhage, and thrombosis were assessed. The 4T scores of HIT, the incidences of HIT and other complications were also evaluated. Results: A total of 491 patients (307 males and 184 females) were included in the study, with a mean age of (52.3±13.7) years. There were 245 cases in the argatroban group and 246 cases in the heparin group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative platelet count between the argatroban and heparin groups [198.0 (161.0, 248.0)×109/L vs 194.0 (157.2, 243.8)×109/L, P=0.498]. Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in the platelet count between the argatroban and heparin groups at 12 h, 1 day, and 5 days after operation [127.0 (100.0, 154.0)×109/L vs 121.5 (90.2, 149.0)×109/L, 126.0 (97.0, 162.0)×109/L vs 123.5 (88.0, 151.0)×109/L, 168.0 (130.0, 215.0) ×109/L vs 161.0 (101.0, 210.5)×109/L] (repeated measures ANOVA between groups: F=3.327, P=0.069; time comparison: F=532.523, P<0.001; time interaction between groups: F=0.675, P=0.512). The proportion of 4T scores of medium and high scores (≥4)[9.8% (24/245) vs 10.6% (26/246), P=0.777] and incidence of HIT antibody positive [1.63% (4/245) vs 1.63% (4/246), P=0.726] were similar between argatroban group and the heparin group. Mechanical ventilation time was shorter in the argatroban group than that in the heparin group [13.0 (11.0, 21.0) vs 15.5 (12.0, 21.0) h, P=0.020]. Conclusion: Compared with heparin, routine management with argatroban for arteriovenous flush in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery does not affect the HIT incidence.

[Association between maternal plasma one-carbon biomarkers during pregnancy and fetal growth in twin pregnancies].

Objective: To characterize the relationship between the levels of plasma methyl donor and related metabolites (including choline, betaine, methionine, dimethylglycine and homocysteine) and fetal growth in twin pregnancies. Methods: A hospital-based cohort study was used to collect clinical data of 92 pregnant women with twin pregnancies and their fetuses who were admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from March 2017 to January 2018. Fasting blood was collected from the pregnant women with twin pregnancies (median gestational age: 18.9 weeks). The levels of methyl donors and related metabolites in plasma were quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the relationship between maternal plasma methyl donors and related metabolites levels and neonatal outcomes of twins, and the generalized additive mixed model was used to analyze the relationship between maternal plasma methyl donors and related metabolites levels and fetal growth ultrasound indicators. Results: (1) General clinical data: of the 92 women with twin pregnancies, 66 cases (72%) were dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies, and 26 cases (28%) were monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. The comparison of the levels of five plasma methyl donors and related metabolites in twin pregnancies with different basic characteristics showed that the median levels of plasma choline and betaine in pregnant women ≥35 years old were higher than those in pregnant women <35 years old, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) Correlation between plasma methyl donor and related metabolites levels and neonatal growth indicators: after adjusting for confounding factors, plasma homocysteine level in pregnant women with twins was significantly negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight (ß=-47.9, 95%CI:-94.3- -1.6; P=0.043). Elevated methionine level was significantly associated with decreased risks of small for gestational age infants (SGA; OR=0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.9; P=0.021) and low birth weight infants (OR=0.6, 95%CI: 0.4-0.9; P=0.020). Increased homocysteine level was associated with increased risks of SGA (OR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.2; P=0.029) and inconsistent growth in twin fetuses (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.0-3.7; P=0.049). (3) Correlation between the levels of plasma methyl donors and related metabolites and intrauterine growth indicators of twins pregnancies: for every 1 standard deviation increase in plasma choline level in pregnant women with twin pregnancies, fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference, femoral length and estimated fetal weight in the second trimester increased by 1.9 mm, 2.6 mm, 0.5 mm and 20.1 g, respectively, and biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight increased by 0.7 mm, 3.0 mm and 38.4 g in the third trimester, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (4) Relationship between plasma methyl donor and related metabolites levels in pregnant women with different chorionicity and neonatal birth weight and length: the negative correlation between plasma homocysteine level and neonatal birth weight was mainly found in DCDA twin pregnancy (ß=-65.9, 95%CI:-110.6- -21.1; P=0.004). The levels of choline, betaine and dimethylglycine in plasma of MCDA twin pregnancy were significantly correlated with the birth weight and length of newborns (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Homocysteine level is associated with low birth weight in twins, methionine is associated with decreased risk of SGA, and choline is associated with fetal growth in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

[Research progress on the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between respiratory allergies and skin allergies].

Allergic disease is a systemic disease that affects multiple systems. Respiratory tract and skin are the most frequently involved organs of allergies, which include allergic rhinitis, asthma, acute and chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, etc.. They are closely correlated clinically. Respiratory allergies and skin allergies often occur in one patient in the form of synchronous occurrence, synchronous aggravation or mutual transfer of symptoms, and early atopic dermatitis in infants is an independent risk factor of respiratory allergy. Type Ⅰ hypersensitivity is the most common immunologic mechanism of respiratory and skin allergies, which are mediated by allergens induction, multiple immune cells and inflammatory cells involvement, and IgE medicated mast cell degranulation. This present article provides a brief review on the epidemiology, tissue origin, and pathogenesis of respiratory airway allergy and skin allergy, in order to provide new ideas and reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment and the development of allergic disease prevention strategies.

[Study on formulation of standard limits for trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China].

There are clear indoor air pollution sources of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. A large number of epidemiological evidence has confirmed their carcinogenic toxicity and non-carcinogenic toxicity. Several countries and international organizations have paid attention to indoor air trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. It has been also assessed that there should be certain potential health risk of indoor air trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in China. Based on the latest research results of health risk assessment of indoor air trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, the "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)" added trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene as indicators. The index limit of trichloroethylene is 6 µg/m3 for an 8-hour average concentration. The index limit of tetrachloroethylene is 120 µg/m3 for an 8-hour average concentration. The technical contents related to the determination of the standard limits of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene in indoor air were analyzed and discussed, including the sources, the exposure, the health effects, the determination of the limit values, and the recommendations for standard implementation. It also proposed recommendations for the implementation of"Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)".

[Study on revision of standard limits for benzene in"Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）"in China].

Benzene, as a major indoor pollutant, has received widespread attention. In order to better control indoor benzene pollution and protect people's health, the limit value of benzene in the"Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)'' was reduced from 0.11 mg/m3 to 0.03 mg/m3. This study reviewed and discussed the relevant technical contents of the determination of benzene limit value, including the exposure status of benzene, health effects, and derivation of the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the future direction of formulating indoor air benzene standards.

[Investigation and analysis on the detection of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus among rural childbearing-age women in preconception period in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2019].

A study was conducted on rural women of childbearing age aged 20-49 who underwent the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP)in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2019. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the negative rate of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus and its differences among various socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 1 511 203 study subjects, the negative rate of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus was 24.36%. Only 2.64% of the population had received rubella virus vaccine. The negative rate of IgG antibodies among rural childbearing-age women in the preconception period in Yunnan Province decreased with age and educational level (Ptrend<0.001). The negative rate of IgG antibodies in ethnic minority women of childbearing age in the preconception period (25.19%) was higher than that of Han women (23.88%). Among the 22 ethnic groups with over 1 000 participants, the negative rates of IgG antibodies in women of childbearing age from the Blang (32.85%), Bouyei (31.03%), Zhuang (31.01%), and Miao (30.70%) ethnic groups were higher than those of women from other ethnic groups. Among the 16 states (cities) in Yunnan Province, the negative rate of IgG antibodies in pregnant women of childbearing age in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (38.06%) and Lincang City (32.63%) was higher than that in other states (cities). The negative rate of serum IgG antibodies in women who reported having received rubella virus vaccine (18.60%) was lower than that in other non-vaccinated populations (24.52%). The proportion of rural women of childbearing age in Yunnan Province who were susceptible to the rubella virus before pregnancy was still high. It is necessary to promote rubella vaccination among people susceptible to rubella, especially pregnant women, to prevent rubella virus infection and reduce the incidence rate and disease burden of rubella people.