CT radiomics features of meso-esophageal fat in predicting overall survival of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated by definitive chemoradiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of CT radiomics features of meso-esophageal fat in the overall survival (OS) prediction of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: A total of 166 patients with locally advanced ESCC in two medical centers were retrospectively analyzed. The volume of interest (VOI) of meso-esophageal fat and tumor were manually delineated on enhanced chest CT using ITK-SNAP. Radiomics features were extracted from the VOIs by Pyradiomics and then selected using the t-test, the Cox regression analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The radiomics scores of meso-esophageal fat and tumors for OS were constructed by a linear combination of the selected radiomic features. The performance of both models was evaluated and compared by the C-index. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to analyze the prognostic value of the meso-esophageal fat-based model. A combined model for risk evaluation was constructed based on multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The CT radiomic model of meso-esophageal fat showed valuable performance for survival analysis, with C-indexes of 0.688, 0.708, and 0.660 in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year ROC curves showed AUCs of 0.640-0.793 in the cohorts. The model performed equivalently compared to the tumor-based radiomic model and performed better compared to the CT features-based model. Multivariate analysis showed that meso-rad-score was the only factor associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: A baseline CT radiomic model based on the meso-esophagus provide valuable prognostic information for ESCC patients treated with dCRT.

MRI-based radiomics nomogram for predicting temporal lobe injury after radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics nomogram model combining radiomic features and clinical factors for the prediction of radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: From 203 NPC cases receiving radiotherapy, 128 RTLI-positive and 278 RTLI-negative lobes were retrospectively analyzed. They were randomly divided into training (n = 285) and validation (n = 121) sets. Three hundred ninety-six texture features based on T2WI images were extracted from each temporal lobe. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to reduce the dimension of the features and establish a radiomics signature model. Clinical risk factors and the radiomics signature were combined by multivariable logistic regression analysis to construct a radiomics nomogram model. We assessed the performance of the radiomics nomogram on discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. RESULTS: The radiomics signature consisted of 14 selected features that were significantly associated with RTLI. In the training set, the radiomics nomogram model demonstrated a better predictive performance (AUC, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82-0.91) than the radiomics model (AUC, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.78) and clinical model (AUC, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.67-0.79). These results were confirmed in the validation set. The radiomics nomogram model demonstrated good calibration and was clinically useful by decision curve analysis. CONCLUSION: The radiomics nomogram model combining radiomics signatures and clinical factors is an effective method for the noninvasive prediction of RTLI in NPC patients after radiotherapy. KEY POINTS: • The radiomics model based on T2WI images at the end of intensity-modulated radiotherapy can predict radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury in patients with NPC. • Dosimetric factors can improve the prediction performance of the radiomics model in predicting radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury. • An MRI-based radiomics nomogram combining radiomics signatures and clinical factors had better prediction performance than both radiomics and clinical model for the prediction of radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury in patients with NPC.

Pachymic acid protects oocyte by improving the ovarian microenvironment in polycystic ovary syndrome mice†.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by endocrine disorders accompanied by a decline in oocyte quality. In this study, we generated a PCOS mice model by hypodermic injection of dehydroepiandrosterone, and metformin was used as a positive control drug to study the effect of pachymic acid (PA) on endocrine and oocyte quality in PCOS mice. Compared with the model group, the mice treated with PA showed the following changes (slower weight gain, improved abnormal metabolism; increased development potential of GV oocytes, reduced number of abnormal MII oocytes, and damaged embryos; lower expression of ovarian-related genes in ovarian tissue and pro-inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue). All these aspects show similar effects on metformin. Most notably, PA is superior to metformin in improving inflammation of adipose tissue and mitochondrial abnormalities. It is suggested that PA has the similar effect with metformin, which can improve the endocrine environment and oocyte quality of PCOS mice. These findings suggest that PA has the similar effect with metformin, which can improve the endocrine environment and oocyte quality of PCOS mice.

The effects of graphene quantum dots on the maturation of mouse oocytes and development of offspring.

Recently, graphene nanomaterials have attracted tremendous attention and have been utilized in various fields because of their excellent mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical properties, and good biocompatibility, especially in biomedical aspects. However, there is a concern that the unique characteristics of nanomaterials may have undesirable effects. Therefore, in this study, we sought to systematically investigate the effects of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on the maturation of mouse oocytes and development of the offspring via in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro, we found that the first polar body extrusion rate in the high dosage exposure groups (1.0-1.5 mg/ml) 2 decreased significantly and the failure of spindle migration and actin cap formation after GQDs exposure was observed. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with reactive oxygen species accumulation and DNA damage. Moreover, transmission electron microscope studies showed that GQDs may have been internalized into oocytes, tending to accumulate in the nucleus and severely affecting mitochondrial morphology, which included swollen and vacuolated mitochondria accompanied by cristae alteration with a lower amount of dense mitochondrial matrix. In vivo, when pregnant mice were exposed to GQDs at 8.5 days of gestation (GD, 8.5), we found that high dosage of GQD exposure (30 mg/kg) significantly affected mean fetal length; however, all the second generation of female mice grew up normal, attained sexual maturity, and gave birth to a healthy offspring after mating with a healthy male mouse. The results presented in this study are important for the future investigation of GQDs for the biomedical applications.

[Magnetic resonance imaging features for primary brain lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for primary brain lymphoma and improve its diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
 Methods: The clinical and MRI data from 14 patients with primary brain lymphoma were retrospectively reviewed.
 Results: Fourteen patients, including 5 males and 9 females, were (55±8) years old. There were 9 patients with single lesion and 5 patients with multiple lesions (2-6 lesions). A total of 26 lesions were identified. All lesions located in supratentorium, such as the cerebral hemisphere, the basal ganglia, and the corpus callosum. Most of them deeply located in the brain. The lesions presented slightly low or equal signal on T1-weighted image (T1WI), slightly high or equal signal on T2-weighted image (T2WI), and slightly high or equal signal on disffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), in which 2 lesions showed central necrosis and 2 lesions included hemorrhage. All of them showed significant enhancement, 3 of them showed annular enhancement, and the rest showed nodular and mass enhancement. The degree of para-tumorous edema for different lesions was different, including 20 lesions with marked edema, 4 with moderate edema, and 2 with slight edema.
 Conclusion: MRI features for primary brain lymphoma are specific. The tumors mostly locate in supratentorium and deep brain, showing multifocal growth, isointense to grey matter at T1WI and T2WI, marked enhancement, restricted diffusionon DWI, rare necrosis, and obvious space occupying effect.

Methoxychlor exposure induces oxidative stress and affects mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.

Methoxychlor (MXC) is used worldwide against insects and other pests. This organochlorine pesticide acts as a xenoestrogen, promotes oxidative stress, and is considered cytotoxic and genotoxic, causing abortions and stillbirths in females. Mechanistically related estrogens and oxidants affect oocyte meiosis, so we investigated the effects of MXC on mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. Our results showed that maturation rates of MXC-treated oocytes were lower than those of controls, which was due to abnormal spindle morphologies and DNA double-strand breaks, as confirmed by increased γ-H2AX foci. Our findings also suggest that MXC may affect oocyte quality by causing the accumulation of superoxide radicals and other reactive oxygen species, aberrant mitochondrial distribution, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased lipid peroxidation. Thus, exposure to MXC negatively affects oocyte meiotic maturation, primarily through impairments in cellular ROS metabolism. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 768-779, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Differentiation Between Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Lymphoma at the Primary Site.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for differentiating nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from lymphoma. METHODS: Intravoxel incoherent motion-based parameters including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), and fD* (the product of D* and f) were retrospectively compared between 102 patients (82 with NPC, 20 with lymphoma) who received pretreatment IVIM DWI. RESULTS: Compared with lymphoma, NPC exhibited higher ADC, D, D*, fD* values (P < 0.001) and f value (P = 0.047). The optimal cutoff values (area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity, respectively) for distinguishing the 2 tumors were as follows: ADC value of 0.761 × 10 mm/s (0.781, 93.90%, 55.00%); D, 0.66 × 10 mm/s (0.802, 54.88%, 100.00%); D*, 7.89 × 10 mm/s (0.898, 82.93%, 85.00%); f, 0.29 (0.644, 41.46%, 95.00%); and fD*, 1.99 × 10 mm/s (0.960, 85.37%, 100.00%). CONCLUSIONS: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma exhibits different IVIM-based imaging features from lymphoma. Intravoxel incoherent motion DWI is useful for differentiating lymphoma from NPC.

[Relationship between parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and clinical stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential correlations between parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and clinical stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Eighty-one newly diagnosed NPC patients received MRI examination. Clinical TNM stages and corresponding overall stages based on Chinese 2008 Staging System were determined. Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained to evaluate the potential correlations between DCE-MRI parameters of primary NPC lesions and clinical stages. RESULTS: Six cases were excluded from the study due to poor quality of images or too small tumor samples. The Ktrans,Kep, Ve, fPV, PeakT, Maxslop, CER, WoutSI, AUC90 and AUC180 values of 75 primary NPC tumors were (0.336 ± 0.133) min⁻¹, (1.419 ± 0.441) min⁻¹, 0.256 ± 0.100, 0.018 ± .010, (64.879 ± 15.975)s, (21.181 ± 5.507)s⁻¹, 1.348 ± 0.998, 0.515 ± 0.383, 16.177 ± 5.141 and 28.891 ± 9.511, respectively. Ktrans showed a positive correlation with overall stage (r=0.240, P=0.038), T stage (r=0.257, P=0.026) and M stage (r=0.438, P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was revealed of Ve with overall stage (r=0.418, P<0.001), T stage (r=0.466, P<0.001) and M stage (r=0.269, P=0.020). Negative correlation was found between Kep and T stage (r=-0.288, P=0.012). PeakT had positive correlation with overall stage (r=0.231, P=0.046) and T stage (r=0.318, P=0.005). AUC90 was revealed to have a positive correlation with overall stage (r=0.362, P=0.001), T stage (r=0.380, P=0.001) and M stage (r=0.446, P<0.001). AUC180 showed a positive correlation with overall stage (r=0.380, P=0.001), T stage (r=0.405, P<0.001) and M stage (r=0.423, P<0.001). No significant correlations for N stage with any DCE-MRI parameter were found. NPC in M1 stage had higher Ktrans, Ve, AUC90 and AUC180 values than NPC in M0 stage. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in Ktrans, Ve, PeakT, AUC90 and AUC180 values among different overall stages. Significant (P<0.01) differences in Ve, PeakT, AUC90 and AUC180 values were observed among different T stages. CONCLUSIONS: DCE-MRI parameters of primary NPC lesions have significant correlations with clinical stages. DCE-MRI parameters may act as imaging biomarkers for non-invasive assessment of the tumor microstructure, disease progression and aggressiveness of NPC.

Distribution of regional lymph nodes metastasis in 870 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the suggestions for individualized elective prophylactic neck irradiation with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of individualized elective prophylactic neck irradiation (iEPNI) for optimizing current approach by investigating metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) distribution in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 870 NPC patients without distant metastasis in Hunan Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were reviewed. LNs' locations were identified based on the 2013 guidelines. The intra-regional lymphatic drainage (IRLD) areas included Station 1st (level VIIa and II), Station 2nd (level III and Va), and Station 3rd (level IV, Vb, and Vc). Other levels were categorized as extra-regional areas. RESULTS: Among the 870 patients, 94.5% cases exhibited LNs metastasis, including unilateral metastasis in 198 patients and bilateral metastasis in 624 patients. In the whole cohort, the most common involved IRLD areas were level IIb (87.1%), VIIa (80.0%), IIa (61.8%), Va (30.6%), IV (21.4%), Vb (8.9%), and Vc (1.1%). Besides, rates of LNs metastasis in Station 1st, 2nd, and 3rd were 94.3%, 61.1%, and 22.9%, respectively. Only four patients (4, 0.5%) revealed skipping metastasis among the three stations. CONCLUSIONS: Lymph node metastasis follows an organized pattern from Station 1st to 3rd with scarce skipping metastasis. A potential iEPNI strategy of prophylactic neck irradiation to the ipsilateral latter node-negative station appears promising in NPC patients. Further prospective investigations are warranted to validate the approach.

[Subsequent retroperitoneoscopy for patients with previous ipsilateral retroperitoneal surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical results of subsequent retroperitoneoscopic surgery for patients with previous ipsilateral retroperitoneal surgery through frank incision. METHODS: A total of 10 patents were selected for subsequent laparoscopic surgery through retroperitoneal approach. Among them, there were recurrent renal cysts (n = 4) including a history of open surgery (n = 1) and retroperitoneal surgery (n = 3) and nonfunctional kidneys (n = 6) including open nephropyelopolasty (n = 3), retroperitoneoscopic nephropyelopolasty (n = 1) and retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy (n = 2). The mean surgical duration was (12-85) 38.6 months. All patients underwent retroperitoneoscopy. Decortication was performed for renal cysts and nephrectomy for nonfunctional kidneys. RESULTS: All operations were successfully performed with a mean surgical duration of 97 (40-185) minutes and a mean volume of blood loss 125 (20-460) ml. Among 4 cases with intraoperative peritoneal rupture, one case had renal cyst on ventral side. After enlargement, the procedure was performed through peritoneal cavity. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.6 (3-9) days. Nine patients received a mean follow-up period of 21.5 (3-47) months. All symptoms were relieved without any occurrence of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: For patients with previous ipsilateral retroperitoneal surgery, retroperitoneoscopy may be feasible for properly selected cases.

TBX3 stimulates proliferation and stem cell self-renewal in bladder carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: With the change of people's lifestyle in recent years, bladder carcinoma has been the second leading cause of death for men. Nevertheless, surgical results of bladder carcinoma are unsatisfying with recurrence and distant metastasis. Therefore, it is urgent to find a new target for bladder carcinoma treatment. METHODS: The protein and mRNA expression levels of TBX3 in bladder carcinoma tissue samples and cells were tested using western blot and qRT-PCR assays, respectively. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were separated with immunomagnetic beads. Expression levels of cell stemness-associated proteins CD44, CD24 and ESA in T24 CSCs and T24 cells were detected by western blot assay. Cell self-renewal ability was detected by stem cell sphere formation assay. CCK-8 and colony formation assays examined cell viability and proliferation. Cell apoptotic level was examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Elevated TBX3 expression in bladder carcinoma stimulated cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. Stemness-related proteins and TBX3 were highly expressed in T24 CSCs relative to those in normal bladder carcinoma cells. In addition, TBX3 promoted stem cell self-renewal and inhibited cell apoptosis. Finally, qRT-PCR, western blot and cell sphere formation assays revealed that the potential role of TGF-ß1 in the regulation of TBX3. CONCLUSION: TBX3, mediated by TGF-ß1, can promote bladder carcinoma cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and enhance cell stemness. Hence, TBX3 is a potential target to stem cells of bladder carcinoma.

A method for reducing thermal injury during the ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy.

Objective: Many studies have demonstrated the heat effect from the holmium laser lithotripsy can cause persistent thermal injury to the ureter. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the use of a modified ureteral catheter with appropriate firing and irrigation to reduce the thermal injury to the "ureter" during the ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in vitro. Methods: An in vitro lithotripsy was performed using a modified catheter (5 Fr) as the entrance for the irrigation and the holmium laser fiber while using the remaining space in the ureteroscopic channel as an outlet. Different laser power settings (10 W, 20 W, and 30 W) with various firing times (3 s, 5 s, and 10 s) and rates of irrigation (15 mL/min, 20 mL/min, and 30 mL/min) were applied in the experiment. Temperature changes in the "ureter" were recorded with a thermometer during and after the lithotripsy. Results: During the lithotripsy, the local highest mean temperature was 60.3 °C and the lowest mean temperature was 26.7 °C. When the power was set to 10 w, the temperature was maintained below 43 °C regardless of laser firing time or irrigation flow. Regardless of the power or firing time selected, the temperature was below 43 °C at the rate of 30 mL/min. There was a significant difference in temperature decrease when continuous 3 s drainage after continuous firing (3 s, 5 s, or 10 s) compared to with not drainage (p<0.05) except for two conditions of 0.5 J×20 Hz, 30 mL/min, firing 5 s, and 1.0 J×10 Hz, 30 mL/min, firing 5 s. Conclusion: Our modified catheter with timely drainage reducing hot irrigation may significantly reduce the local thermal injury effect, especially along with the special interrupted-time firing setting during the simulated holmium laser procedure.

Characteristics of local extension based on tumor distribution in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and proposed clinical target volume delineation.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the characteristics of local extension of eccentric and central nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to improve clinical target volume (CTV) delineation. METHODS: MRI of 870 newly diagnosed NPC patients were reviewed. According to tumor distribution features, the NPCs were divided into eccentric and central lesions. RESULTS: All local invasions presented as continuous invasion from gross lesions and structures adjacent to the nasopharynx were more likely to be invaded. There were 240 (27.6%) and 630 (72.4%) cases with central and eccentric lesions, respectively. The spread of eccentric lesions was centered on the ipsilateral Rosenmüller's fossa; and most anatomic sites had significantly higher invasion rates in the ipsilateral side than the contralateral side (P < 0.05). However, they were at low risk of concurrent bilateral tumor invasion (<10%), except the prevertebral muscle (15.4%) and nasal cavity (13.8%). The extension of central NPCs was centered on the nasopharyngeal superior-posterior wall and was more common in the superior-posterior direction. Furthermore, bilateral tumor invasion into the anatomical sites was common. CONCLUSION: Local invasion of NPC was characterized by continuous invasion from proximal to distal sites. The eccentric and central lesions showed different invasion features. Individual CTV delineation should be based on the distribution characteristics of tumors. The eccentric lesions had a very low probability of invasion into the contralateral tissue; thus routine prophylactic radiation of contralateral parapharyngeal space and skull base foramina may not be necessary.

MicroRNA-143-3p/TBX3 Axis Represses Malignant Cell Behaviors in Bladder Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To offer new insight for bladder cancer therapy through researching the microRNA-143-3p/TBX3 axis. METHODS: Differentially expressed microRNAs in bladder cancer were provided by databases to find microRNA that may regulate TBX3. qRT-PCR was utilized to test levels of TBX3 mRNA and microRNA-143-3p. Their binding was verified with a dual-luciferase method. Malignant cell behaviors were examined by cell functional experiments. Levels of TBX3 protein and proteins pertinent to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were tested by western blot. RESULTS: TBX3 was highly expressed in bladder cancer cells. MicroRNA-143-3p presented the most conspicuously negative correlation with TBX3, and they had binding sites. Cell functional experiments proved that TBX3 facilitated bladder cancer cell functions and EMT. MicroRNA-143-3p was demonstrated to downregulate TBX3 expression. Rescue assay further illuminated that microRNA-143-3p repressed bladder cancer cell functions and EMT through downregulating TBX3 expression. CONCLUSION: These data all indicated that TBX3 was modulated by microRNA-143-3p and acted as a cancer promoter gene in bladder cancer progression via affecting tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Therefore, a microRNA-143-3p/TBX3 network might be an underlying target for bladder cancer.

Characteristics of locoregional extension of unilateral nasopharyngeal carcinoma and suggestions for clinical target volume delineation.

BACKGROUND: To summarize the characteristics of local invasion and distribution of metastatic lymph nodes in unilateral nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide references for the optimization of clinical target volume. METHODS: MRI and clinical data of 176 cases of unilateral NPC admitted to the Hunan Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were collected. Unilateral NPC was defined as a lesion confined to the one side of the nasopharynx and had not exceeded the midline as judged by MRI. RESULTS: Ipsilateral levator veli muscle (63.1%, 111/176), tensor veli palatini muscle (55.7%, 98/176), parapharyngeal space (50.0%, 88/176), and prevertebral muscle (43.7%, 77/176) were more likely to be invaded. Contralateral parapharyngeal space and skull base foramina were not invaded. All local invasions presented as continuous invasion from gross lesions and discontinuous invasions were not observed. The overall lymph node metastatic rate was 89.8% (158/176), of which bilateral metastasis accounted for 56.3% (89/158), and ipsilateral metastasis accounted for 88.1% (155/176), which was higher than the contralateral metastatic rate (55.4%, 94/176) (P < 0.001). The most common regions of lymph node metastasis were level IIb (82.4%), VIIa (69.9%), IIa (54.0%), and III (54.0%). Only one patient had skipping lymph node metastasis (0.6%). CONCLUSION: Local invasion of unilateral NPC was characterized by continuous invasion from proximal to distal sites, and lymph node metastasis occurred from the upper to lower neck. Contralateral parapharyngeal space and skull base foramina had a very low probability of invasion, and routine prophylactic radiation may not be necessary.

Impact of RET Screening on the Management of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A: 10 Years Experience and Follow-Up in Three Families.

BACKGROUND: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is mainly caused by germline RET codon C634 mutation and is characterized by Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and hyperparathyroidism (HPTH). The early diagnosis and initial normative treatment are helpful for the long-term outcome of MEN2A. METHODS: Three index cases and their 29 relatives from three families with MEN2A were included in this study. Genetic screening was performed on all participants. Demographic, clinical profiles, tumor histopathologic features, and follow-up records were systematically analyzed. RESULTS: In total, RET C634Y mutation was identified in 10 individuals (10/32, 31.3%). Among them, 5 presented with MTC symptoms, whereas the other 5 did not show apparent clinical manifestation, and all were subjected to thyroidectomy with varying neck dissection. Compared to individuals in the former, the latter benefited greatly from RET screening with significantly younger age at diagnosis of MTC and surgery (18.1 ± 13.8 years vs. 39.0 ± 14.1 years, P =0.045), and lessaggressive MTC behavior (size: 0.74 vs. 2.82 cm, P =0.026; LN+/resected: 20.0% vs. 100.0%, P =0.048) and also lower recurrence rate of MTC (20.0% vs. 100.0%, P =0.048). The PHEO was identified in 6 of the 10 carriers (60.0%), and all had undergone adrenal-sparing surgery. During the 10 years of follow-up, one (16.7%) developed recurrence of PHEO. CONCLUSION: Integrated RET screening, serum calcitonin, and plasma metanephrine/ normetanephrine levels can facilitate the early diagnosis and standardized MTC/PHEO surgery to improve the prognosis of MEN2A. Laparoscopic adrenal-sparing surgery prior to the bilateral total thyroidectomy is a preferred surgical approach for PHEO.

Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among hospitalized patients in China: a case-control study.

A lack of confidence on the vaccination drive hinders the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among hospitalized patients in China. This case-control study was based on SARS-CoV-2 sero-surveillance during hospitalization. From April to June 2021, hospitalized patients without documented COVID-19 infection from the Department of Urology were routinely assayed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination history of each participant was obtained from their vaccination records. Of the 405 participants, there were 37 seropositive participants (case group) and 368 seronegative participants (control group); 68 participants (16.8%) had received the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, including 54 who received the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine and 14 received the Sinopharm vaccine. All seropositive participants who had received one or two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were assessed for at least 16 days, while 31 (8.4%) of 368 seronegative controls who had received the vaccine were tested for 1-94 days. The overall seroconversion rate was 54.4% (37/68) in the vaccinated participants who received the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) for seropositivity was 6.20 (95% CI: 2.05-18.71) in those received full vaccination with two doses versus those partially vaccinated participants with one dose after adjusting for sex and age. These findings imply that the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could have a protective antibody response.

Design and Implementation of Taizhou Integrated Prostate Screening.

A community-based prostate cancer screening program was conducted to assess the morbidity and associated factors for prostate cancer among the subpopulation of men aged ≥50 years in Taizhou, China. Taizhou Integrated Prostate Screening (TIPS) is a large, observational, population-based study of prostate cancer screening data based on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. A pilot census of all male residents aged 50 years or older was conducted in Luqiao District, one of the field sites of the TIPS cohort in the city of Taizhou, Zhejiang. The interviewer-administered questionnaire evaluated demographic characteristics and environmental exposure factors. A total of 1,806 out of 3,516 participants completed the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of PSA ≥4 ng/mL was 11.5%, and included participants at low risk (9.2%), moderate risk (1.7%), and high risk (0.6%). Participants aged 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 years had a 2.7-fold, 4.2-fold, and 6.5-fold higher risk of elevated PSA, respectively, in comparison with those aged 50 to 59 years (p < .001). Eighteen patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer, of whom 11 (61.1%) underwent radical surgery. This community-based PSA screening program indicated the results for early detection of prostate cancer among men aged ≥50 years. Early screening and appropriate clinical therapy for the management of prostate cancer are essential in this subpopulation.

Isolation and characterization mesenchymal stem cells from red panda (Ailurus fulgens styani) endometrium.

Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) are undifferentiated endometrial cells with self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation and high proliferation potential. Nowadays, eMSCs have been found in a few species, but it has never been reported in endangered wild animals, especially the red panda. In this study, we successfully isolated and characterized the eMSCs derived from red panda. Red panda eMSCs were fibroblast-like, had a strong proliferative potential and a stable chromosome number. Pluripotency genes including Klf4, Sox2 and Thy1 were highly expressed in eMSCs. Besides, cultured eMSCs were positive for MSC markers CD44, CD49f and CD105 and negative for endothelial cell marker CD31 and haematopoietic cell marker CD34. Moreover, no reference RNA-seq was used to analyse the eMSCs transcriptional expression profile and key pathways. Compared with skin fibroblast cell group, 9104 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, among which are 5034 genes upregulated, 4070 genes downregulated and the top 20 enrichment pathways of DEGs in Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) mainly associated with G-protein coupled receptor signalling pathway, carbohydrate derivative binding, nucleoside binding, ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle, DNA replication, Ras signalling pathway and purine metabolism. Among the DEGs, some representative genes about promoting MSCs differentiation and proliferation were upregulated and promoting fibroblasts proliferation were downregulated in eMSCs group. Red panda eMSCs also had multiple differentiation ability and could differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and hepatocytes. In conclusion, we, for the first time, isolated and characterized the red panda eMSCs with ability of multiplication and multilineage differentiation in vitro. The new multipotential stem cell could be beneficial not only for the germ plasm resources conservation of red panda, but also for basic or pre-clinical studies in the future.

Association between health behaviours and the COVID-19 vaccination: risk compensation among healthcare workers in Taizhou, China.

This study is conducted to explore the association between health behaviors and the COVID-19 vaccination based on the risk compensation concept among health-care workers in Taizhou, China. We conducted a self-administered online survey to estimate the health behaviors among the staff in a tertiary hospital in Taizhou, China, from May 18 to 21 May 2021. A total of 592 out of 660 subjects (89.7%) responded to the questionnaire after receiving an e-poster on WeChat. Subjects who had been inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine were asked to mention the differences in their health behaviors before and after the vaccination. The results showed that there were no statistical differences in health behaviors between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, except in terms of the type of gloves they used (62.8% in the vaccinated group and 49.2% in the unvaccinated group, p = .048). Subjects who received earlier COVID-19 vaccinations exhibited better health behaviors (22.40% increased for duration of wearing masks (P = .007), 25.40% increased for times of washing hands (P = .01), and 20.90% increased for times of wearing gloves (P = .01)). Subjects also revealed better health behaviors (washing hands, wearing gloves, and wearing masks) after vaccination compared to that before. In conclusion, concept of risk compensation was not applied in our findings. The health behaviors did not reduce after the COVID-19 vaccination, which even may improve health behaviors among health-care workers in the hospital setting.