Coloring Multilayer Zirconia May Affect Its Optical and Mechanical Properties.

The coloring process of monolithic dental zirconia caused considerable debate on the possible effects of different coloring methods. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of pigments in 3 multilayer 5-mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ) disks (Lava Esthetic A2 [Zr-AGG_A2] and Bleach [Zr-AGG_BL], both 3M Oral Care, and Katana STML A2 [Zr-NoAGG], Kuraray Noritake). The influence of pigment addition on the translucency parameter (TP00), fracture toughness, Vickers hardness, biaxial strength, and hydrothermal stability was assessed and correlated with the microstructure and phase composition. The pigment composition and distribution were evaluated by light and fluorescence microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and nano-scanning electron microscopy. The chemical and phase composition and aging behavior were assessed using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction, respectively, while the aging sensitivity of the pigments was evaluated using micro-Raman spectroscopy. In contrast to Zr-NoAGG, possessing a typical 5Y-PSZ microstructure, the pigment additions in both Zr-AGG_A2/BL zirconia resulted in large yellow and blue fluorescent Er-, Hf-, and Al-containing agglomerates composed of small grains (0.57 µm and 0.38 µm, respectively, vs. 0.92 µm for the surrounding grains) with lower Y2O3 content. Zr-AGG_A2 had the lowest aging resistance, with transformation degradation occurring exclusively within the pigment agglomerates. All zirconia grades had a high Y2O3 content (4.2%-5.7 mol%) tetragonal ZrO2 phase and a high (42%-55 wt%) cubic ZrO2 phase content. Although no statistical differences were measured for hardness and toughness, Zr-NoAGG had a significantly higher TP00, higher flexural strength, and lower mechanical reliability compared to both Zr-AGG_A2/BL zirconia. The rare-earth oxide-containing zirconia agglomerates that were added as pigments to the multilayered monolithic Zr-AGG_A2/BL zirconia are the cause for their lower optical and mechanical properties and reduced aging resistance.

Clinical validation of a tissue-agnostic genome-wide methylome enrichment molecular residual disease assay for head and neck malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with curative intent remain disappointing, with 5-year survival rates at 50%. Most recurrences occur within the first 2 years after treatment, providing a window of opportunity to identify patients with molecular residual disease (MRD). A tissue-agnostic test for MRD detection in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative HNC, where tissue is often scarce, is needed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage I-IVB HNC, including patients positive and negative for HPV, were enrolled and peripheral blood plasma was collected longitudinally at diagnosis and ∼3, 12, and 24 months after curative intent treatment. The full cohort includes 325 patients with 1155 samples. Samples were split into distinct sets to train and validate a classifier capable of identifying MRD using a tissue-agnostic genome-wide methylome enrichment platform. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 60 months, patients in the blinded validation set with MRD positivity experienced significantly worse RFS with a hazard ratio (HR) of 35.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.8-117.8; P < 0.0001]. For patients with HPV negativity, HR was 42.3 (95% CI 9.8-182.3; P < 0.0001); for patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, HR was 24.1 (95% CI 3.0-196.8; P < 0.0001). Moreover, the lead time between MRD positivity and clinical recurrence was up to 14.9 months, with a mean lead time of 4.1 months. Surveillance sensitivity was 91% (95% CI 77% to 97%) and specificity was 88% (95% CI 80% to 93%). CONCLUSIONS: Here we validate the clinical performance characteristics of a tissue-agnostic genome-wide methylome enrichment assay for MRD detection in patients with HNC. The MRD detection test showed high sensitivity for identifying recurrence at high specificity across different anatomical sites, HPV status, and treatment regimens, highlighting the broad applicability for MRD detection in patients with HNC.

[Rituximab based treatment in pediatric Epsstain Bar Virus associated lymphocyte proliferative diseases after aplastic anemia with haplo-identical transplantation:a prospective single centre study].

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are one of the most severe complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study includes 31 cases of aplastic anemia (AA) patients who developed PTLD after haploidentical transplantation, summarizing their clinical characteristics and categorizing them into either rituximab monotherapy group or combination therapy group based on whether their condition improved by 1 log after a single dose of rituximab. The incidence of PTLD after HSCT in children with AA was 10.16%, and the incidence of PTLD in patients with age >10 years was significantly increased (χ(2)=11.336, P=0.010). Of the 31 patients, 27 were clinically diagnosed and 4 were pathologically confirmed. Finally, 15 patients were classified into the rituximab treatment group and 15 patients into the combination treatment groups. Finally three patients died, and the 2-year overall survival rate was (89.7±5.6) %. Standard pre-treatment protocols and EBV reactivation are risk factors affecting the prognosis of PTLD. There was no statistically significant difference in the impact of the two treatment schemes on prognosis.

[Role of Notch 1 signaling and glycolysis in the pathogenic mechanism of adenomyosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of glycolysis-related factors and changes in Notch1 signaling in endometrial tissues of adenomyosis (AM) and Ishikawa cells to explore the pathogenesis of AM. METHODS: Eutopic endometrial tissues were collected from 8 patients with AM and 8 patients with uterine fibroids matched for clinical characteristics (control group). The expressions of Notch1 signaling proteins and glycolysis-related factors in the collected tissues were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the levels of glucose and lactic acid were determined. An Ishikawa cell model with lentivirus-mediated stable Notch1 overexpression was established for assessing cell survival rate with CCK-8 assay, cell migration and invasion abilities with Transwell migration and invasion assays, and glycolytic capacity by determining the extracellular acidification rate. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, the endometrial tissues in AM group showed significantly increased expression level of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), increased mRNA expression levels of Notch1, HK2 and PDHA and protein expressions of Notch1, GLUT1, HK2, PKM and PDHA, lowered glucose level and increased lactate level. The Ishikawa cell models with stable Notch1 overexpression exhibited significantly increased cell survival rate with attenuated cell migration and invasion abilities and decreased glycolysis capacity and reserve. CONCLUSION: The Notch1 signaling pathway participates in the pathogenesis of AM possibly by regulating the proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis of endometrial cells.

[Research progress of lipid-derived parameters in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease].

Dyslipidemia stands as an autonomous peril in the realm of atherosclerotic cardiovascular maladies. Prompt identification and timely intervention in the case of dyslipidemia hold promise for substantially curbing the onset and fatality rates associated with coronary heart disease. Traditional lipid surveillance metrics employed in clinical settings, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, exhibit notable limitations. Conversely, lipid-derived parameters emerge as formidable contenders, demonstrating a capacity to amalgamate and quantify disparate risk factors and multifactorial etiologies inherent in a given disease. By encompassing a broader spectrum of information than singular indices, these parameters offer a more profound insight into disease progression by virtue of their grounding in the physiological intricacies of lipid metabolism. Drawing upon extant domestic and international guidelines and research, this discourse delineates and synthesizes four lipid-derived parameters with promising clinical applications: atherogenic index of plasma, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio, and lipoprotein combine index, and forwards a perspective grounded in current strides in clinical research.

Development of an atomic spectra research platform based on a 30-keV electron beam ion trap.

Electron Beam Ion Traps (EBITs) serve as efficient tools for producing and studying highly charged ions. In response to the diagnostic requirements of upcoming magnetic confinement fusion devices, a medium-energy atomic spectra research platform based on a compact EBIT is developed. This platform achieves a central magnetic field of up to 1.0 T, with electron beam currents reaching 20 mA and electron energies up to 30 keV, similar to the electron temperature on fusion reactors. The developed atomic spectra platform successfully provided spectral data for elements such as argon, xenon, iron, and tungsten. This platform stands as a valuable asset for advancing research in nuclear fusion, particularly concerning impurity spectroscopic diagnostics.

[Efficacy and safety of early cannulation arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis].

A total of 309 (138 males and 171 females) end-stage renal disease patients who underwent implantation of early cannulation arteriovenous grafts (Acuseal) for hemodialysis in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University between December 2016 and May 2021 were retrospectively included. The age of patients was (61.5±10.3) years. There were 244 patients (119 males and 125 females) who received regular follow-up. During the follow-up period, 24 patients died. Perioperative complications included graft infection (4.5%, 11/244), hematoma (4.5%, 11/244) and steal syndrome (4.1%, 10/244). No seroma or anastomotic rupture occurred. The rates of the first postoperative puncture time within 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after implantation were 42.2%(103/244), 32.4% (79/244) and 16.4% (40/244), respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the primary patency rates at 6 months and 12 months were 66.5% and 48.4%, respectively, and the secondary patency rates at 6 months and 12 months were 96.7% and 91.8%, respectively. The current study indicates that the Acuseal graft is safe for vascular access in patients requiring hemodialysis, with satisfactory patency and acceptable complication rates at 1-year follow-up.

[Interim efficacy of a multicenter cohort study for China Net Childhood Lymphoma mature B-cell lymphoma 2017 regimen in the treatment of pediatric High-grade-B cell lymphoma].

Objective: To analyze the mid-term efficacy of the China Net Childhood Lymphoma mature B-cell lymphoma 2017 (CNCL-B-NHL-2017) regimen in treating children with high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). Methods: Clinical and pathological data of HGBL children aged≤18 years admitted to 16 hospitals of the Chinese Children's Lymphoma Collaborative Group (CNCL) from May 2017 to April 2021 were collected retrospectively. They were divided in to high-grade B-cell lymphoma with double hit/triple hit (HGBL-DH/TH) group and high-grade B-cell lymphoma non-specified (HGBL-NOS) group, according to the 2016 version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues Cancer Classification. Both groups of patients were treated with stratified chemotherapy by risk according to the CNCL-B-NHL-2017 scheme. The deadline for follow-up was December 31, 2023. All the patients were examined by chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the rearrangement of genes MYC, BCL-2 and BCL-6 was confirmed. The clinical and pathological characteristics of patients at disease onset were analyzed, and the therapeutic effects of patients in different clinical stages and risk groups were compared. Survival analysis was drawn by Kaplan Meier method, the log-rank test was used to compare the differences in the cumulative survival rate between different groups, and multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify the prognostic factors. Results: A total of 62 patients were included, with an onset age [M(Q1, Q3)] of 7 (4, 11) years, including 48 males and 14 females. There were 11 (17.7%) patients in stageⅡ, 33(53.2%)patients in stage Ⅲ and 18(29.1%)patients in stage Ⅳ. FISH testing showed that 4 cases (6.5%) were HGBL-DH and 3 (4.8%) were HGBL-TH. The remaining 55 cases (88.7%) were HGBL-NOS, with 18 cases accompanied by MYC rearrangement. There were 7 cases in the HGBL-DH/TH group and 55 cases in the HGBL-NOS group. Thirteen cases (20.9%) were treated with the B1 regimen, 3 cases (4.8%) with B2 regimen, 37 cases (59.6%) with C1 regimen, and 9 cases (14.7%) with the C2 regimen. Forty-eight cases (77.4%) received rituximab therapy at the same time. Five cases (8.0%) progressed during treatment. The follow-up time [M(Q1, Q3)] was 43.5 (36.1, 53.7) months. The complete remission rate was 91.9% (57/62). The 3 year overall survival rate was 93.5% and event-free survival (EFS) rate was 91.9%. The 3-year overall survival rate in the HGBL-NOS group was higher than that in the HGBL-DH/TH group (96.3% vs 71.4%, P=0.011). The 3-year EFS rate of the HGBL-NOS group was higher than that of the HGBL-DH/TH group (94.5% vs 71.4%, P=0.037). In the HGBL-NOS subgroup, the overall survival rate of children with MYC rearrangement was lower (100% vs 88.9%,P=0.039). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that central invasion (HR=6.05, 95%CI: 1.96-38.13, P=0.046) was a risk factor for overall survival. Conclusion: CNCL-B-NHL-2017 regimen shows significant effects in the treatment of pediatric HGBL, with a good prognosis.

[Long-term efficacy and prognostic factors of Beijing Children's Hospital-2009-lymphoblastic lymphoma in the treatment of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and adolescents].

Objective: To summarize the long-term efficacy of Beijing Children's Hospital-2009-lymphoblastic lymphoma (BCH-2009-LBL) in the treatment of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) in children and adolescents and to explore the prognostic factors. Methods: T-LBL children admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2009 to April 2017 were retrospectively included. According to clinical stage, prognostic genes and treatment response, the children were divided into low, intermediate and high risk groups, and stratified treatment was performed according to the BCH-2009-LBL protocol, with follow-up until December 31, 2023. The clinical characteristics and therapeutic effect of each group were compared. Survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference in survival rate between groups was compared by log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results: A total of 146 patients were included, the age of disease onset [M(Q1, Q3)] was 8.0 (1.5, 14.0) years old. There were 107 (73.3%) males and 39 (26.7%) females. Clinical staging: 1 case in stage Ⅰ and 1 case in stage Ⅱ (0.7% each), 41 cases (28.1%) cases in stage Ⅲ and 103 cases(70.5%) in stage Ⅳ. There were 1 case (0.7%), 93 cases (63.7%), and 52 cases (35.6%) in the low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, respectively. The follow-up time was 121 (80, 180) months, and the 5-year and 10-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 76.4% and 75.0%, respectively. The 5-year EFS rates of low, intermediate and high risk groups were 100.0%, 81.3% and 67.3%, respectively. There was significant difference in remission between the middle-risk group and the high-risk group on the 8th day of hormone pretreatment and at the end of induction (both P<0.05). Recurrence/progression occurred in 29 cases (recurrence rate 19.9%), and the recurrence time was 15 (3, 74) months, in which 26 cases died and only 3 cases survived. Infection-related death occurred in 6 cases (4.1%). The failure or progression of hormone pretreatment at d8 (HR=10.089, 95%CI: 1.266-80.387, P=0.029) and the failure to achieve complete remission at the end of induction (mid-term evaluation) (HR=7.638, 95%CI: 2.411-24.199, P=0.001) were the risk factors for EFS rate of intermediate risk group. The above indexes had no statistical significance on EFS rate in high-risk groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: BCH-2009-LBL regimen shows good efficacy in the treatment of pediatric T-LBL. The failure or progression of hormone pretreatment at d8 and the failure to achieve complete remission at the end of induction (mid-term evaluation) were the risk factors for EFS rate.

[Analysis of 10 cases of brentuximab vedotin combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of children with refractory and or relapsed classic Hodgkin lymphoma].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CD30 antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) brentuximab vedotin (BV) combined with chemotherapy in children with refractory or relapsed classic Hodgkin's lymphoma (R/R cHL). Methods: Clinical data (including age, gender, B symptoms, clinical stage, previous treatment, etc.) of the 10 R/R cHL children diagnosed and treated at Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from October 2021 to August 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the different intensity of chemotherapy drugs, the dose of BV applied in the same course of treatment was 1.8 mg/kg for BV applied once every 3 weeks, and 1.2 mg/kg for BV applied once every 2 weeks. All 10 patients received at least 2 cycles of BV combined with chemotherapy and were evaluated every 2 cycles. The patients were followed up until May 31, 2024. The infusion reactions and adverse reactions after treatment were recorded. Results: In all 10 patients, there were 7 males and 3 females, the age ranged from 5.3-16.9 years, and there were 6 cases of refractory and 4 cases of relapsed. There were 6 cases of nodular sclerosis type, 2 cases of mixed cell type, 1 case of lymphocyte-rich type, and 1 case of lymphodepletion type. There were 5 cases of stage Ⅳ and 5 cases of stage Ⅲ. Previous treatment was mainly chemotherapy, 4 cases received radiotherapy and 1 case received programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody therapy. The follow-up time ranged from 9 to 27 months. A total of 43 courses with 49 doses of BV alone or combined with chemotherapy were recorded, and the number of courses was 2 to 10 times. All 10 children responded to the treatment, and 9 achieved complete remission. BV infusion was successfully completed in all cases. A total of 28 cases of grade 3 or above adverse events were recorded, mainly myelosuppression, all of which were related to chemotherapy and did not affect sequential treatment. Conclusion: Brentuximab vedotin has demonstrated efficacy and a tolerable safety profile in the treatment of refractory and relapsed CD30-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma in children.

[Status of occupational exposure limits of air toxic substances in the GESTIS Substances Database].

Objective: In order to understand the current situation of air toxic substances without occupational exposure limits (OELs) in the workplace in the Germany GESTIS Substance Database, and to provide an effective reference for formulating OELs of corresponding toxic substances and improving health standards. Methods: From March 2022 to May 2023, based on the standard of GBZ 2.1-2019 Occupational Exposure Limits for Hazardous Agents in the Workplace-Part 1: Chemical Hazardous Agents, air toxic substances without OELs in the standard of GBZ/T 300.1-2017 Determination of Toxic Substances in Workplace Air-Part 1: General Principles were screened out, then corresponding OELs in other countrie/regions were queried through the Germany GESTIS Substance Database. Results: Among the 333 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances in 160 parts of GBZ/T 300.1-2017 standard, 48 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances were screened out and had not yet been formulated OELs in GBZ 2.1-2019 standard. By querying the Germany GESTIS Substance Database, it was found that among the 48 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances, 35 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances had both 8-hour occupational exposure limit and short-term occupational exposure limit, 4 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances had 8-hour occupational exposure limit but no short-term occupational exposure limit, 9 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances hadn't been retrieved any OELs. In addition, standard test methods of 7 kinds of air toxic substances hadn't been published in the present, including trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylbenzenes, cumene, chloroethane, chloropropane, dibromoethane and acetophenone. Conclusion: In the process of formulating or revising the standards of GBZ 2.1-2019 and GBZ/T 300, the latest published OELs in the Germany GESTIS Substance Database could be used as a reference basis.

[Preliminary observation on the development and dynamic changes of chronic toxoplasmosis in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the development and dynamic changes of cysts in the brain of mice following infection with different forms of Toxoplasma gondii, so as to provide insights into for toxoplasmosis prevention and control. METHODS: ICR mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks, each weighing 20 to 25 g, were intraperitoneally injected with tachyzoites of the T. gondii PRU strain at a dose of 1 × 105 tachyzoites per mouse, orally administered with cysts at a dose of 20 oocysts per mouse or oocysts at a dose of 200 oocysts per mouse for modeling chronic T. gondii infection in mice, and the clinical symptoms and survival of mice were observed post-infection. Mice were orally infected with T. gondii cysts at doses of 10 (low-dose group), 20 (medium-dose group), 40 cysts per mouse (high-dose group), and the effect of different doses of T. gondii infections on the number of cysts was examined in the mouse brain. Mice were orally administered with T. gondii cysts at a dose of 20 cysts per mouse, and grouped according to gender (female and male) and time points of infections (20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 days post-infection), and the effects of gender and time points of infections on the number of cysts was examined in the mouse brain. In addition, mice were divided into the tachyzoite group (Group T), the first-generation cyst group (Group C1), the second-generation cyst group (Group C2), the third-generation cyst (Group C3) and the fourth-generation cyst group (Group C4). Mice in the Group T were intraperitoneally injected with T. gondii tachyzoites at a dose of 1 × 105 tachyzoites per mouse, and the cysts were collected from the mouse brain tissues 30 days post-infection, while mice in the Group C1 were orally infected with the collected cysts at a dose of 30 cysts per mouse. Continuous passage was performed by oral administration with cysts produced by the previous generation in mice, and the effect of continuous passage on the number of cysts was examined in the mouse brain. RESULTS: Following infection with T. gondii tachyzoites, cysts and oocysts in mice, obvious clinical symptoms were observed on days 6 to 13 and mice frequently died on days 7 to 12. The survival rates of mice were 67.0%, 87.0% and 53.0%, and the mean numbers of cysts were (516.0 ± 257.2), (1 203.0 ± 502.0) and (581.0 ± 183.1) in the mouse brain (F = 11.94, P < 0.01) on day 30 post-infection with T. gondii tachyzoites, cysts and oocysts, respectively, and the numbers of cysts in the brain tissues were significantly lower in mice infected with T. gondii tachyzoites and oocysts than in those infected with cysts (all P values < 0.01). The survival rates of mice were 87.0%, 87.0% and 60.0%, and the mean numbers of cysts were (953.0 ± 355.5), (1 084.0 ± 474.3) and (1 113.0 ± 546.0) in the mouse brain in the low-, medium- and high-dose groups on day 30 post-infection, respectively (F = 0.42, P > 0.05). The survival rates of male and female mice were 73.0% and 80.0%, and the mean numbers of cysts were (946.4 ± 411.4) and (932.1 ± 322.4) in the brain tissues of male and female mice, respectively (F = 1.63, P > 0.05). Following continuous passage, the mean numbers of cysts were (516.0 ± 257.2), (1 203.0 ± 502.0), (896.8 ± 332.3), (782.5 ± 423.9) and (829.2 ± 306.0) in the brain tissues of mice in the T, C1, C2, C3 and C4 groups, respectively (F = 4.82, P < 0.01), and the number of cysts was higher in the mouse brain in Group 1 than in Group T (P < 0.01). Following oral administration of 20 T. gondii cysts in mice, cysts were found in the moues brain for the first time on day 20 post-infection, and the number of cysts gradually increased over time, peaked on days 30 and 90 post-infection and then gradually decreased; however, the cysts were still found in the mouse brain on day 180 post-infection. CONCLUSIONS: There is a higher possibility of developing chronic T. gondii infection in mice following infection with cysts than with oocysts or tachyzoites and the most severe chronic infection is seen following infection with cysts. The number of cysts does not correlate with the severity of chronic T. gondii infection, and the number of cysts peaks in the mouse brain on days 30 and 90 post-infection.

[Clinical features and outcomes of digestive tract perforation in pediatric mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma].

To summarize the clinical features and prognosis of pediatric mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (mB-NHL) with digestive tract perforation. The clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examinations, treatment and outcomes of mB-NHL children complicated with digestive tract perforation admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2016 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 12 patients were included, with 11 males and 1 female, aged 0.8-16.0 (7.5±5.4) years. Among them, there were 10 cases of Burkitt lymphoma, 1 case of high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) and 1 case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), respectively. Intestinal involvement was involved in all cases, with St.Jude staging ranging from stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ. Eleven cases had large abdominal mass. In 7 cases, abdominal X-ray examination showed free gas under the diaphragm. Eleven cases experienced digestive tract perforation after chemotherapy, and the time of perforation after initiation of chemotherapy was 2.0-111.0 (41.2±33.6) days. The most common site of perforation was ileum (6 cases), followed by gastric wall (2 cases), jejunum (1 case), colon (1 case) and appendix (1 case). Eight patients underwent surgery, and the time between surgery and re-chemotherapy was 7.0-45.0 (17.6±12.0) days. One case with perforation before chemotherapy died after giving up treatment. The remaining 11 cases received conservative treatment or surgical intervention, followed by regular chemotherapy after symptom and infection control. The follow-up time was 6.0-82.0 (45.0±26.1) months, and all survived.

Changes in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus-associated tuberculosis in Hong Kong.

INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated tuberculosis (TB) remains an important health challenge worldwide. Although TB prevalence has decreased in the general population, there is limited information regarding temporal trends in the incidence of HIV-associated TB in Hong Kong. There are also insufficient data regarding changes in clinical manifestation patterns among HIV-associated TB patients over time. This study aimed to describe temporal trends in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of HIV-associated TB in Hong Kong. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data regarding HIV-associated TB patients that were reported to the TB-HIV Registry of the Department of Health during the period 2007 to 2020. Trends of TB as a primary acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness, as well as changes in demographic features and clinical manifestations of HIV-associated TB during this period were examined using Cochran-Armitage trend test. RESULTS: A decreasing trend was observed in the proportion of all reported cases of AIDS in which TB was a primary AIDS-defining illness during the study period. The proportions of female patients and patients with extrapulmonary involvement significantly increased, whereas the proportions of ever-smokers and patients with sputum smear positivity significantly decreased during the same period. A decreasing trend was observed in the proportion of patients with pulmonary TB in which the lower zone was the predominant site of lung parenchymal lesions. Among patients with a diagnosis of HIV infection before TB, an increasing trend was observed in the proportion of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: Important temporal changes were observed in the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of HIV-associated TB. These results highlight the need for continued surveillance regarding the patterns of demographic features and clinical manifestations to inform policymakers when planning control strategies for HIV-associated TB.

Circular E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase improves renal function and alleviates inflammation and renal injury in chronic glomerulonephritis rats via the microRNA-146a-5p / tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein gamma axis.

Circular E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (circ-ITCH), a novel circRNA, is generated from several exons of itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase. Reports on circ-ITCH have discussed its pathogenic performance in human diseases. Based on this, this study determines whether and how circ-ITCH is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). First, a rat model of CGN induced by cationic bovine serum albumin was established. Then, CGN rats were injected with lentiviruses interfering with the expression of circ-ITCH, miR-146a-5p or tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG). Then, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were measured to evaluate renal function; inflammatory factor content and fibrosis marker expression in kidney tissue were detected; renal pathological damage was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Finally, the binding relationship between miR-146a-5p and circ-ITCH or YWHAG was verified. Elevating circ-ITCH or depleting miR-146a-5p improved renal function (both P<0.05), reduced inflammatory factor content and fibrosis marker expression (all P<0.05) and alleviated renal pathological damage in CGN rats. Circ-ITCH negatively regulated miR-146a-5p expression by adsorbing miR-146a-5p (P<0.05), and miR-146a-5p inhibited YWHAG expression by binding to the 3'-UTR of YWHAG (P<0.05). Loss of YWHAG reversed the protective effect of upregulated circ-ITCH in CGN rats (all P<0.05). We conclude that circ-ITCH improves renal function and attenuates inflammation and renal injury in rats with CGN via the miR-146a-5p/YWHAG axis.

Control of proton transport and hydrogenation in double-gated graphene.

The basal plane of graphene can function as a selective barrier that is permeable to protons1,2 but impermeable to all ions3,4 and gases5,6, stimulating its use in applications such as membranes1,2,7,8, catalysis9,10 and isotope separation11,12. Protons can chemically adsorb on graphene and hydrogenate it13,14, inducing a conductor-insulator transition that has been explored intensively in graphene electronic devices13-17. However, both processes face energy barriers1,12,18 and various strategies have been proposed to accelerate proton transport, for example by introducing vacancies4,7,8, incorporating catalytic metals1,19 or chemically functionalizing the lattice18,20. But these techniques can compromise other properties, such as ion selectivity21,22 or mechanical stability23. Here we show that independent control of the electric field, E, at around 1 V nm-1, and charge-carrier density, n, at around 1 × 1014 cm-2, in double-gated graphene allows the decoupling of proton transport from lattice hydrogenation and can thereby accelerate proton transport such that it approaches the limiting electrolyte current for our devices. Proton transport and hydrogenation can be driven selectively with precision and robustness, enabling proton-based logic and memory graphene devices that have on-off ratios spanning orders of magnitude. Our results show that field effects can accelerate and decouple electrochemical processes in double-gated 2D crystals and demonstrate the possibility of mapping such processes as a function of E and n, which is a new technique for the study of 2D electrode-electrolyte interfaces.

Chinese university students' help-seeking behaviors when faced with mental health challenges.

BACKGROUND: Mental illnesses and mental health challenges have become increasingly pervasive among Chinese university students. However, the utilization rate of mental health services is low among students. AIMS: We aimed to explore Chinese university students' help-seeking behaviors to understand how they deal with mental health challenges and use the results to inform the development of effective mental health promotion initiatives. METHODS: In this study, we conducted 13 focus group interviews with students in six universities in Jinan, China, including 91 (62%) female students and 56 (38%) male students. We drew on the Theory of Planned Behaviors to guide our thematic analysis to gain a contextual understanding of participants' accounts on help-seeking. RESULTS: Our results have depicted the help-seeking patterns of Chinese university students and show that there are four major behaviors which are self-reliance, seeking support from peers and families, seeking professional support, and accessing virtual mental health care. CONCLUSION: Results from this study can be used to inform the development of mental health literacy programming for students in universities that share similar contexts, and the study has also opened up a new space for using qualitative approaches to study mental health needs and access to care in diverse populations.

Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection for rectal cancer: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIR) fluorescence-guided video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) for rectal cancer with inguinal lymph node metastasis (ILNM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients with rectal cancer who underwent ICG-NIR fluorescence-guided VEIL, assessing various parameters such as operation time, intraoperative bleeding, number of harvested lymph nodes, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up. RESULTS: Regarding surgical procedures for ILNM, unilateral surgery was performed in 7 cases (54.5%) and bilateral surgery in 4 cases (45.5%). Among these 15 ICG-NIR-guided VEIL surgeries in 11 patients, positive fluorescence visualization was achieved in 13 operations (86.7%). The median estimated blood loss was 10 ml, and the median operation time was 90 min. One case (6.7%) required conversion to open surgery. The median duration of the drain tube was 12 days, and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was 20 days. Postoperative complications were observed, including incisional infection in 2 cases (18.2%), lymphatic leakage in 5 cases (45.5%), urinary infection in 1 case (9.1%), and pneumonia in 3 cases (27.3%). Complications such as skin necrosis, lower limb venous thrombosis, lower limb swelling, or impaired movement were observed during the postoperative follow-up period. No cases of primary lesion, groin, or pelvic lymph node recurrence were observed. CONCLUSION: ICG-NIR fluorescence-guided VEIL is a safe and feasible surgical treatment for rectal cancer with ILNM. ICG fluorescence guidance holds promise as a more personalized and precise approach for VEIL in rectal cancer surgery.