A site-resolved two-dimensional quantum simulator with hundreds of trapped ions.

A large qubit capacity and an individual readout capability are two crucial requirements for large-scale quantum computing and simulation1. As one of the leading physical platforms for quantum information processing, the ion trap has achieved a quantum simulation of tens of ions with site-resolved readout in a one-dimensional Paul trap2-4 and of hundreds of ions with global observables in a two-dimensional (2D) Penning trap5,6. However, integrating these two features into a single system is still very challenging. Here we report the stable trapping of 512 ions in a 2D Wigner crystal and the sideband cooling of their transverse motion. We demonstrate the quantum simulation of long-range quantum Ising models with tunable coupling strengths and patterns, with or without frustration, using 300 ions. Enabled by the site resolution in the single-shot measurement, we observe rich spatial correlation patterns in the quasi-adiabatically prepared ground states, which allows us to verify quantum simulation results by comparing the measured two-spin correlations with the calculated collective phonon modes and with classical simulated annealing. We further probe the quench dynamics of the Ising model in a transverse field to demonstrate quantum sampling tasks. Our work paves the way for simulating classically intractable quantum dynamics and for running noisy intermediate-scale quantum algorithms7,8 using 2D ion trap quantum simulators.

[Association between sleep status in the first trimester and preterm birth].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between sleep status in the first trimester and preterm birth. Methods: Clinical data of pregnant women who received regular prenatal examination and delivered in Peking University Third Hospital from September 1, 2019 to June 10, 2020 were collected. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to investigate their sleep status during 8-12 weeks of gestation, and the delivery outcomes were followed up. According to the gestational age at delivery and the cause of preterm birth, they were divided into full-term delivery group (204 cases), preterm birth group (13 cases) and spontaneous preterm birth group (9 cases). The correlation between the sleep status in the first trimester and preterm birth or spontaneous preterm birth was analyzed. Results: The median PSQI score of full-term delivery group was 4.0 points (3.0, 6.0 points), which was lower than those of preterm delivery group [6.0 points (4.0, 8.0 points)] and spontaneous preterm delivery group [7.0 points (4.0, 8.0 points)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The proportion of pregnant women with poor sleep quality (PSQI score>7 points) in full-term delivery group [14.2% (29/204)] was lower than those in preterm delivery group (5/13) and spontaneous preterm delivery group (4/9), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the full-term delivery group [8.0 hours (7.0, 9.0 hours)], the preterm birth group [7.0 hours (7.0, 8.0 hours)] and spontaneous preterm birth group [7.0 hours (7.0, 8.0 hours)] had significantly shorter sleep duration at night (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that PSQI score in the first trimester was an independent risk factor for preterm birth (aOR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.02-1.45; P=0.026). Pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (aOR=5.55, 95%CI: 1.22-25.31; P=0.027), gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR=9.27, 95%CI: 1.96-43.82; P=0.005), PSQI score in the first trimester (aOR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.01-1.58; P=0.039) were independent risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth. Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the decreased sleep quality in the first trimester, which might significantly increase the risk of preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth.

[Imaging classification and analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis:a report of 126 cases].

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of various types of infected pancreatic necrosis(IPN) and the prognosis of different treatment methods in the imaging classification of IPN proposed. Methods: The clinical data of 126 patients with IPN admitted to the Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from December 2018 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 70 males(55.6%) and 56 females(44.4%), with age(M(IQR)) of 44(17)years (range: 12 to 87 years). There were 67 cases(53.2%) of severe acute pancreatitis and 59 cases (46.8%) of moderately severe acute pancreatitis. All cases were based on the diagnostic criteria of IPN. All cases were divided into Type Ⅰ(central IPN)(n=21), Type Ⅱ(peripheral IPN)(n=23), Type Ⅲ(mixed IPN)(n=74) and Type Ⅳ(isolated IPN)(n=8) according to the different sites of infection and necrosis on CT.According to different treatment strategies,they were divided into Step-up group(n=109) and Step-jump group(n=17). The clinical indicators and prognosis of each group were observed and analyzed by ANOVA,t-test,χ2 test or Fisher exact test,respectively. Results: There was no significant difference in mortality, complication rate and complication grade in each type of IPN(all P>0.05). Compared with other types of patients, the length of stay (69(40)days vs. 19(19)days) and hospitalization expenses(323 000(419 000)yuan vs. 60 000(78 000)yuan) were significantly increased in Type Ⅳ IPN(Z=-4.041, -3.972; both P<0.01). The incidence of postoperative residual infection of Type Ⅳ IPN was significantly higher than that of other types (χ2=16.350,P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the mortality of patients with different types of IPN between different treatment groups. The length of stay and hospitalization expenses of patients in the Step-up group were significantly less than those in the Step-jump group(19(20)days vs. 33(35)days, Z=-2.052, P=0.040;59 000(80 000)yuan vs. 122 000(109 000)yuan,Z=-2.317,P=0.020). Among the patients in Type Ⅳ IPN, the hospitalization expenses of Step-up group was significantly higher than that of Step-jump group(330 000(578 000)yuan vs. 141 000 yuan,Z=-2.000,P=0.046). The incidence of postoperative residual infection of Step-up group(17.4%(19/109)) was significantly lower than that of Step-jump group(10/17)(χ2=11.980, P=0.001). Conclusions: Type Ⅳ IPN is more serious than the other three types. It causes longer length of stay and more hospitalization expenses. The step-up approach is safe and effective in the treatment of IPN. However, for infected lesions which are deep in place,difficult to reach by conventional drainage methods, or mainly exhibit "dry necrosis", choosing the step-jump approach is a more positive choice.

[The beginnings and evolution of a pancreatic surgeon: a technical morphological analysis in first 5 years].

Objective: To explore the development of the pancreatic surgeon technique in a high-volume center. Methods: A total of 284 cases receiving pancreatic surgery by a single surgeon from June 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively included in this study. The clinical characteristics and perioperative medical history were extracted from the medical record system of Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University. Among these patients,there were 140 males and 144 females with an age (M (IQR)) of 61.0 (16.8) years(range: 15 to 85 years). The "back-to-back" pancreatic- jejunal anastomosis procedure was used to anastomose the end of the pancreas stump and the jejunal wall. Thirty days after discharge,the patients were followed by outpatient follow-up or telephone interviews. The difference between categorical variables was analyzed by the Chi-square test or the CMH chi-square test. The statistical differences for the quantitative data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test and further analyzed using the LSD test or the Nemenyi test,respectively. Results: Intraoperative blood loss in pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2015 and 2020 were 300,100(100),100(100),100(0),100(200) and 150 (200) ml,respectively. Intraoperative blood loss in distal pancreatectomy was 250 (375),100 (50),50 (65), 50 (80),50 (50),and 50 (100) ml,respectively. Intraoperative blood loss did not show statistical differences in the same operative procedure between each year. The operative time for pancreaticoduodenectomy was respectively 4.5,5.0(2.0),5.5(0.8),5.0(1.3),5.0(3.3) and 5.0(1.0) hours in each year from 2015 to 2020,no statistical differences were found between each group. The operating time of the distal pancreatectomy was 3.8 (0.9),3.0 (1.5),3.0 (1.8),2.0 (1.1),2.0 (1.5) and 3.0(2.0) hours in each year,the operating time was obviously shorter in 2018 compared to 2015 (P=0.026) and 2020 (P=0.041). The median hospital stay in 2020 for distal pancreatectomy was 3 days shorter than that in 2019. The overall incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula gradually decreased,with a incident rate of 50.0%,36.8%,31.0%,25.9%,21.1% and 14.8% in each year. During this period,in a total of 3,6,4,2,0 and 20 cases received laparoscopic operations in each year. The incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) gradually decreased,the incident rates were 0,4.8%,7.1%,3.4%,4.3% and 1.4%,respectively. Two cases had postoperative abdominal bleeding and received unscheduled reoperation. The overall rate of unscheduled reoperation was 0.7%. A patient died within 30 days after the operation and the overall perioperative mortality was 0.4%. Conclusion: The surgical training of a high-volume center can ensure a high starting point in the initial stage and steady progress of pancreatic surgeons,to ensure the safety of pancreatic surgery.

[Long term results of central hole type posterior chamber intraocular lens in the correction of moderate to high myopia].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term safety,effectiveness,predictability and stability of ICL V4c implantation for moderate to high myopia. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, 95 eyes from 50 patients with moderate to severe myopia who were treated in 2015 underwent central hole type posterior chamber intraocular lens (ICL V4c) implantation at Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. The patients were followed up for a period of five years, during which we assessed various parameters including uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, axial length, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density (ECD), vault, and complications. We used the paired t-test and repeated measures one-way ANOVA in SPSS statistical software to analyze the data. Results: The mean spherical equivalent refraction (SE) decreased significantly from (-12.16±3.04) D preoperatively to (-0.19±0.55) D at one month and (-1.14±0.84) D at five years postoperatively. The safety indices (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.24±0.27 and 1.13±0.27, respectively, and the efficacy indices (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.14±0.25 and 0.87±0.26 at one month and five years postoperatively. At one month after surgery, 80.00% of the eyes were within ±0.50 D of the expected correction, and 96.84% were within ±1.00 D. There was no significant difference in IOP between preoperative and postoperative measurements. The rate of ECD was 3.87%, and the vault decreased by 106.32 µm at five years postoperatively. Conclusion: ICL V4c implantation is safe and effective with good predictability and stability for long term.

[Comprehensive treatment options and influencing factors in elderly patients with breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the treatment options for breast cancer patients aged 65 and over, and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: The clinical data of 521 elderly patients aged 65 years or older,who underwent surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2015, were collected. They were all female and 65-98 years old. The patients were divided into 65-74 years old group (n=353) and ≥ 75 years old group (n=168). The differences of variables including age, functional status, treatment methods, pathological characteristics, comorbidities and survival time between the two groups were compared, and the differences of comprehensive treatment methods and their impact on clinical efficacy were analyzed. Results: The main operation methods of the two groups were modified radical mastectomy [39.1% (138/353) and 33.9% (57/168), respectively], breast conserving surgery [56.9% (201/353) and 61.3% (103/353), respectively]. Among the patients choosing adjuvant therapy, there was no significant difference between the two groups except chemotherapy (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the choice of chemotherapy was related to age, surgical methods, pathological types, tumor burden, molecular typing, functional status and comorbidities (all P<0.05). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score and the number of comorbidities were independent factors affecting the choice of chemotherapy for breast cancer in the elderly: [ECOG score: adjusted OR=0.45 (95CI: 0.26-0.75), number of comorbidities: adjusted OR = 0.63 (95CI:0.41-0.98); all P<0.05]. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of 521 elderly patients with breast cancer was 86.3%, 5-year overall survival rate was 88.8%, and the breast cancer specific survival rate was 94.3%. Conclusions: The comprehensive treatment of breast cancer patients aged 65 and above is not affected by age, but is associated with tumor burden, pathological type, molecular typing, comorbidities and ECOG score. Among them, ECOG score and the number of comorbidities are the independent factors influencing the choice of adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Pancreas multidisciplinary team optimizes the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas-related diseases and improves the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients].

Objectives: To evaluate the role of pancreas multidisciplinary team(MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases,patient compliance with MDT advice,and the impact of MDT on the postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included 927 patients(554 males,373 females,aged (58.1±13.3)years (range: 15 to 89 years)) that had visited the pancreas MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital from May 2015 to December 2021,and 677 patients(396 males, 281 females, aged (63.6±8.9)years(range: 32 to 95 years)) who underwent radical surgery and with pathologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 2012 to December 2020,of whom 79 patients had attended the pancreas MDT. The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for drawing the survival curve and calculating the survival rate. The univariate analysis was done by Log-rank test and the multivariate analysis was done by COX proportional hazards model. Survival rates were compared using χ2 test. Results: Among the 927 patients that had visited the MDT clinic,233 patients(25.1%) were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. A direct diagnosis was made in 109 cases (46.8%,109/233) by the MDT clinic, of which 98 were consistent with the final diagnosis,resulting in an accuracy of 89.9%(98/109). The direct diagnosis rate in the recent years(36.6%(41/112),from June 2019 to December 2021) decreased compared to that in the previous years(56.2%(68/121),from May 2015 to May 2019),yet the accuracy in the recent years(90.2%,37/41) was basically the same as before (89.7%,61/68). The rate of compliance of the entire cohort was 71.5%(663/927), with the compliance rate in the recent two and a half years(81.4%,338/415) remarkably higher than that in the previous four years(63.4%,325/512). Patients with pancreatic cancer that attended the MDT exhibited a trend toward longer median postoperative survival than patients that did not attend the MDT,but the difference was not statistically significant(35.2 months vs.30.2 months,P>0.05). The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients that attended the MDT were significanly higher than patients that did not attend the MDT(88.6% vs. 78.4%,P<0.05;32.9% vs. 21.9%,P<0.05,respectively),but the 5-year survival rate was not statistically different(7.6% vs. 4.8%,P>0.05). Conclusions: The pancreas MDT clinic is an accurate and convenient way to diagnose intractable pancreatic diseases,and in the recent years the patients' compliance rate with MDT advice has increased. Pancreatic cancer patients that have attended the MDT have higher 1-year and 3-year postoperative survival rates,but the long-term survival benefits of MDT still needs to be proved by clinical studies on a larger scale.

[A comparative study of breast cancer mass screening and opportunistic screening in Chinese women].

Objective: To compare the population characteristics, the positive rate of screening, the detection rate of breast cancer, early diagnosis rate and the cost between the mass screening group and opportunistic screening group of breast cancer. Methods: This study is a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. The participants were enrolled for mass screening or opportunistic screening of breast cancer. After completing the questionnaire, all the participants received breast physical examination and breast ultrasound examination every year for 3 rounds by year. The participants' characteristics and screening results of the two groups were compared by χ2 test, Fisher exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: A total of 20 080 subjects were enrolled. In the mass screening group, 9 434 (100%), 8 111 (85.98%) and 3 940 (41.76%) cases completed the 3 rounds of screening, and 10 646 (100%), 6 209 (58.32%) and 2 988 (28.07%) cases in the opportunistic screening group, respectively. In the opportunistic screening group, the proportions of less than 3 months lactation (1 275/9 796 vs. 1 061/8 860, χ²=4.597, P=0.032), non-fertility (850/10 646 vs. 574/9 434, χ²=27.400, P<0.01), abortion history (6 384/10 646 vs. 5 062/9 434, χ²=81.232, P<0.01), postmenopausal (2 776/10 646 vs. 2 217/9 434, χ²=17.757, P<0.01), long-term oral contraceptives(>6 months) (171/10 646 vs. 77/9 434, χ²=25.593, P<0.01) and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (464/10 646 vs. 236/9 434, χ²=51.257, P<0.01) were significantly higher than those in mass screening group. The positive rate of screening (514/10 646 vs. 128/9 434, χ²=194.736, P<0.01), the detection rate of breast cancer (158/10 646 vs. 13/9 434, χ²=107.374, P<0.01), and positive rate of biopsy (158/452 vs. 13/87, χ²=13.491, P<0.01) in the opportunistic screening group were significantly higher than those of the mass screening group. The early diagnosis rate of the mass screening group was significantly higher than the opportunistic screening group (10/12 vs. 66/141, χ²=5.902, P=0.015). The average cost for detecting each breast cancer case of the mass screening group was 215 038 CNY, which was 13.6 times of the opportunistic screening group (15 799 CNY/case). In the opportunistic screening group, the positive rate of biopsy in primary hospitals was significantly lower than that in large-volume hospitals (79/267 vs. 79/185, χ²=8.267, P=0.004), but there was no significant difference in the mass screening group (6/37 vs. 7/50, χ²=0.082, P=0.774). Conclusions: Breast cancer screening can improve early detection rate. Compared with the mass screening mode, the opportunistic screening mode has the advantages of higher proportion of high-risk factors, higher positive rate of screening, higher detection rate of breast cancer, higher positive rate of biopsy, and lower cost of screening. However, the early diagnosis rate of breast cancer of opportunistic screening is lower than that of mass screening. The positive rate of opportunistic screening in primary hospitals is lower than that of large-volume hospitals. The two screening modes have their own advantages and should be chosen according to local conditions of different regions in China.

Outcomes of self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant oesophageal strictures.

AIM: To analyse the outcomes of oesophageal stenting for malignant strictures and to study the correlation between the follow-up time and major complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with oesophageal malignancy who underwent stent placement between 2011 and 2016 for dysphagia were included. The data included age, sex, dysphagia, length and location of stenosis, date of stent placement, complications, follow-up time, and survival. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-eight patients were included in the study. Minor complications occurred in 113 patients (37.9%) including chest pain (17.1%), foreign body sensation (25.5%), hiccups (1.68%), and reflux symptoms (27.5%). Major adverse events occurred in 93 (31.1%) patients including pneumonia (25.5%), migration (3%), perforation (0.67%), bleeding (1.68%), and restenosis (22.5%). oesophago-airway fistula occurred in 45 (15.1%) patients. The incidence of recurrent dysphagia, pneumonia, and oesophago-airway fistula increased over 3 months and decreased after another 3 months. The incidence of major complications as a percentage of survivors remained high after 3 months (>40%). Spearman analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the incidence and the follow-up time over this period (rs=0.907, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The major complications of oesophageal stenting increased with time over 3 months and remained high for another 3 months. Therefore, stenting should be considered for palliation in patients with short expected survival (usually <3 months).

[The mid-term and long-term results of endovascular treatment of C/D aorto-iliac artery occlusive disease].

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the endovascular treatment for Trans-Atlantic Society Consensus (TASC) C/D aorto-iliac artery occlusive disease in mid-term and long-term follow-up. Methods: A total of 172 patients diagnosed with TASC C/D aorto-iliac lesions who received endovascular treatment from Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2008 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort was separated into covered stent group (61 cases), bare stent group (88 cases) and composite stent group (23 cases). Primary endpoint was primary patency, and secondary endpoints were freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate, major amputation rate and all cause death rate. Results: There were no significant difference of peri-operational all cause death rate and complication rate among all the groups(all P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier was used to analyze the primary patency at 5 year, which were 82.1%, 78.3% and 71.9% in covered stent group, bare stent group and composite stent group (χ(2)=3.47, P>0.05) , and primary patency at 10 year were 68.7%, 52.6% and 58.1%, respectively (χ(2)=18.91, P<0.05) . Freedom from TLR at 5 year were 88.5%, 82.6% and 78.1% in covered stent group, bare stent group and composite stent group (χ(2)=2.93, P>0.05) , and freedom from TLR at 10 year were 74.1%, 70.6% and 65.9%, respectively (χ(2)=6.16, P>0.05) . Diabetes, smoking, TASC D lesions and bare stent were identified as predictors of restenosis by logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: These results suggest that endovacular treatment is safe and effective to complex TASC C/D aorto-iliac artery occlusive disease in mid-term and long-term follow-up. The application of covered stent might further improve the long-term patency.

[Prevalence and predictors of intraplaque hemorrhage in stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Methods: Ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis who were consecutively admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from January 2017 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. High-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging was used to assess atherosclerotic plaque characteristics of intracranial artery. Possible variables correlated with IPH were compared between IPH and no-IPH groups, as well as in symptomatic IPH and no symptomatic IPH groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of all IPH and symptomatic IPH in intracranial artery. Results: A total of 276 ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis were included, of which, 41.3% (114/276) were IPH-postive, and 28.1%(32/114) of them were symptomatic. In multivariate regression analysis, maximum wall thickness was independently associated with the presence of all IPH and symptomatic IPH (OR=2.15, 95%CI: (1.42-3.24) and OR=3.46, 95%CI: (1.94-6.17), respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of IPH in ischemic stroke patients with intracranial atherosclerosis is much higher than expected. Moreover, atherosclerosis plaque burden is independently associated with IPH, but it is non-specific in identifying symptomatic IPH.

Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides against high-fat diet-induced renal injury and lipid deposition in rat kidneys.

This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) against hyperlipidemia and lipid-induced renal injury in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=30) were randomly divided into three equal groups: a control group (fed a regular diet) and two experimental groups (fed a high-fat diet). By feeding rats a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, an animal model of hyperlipidemia was established, after which one experimental group received oral LBPs at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day. Blood lipids, renal function, and urinary proteins were measured after 12 weeks. Changes in renal pathology and expression levels of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1), interleukin-6 (IL- 6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) were determined. Rats with hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet showed increases in blood lipids and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary protein, as well as increases in renal levels of SREBP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 and decreases in renal levels of adiponectin and AMPK. Administration of LBPs restored blood lipid, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary protein levels, downregulated renal levels of SREBP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, and upregulated renal levels of adiponectin and AMPK. These results indicate that LBPs may mediate lipid metabolism, enhance anti-inflammatory responses, and ameliorate renal injury caused by lipid metabolism isorders in a rat model of hyperlipidemia.

Bacillus licheniformis, a potential probiotic, inhibits obesity by modulating colonic microflora in C57BL/6J mice model.

AIMS: This study evaluated the effects of a potential probiotic, Bacillus sp., on the growth, serum and hepatic triglyceride, histological features of liver tissues and colonic microflora in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups: mice fed a low-fat diet (Cont), mice fed a high-fat diet (Hf), Hf and orally challenged with Bacillus subtilis (Bs), B. licheniformis (Bl) and a mixture of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (Bls). Gavage feeding was provided at week 9 and the experiment was continued for 8 weeks. Treatment with B. licheniformis and a mixture of Bacillus sp. attenuated body weight gain at the end of study and enhanced glucose tolerance by sensitizing insulin action in the Hf-fed mice. Lower serum and hepatic triglyceride and epididymal fat weight were observed in Bl and Bls groups than that of Hf group. Lesser hepatic fat deposition was observed in the Bl and Bls groups than in the Hf group. High-throughput sequencing showed that Bacillus sp. supplementation dramatically changed the colonic bacterial community in obese mice. CONCLUSIONS: Bacillus licheniformis reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance, obesity and insulin resistance in Hf-fed mice by changing colonic microbiota composition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Orally administration of Bacillus licheniformis may reduce body weight and decrease fat deposition by modulating colonic bacterial community in Hf model.

[The regulation of tight junction protein via PKCα/ß for abnormal permeability of brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to paraquat].

Objective: To explore if conventional protein kinase C (cPKC: PKCα and PKCß) contributes to paraquat (PQ) -induced abnormal permeability of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) via the regulation of tight junction (TJ) proteins. Methods: The immortalized mouse brain endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) was used to establish a monolayer blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. In order to evaluate the function of the in vitro BBB model, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability were measured by a Millicell-ERS volt-ohmmeter and sodium fluorescent (Na-FLU) , respectively. MTT assay was used to determine the relative survival rate of cells. The dose-response relationship was determined by treating cells with 0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 µmol/L PQ for 24 hours. The time-response relationship was determined by treating cells with 200 µmol/L PQ for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. After the treatment of cells with 0, 100, 200, and 300 µmol/L PQ for 24 hours, the protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were measured by immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) , respectively; the expression of PKCα, PKCß, phosphorylated (p) -PKCα, and p-PKCß was determined by Western blot. After the treatment of cells with 200? mol/L PQ for 24 hours following the pretreatment with a classical PKC inhibitor (Go 6983, 1 µmol/L) for 1 hour, the protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-5, p-PKCα, and p-PKCß was measured by Western blot. Results: The TEER of the bEnd. 3 cells increased gradually with the cell culture time, and reached a peak value of 114.3±6.9 Ω·cm(2) on day 6. According to the permeability analysis by Na-FLU, cell permeability gradually decreased with the cell culture time, and reached 1.7±0.2 cm/min on day 6, suggesting a well-behaved barrier function of cells. Compared with the control group, the survival rates of the bEnd.3 cells were significantly reduced after exposure to 100, 200, or 300 µmol/L PQ for 24 hours (P<0.05) , or after exposure to 200 µmol/L PQ for 6, 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours (P <0.05) , indicating a dose-and time-dependent relationship. The IF and qRT-PCR results showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 were significantly reduced with the increase in the concentration of PQ (P<0.05) . The Western blot analysis showed that compared with the control group, cells exposed to PQ had significantly higher protein expression of p-PKCα and p-PKCß and significantly lower protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 (P<0.05) . Compared with the PQ treatment group, the Go 6983 intervention group had significantly higher protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 and significantly lower protein expression of p-PKCα and p-PKCß (P<0.05) . Conclusion: By activation of cPKC (PKCα and PKCß) , PQ reduces the protein and mRNA expression of TJ proteins and enhances the permeability of murine BMECs.

[The role of the AMPK-mTOR pathway in paraquat-induce autophagy in PC12 cells].

Objective: To investigate the regulation of AMPK-mTOR signal transduction pathway in paraquat-induced autophagy of pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) . Methods: The PC12 cell were treated with terminal concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 µmol/L PQ for 24 hours, and the cells were induced by 300 µmol/L PQ for different time (6, 12, 24, 48 h) . MTT was used to detect the relative survival rate of cells, and the dose/time-effect relationship was determined respectively. The cells were treated with PQ at concentrations of 0, 100, 200 and 300 µmol/L PQ for 24 hours, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture supernatant was detected by spectrophotometry. The expression and distribution of autophagic lysosomes were observed by MDC staining. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) . The expression of microtubule-related protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) was measured by immunofluorescence. The protein level of LC3Ⅱ, p62, Beclin1 and p-AMPK, p-mTOR were detected by Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, the cell survival rate of the 100, 200, 300, 400 µmol/L PQ group decreased significantly, and showed a dose-dependent pattern (P<0.05) . The survival rate of cells treated with 300 µmol/L PQ decreased significantly with the prolongation of exposure time (12, 24, 48 h) (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the activity of LDH in 100, 200, 300 µmol/L PQ-treated group were significantly higher while The fluorescence intensity of ROS was significantly increased (P<0.05) . MDC staining showed the density of autophagic lysosomes and fluorescence intensity in PQ-treated group significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Immunofluorescence results showed the LC3 fluorescence intensity of PQ-treated group decreased which was consistent with MDC staining results. Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of autophagy related proteins LC3Ⅱand Beclin1 in PQ-treated group were significantly lower, while the expression level of p62 protein was higher (P<0.05) . p-AMPK protein level decreased and p-mTOR protein expression increased in 200 and 300µmol/L PQ-treatd groups, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05) . Conclusion: AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway played a regulatory role in PQ-induced decreased autophagy of PC12 cell.

[Evaluation of transperineal sonography for lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic floor reconstruction].

Objective: To evaluate transperineal sonography for lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic floor reconstruction. Methods: Eighty-three patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse received surgeries in Fuzhou General Hospital from September 2014 to September 2015, dividing into two groups: 27 patients were selected to receive transvaginal mesh (TVM) pelvic floor reconstruction surgery with tension-free vaginal tape-Abbrevo (TVT-Abbrevo) incontinence surgery, named TVM+TVT-Abbrevo group; 56 patients were selected to receive TVM pelvic floor reconstruction surgery only, named TVM group. The ultrasonic parameters at rest, on contraction and Valsalva condition respectively were observed and measured, including the bladder neck descent (BND), urethral rotation angle, retrovesical angle, levator urethra gap (LUG), the existence of bladder neck funneling, position of the tape, by using 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound. Results: The two groups were compared with the ultrasonic parameters before and after operation: two groups of patients with postoperative BND [(2.3±0.5) versus (3.1±0.7) cm, (1.6±0.4) versus (3.6±0.4) cm] were significantly reduced, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.02, P<0.01). The two groups of LUG before and after operation [(3.62±0.45) versus (3.26±0.92) cm, (2.96±0.47) versus (2.72±0.38) cm] both had significant difference by maximum Valsalva (P<0.01, P=0.04). There was statistical significance difference of urethral rotation angle in TVM+TVT-Abbrevo group by maximum Valsalva (P=0.01). Observation of morphology: (1) 2 patients with difficulty in urination in TVM+TVT-Abbrevo group, ultrasound showed when the position of the bladder down the urethra discount; 4 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), ultrasound showed slings off or release. (2) One patient with difficulty in urination in TVM group, but ultrasound showed lower urinary tract anatomy were normal; 5 patients with SUI, ultrasound showed the position of the bladder neck were significantly lower in 3 patients, showing high mobility, and the other 2 patients had a larger urethral diameter, showing a tendency of natural deletion. Conclusion: s Anatomy of lower urinary tract could be clearly showed by transperineal sonography. This could provide imaging support for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic floor reconstruction.

Effect of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 IIe105Val polymorphisms on susceptiblity to gestational diabetes mellitus.

We investigate the role of the GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 IIe105Val genetic polymorphisms in the susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus. A total of 223 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and 265 healthy pregnant women were examined at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from May 2013 to November 2013. Genotyping for detection of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 IIe105Val polymorphisms was conducted using the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. There were statistically significant differences between patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and control subjects in terms of age (χ(2) = 6.68, P = 0.01) and BMI (t = 7.56, P < 0.001) levels of HDL-C (t = 2.62, P = 0.005) and LDL-C (t = 3.98, P < 0.001). By the chi-square test, we found significant differences between the present and null genotype distributions of GSTM1 (χ(2) = 10.95, P = 0.0009). Null genotype of GSTM1 could influence the susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus compared to the present genotype [adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.85 (1.26-2.72)]. However, the unconditional logistic analysis revealed that GSTT1 and GSTP1 IIe105Val polymorphisms could not influence the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population. In summary, we suggest that the GSTM1 gene polymorphism could influence the susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population.

[Analysis of high-risk HPV infection and cervical cytologic screening in HIV positive women].

Objective: To analysis of high-risk HPV infection and cervical cytologic screening in HIV positive women, and to study the relationship between HIV infection and high-risk HPV infection. Methods: From June 2011 to May 2016, 58 cases of HIV positive women in Beijing Ditan Hospital for cervical screening were selected as the experimental group, and 59 cases of HIV negative women were selected as control group, thin-prep cytologic test(TCT)and HPV detection were used in two groups of subjects. The abnormal rate of TCT and the incidence rate of HPV were observed in the two groups, the relationship between HIV infection and HPV infection was analyzed. Results: TCT abnormal rate(91.4%, 53/58)of the experimental group was obviously higher than that of the control group(45.8%, 27/59), with statistically significant(χ2=12.365, P=0.036). High-risk HPV infection incidence(34.5%, 20/58)of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(16.9%, 10/59), with traditional significance(χ2=10.359, P=0.041). CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of high-risk HPV positive patients had significant difference with high-risk HPV negative patients(χ2=10.378, P=0.042; χ2=9.245, P=0.045). The proportion of different AIDS clinical stages of high-risk HPV positive patients had obvious difference with high-risk HPV negative patients(P<0.05). Conclusion: HIV positive women maybe have a large proportion of abnormal TCT and the infection with high-risk HPV, and infection of high-risk HPV in HIV positive women has relationship with CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and AIDS clinical stage.

[Drug coated balloon with paclitaxel for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease: early and midterm results].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug coated balloon (DCB) with paclitaxel in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: The clinical data of 18 patients, who were diagnosed as PAD and treated with DCB from October 2013 to June 2014 in Department of Vascular Surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed.Thirteen male and 5 female patients were in the series, the mean age of the patients was (65±7) years, and the Rutherford's categories were level 3 to 5. Patients were followed up at 3- and 6-month postoperative. The main efficacy end point were late lumen loss(LLL), rate of restenosis and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Meanwhile, the clinical events were recorded. RESULTS: Mean lesion length, the percentage of total occlusions and the percentage of in-stent restenosis were (138±91) mm, 9/18 and 2/18, respectively. Rate of technical success was 18/18. At 6-month postoperative, LLL, rate of restenosis and TLR were (0.1±0.9) mm, 2/14 and 0, respectively. There was no deaths or no amputations. CONCLUSION: DCB with paclitaxel is safe in patients with PAD, and associated with reductions in LLL, restenosis and clinically driven TLR 6-month postoperative.

[Reconstruct abdominal aortic branch arteries totally by endovascular repair in complex aortic aneurysms: a single-centre experience].

OBJECTIVE: To report experiences and results of complex aortic aneurysms involving the visceral arteries treating by total endovascular repair. METHODS: Seventy cases of thoracoabdominal aortic lesions treating by total endovascular repair in Department of Vascular Surgery, People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 47 cases underwent chimney technique, 6 underwent sandwich technique, 15 underwent fenestration technique and 2 underwent branched stent grafts technique. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 21 months, range from 3 to 47 months. Completion angiography showed that typeⅠ endoleak of chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group were 9/47, 5/6, 2/15 and 0, respectively. While at 30-day typeⅠ endoleak reduced to 7/47, 2/6, 0 and 0. During follow-up, there were 3 target vessel stents occlusion in chimney group, the patency rate of target vessel stent was 95.1% (58/61). In sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts group, all the target vessel stents kept patent. CONCLUSION: In this study, chimney, sandwich, fenestration and branched stent grafts techniques show good short-term and midterm results, the long-term effects still need further studies.