Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of Illicium verum Essential Oil Nanoemulsion on Fusarium proliferatum via Combined Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis.

Fusarium proliferatum is the main pathogen that causes Panax notoginseng root rot. The shortcomings of strong volatility and poor water solubility of Illicium verum essential oil (EO) limit its utilization. In this study, we prepared traditional emulsion (BDT) and nanoemulsion (Bneo) of I. verum EO by ultrasonic method with Tween-80 and absolute ethanol as solvents. The chemical components of EO, BDT, and Bneo were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the antifungal activity and mechanism were compared. The results show that Bneo has good stability and its particle size is 34.86 nm. The contents of (-) -anethole and estragole in Bneo were significantly higher than those in BDT. The antifungal activity against F. proliferatum was 5.8-fold higher than BDT. In the presence of I. verum EO, the occurrence of P. notoginseng root rot was significantly reduced. By combining transcriptome and metabolomics analysis, I. verum EO was found to be involved in the mutual transformation of pentose and glucuronic acid, galactose metabolism, streptomycin biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and other metabolic pathways of F. proliferatum, and it interfered with the normal growth of F. proliferatum to exert antifungal effects. This study provide a theoretical basis for expanding the practical application of Bneo.

Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on artery elasticity for early carotid atherosclerosis. / é’ˆç¸å¯¹é¢ˆåŠ¨è„‰ç²¥æ ·ç¡¬åŒ–æ—©æœŸæ‚£è€ è¡€ç®¡å¼¹æ€§çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on arterial elasticity in patients with early carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with early carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into a blank group (12 cases, 1 cases dropped-off), a sham-acupuncture group (25 cases, 5 cases dropped-off) and an acupuncture group (25 cases, 3 cases dropped-off). Patients in the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment, including ①acupuncture：Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV24+), Renying (ST9), Neiguan (PC6), Yanglingquan (GB34)；②moxibustion：Yinqiguiyuan (Zhongwan ［CV12］, Xiawan ［CV10］, Qihai ［CV6］, Guanyuan ［CV4］), Sihua (Geshu ［BL17］, Danshu ［BL19］)；③Intradermal needle：Xinshu (BL15), Danshu (BL19). Patients in the sham acupuncture group received placebo acupuncture, moxibustion, an intradermal needle, and the acupoints were the same as the acupuncture group. The above treatments were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. No intervention was given to the patients in the blank group. Diet and lifestyle education was given to the three groups. The ultrafast pulse wave velocity, including beginning-systolic pulse wave velocity (BS) and end-systolic pulse wave velocity (ES), was observed before treatment and 1, 2, 3 months after treatment in the three groups. The blood lipid level and platelet count (PLT) at each time point were observed. The safety of the treatments was also evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the BS and ES values of both sides in the acupuncture group decreased at 2 and 3 months after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the bilateral ES of the acupuncture group were decreased at 2 months after treatment (P<0.05), and the bilateral BS and ES were decreased at 3 months (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-acupuncture group, the acupuncture group showed a decrease in left BS and left ES after 3 months of treatment (P<0.05), and the overall decrease on the left side of the acupuncture group was better than that on the right side. There were no significant differences between three groups in the levels of blood lipid and PLT at each time point. No serious adverse safety events occurred in the three groups during the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy can improve arterial elasticity in patients with early carotid atherosclerosis, and it is safe and effective.

Prognostic and metabolic characteristics of a novel cuproptosis-related signature in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cuproptosis is a novel discovered mode of programmed cell death. To identify the molecular regulatory patterns related to cuproptosis, this study was designed for exploring the correlation between cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and the prognosis, metabolism, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to screen 363 HCC samples, which were categorized into 2 clusters based on the expression of CRGs. Survival analysis demonstrated that overall survival (OS) was better in Cluster 1 than Cluster 2 which might to be relevant to differences in metabolic based on functional analysis. With LASSO regression analysis and univariate COX regression, 8 prognosis-related genes were screened, a differently expressed genes (DEGs) were then constructed (HCC patients' DEGs)-based signature. The signature's stability was also validated in the 2 independent cohorts and test cohorts (GSE14520, HCC dataset in PCAWG). The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year area under the curve (AUC) were 0.756, 0.706, and 0.722, respectively. The signature could also well predict the response to chemotherapy, targeted and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) by providing a risk score. Moreover, the correlation was uncovered by the research between the metabolism and risk score. In conclusion, a unique cuproptosis-related signature that be capable of predicting patients' prognosis with HCC, and offered valuable insights into chemotherapy, TACE and targeted therapies for these patients has been developed.

Progress of the development of anti-COVID-19 drugs / 药学学报

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease COVID-19 (also known as 2019-nCoV) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the end of 2019, it has spread rapidly in worldwide. Besides developing effective vaccines, it is urgent to develop safe and effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs to fight this disease. Paxlovid, molnupiravir, sotrovimab and bebtelovimab are urgently authorized by FDA have been proved to be effective against Omicron. This manuscript mainly reviews the recent progress of effective inhibitors against the virus in the world, including receptor inhibitors, antibodies, natural product inhibitors, synthetic inhibitors and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that are effective against other RNA viruses.

The value of a nomogram for predicting the outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage based on clinical characteristics and diffusion-weighted imaging of hyperintense lesions / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of a nomogram predicting the outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) based on clinical characteristics and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of hyperintense lesions.Methods:A case-control study. Consecutive patients, aged 30-88(59±13) years old, with ICH were recruited at the Stroke Center of Zhengzhou People′s Hospital from January 2018 to August 2021. Patients were divided into a group with DWI lesions and a group without DWI lesions depending on whether there were DWI hyperintense lesions distant from the hematoma. Prognosis was evaluated at 90 days via the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of a poor ICH outcome (mRS score≥4), and a nomogram model was developed. The performance of the nomogram was validated via the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and a calibration chart.Results:Of the 303 patients included in the study, 24.8% presented with DWI lesions; 17.5% with asymptomatic DWI lesions and 7.3% with symptomatic DWI lesions. Poor outcomes were significantly more frequent in the group with DWI lesions than in the group without DWI lesions ( χ2=21.32, P<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, age [odds ratio ( OR)=1.032, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.002-1.063, P=0.035], hematoma volume ( OR=1.050, 95% CI 1.011-1.090, P=0.012), hematoma location ( OR=3.839, 95% CI 1.248-11.805, P=0.019), DWI lesions ( OR=3.955, 95% CI 1.906-8.206, P<0.001), and baseline NIHSS scores ( OR=1.102, 95% CI 1.038-1.170, P=0.001) were independent predictors of a poor outcome. In subgroup analysis patients with asymptomatic DWI lesions had a 3-fold greater risk of a poor outcome compared to those without DWI lesions ( OR=3.135, 95% CI 1.382-7.112, P=0.006), and patients with symptomatic DWI lesions had a 7-fold greater risk of a poor outcome compared to those without DWI lesions ( OR=7.126, 95% CI 2.279-22.277, P=0.001). A nomogram model was established based on the independent predictors for a poor outcome. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.846 (95% CI 0.795-0.898), and a calibration chart indicated good consistency between values predicted by the nomogram and actual observed values. Conclusions:DWI lesions are an independent risk factor for a poor outcome in patients with ICH-particularly symptomatic DWI lesions. A nomogram model based on clinical characteristics and DWI lesions exhibited good efficacy when predicting the outcome of ICH.

The predictive value of warning scores for intensive care unit admission in coronavirus disease 2019 patients / 中华内科杂志

To evaluate the predictive value of early warning scores for intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Shijiazhuang People's Hospital from January 2021 to February 2021, national early warning score (NEWS), national early warning score 2 (NEWS2), rapid emergency medicine score (REMS), quick sepsis-related organ failure (qSOFA), altered consciousness, blood urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and age-65 (CURB-65) were used to evaluate the inpatient condition and the predictive value for ICU admission. A total of 368 patients were included, and 32 patients (8.7%) were transferred to the ICU. The median age was 49.0 (34.0,61.0) years. The scores of NEWS, NEWS2, REMS, and CURB-65 were 1 (0, 2), 1 (0, 2), 4 (2, 6) and 0 (0, 1), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) cure (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value in detecting patients who are at risk of being transferred to the ICU. Area under the ROC AUC of NEWS was 0.756, sensitivity 65.6%, and specificity 71.3%. ROC AUC of NEWS2 was 0.732, sensitivity 62.5%, and specificity 61.3%. ROC AUC of REMS was 0.787, sensitivity 84.4%, and specificity 64.6%. ROC AUC of CURB-65 was 0.814, sensitivity 81.3%, and specificity 76.8%. The predictive value of NEWS and NEWS2 combined with age were significantly improved. The ROC AUC of NEWS combined with age was 0.885, sensitivity 85.1%, and specificity 75.0%. The ROC AUC of NEWS2 combined with age was 0.883, sensitivity 84.2%, and specificity 75.0%. NEWS and NEWS2 combined with age can be used as a predictive tool for whether COVID-19 patients will be admitted to the ICU.

Intestinal microbiome and its relationship with necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To explore the composition of intestinal microflora prior to onset of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight preterm infants. Methods: This was a multicenter prospective nested case-control study. A total of 46 very low birth weight preterm infants (birth weight <1 500 g and gestional age <35 weeks) within 24 h of life admitted into Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital of Soochow University and Suzhou Municipal Hospital from April 20 to November 20, 2018 were enrolled. Baseline clinical data and fecal samples of these infants were collected. The subsequent sampling time points were 1st, 4th and 7th day in the first week of life then once per week consecutively. The endpoint of sampling was NEC occurrence, patient discharge or the 8th week post-discharge, whichever came first. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16 S rDNA high-throughput nucleotide sequencing. The control cases were infants without NEC who were matched to the NEC cases with a ratio of 1∶1. The operational taxonomic units (OTU), sequence number and shannon diversity index of the fecal samples were analyzed. Continuous variables were compared with t-test or non-parametric test, and χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Results: There were 23 patients in each group. The gestational age was (29.4±1.8) weeks in NEC group and (29.9±1.6) weeks in control group, including 13 males (57%) and 11 males (48%) in each group, respectively. Species abundance showed that the Firmicutes in both groups decreased temporarily at 7 days of age and then increased with age in control group, but not in NEC group, the Proteobacteria in both groups increased at 7 days of age and then decreased in control group, but kept increasing in NEC group. Regarding the other levels of taxonomy, compared with that of the control group, the NEC group had lower abundance of Proteobacteria, γ-proteobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae at 7 days of age, while higer abundance of Faecalibacterium at 14 days of age, meanwhile, lower Clostridium and Streptococcus at 21 days of age, lower Firmicutes, Clostridia and Clostridium perfringens and higher Proteobacteria and γ-proteobacteria at 28 days of age, these differences were all statistically significant (U=43.00, 43.00, 45.00, 80.00, 74.00, 76.00, 19.00, 8.00, 36.00, 25.00, 25.00,all P<0.05). The shannon index of NEC group was both lower than that of the controls at 21 days of age (2.4 (1.4, 3.0) vs. 3.1 (2.6, 4.0), U=67.00, P=0.027) and 28 days of age (2.4 (1.4, 2.8) vs. 3.9 (3.3, 4.2), U=12.00, P=0.001). Conclusions: The intestinal microflora profile of very low birth weight preterm infants has already changed prior to NEC development. The emergence of differential flora and the reduction of microflora diversity may facilitate early identification and prevention of NEC.

Research progress of microglia in eye disease / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system(CNS). Microglia constantly monitor the pathological changes of the surrounding microenvironment. Activated microglia play key roles in tissue protection and injury under the stimulation of various injury factors. Abnormal activation of microglia mediates retinal inflammation and aggravates the original ophthalmic diseases. Our growing understanding of the mechanisms of the interaction between microglia and retinal cells is identifying potential cellular and molecular targets for therapeutic interventions that may be apply to optic nerve injury, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other diseases in the future. In this review, potential links between ophthalmic diseases and microglial activity will be explored.

Predictive value of N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide on outcome of elderly hospitalized non-heart failure patients / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of N-terminal type B natriuretic peptide（NT-proBNP) on the prognosis of elderly hospitalized patients without heart failure（non-heart failure). Method: Elderly patients aged 65 years or older, who were admitted to Beijing Hospital from September 2018 to February 2019, were enrolled in this study. Patients with clinical diagnosis of heart failure or left ventricular ejection fraction（LVEF)<50% were excluded. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the serum NT-proBNP level: low NT-proBNP group （<125 ng/L) and high NT-proBNP group（≥125 ng/L). Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after enrollment, and the major adverse events were recorded. The composite endpoint events included all-cause mortality, readmission or Emergency Department visits. Cardiovascular events include death, readmission or emergency room treatment due to cardiogenic shock, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure or stroke/transient ischemic attack. Results: A total of 600 elderly patients with non-heart failure were included in the analysis. The average age was （74.9±6.5) years, including 304（50.7%) males. The median follow-up time was 344（265, 359) days. One hundred and seventy-eight（29.7%) composite endpoint events were recorded during the follow-up, 19（3.2%) patients died, and 12（2.0%) patients were lost to follow-up. There were 286(47.7%) cases in low NT-proBNP group and 314 cases（52.3%) in high NT-proBNP group. Patients were older, prevalence of atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction was higher; MMSE scores and ADL scores, albumin and creatinine clearance rate were lower in high NT-proBNP group than in low NT-proBNP group（all P<0.05). At 1-year follow-up, the incidence of composite endpoint events was significantly higher in high NT-proBNP group than in low NT-proBNP group（33.4%（105/314) vs. 24.8%（71/286), P = 0.02). Cardiovascular events were more common in high NT-proBNP group than in low NT-proBNP group（17.5%（55/314) vs. 8.4%（24/286), P = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed both composite endpoint events（Log-rank P=0.016) and cardiovascular events（Log-rank P=0.001) were higher in high NT-proBNP group than in low NT-proBNP group. All-cause mortality was also significantly higher in highNT-proBNP group than in lowNT-proBNP group（4.8%（15/314) vs. 1.4%（4/286), P = 0.020), and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated borderline statistical significance（Log-rank P = 0.052). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, sex, creatinine clearance rate, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation, NT-proBNP remained as an independent risk factor for composite endpoint events（HR=1.376，95%CI 1.049-1.806, P=0.021), and cardiovascular events（HR=1.777, 95%CI 1.185-2.664, P=0.005), but not for all-cause mortality（P=0.206). Conclusions: NT-proBNP level at admission has important predictive value on rehospitalization and cardiovascular events for hospitalized elderly non-heart failure patients. NT-proBNP examination is helpful for risk stratification in this patient cohort.

Analyses of the short-term prognostic factors for recovery of independent walking in Guillain Barre syndrome in children / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the prognostic factors in Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) in children. Methods A total of 125 children with GBS were included and grouped according to their independent walking at two and six months after discharge, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results In 125 children (74 males, 51 females) the average age was 84.49±25.32 months, and 41 were under 6 years old. 102 children had a history of prodromal infections. 32 children had cranial nerve involvement and 35 had autonomic nerve involvement. 12 children need assisted respiration. At 2 and 6 months after discharge, when compared with children who could walk independently, the rates of functional score > 3, cranial nerve involvement, and neuroelectrophysiology as denervation potential were higher in children who could not walk independently, and the differences were statistically significant (P all<0.05). Conclusions The factors that affect the short-term prognosis are denervation potential in neuroelectrophysiology, cranial nerve involvement, and functional score > 3. Early identification of uniqueness in patients and subsequent development of targeted rehabilitation training should be carried out to improve the prognosis.

Prevalence and influencing factors of main chronic diseases among urban residents in Liaoning Province / 预防医学

Objective To investigate the prevalence of main chronic diseases and explore its influencing factors among urban residents in Liaoning Province. Methods Using multistage stratified and cluster random sampling method, 30 953 urban residents of 14 districts were investigated with a standard questionnaire and physical examination. The logistic regression was applied to explore the influencing factors of main chronic diseases. Results The prevalence rate of chronic diseases was 39.25% and the standardized prevalence rate was 32.29%. The top three chronic diseases were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, and the standardized prevalence rates were 21.13%, 9.48% and 5.25%. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the three chronic diseases shared older age(OR: 1.266-7.325)and overweight or obesity(OR:1.107-2.982)as the risk factors .In addition, there existed certain interactions among hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia(OR: 2.424-3.121). Conclusion Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia which shared older age, overweight and obesity as the risk factors are the main chronic diseases to damage the health of urban residents in Liaoning. The corresponding prevention and treatment strategies should be taken based on the key groups and related influencing factors.

Analysis of risk factors and the prognostic risk factors in aged patients with coronary heart disease / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To analyze risk factors and prognostic risk factors in aged patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:Clinical data of 412 aged patients,who were suspected of CHD in our hospital,were retrospec-tively analyzed.According to results of coronary angiography,they were divided into CHD group (n=283 )and non-CHD group (n=129);risk factors and prognostic risk factors for aged CHD patients were analyzed.Results:Compared with non-CHD group,there were significant rise in percentages of >80 years (13.95% vs.28.98%),di-abetes mellitus (DM,37.98% vs.66.78%)and smoking history (32.56% vs.59.72%)in CHD group,levels of to-tal cholesterol [TC,(5.06±1.53)mmol/L vs.(5.41±1.36)mmol/L],triglyceride [TG,(1.53±0.82)mmol/L vs.(2.02±0.95)mmol/L]and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C,(2.05±0.86)mmol/L vs.(2.57 ±1.15)mmol/L],and significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol level [HDL-C, (1.65 ±0.52) mmol/L vs.(0.86±0.38)mmol/L]in CHD group,P <0.05 or <0.01. Multi-factor Logistic regression analysis indicated that age,DM,hypertension history,smoking,high total cholesterol (TC)and hypertriglyceridemia were independent risk factors for CHD (OR= 1.38 ~8.65,P <0.05 or <0.01 );while serum total bilirubin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent protective factors for CHD (OR=0.224,P =0.002);multi-factor Cox model analysis indicated that smoking history,high TC and hypertension were risk factors affecting prognosis of CHD patients (RR= 1.563 ~ 2.315,P < 0.05 all).Conclusion:In clinic,attention should be paid to reduce or eliminaterelated risk factors of aged CHD patients to improve prognosis.

Analysis of risk factors and the prognostic risk factors in aged patients with coronary heart disease / 心血管康复医学杂志

Objective:To analyze risk factors and prognostic risk factors in aged patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:Clinical data of 412 aged patients,who were suspected of CHD in our hospital,were retrospec-tively analyzed.According to results of coronary angiography,they were divided into CHD group (n=283 )and non-CHD group (n=129);risk factors and prognostic risk factors for aged CHD patients were analyzed.Results:Compared with non-CHD group,there were significant rise in percentages of >80 years (13.95% vs.28.98%),di-abetes mellitus (DM,37.98% vs.66.78%)and smoking history (32.56% vs.59.72%)in CHD group,levels of to-tal cholesterol [TC,(5.06±1.53)mmol/L vs.(5.41±1.36)mmol/L],triglyceride [TG,(1.53±0.82)mmol/L vs.(2.02±0.95)mmol/L]and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C,(2.05±0.86)mmol/L vs.(2.57 ±1.15)mmol/L],and significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol level [HDL-C, (1.65 ±0.52) mmol/L vs.(0.86±0.38)mmol/L]in CHD group,P <0.05 or <0.01. Multi-factor Logistic regression analysis indicated that age,DM,hypertension history,smoking,high total cholesterol (TC)and hypertriglyceridemia were independent risk factors for CHD (OR= 1.38 ~8.65,P <0.05 or <0.01 );while serum total bilirubin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent protective factors for CHD (OR=0.224,P =0.002);multi-factor Cox model analysis indicated that smoking history,high TC and hypertension were risk factors affecting prognosis of CHD patients (RR= 1.563 ~ 2.315,P < 0.05 all).Conclusion:In clinic,attention should be paid to reduce or eliminaterelated risk factors of aged CHD patients to improve prognosis.

Relationship between hepatitis B virus X protein and hepatic cellular cancer / 药学学报

Hepatic cellular cancer (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, which is a serious threat to human health and life quality. More than 700 000 people die of HCC each year on average, and its incidence increases in many countries. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been identified as a dominant risk factor for HCC. The pathogenesis of HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is, however, incom-pletely understood. Evidence currently available supports a key role of the HBV X protein (HBx) in the cancer transformation and malignant tumor metastasis. HBx is a multifunctional regulator that may cooperate with the host factors to exert its effects on transcription, signal transduction, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, protein degradation, expression of oncogene and anti-oncogene. This review presents the current knowledge in the molecular pathogenesis of HBx in the induction of HCC.

Evidence of perineural invasion on early-stage cervical cancer and prognostic significance / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To evaluate the incidence and significance of perineural invasion (PNI) in cervical cancer. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients with cervical cancer (stages Ⅰa2-Ⅱb) who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy from 2007 to 2012. To evaluate the incidence and significance of PNI in cervical and uterine tissues by microscopic examination. Results A total of 238 patients were included, 9.2% (22/238) patients with PNI in the cervical stroma. Patients with PNI were more likely to have adverse histopathologic features, including lymphoma vascular space invasion, parametrical invasion, depth of invasion, tomor size and lymph nodes metastases (all P0.05). Patients with PNI had shorter disease-free and overall survival (P=0.002 and P=0.008, respectively). On multivariate analysis, risk factors for recurrence and death included parametrical invasion and depth of invasion (P0.05). Conclusions PNI exists in early cervical cancer. PNI is associated with tumor size, depth of invasion, parametrical invasion, lymphoma vascular space invasion and lymph nodes metastases. PNI represente a decreasing disease-free and overall survival in patients with early-stage cervical cancer, and is independently associated with multiple high-risk factors, which be informed management decisions regarding adjuvant therapy.

Differentiating Benign from Malignant Bone Tumors Using Fluid-Fluid Level Features on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To analyze different fluid-fluid level features between benign and malignant bone tumors on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. We retrospectively analyzed 47 patients diagnosed with benign (n = 29) or malignant (n = 18) bone tumors demonstrated by biopsy/surgical resection and who showed the intratumoral fluid-fluid level on pre-surgical MRI. The maximum length of the largest fluid-fluid level and the ratio of the maximum length of the largest fluid-fluid level to the maximum length of a bone tumor in the sagittal plane were investigated for use in distinguishing benign from malignant tumors using the Mann-Whitney U-test and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Fluid-fluid level was categorized by quantity (multiple vs. single fluid-fluid level) and by T1-weighted image signal pattern (high/low, low/high, and undifferentiated), and the findings were compared between the benign and malignant groups using the chi2 test. RESULTS: The ratio of the maximum length of the largest fluid-fluid level to the maximum length of bone tumors in the sagittal plane that allowed statistically significant differentiation between benign and malignant bone tumors had an area under the ROC curve of 0.758 (95% confidence interval, 0.616-0.899). A cutoff value of 41.5% (higher value suggests a benign tumor) had sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 83%. CONCLUSION: The ratio of the maximum length of the largest fluid-fluid level to the maximum length of a bone tumor in the sagittal plane may be useful to differentiate benign from malignant bone tumors.

Value of multidetector CT on aiding intraoperative judgement of serosal invasion of gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the value of multidetector CT on aiding intraoperative judgement of serosal invasion of gastric cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 206 cases of gastric cancer undergoing radical surgery in the First Hosptial of China Medical University from August 2009 to June 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative CT findings and intraoperative judgement of serosal invasion in gastric cancer were compared with pathological results in order to investigate their values.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sensitivity and specificity of preoperative CT findings and intraoperative judgement of serosal invasion were 88.5%, 81.5% and 98.9%, 61.3%, respectively. The accuracy of preoperative CT in diagnosing serosal invasion was higher than that of intraoperative judgement, while the difference was not statistically significant (84.5% vs. 77.2%, P=0.060). The rates of serosal invasion of normal type, reactive type, nodular type, tendonoid type and color-diffused type were 0 (0/29), 2.5% (1/40), 40.5% (15/37), 59.2% (29/49), and 82.4% (42/51) respectively. The accuracy of preoperative CT in diagnosing serosal invasion of gastric cancer with tendonoid type was higher than that of intraoperative judgement, and the difference was statistically significant (61.2% vs. 87.8%, P=0.002).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Multidetector CT plays an important role in aiding intraoperation judgement of serosal invasion of gastric cancer. For gastric cancer with tendonoid and color-diffused macroscopic serosal appearance, surgeons should pay attention to the value of preoperative CT findings.</p>

Cell death of THP-1 induced by puried Rv3671c protein of tuberculosis and the detection of TNF-α and IL-1β in Mycobacterium tuberculosis / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the response in THP-1 treated with Rv3671c protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tuberculosis).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The gene encoding Rv3671c protein of M.tuberculosis was cloned into pET-28a vector and then expressed in Escherichia coli. The Rv3671c was purified with Ni-NTA affinity and ion exchange chromatography. The detection of protein concentration was by Lowry method.THP-1 cell was stimulated with Rv3671c protein and cells were analyzed by Hochest staining under fluorescence microscopy to assay cell death (apoptosis and necrosis). TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by ELISA at each stimulating time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Rv3671c protein of M.tuberculosis was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The purity of recombinant Rv3671c protein was 95%, and the protein concentration was up to 0.4 mg/ml. The nucleus of THP-1 was isolated and necrosis-like under fluorescence when cells were stimulated by Rv3671c protein. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in supernatant were 19 000 and 16 500 pg/ml respectively, and were significantly higher than control cells with the levels of 2100 and 3800 pg/ml separately.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The necrosis of THP-1 cells could be stimulated by Rv3671c protein of M.tuberculosis and it was probably associated with high cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β levels.</p>

Evaluation of microscopic observation drug susceptibility for drug susceptibility testing of mycobacterium tuberculosis in smear-positive sputum / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) for mycobacterium tuberculosis drug susceptibility in smear-positive sputum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Drug susceptibility of mycobacterium tuberculosis in 275 smear-positive sputum samples collected from TB patients were detected directly by MODS. The susceptibility of seven antimicrobials including streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, levofloxacin, amikacin and capromycin were detected MODS. At the same time the sputum sample were cultured in MGIT 960 tube and the positive isolates were tested for drug susceptibility by MGIT 960 system. The results of MODS were analyzed and compared with that of MGIT 960.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 275 smear-positive sputum, MODS detected 235 (85.45%). Results of MODS were obtained in a median time of 18 days (5 - 39 d). For the 235 MODS-positive samples, the compliance rates of MODS to MGIT of 7 drugs were 90.21% (212/235), 88.09% (207/235), 93.62% (220/235), 87.23% (205/235), 92.34% (217/235), 88.51% (208/235) and 86.81% (204/235) respectively. The sensitivity of MODS method were 83.33% (90/108), 85.11% (120/141), 90.74% (98/108), 85.71% (78/91), 86.73% (85/98), 76.92% (40/52) and 77.08% (37/48). The specificities of MODS method were 96.06% (122/127), 92.55% (87/94), 96.06% (122/127), 88.19% (127/144), 96.35% (132/137), 91.80% (168/183) and 89.30% (167/187) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MODS is an optimal alternative method for direct and rapid drug susceptibility of sputum with high accuracy in a timely and affordable way in resource-limited settings.</p>

Fast identification of mycobacteria in microtiter liquid culture / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This research was to establish a method for fast identification of mycobacteria in microtiter liquid culture and to evaluate its clinical value.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>2-thiophenecarboxylic acid hydrazide (TCH) and paranitrobenzoic acid (PNB) at different concentrations were added into liquid culture in 96-well plate. Different mycobacterium standard strains were incubated in liquid culture with PNB and TCH for 7 to 10 days. According to the growth assay for 15 mycobacterium strains and 30 mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, the best PNB and TCH concentration were determined. A total of 424 clinical mycobacterium isolates were identified by microtiter liquid culture at the best PNB and TCH concentration. The results of microtiter liquid culture were compared with those of PCR and DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The best concentration of PNB was 200 µg/ml in microtiter liquid culture. Compared with the results of PCR, the sensitivity and specificity for identification of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in microtiter liquid culture were 97.8% (306/313) and 100.0% (107/107) respectively and those for non-tuberculosis mycobacteria in microtiter liquid culture were 100.0% (107/107) and 96.5% (306/317) respectively. The best concentration of TCH was 0.5 µg/ml. Compared with the results of PCR, the sensitivity of mycobacterium tuberculosis in microtiter liquid culture was 100.0% (305/305). The specificity remained under and more studies were needed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In microtiter liquid culture with PNB and TCH, mycobacteria can be identified in 7 to 10 days. The results were accurate and the process was simple without expensive equipments. This method meets clinical needs and can be used in all level hospitals in China.</p>