Entanglement of nanophotonic quantum memory nodes in a telecom network.

A key challenge in realizing practical quantum networks for long-distance quantum communication involves robust entanglement between quantum memory nodes connected by fibre optical infrastructure1-3. Here we demonstrate a two-node quantum network composed of multi-qubit registers based on silicon-vacancy (SiV) centres in nanophotonic diamond cavities integrated with a telecommunication fibre network. Remote entanglement is generated by the cavity-enhanced interactions between the electron spin qubits of the SiVs and optical photons. Serial, heralded spin-photon entangling gate operations with time-bin qubits are used for robust entanglement of separated nodes. Long-lived nuclear spin qubits are used to provide second-long entanglement storage and integrated error detection. By integrating efficient bidirectional quantum frequency conversion of photonic communication qubits to telecommunication frequencies (1,350 nm), we demonstrate the entanglement of two nuclear spin memories through 40 km spools of low-loss fibre and a 35-km long fibre loop deployed in the Boston area urban environment, representing an enabling step towards practical quantum repeaters and large-scale quantum networks.

Calculation of ATP production rates using the Seahorse XF Analyzer.

Oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis are the dominant ATP-generating pathways in mammalian metabolism. The balance between these two pathways is often shifted to execute cell-specific functions in response to stimuli that promote activation, proliferation, or differentiation. However, measurement of these metabolic switches has remained mostly qualitative, making it difficult to discriminate between healthy, physiological changes in energy transduction or compensatory responses due to metabolic dysfunction. We therefore present a broadly applicable method to calculate ATP production rates from oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis using Seahorse XF Analyzer data and empirical conversion factors. We quantify the bioenergetic changes observed during macrophage polarization as well as cancer cell adaptation to in vitro culture conditions. Additionally, we detect substantive changes in ATP utilization upon neuronal depolarization and T cell receptor activation that are not evident from steady-state ATP measurements. This method generates a single readout that allows the direct comparison of ATP produced from oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in live cells. Additionally, the manuscript provides a framework for tailoring the calculations to specific cell systems or experimental conditions.

Radiomic nomogram based on bi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging to predict the International Society of Urological Pathology grading ≥ 3 prostate cancer: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To create a reliable radiomic nomogram for the prediction of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading ≥ 3 prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: patients with verified PCa were obtained from three different hospitals. The patients were divided into training, internal validation, and two external validation groups. A radiomic signature (rad-score) extracted from T2WI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were constructed in the training cohort. Eight clinical features were performed to develop a clinical model using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The combined model incorporated the radiomic signature and clinical model. The model's performance was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Rad-score, magnetic resonance imaging T-stage, and ADC value were significant predictors of ISUP ≥ 3 PCa. A nomogram of these three factors was shown to have greater diagnostic accuracy than using only the radiomic signature or clinical model alone. The area under the ROC curve was 0.85, 0.88, 0.81, 0.81 for the training, internal, and two external validation cohorts, respectively. In the stratified analysis based on the MR scanner model, the area under the ROC curve of predicting ISUP ≥ 3 PCa for GE, Siemens, and combined groups were 0.84, 0.83, and 0.84, respectively, in the combined training group and an internal validation group. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed nomogram has the potential to predict the differentiation degree of ISUP PCa patients.

A comprehensive review of dose limits, triage systems and measurement tools for consequence management of nuclear and radiological emergencies.

During a radiological or nuclear emergency, occupational workers, members of the public, and emergency responders may be exposed to radionuclides, whether external or internal, through inhalation, ingestion, or wounds. In the case of internalized radiation exposure, prompt assessment of contamination is necessary to inform subsequent medical interventions. This review assembles the constituent considerations for managing nuclear and radiological incidents, focused on a parallel analysis of the evolution of radiation dose limits - notably in the emergency preparedness and response realm - alongside a discussion of triage systems and in vivo radionuclide detection tools. The review maps the development of international and national standards and regulations concerning radiation dose limits, illuminating how past incidents and accumulated knowledge have informed present emergency preparedness and response practices, specifically for internalized radiation. Additionally, the objectives and levels of radiation triage systems are explored in-depth, along with a global survey of practices and protocols. Finally, this review also focuses on in vivo detection systems and their capacities for radionuclide identification, prioritizing internalized gamma-emitting isotopes due to their broader relevance. Collectively, this study comprehensively addresses the intricacies of triage management following radiation emergencies, emphasizing the imperative for enhanced standardization and continued research in this critical domain.

[Correlation between postoperative microstructural changes in cerebral white matter and early postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing meningioma resection].

Objective: To analyze the correlation between microstructure changes in cerebral white matter before and after surgery and early postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing meningioma resection. Methods: A total of 17 patients who underwent their first meningioma resection at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University from April 2022 to April 2023 were prospectively included as observation group, with 5 males and 12 females, aged (56.4±7.3) years. Another 15 age- and education-matched patients with cerebral benign tumor were recruited as control group during the same period, with 5 males and 10 females, aged (55.2±8.0) years. Neuropsychological tests (NST), mainly including auditory verbal learning test of Huashan version (AVLT-H), the Montreal cognitive assessment-basic (MoCA-B), clock drawing task-30 (CDT-30), shape trails test-B (STT-B) and animal fluence test (AFT), were conducted at 1 day before surgery, 1 day and within 3-4 days after surgery in the observation group. Simultaneously, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed to collect diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) images at 1 day before surgery and within 3-4 days after surgery. The same NST were conducted at 1 day, 3 days and 6 days after admission in the control group to adjust for learning effects from repeated tests. The microstructure changes of the whole brain white matter were evaluated at the group level by using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) technology, including changes of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusion (MD), axial diffusion (AD), and radial diffusion (RD). Then, correlation was performed between DTI indicators with statistically significant and cognitive function. Results: After adjusting for the learning effects, the AVLT-H (R), MoCA-B, and CDT-30 scores decreased, and the evaluation time of STT-B prolonged after surgery in patients with meningioma. And their perioperative decreased values were -0.78 (95%CI:-3.28--0.28) points, -2.22 (95%CI:-4.22--0.72) points, -2.74 (95%CI:-5.29--0.19) points, and 61.49 (95%CI: 5.71-117.27) seconds, respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Group level analysis of TBSS based on DTI images showed decreased FA mainly in the right superior cerebellar peduncle, left posterior limb of internal capsule and genu of corpus callosum, and increased RD mainly in the left anterior corona radiata in patients undergoing meningioma resection, with statistically significant differences (all PFWE<0.05). Linear correlation showed that the perioperative decreased values of FA in genu of corpus callosum and right superior cerebellar peduncle were positively correlated with the perioperative decreased values of AVLT-H (L) after adjusting for learning effects (r=0.72, 0.52, all PFWE<0.05). Conclusions: Patients undergoing meningioma resection are at risk of postoperative cognitive decline. Perioperative decreased values of FA in genu of corpus callosum and right superior cerebellar peduncle based on DTI images are positively correlated with the perioperative decreased values of AVLT-H (L) after adjusting for learning effects.

[Analysis of tumor regression after concurrent radiochemotherapy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the pathological characteristics of tumor regression and the expression level of chemoradiotherapy resistance-related molecular markers after preoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 44 patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent preoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Shandong Otolaryngology Hospital from August 2016 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received preoperative concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After radiochemotherapy, electronic laryngoscopy and imaging examination were performed to assess the tumor regression status. After 4 weeks, surgical resection was performed, and the specimens of the primary focus were processed as continuous pathological sections. After operation, HE staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method were used to detect the distribution characteristics and apoptosis of the remaining cancer focus, and immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the proliferation of the remaining cancer focus and the expression of radiation resistance-related molecular markers [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), and P53]. Results: A total of 44 patients were included, all of whom were male, with a mean age of (58.3±3.5) years. There were 40 cases of pyriform sinus carcinoma and 4 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma. Twenty-nine cases were in stage T3 and 15 cases were in stage T4. There were 6 stage Ⅲ cases and 38 stage Ⅳ cases. According to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), 13 patients achieved complete response (CR), 22 patients had partial response (PR), and 9 patients achieved stable disease (SD) after concurrent radiochemotherapy. The primary lesion resection methods included 19 cases of hypopharyngeal circumferential resection and 2 cases of total laryngectomy and partial hypopharyngeal resection. Twenty-three cases underwent supracricoid cartilage subtotal laryngectomy cricoid tongue fixation (CHP). Among 22 patients with PR, 10 had large PR (remission rate ≥70%) and 12 had small PR (remission rate <70%). The residual tumor was found in 30 patients (68.2%) after resection of all primary lesions by HE staining of pathological sections, of which 3 patients (3/13) with CR had residual cancer, all of which were focal residues. In large PR patients, residual cancer was detected in 6 cases (6/10), scattered in 4 cases, and focal residual in 2 cases, respectively. Large residual tumors were detected in small PR and SD patients. TUNEL method did not show any sign of apoptosis in 30 specimens with residual cancer focus, and the positive expression rate of Ki-67 was less than 10%. The expression of STAT3 (3.40±2.49 vs 5.23±3.02, t=-2.932, P=0.007) in 19 cases (63.3%) and HIF-1α (3.73±2.66 vs 6.97±3.05, t=-4.45, P<0.001) in 22 cases (73.3%) of residual cancer were significantly higher than those before radiochemotherapy. Other molecular markers showed no significant changes. All patients were followed up for 3 years. The 2-year survival rate was 59.3%, and the 3-year survival rate was 54.1%. Conclusions: Preoperative radiochemotherapy can make some patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma achieve complete or significant remission in clinical evaluation, but pathological detection still shows some residual cancer lesions with enhanced anti-apoptosis ability and decreased proliferation activity.

[Changes in the rates of preterm birth and multiparity over a 10-year period and multiparity as a possible risk factor for preterm birth].

Objective: To analyze the changes of preterm birth rate and proportion of multipara in 10 years, and to explore the possibility of multipara as a risk factor for preterm birth. Methods: This study was a cohort study. The general clinical data and pregnancy outcomes of 53 979 parturients delivered in Peking University First Hospital from January 2013 to December 2022 were collected, and the changes of preterm birth rate and proportion of multipara in the past 10 years were analyzed retrospectively. Single factor and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the risk factors of spontaneous preterm birth and the influence of multipara on pregnancy outcome. Results: (1) The total preterm birth rate of 53 979 parturients was 8.3%(4 478/53 979), and the overall preterm birth rate showed an upward trend in the past 10 years, among which the preterm birth rate was higher in 2017 and 2018, which were 8.9% and 9.2% respectively. The proportion of multipara was 24.9% (13 440/53 979), which showed a trend of rising first, then declining and then stabilizing. In 2017 and 2018, the proportion of multipara was the highest, accounting for 35.0%. (2) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multipara was a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy (OR=1.678, 95%CI: 1.523-1.850; P<0.001), which was also a risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth before 34 weeks of pregnancy (OR=1.937, 95%CI: 1.632-2.301; P<0.001). The high risk factors of spontaneous preterm birth also include multiple pregnancies, hyperglycemia during pregnancy, abnormal amniotic fluid volume, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine infection, cervical incompetence, history of cervical surgery and abnormal uterine development. (3) Compared with primiparas, multiparas was older, had earlier delivery weeks, higher premature delivery rate, higher birth weight and fewer multiple pregnancies. Among pregnancy complications, the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, placenta implantation, urgent delivery and macrosomia was higher, while the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, oligohydramnios, fetal growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine infection and postpartum hemorrhage was lower, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: In recent 10 years, the overall rate of preterm birth is on the rise, and the risk factors of preterm birth are basically similar to those in previous studies. Multipara is a high-risk group of spontaneous preterm birth, and the risk of various pregnancy complications increases, which should be paid attention to in pregnancy care.

[Clinical analysis of 102 cases of labor induction in the third trimester on twin pregnancy].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of induced labor in twin pregnancy and the related factors of induced labor failure. Methods: The clinical data of twin pregnant women who underwent induced labor in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether they had labor or not after induction, pregnant women were divided into the success group (pregnant women who had labor after induction, 72 cases) and the failure group (pregnant women who did not have labor after induction, 30 cases). Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of induction failure in twin pregnant women. Results: The parity and cervical Bishop score in the failure group were significantly lower than those in the success group, while the proportion of dichorionic diamniotic twins, assisted reproductive technology pregnancy and cervical Bishop score <6, postpartum hospital stay and total hospital stay in the failure group were significantly higher than those in the success group (all P<0.05). The proportion of induced labor by artificial rupture of membranes ± oxytocin intravenous infusion in the success group was 72.2% (52/72), which was significantly higher than that in the failure group (46.7%, 14/30; P=0.030). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the gestational age at delivery, the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion, the amount of postpartum hemorrhage, the neonatal weight of two fetuses, the incidence of neonatal asphyxia, and the proportion of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (all P>0.05). There were no severe perineal laceration and hysterectomy in all pregnant women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that primipara (OR=3.064, 95%CI: 1.112-8.443; P=0.030) and cervical Bishop score <6 (OR=5.208, 95%CI: 2.008-13.508; P=0.001) were the independent risk factors for induction failure in twin pregnancy. Conclusions: Elective induction of labor in twin pregnancy is safe and feasible. It is helpful to improve the success rate of induction of labor by strictly grasping the timing and indications of termination of pregnancy, choosing the appropriate method of induction according to the condition of the cervix, and actively promoting cervical ripening.

[Changes of cardiac structure and function in pregnant women with different types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and their influencing factors].

Objective: To analyze the changes in cardiac structure and function in women with different types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) and explore their influencing factors. Methods: A total of 1 967 pregnant women diagnosed with HDP who delivered at Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2014 to April 15, 2022 were included in the study. They were categorized into four groups based on specific HDP diagnoses: gestational hypertension (506 cases, 25.7%), pre-eclampsia (589 cases, 29.9%), pregnancy complicated with chronic hypertension (332 cases, 16.9%) and chronic hypertension with pre-eclampsia (540 cases, 27.5%). Differences in cardiac structure and function among four groups were retrospectively analyzed. Cardiac structure indicators included left atrial diameter (LAD), left atrial area (LAA), right atrial area (RAA), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), systolic function indicators included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lateral systolic mitral annular velocity (Sm), diastolic function indicators included peak early diastolic mitral in flow velocity (E)/peak late diastolic mitral in flow velocity (A), and E/peak early diastolic myocardial velocity of the lateral mitral annulus early diastolic velocity (Em). Influencing factors on cardiac structure and function were analyzed using generalized linear regression. Influencing factors were assessed by generalized linear regression. Results: (1) General clinical data: the differences in age, gestational week at delivery, blood pressure, proportion of diabetes, and length of hospital stay were statistically significant among four different HDP types (all P<0.05). (2) Compared with pregnant women with pregnancy complicated with chronic hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational hypertension, those with chronic hypertension with pre-eclampsia had larger LAD, LAA, RAA and LVEDD (all P<0.001), thicker IVST and LVPWT (all P<0.001), and reduced left ventricular diastolic function (E/A, lateral Em, E/Em) and systolic function (lateral Sm; all P<0.001). Pregnant women with gestational hypertension had the least changes in cardiac structure and function. Compared with pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, those with pregnancy complicated with chronic hypertension had smaller RAA (P<0.001) and lower E/A (P<0.001), with no significant difference in other indicators (all P>0.05). (3) Chronic hypertension with pre-eclampsia, pregnancy complicated with chronic hypertension, and pre-eclampsia were associated with larger LAD, LAA, and LVEDD, and lower lateral Em (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Different types of HDP are associated with distinct changes in cardiac structure and function. Chronic hypertension with pre-eclampsia demonstrates the most pronounced alterations, followed by pre-eclampsia and pregnancy complicated with chronic hypertension, and gestational hypertension showed the least changes.

[Effects of dexamethasone on short-term and long-term outcomes in late preterm infants with twin pregnancy: an observational study].

Objective: To investigate the effect of prenatal dexamethasone on short-term outcomes and long-term neurological development in late preterm infants with twin pregnancy. Methods: A total of 315 pregnant women with twin pregnancy and their preterm infants who delivered in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data of pregnant women and preterm infants were collected. They were divided into non-medication group (93 pregnant women and 186 preterm infants), medication after 34 weeks group (123 pregnant women and 246 preterm infants), and medication before 34 weeks group (99 pregnant women and 198 preterm infants). Short-term outcomes of preterm infants were analyzed, including the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), wet lung, hypoglycemia, neonatal septicemia, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). "Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Third Edition (ASQ-3) scale" was used to follow up the late neurological development of preterm infants at the corrected age of 6-54 months, and the level of neurological development was compared. Results: (1) General conditions: the gestational age at delivery in the non-medication group [36.1 weeks (35.6, 36.6 weeks)] was later than that in the medication after 34 weeks group [36.1 weeks (35.2, 36.4 weeks)] and medication before 34 weeks group [35.2 weeks (34.2, 36.2 weeks)] groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After correcting for gestational age, there was no significant difference in birth weight among the three groups (H=3.808, P=0.149). There were no significant differences in gender and the proportion of small for gestational age among the three groups (all P>0.05). (2) Short-term outcome: the incidence of wet lung was 7.0% (13/186), 11.0% (27/246) and 16.2% (32/198) in the non-medication group, medication after 34 weeks group and medication before 34 weeks group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.018). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of NRDS, hypoglycemia, sepsis, IVH, BPD, and NEC among the three groups (all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis with gestational age and newborn birth weight as confounding factors showed that early gestational age (OR=0.884, 95%CI: 0.837-0.933, P<0.001) and increased incidence of selective intrauterine growth restriction type I (OR=2.967, 95%CI: 1.153-7.639, P=0.024) could both lead to an increased incidence of wet lung. (3) Long-term outcomes: a total of 109 pregnant women completed the follow-up, and 218 preterm infants with a corrected age of 6-54 months at the end of follow-up were enrolled, including 86 cases in the non-medication group, 66 cases in the medication after 34 weeks group, and 66 cases in the medication before 34 weeks group. There were no significant differences in the scores of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social among the three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Prenatal administration of a single course of dexamethasone does not affect the neonatal birth weight and short-term outcomes of twin late preterm infants, and has no adverse effect on the neurological development of twin late preterm infants with a corrected age of 6-54 months.

[Age-period-cohort analysis of the mortality trend of dementia among elderly people aged 60 to 94 years in China from 1982 to 2021].

Objective: To analyze the trend of dementia mortality rate among individuals aged 60 to 94 years in China from 1982 to 2021. Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, the Joinpoint regression model was employed to analyze the trend in the dementia mortality rate among Chinese older adults from 1982 to 2021. The age-period-cohort analysis method was used to decompose the age effect, period effect and cohort effect of dementia mortality data in Chinese elderly people. Results: From 1982 to 2021, the crude mortality rate of dementia in elderly women aged 60-94 in China (133.67/100 000-214.02/100 000) was higher than that in men (70.92/100 000-119.70/100 000), and the age-standardized mortality rate of dementia in women (230.74/100 000-246.87/100 000) was also higher than that in men (132.88/100 000-140.19/100 000). The age-standardized mortality rate of dementia in both genders showed an N-shaped fluctuation trend. The average annual percent change (AAPC) of dementia mortality rate in elderly males aged 60-94 was 0.07% (95%CI: 0.01%-0.13%), and the AAPC of dementia mortality rate in elderly females was -0.01% (95%CI:-0.08%-0.07%). Age effect analysis showed that from the age of 60, the risk of dementia death in males and females increased with age, especially among elderly people aged 75-94 who experienced a rapid increase in dementia mortality rate. The period effect analysis showed that the overall risk of dementia death in elderly men and women aged 60-94 was decreasing, but it had increased from 2017 to 2021. The cohort effect analysis showed that the risk of dementia death was lower in later birth cohorts. Conclusion: From 1982 to 2021, the dementia mortality rate among Chinese older adults aged 60 to 94 years exhibited fluctuations. Particularly, there has been a notable rebound in recent years. Special attention should be directed towards female seniors and those aged 75 to 94 years.

[Association of urinary cadmium levels with peripheral leukocyte classification counts among middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 in selected areas of China].

Objective: To investigate the association of urinary cadmium levels with peripheral leukocyte classification counts among middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years in selected areas of China. Methods: The research was based on the survey of the impact of soil quality of agricultural land on human health in typical areas conducted in 2019-2020. A total of 5 600 middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years were included by using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. Baseline characteristics of the subjects were collected and physical examinations were performed. Random midstream urine was collected to measure urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine and fasting venous blood was collected to measure the leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count and eosinophil count. The linear mixed effect model was used to analyse the association of urinary cadmium levels with leukocyte classification counts, and the dose-response relationship between them was analyzed by using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) function. Results: The age of the subjects was (63.17±12.02) years; 2 851 (50.91%) were males; and the M (Q1, Q3) of urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels was 2.69 (1.52, 4.69) µg/g·creatinine. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results of linear mixed effects model analysis showed that for each 1-unit increase in urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium level, the percentage change [% (95%CI)] of leukocyte count and lymphocyte count was -1.70% (-2.61%, -0.79%) and -1.57% (-2.86%, -0.26%), respectively. RCS function showed a negative linear relationship between urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels and leukocyte counts and lymphocyte counts, respectively (all Pnon-linear>0.05). Conclusion: Urinary cadmium levels are negatively associated with leukocyte count and lymphocyte count among middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years in selected areas of China.

[Association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index and body circumferences among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China].

Objective: To investigate the association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index (BMI) and body circumferences among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China. Methods: Subjects were older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) between 2017 and 2018 conducted in 9 longevity areas in China. A total of 1 968 older adults were included in this study. Information including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet intake, and health status was collected by using questionnaires and physical examinations. Urine samples were collected to detect urinary cadmium and creatinine levels. Body circumferences included waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference. Subjects were divided into three groups (low:<0.77 µg/g·creatinine, middle:0.77-1.69 µg/g·creatinine, high:≥1.69 µg/g·creatinine) by tertiles of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium level with BMI and body circumferences. The dose-response relationship of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration with BMI and body circumferences was analyzed by using restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model. Results: The mean age of subjects was (83.34±11.14) years old. The median (Q1, Q3) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium was 1.13 (0.63, 2.09) µg/g·creatinine, and the BMI was (22.70±3.82) kg/m2. The mean values of waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference were (85.42±10.68) cm, (92.67±8.90) cm, and (31.08±4.76) cm, respectively. After controlling confounding factors, the results of the multiple linear regression model showed that for each increment of 1 µg/g·creatinine in creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium, the change of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference in the high-level group was -0.28 (-0.37, -0.19) kg/m2, -0.74 (-0.96, -0.52) cm, -0.78 (-0.96, -0.61) cm, and -0.20 (-0.30, -0.11) cm, respectively. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a negative nonlinear association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with BMI (Pnonlinear<0.001) and negative linear associations of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with waist circumference (Plinear<0.001), hip circumference (Plinear<0.001), and calf circumference (Plinear<0.001). Conclusion: Urinary cadmium level is significantly associated with decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.

[Advances in immunotherapy for pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma].

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare, poorly differentiated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that contains sarcomatoid components or sarcomatoid differentiation, and accounts for less than 1% of all lung tumors. Compared to other types of NSCLC, PSC has more invasive biological behavior, is prone to metastasis, and has a higher recurrence rate after early surgery. Its greater resistance to traditional treatments leads to a poorer prognosis compared to other NSCLCs. Immunotherapy offers the possibility of long-term survival for PSC patients.

[Skin disease caused by Mycobacterium marinum:a case report].

Mycobacterium marinum infection often affects the extremities, causing single or multiple skin lesions. With the improvement of molecular detection technology and the clinical application of NGS pathogen detection, the diagnosis rate of Mycobacterium marinum skin disease is gradually increasing. This article reported the case of a 54-year-old man who was stung by a marine fish and gradually developed swelling and nodules on his right hand and right upper limb. He was diagnosed with Mycobacterium marinum infection by detection of the tuberculosis resistance gene dissolution curve of the pus and the identification of the bacteria. Oral rifampicin combined with clarithromycin and minocycline was given for anti-infection treatment. During follow-up, the abscesses and nodules gradually shrank and eventually disappeared. By presenting the diagnosis and treatment of this case, the understanding of this disease among clinicians can be improved to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

[The application of full-length urethral preservation without anastomosis in single-port laparoscopic radical prostate cancer].

Objective: To preliminarily examine the feasibility and outcome of single-port laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with full-length urethral preservation (FLUP-SPRP). Method: This study was a prospective case series study. A total of 25 patients with prostate cancer who met the enrollment criteria and agreed to this surgical procedure from March 2022 to December 2022 were collected at the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The age of the patients was (67.2±7.6) years (range: 61 to 76 years). This novel procedure was performed by an experienced surgeon who performed single hole radical prostatectomy skillfully. Patient urinary control, tumor control, and related surgical complications after surgery were regularly monitored. Postoperative urinary control was evaluated using the daily amount of urine pad, 0 to 1 piece of urine pad was to restore urinary control, and 0 to 1 piece of pad within 24 hours after catheter removal was immediate urinary control. Result: All prodecures were successfully completed without transit to open surgery. The surgical time was (128.4±22.4) minutes (range: 100 to 145 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was (68.2±13.7) ml (range: 50 to 120 ml). The urethral injury occurred in 4 cases during surgery and was repaired by sutures. The urinary control recovery rates within 24 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 7 weeks after surgery were 80.0%, 84.0%, 92.0% and 100%, respectively. Postoperative large section pathology revealed 1 case with a positive basal margin of the prostate and negative margins of all prostate glands around the urethra. Postoperative complications included urinary tract infection in 3 cases, urodynia in 2 cases, and acute urinary retention in 1 case. MRI follow-up 3 months after surgery showed normal anatomy of the bladder and urethra. The follow-up values of prostate specific antigen at 3 and 6 months after surgery were less than 0.1 µg/L. Conclusions: The preliminary results of this study indicate that the FLUP-SPRP procedure is safe and feasible. The early results of postoperative urinary control and oncology are as expected.

[Bilateral acute regional occult outer retinopathy: a case report].

A 63-year-old female patient presented with "flashes of light in both eyes accompanied by decreased visual acuity for one year." Visual field examination revealed partial defects in the central 30° of the visual field in both eyes. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy showed extensive atrophic lesions across the entire posterior pole of the retina in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography revealed atrophy and thinning of the retina in the macular regions, with significant atrophy of the photoreceptor inner segment and outer segment layer in the areas corresponding to the visual field defects. Fluorescein fundus angiography demonstrated thinning of the retinal arterioles. Early-phase imaging showed large window-like defects in the posterior retina with background fluorescence from choroidal macrovessels. In the late phase, patchy fluorescence staining with a circumferential hyperfluorescent area was observed. Pattern visual evoked potential and pattern electroretinography tests revealed a significant decrease in the P100 amplitude in both eyes. The patient was diagnosed with acute regional occult outer layer retinopathy in both eyes.

[Constructing an early-warning model for mortality risk in heat stroke patients based on Fisher discriminant analysis].

Objective: To establish an early warning model to assess the mortality risk of patients with heat stroke disease. Methods: The case data of patients diagnosed with heat stroke disease admitted to the comprehensive ICU of Shanshan County from January 2016 to December 2020 were selected. According to the short-term outcome (28 days) of patients, they were divided into death group (20 cases) and survival group (53 cases) . The relevant indicators with statistically significant differences between groups within 24 hours after admission were selected. By drawing the subject work curve (ROC) and calculating the area under the curve, the relevant indicators with the area under the curve greater than 0.7 were selected, Fisher discriminant analysis was used to establish an assessment model for the death risk of heat stroke disease. The data of heat stroke patients from January 1, 2021 to December 2022 in the comprehensive ICU of Shanshan County were collected for external verification. Results There were significant differences in age, cystatin C, procalcitonin, platelet count, CKMB, CK, CREA, PT, TT, APTT, heart rate, respiratory rate and GLS score among the groups. Cystatin C, CKMB, CREA, PT, TT, heart rate AUC area at admission was greater than 0.7. Fisher analysis method is used to build a functional model. Results: The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and AUC area of the functional model were 95%, 83% and 0.937 respectively. The external validation results showed that the accuracy of predicting survival group was 85.71%, the accuracy of predicting death group was 88.89%. Conclusion: The early warning model of heat stroke death constructed by ROC curve analysis and Fisher discriminant analysis can provide objective reference for early intervention of heat stroke.

[Synchronous analysis of ankle coronal plane tilt angle and peripheral associated muscle load in semi-squat landing of paratroopers].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ankle stability and associated muscle load around the ankle and the effect of a parachute ankle brace (PAB) on ankle inversion and associated muscle load around the ankle during landing through the simulated paratrooper semi-squat landing field experiment. Methods: In August 2021, 37 male paratroopers were randomly selected as the study objects to perform parachute landing training in the semi-squat posture on the 1.5 m and 2.0 m jump platforms with or without PAB, respectively. The coronal plane tilt angle of ankle joint and the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC%) of associated muscles around ankle joint during the process were measured and correlation analysis was conducted. And the effect of wearing PAB on the coronal plane tilt angle of ankle joint and the associated muscles around the ankle joint was analyzed. Results: During the semi-squat landing, the MVC% of the tibialis anterior muscle, lateral gastrocnemius muscle and peroneus longus muscle were positively correlated with the ankle coronal plane tilt angle in paratroopers wearing and without wearing PAB, and the correlations were statistically significant (P<0.05). At the same height, compared with those without PAB, the coronal plane tilt angle of the ankle joint decreased during semi-squat landing in paratroopers PAB, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). At the landing moment of the same height, compared with those without PAB, the MVC% of lateral gastrocnemius muscle decreased and the MVC% of peroneus longus muscle increased in paratroopers wearing PAB, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After the landing moment until the standing stage (100-200 ms) at 1.5 m height, the MVC% of the tibialis anterior muscle decreased in paratroopers wearing PAB compared with those without PAB, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the post-standing stage (200 ms) at 2.0 m height, the MVC% of the tibialis anterior muscle decreased in paratroopers wearing PAB compared with those without PAB, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Wearing PAB can reduce the ankle coronal plane tilt angle, improve ankle stability, reduce the muscle load of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle at the moment of landing, and reduce the load of the tibialis anterior muscle after landing, but increase the peroneus longus muscle load at the moment of landing.

CircSUCO promotes proliferation and differentiation of chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells via sponging miR-15.

1. In a previous high-throughput sequencing study, a novel circular RNA (circRNA) generated from a SUN domain containing ossification factor (SUCO) gene transcript (circSUCO) was differentially expressed during the embryonic muscle development. This study aimed to further explore the effect of circSUCO on chicken skeletal muscle development.2. The experiment analysed the expression patterns of circSUCO in Tianfu broilers and clarified its function in the chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSC) after circSUCO knockdown. The qPCR results showed circSUCO was highly expressed in skeletal muscle and has different expression levels during various development periods.3. Mechanistically, a series of in vitro experiments showed that circSUCO interference suppressed proliferation and differentiation of SMSC. In addition, it was observed that circSUCO competitively binds with microRNAs such as miR-15a, miR-15b-5p, and miR-15c-5p according to the dual-luciferase assay and qPCR.4. Correlation was positive between the circSUCO expression level and the ratio of the breast muscle. The results revealed that circSUCO could play a positive role in proliferation and differentiation of SMSC via sponging miR-15a, miR-15b-5p, and miR-15c-5p, hence, may contribute to skeletal muscle development in chicken.