Demonstration of Hong-Ou-Mandel interference in an LNOI directional coupler.

Interference between single photons is key for many quantum optics experiments and applications in quantum technologies, such as quantum communication or computation. It is advantageous to operate the systems at telecommunication wavelengths and to integrate the setups for these applications in order to improve stability, compactness and scalability. A new promising material platform for integrated quantum optics is lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI). Here, we realise Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference between telecom photons from an engineered parametric down-conversion source in an LNOI directional coupler. The coupler has been designed and fabricated in house and provides close to perfect balanced beam splitting. We obtain a raw HOM visibility of (93.5 ± 0.7) %, limited mainly by the source performance and in good agreement with off-chip measurements. This lays the foundation for more sophisticated quantum experiments in LNOI.

Influence of menstrual status and pathological type on the apparent diffusion coefficient in cervical cancer: a primary study.

BACKGROUND: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value is an important quantitative parameter in the research of cervical cancer, affected by some factors. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pathological type and menstrual status on the ADC value of cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 352 individuals with pathologically confirmed cervical cancer between January 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively enrolled in this study, including 317 cases with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 35 cases with adenocarcinomas (AC); 177 patients were non-menopausal and 175 were menopausal. All patients underwent a routine 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) examination using b-values of 0, 800, and 1000 s/mm2. Three parameters including mean ADC (ADCmean), maximum ADC (ADCmax), and minimum ADC (ADCmin) of cervical cancer lesions were measured and retrospectively analyzed. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the difference of ADC values in different menstrual status and pathological types. RESULTS: In all menopausal and non-menopausal patients, the ADCmean and ADCmin values of SCC were lower than those of AC (P<0.05), the ADCmax of two pathological types showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05). In menopausal patients, the ADCmean, ADCmax, and ADCmin values of SCC were not statistically different compared with those of AC (P > 0.05). The ADCmean, ADCmax, and ADCmin values of different pathological types cervical cancers in non-menopausal patients were all higher than those in menopausal patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ADC values of the cervical cancers were different in different pathological types and were also affected by menstrual status.

Higher Expression of Linc00152 Promotes Bladder Cancer Proliferation and Metastasis by Activating the Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that Linc00152 is highly expressed in multiple cancer types and its genes show tumor-promoting characteristics. However, the efficacy and biological mechanism of Linc00152 in bladder cancer remains unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS We study investigated the relative expression and promoter methylation of Linc00152 in 126 cases of bladder cancer tissues by qRT-PCR and Bisulfite sequencing PCR. qRT-PCR was used to assess the relative expression of Linc00152 in 4 human bladder cancer cell lines. To explore the biological properties of Linc00152, we performed cell growth and soft-agar colony-formation assays, flow cytometry analyses, wound-healing assay, and Transwell assay. Western blot analysis was used to detect the underlying mechanisms of Linc00152 in bladder cancer. RESULTS We found that Linc00152 was highly expressed in 126 cases of bladder carcinoma tissues (p<0.001) and 4 cell lines (p<0.01), and Linc00152 is more commonly expressed in patients with advanced-stage cancer (p=0.021). Knockdown of Linc00152 by using siRNAs in bladder cancer cell lines (T24 and HT-1197) suppressed cell viability and growth by causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (p<0.001), as well as inhibiting cell migration and invasion (p<0.001). In addition, the quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot results suggest that knockdown of Linc00152 reduced Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This research shows that Linc00152 is highly expressed in patients with bladder cancer and the possible carcinogenic effect of Linc00152 in bladder cancer occurs through activating the Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling pathway, and could be a new biomarker for diagnosis and prevention of this cancer.

Reduction of metal artifacts from unilateral hip arthroplasty on dual-energy CT with metal artifact reduction software.

Background The evaluation of hip arthroplasty is a challenge in computed tomography (CT). The virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) images with metal artifact reduction software (MARs) in spectral CT can reduce the artifacts and improve the image quality. Purpose To evaluate the effects of VMS images and MARs for metal artifact reduction in patients with unilateral hip arthroplasty. Material and Methods Thirty-five patients underwent dual-energy CT. Four sets of VMS images without MARs and four sets of VMS images with MARs were obtained. Artifact index (AI), CT number, and SD value were assessed at the periprosthetic region and the pelvic organs. The scores of two observers for different images and the inter-observer agreement were evaluated. Results The AIs in 120 and 140 keV images were significantly lower than those in 80 and 100 keV images. The AIs of the periprosthetic region in VMS images with MARs were significantly lower than those in VMS images without MARs, while the AIs of pelvic organs were not significantly different. VMS images with MARs improved the accuracy of CT numbers for the periprosthetic region. The inter-observer agreements were good for all the images. VMS images with MARs at 120 and 140 keV had higher subjective scores and could improve the image quality, leading to reliable diagnosis of prosthesis-related problems. Conclusion VMS images with MARs at 120 and 140 keV could significantly reduce the artifacts from hip arthroplasty and improve the image quality at the periprosthetic region but had no obvious advantage for pelvic organs.

Virtual monochromatic spectral imaging for the evaluation of vertebral inconspicuous osteoblastic metastases from lung.

Background The diagnosis of inconspicuous osteoblastic metastases (OBMs) is a challenge in computed tomography (CT) images. The virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) image of spectral CT is useful for the detection of the low-contrast lesions. Purpose To select the optimal monochromatic level for VMS images of spectral CT for detecting and diagnosing inconspicuous OBMs of the vertebra from lung cancer. Material and Methods Thirty-five patients underwent spectral CT for chest or abdomen. The CT number and standard deviation (SD) of lesions and adjacent normal bone and the SD value of subcutaneous fat were measured on the conventional polychromatic image (140 kVp) and 40-140 keV VMS images. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was compared among the 11 VMS images and 140 kVp images. The scores of two observers for different images and the inter-observer agreement were evaluated. The diameter and CNR of the detected and missed lesions were assessed. Results The lowest image noise was distributed in 70 and 140 keV images and the highest CNR was noted in 70 keV images. Good and moderate inter-observer agreement were identified for the evaluation of diagnostic ability, and the subjective scores of two observers for 60 and 70 keV images were increased compared with 140 kVp images ( P < 0.05). The diameter had no significant difference between the detected and missed lesions. The CNR of the missed lesions was reduced compared with detected lesions. Conclusion VMS images at 70 keV may be optimal for detecting and diagnosing inconspicuous OBMs from lung cancer.

A Preliminary Investigation of NSCL/P Plasma and Urine in Guizhou Province in China Using NMR-Based Metabonomics.

Objective : To assess the feasibility of metabonomics in clinical studies. This is a pilot study introducing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomics to elucidate and compare the metabolism of patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) and children without orofacial clefts. Methods : High-resolution (1)H NMR spectroscopy was performed on plasma and urine samples obtained from NSCL/P and healthy children. The (1)H NMR spectra were further analyzed with principal component analysis. Results : Compared to the control group, the level of low-molecular-weight metabolites in plasma such as asparagine was higher in NSCL/P patients, while arginine, lysine, acetate, lactate, proline, glutamine, pyruvate, creatinine, choline, and ß-glucose were lower. The carnitine, citrate, and formate excretion in urine appeared to be higher in the healthy children, while the NSCL/P group excreted higher concentrations of aspartic acid and phenylalanine in urine. Conclusion : The present study clearly demonstrated the great potential of NMR-based metabonomics in elucidating NSCL/P plasma metabolism and the possible application of this technology in clinical diagnosis and screening.

Factors that affect career success of nurses who practice in assisted reproductive technology. / Factores determinantes del éxito en la carrera de enfermeras actuantes en tecnología de reproducción asistida.

to examine the relationship between career success and work environment of nurses who practice in assisted reproductive technology and to identify factors that affect career success. a cross-sectional study conducted in 53 fertility centres in 26 provinces in mainland China. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire, a specialised nursing competence questionnaire, the Career-Success Scale, and the Nursing Work Environment Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. 597 assisted reproductive technology nurses participated in our survey, and 555 valid questionnaires were collected. Theoverall mean scores for career success and work environment were 3.75 [standard deviation (SD) = 1.01] and 3.42 (SD = 0.77) respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between career success and work environment (r = 0.742, p < 0.01). Multiple regression showed that attending academic conferences, psychological care, professional development, support and care, salary, and welfare were significant factors that influence career success. attending academic conferences, psychological care, and work environment are positively related to career success. Administrators should consider ways to address these factors.

examinar la relación entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo con enfermeras actuantes en tecnología de reproducción asistida (TRA), e identificar factores que afectan su éxito en la carrera. estudio transversal realizado en 53 centros de fertilidad de 26 provincias en la China Continental. Datos recolectados utilizando cuestionario de datos demográficos, un Cuestionario de Competencias de TRA para Enfermeras Especializadas, la Career-Success Scale (Escala de éxito profesional) y la Nursing Work Environment Scale (Escala del entorno de trabajo de enfermería). Se aplicó estadística inferencial y descriptiva. 597 enfermeras actuantes en TRA participaron en nuestra encuesta, entregando 555 cuestionarios válidos. Los puntajes generales promedio de éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo fueron 3,75 (desviación estándar, [DE]=1,01) y 3,42 (DE=0,77) respectivamente. Se observó fuerte correlación positiva entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo (r=0,742; p<0,01). La regresión múltiple mostró que la concurrencia a conferencias académicas, atención psicológica, desarrollo profesional, apoyo y cuidado, salario y bienestar constituyeron factores significantes con influencia en el éxito en la carrera. la concurrencia a conferencias académicas, atención psicológica y ambiente de trabajo guardan relación positiva con el éxito en la carrera. Los gestores deberían considerar formas de abordar tales factores.

(1) Estudio multicéntrico en 53 centros de fertilidad para el éxito en la carrera de las enfermeras. (2) Marcada correlación positiva entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo. (3) La concurrencia a conferencias académicas estuvo positivamente relacionada al éxito en la carrera. (4) La atención psicológica estuvo positivamente asociada al éxito en la carrera. (5) Enfocarse en el ambiente de trabajo de enfermería para mejorar el éxito en la carrera de las enfermeras.

examinar a relação entre o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida e identificar os fatores que afetaram tal sucesso. estudo transversal conduzido em 53 centros de fertilidade em 26 províncias da China Continental. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário demográfico, um questionário sobre competências de enfermagem especializada em tecnologias de reprodução assistida, da Career-Success Scale (Escala de Sucesso Profissional) e da Nursing Work Environment Scale (Escala do Ambiente de Trabalho na Enfermagem). Aplicaram-se análises de estatística descritiva e inferencial. participaram do estudo 597 enfermeiros da área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida, e 555 questionários válidos foram coletados. As pontuações globais médias para o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho foram 3,75 [desvio padrão (DP) = 1,01] e 3,42 (DP = 0,77), respectivamente. Verificou-se forte correlação positiva entre o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho (r = 0,742; p < 0,01). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou que a participação em eventos acadêmicos, a assistência psicológica, o desenvolvimento profissional, o apoio e os cuidados, e o salário e o bem-estar foram fatores que influenciaram significativamente o sucesso profissional. a participação em eventos acadêmicos, a assistência psicológica e o ambiente de trabalho mostraram correlação positiva com o sucesso profissional. Os gestores deveriam considerar formas de abordar esses fatores.

Expressing IL-15/IL-18 and CXCR2 improve infiltration and survival of EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells in breast cancer.

Previously, we have generated EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells and brought hope for treating advanced breast cancer. However, EGFRvIII-targeting CAR-T cells were defined limited anti-tumor efficacy, which might be due to reduced accumulation, persistence of therapeutic T cells in tumor site of breast cancer. CXCLs were highly expressed in tumor environment of breast cancer and CXCR2 is the main receptor for CXCLs. Here, CXCR2 could significantly improve the trafficking and tumor specific accumulation of CAR-T cells both in vivo and in vitro. However, the anti-tumor effect of CXCR2 CAR-T cells were weaken which might be results of the apoptosis of T cells. Cytokines could stimulate Tcell proliferation, such as interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-18. Then, we generated CXCR2 CAR with synthetic IL-15 or IL-18 production. Co-expressing IL-15 or IL-18 could significantly suppress the exhaustion and apoptosis of T cells and enhanced the anti-tumor activity of CXCR2 CAR-T cells in vivo. Further, coexpression IL-15 or IL-18 in CXCR2 CAR-T cells did not cause toxicity. These findings provide a potential therapy strategy of co-expression IL-15 or IL-18 in CXCR2 CAR-T cells for the treatment of advancing breast cancer in the future.

Triple-emission nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon quantum dots from lignin: Highly fluorescent sensing platform for detection of hexavalent chromium ions.

Considering that hexavalent chromium ions (Cr6+) with high toxicity poses a huge threat to human health and the ecological environment, constructing a rapid and accurate sensing platform is of great significance in detecting the toxic substance. The novel nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, B-CQDs) from lignin are synthesized as fluorescent sensors for the detection of Cr6+. The synthetic processes involve the acid hydrolysis step followed by the hydrothermal treatment step. Lignin is firstly depolymerized by cleaving ether bonds in the acidolysis, and N, B-CQDs are consequently formed by the aromatic re-fusion of lignin nanoparticles in the hydrothermal process. The lignin-derived N, B-CQDs show triple emission of purple, blue and green fluorescence under the excitation of 300, 330, and 490 nm, respectively. The triple-emission N, B-CQDs are applied for the triple-channel detection of Cr6+, which exhibit highly sensitive and selective fluorescence quenching for Cr6+ with good linearity (R2 ≤ 0.996) and very low limit of detection as 0.054, 0.049, and 0.077 µM under the excitation of 300, 330 and 490 nm, respectively. The utilization of renewable lignin as CQDs-based fluorescent sensors opens a new avenue for the rapid and accurate detection of Cr6+ through a multichannel sensing platform.

Study on the mechanisms of action of berberine combined with fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant strains of Talaromyces marneffei.

Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei (T. marneffei) is a thermally dimorphic fungus that can cause opportunistic systemic mycoses. Our previous study demonstrated that concomitant use of berberine (BBR) and fluconazole (FLC) showed a synergistic action against FLC-resistant T. marneffei (B4) in vitro. In this paper, we tried to figure out the antifungal mechanisms of BBR and FLC in T. marneffei FLC-resistant. In the microdilution test, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FLC was 256 µg/ml before FLC and BBR combination, and was 8 µg/ml after combination, the partial inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of B4 was 0.28. After the treatments of BBR and FLC, the studies revealed that (i) increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), (ii) reduce ergosterol content, (iii) destroy the integrity of cell wall and membrane, (iv) decrease the expression of genes AtrF, MDR1, PMFCZ, and Cyp51B however ABC1 and MFS change are not obvious. These results confirmed that BBR has antifungal effect on T. marneffei, and the combination with FLC can restore the susceptibility of FLC-resistant strains to FLC, and the reduction of ergosterol content and the down-regulation of gene expression of AtrF, Mdr1, PMFCZ, and Cyp51B are the mechanisms of the antifungal effect after the combination, which provides a theoretical basis for the application of BBR in the treatment of Talaromycosis and opens up new ideas for treatment of Talaromycosis.

The chrysanthemum lavandulifolium genome and the molecular mechanism underlying diverse capitulum types.

Cultivated chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.) is a beloved ornamental crop due to the diverse capitula types among varieties, but the molecular mechanism of capitulum development remains unclear. Here, we report a 2.60 Gb chromosome-scale reference genome of C. lavandulifolium, a wild Chrysanthemum species found in China, Korea and Japan. The evolutionary analysis of the genome revealed that only recent tandem duplications occurred in the C. lavandulifolium genome after the shared whole genome triplication (WGT) in Asteraceae. Based on the transcriptomic profiling of six important developmental stages of the radiate capitulum in C. lavandulifolium, we found genes in the MADS-box, TCP, NAC and LOB gene families that were involved in disc and ray floret primordia differentiation. Notably, NAM and LOB30 homologs were specifically expressed in the radiate capitulum, suggesting their pivotal roles in the genetic network of disc and ray floret primordia differentiation in chrysanthemum. The present study not only provides a high-quality reference genome of chrysanthemum but also provides insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the diverse capitulum types in chrysanthemum.

Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of childhood Prader-Willi syndrome in China.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex and multisystem neurobehavioral disease, which is caused by the lack of expression of paternally inherited imprinted genes on chromosome15q11.2-q13.1. The clinical manifestations of PWS vary with age. It is characterized by severe hypotonia with poor suck and feeding difficulties in the early infancy, followed by overeating in late infancy or early childhood and progressive development of morbid obesity unless the diet is externally controlled. Compared to Western PWS patients, Chinese patients have a higher ratio of deletion type. Although some rare disease networks, including PWS Cooperation Group of Rare Diseases Branch of Chinese Pediatric Society, Zhejiang Expert Group for PWS, were established recently, misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis and inappropriate intervention were usually noted in China. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated multidisciplinary approach to facilitate early diagnosis and optimize management to improve quality of life, prevent complications, and prolong life expectancy. Our purpose is to evaluate the current literature and evidences on diagnosis and management of PWS in order to provide evidence-based guidelines for this disease, specially from China.

Imaging Features of the Whole Uterus Volume CT Perfusion and Influence Factors of Blood Supply: A Primary Study in Patients with Cervical Squamous Carcinoma.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the imaging features of whole uterus volume CT perfusion (vCTP) and the influence factors of blood supply in cervical squamous carcinoma (CSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: vCTP was performed on a 640-slice computed tomography system in 43 patients with CSC diagnosed by biopsy, and 24 cases of them underwent magnetic resonance imaging. The size of the tumor was measured on vCTP and magnetic resonance (MR) images. Perfusion parameters, including arterial blood flow (AF), blood volume, and permeability surface (PS), were measured by two radiologists, using interclass correlation coefficient to evaluate the interobserver reliability. The difference of tumor size and perfusion data was analyzed by paired t test and rank sum test. The correlation of perfusion parameters with some factors was analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: Tumor sizes were not significantly different between vCTP and MR images. The interclass correlation coefficient of each parameter was 0.818-0.945. The AF value of CSC was significantly higher than normal uterine body, and the blood volume and PS values of CSC were not statistically different compared with those of normal uterine body. There was no significant difference in AF value of CSC among different FIGO stages and pathological grades. The AF and PS values of CSC were negatively correlated with the age of the patients. CONCLUSION: The vCTP could accurately shows the size of the CSC with use of MR as the reference standard, and its perfusion parameters have good measurement stability; the CSC was hypervascular, but this trend was less pronounced in older women.

Factores determinantes del éxito en la carrera de enfermeras actuantes en tecnología de reproducción asistida / Factors that affect career success of nurses who practice in assisted reproductive technology / Fatores que afetam o sucesso profissional de enfermeiros que atuam na área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida

Objetivo: examinar la relación entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo con enfermeras actuantes en tecnología de reproducción asistida (TRA), e identificar factores que afectan su éxito en la carrera. Método: estudio transversal realizado en 53 centros de fertilidad de 26 provincias en la China Continental. Datos recolectados utilizando cuestionario de datos demográficos, un Cuestionario de Competencias de TRA para Enfermeras Especializadas, la Career-Success Scale (Escala de éxito profesional) y la Nursing Work Environment Scale (Escala del entorno de trabajo de enfermería). Se aplicó estadística inferencial y descriptiva. Resultados: 597 enfermeras actuantes en TRA participaron en nuestra encuesta, entregando 555 cuestionarios válidos. Los puntajes generales promedio de éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo fueron 3,75 (desviación estándar, [DE]=1,01) y 3,42 (DE=0,77) respectivamente. Se observó fuerte correlación positiva entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo (r=0,742; p<0,01). La regresión múltiple mostró que la concurrencia a conferencias académicas, atención psicológica, desarrollo profesional, apoyo y cuidado, salario y bienestar constituyeron factores significantes con influencia en el éxito en la carrera. Conclusión: la concurrencia a conferencias académicas, atención psicológica y ambiente de trabajo guardan relación positiva con el éxito en la carrera. Los gestores deberían considerar formas de abordar tales factores.

Objective: to examine the relationship between career success and work environment of nurses who practice in assisted reproductive technology and to identify factors that affect career success. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted in 53 fertility centres in 26 provinces in mainland China. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire, a specialised nursing competence questionnaire, the Career-Success Scale, and the Nursing Work Environment Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: 597 assisted reproductive technology nurses participated in our survey, and 555 valid questionnaires were collected. Theoverall mean scores for career success and work environment were 3.75 [standard deviation (SD) = 1.01] and 3.42 (SD = 0.77) respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between career success and work environment (r = 0.742, p < 0.01). Multiple regression showed that attending academic conferences, psychological care, professional development, support and care, salary, and welfare were significant factors that influence career success. Conclusion: attending academic conferences, psychological care, and work environment are positively related to career success. Administrators should consider ways to address these factors.

Objetivo: examinar a relação entre o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida e identificar os fatores que afetaram tal sucesso. Método: estudo transversal conduzido em 53 centros de fertilidade em 26 províncias da China Continental. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário demográfico, um questionário sobre competências de enfermagem especializada em tecnologias de reprodução assistida, da Career-Success Scale (Escala de Sucesso Profissional) e da Nursing Work Environment Scale (Escala do Ambiente de Trabalho na Enfermagem). Aplicaram-se análises de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: participaram do estudo 597 enfermeiros da área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida, e 555 questionários válidos foram coletados. As pontuações globais médias para o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho foram 3,75 [desvio padrão (DP) = 1,01] e 3,42 (DP = 0,77), respectivamente. Verificou-se forte correlação positiva entre o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho (r = 0,742; p < 0,01). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou que a participação em eventos acadêmicos, a assistência psicológica, o desenvolvimento profissional, o apoio e os cuidados, e o salário e o bem-estar foram fatores que influenciaram significativamente o sucesso profissional. Conclusão: a participação em eventos acadêmicos, a assistência psicológica e o ambiente de trabalho mostraram correlação positiva com o sucesso profissional. Os gestores deveriam considerar formas de abordar esses fatores.

[Evolution and evaluation of schistosomiasis prevention and control institutions in China].

Schistosomiasis is one of a few endemic and infectious diseases, which are controlled by the specific prevention and control institutions in China. Through the review of historical data, this paper describes the construction, continuation and changes of schistosomiasis prevention and control institutions in different historical periods and systems, and analyzes and evaluates its historical function, contribution and status.

[Measures and achievements of schistosomiasis control in the Yangtze River Basin].

This paper reviewed the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in the Yangtze River Basin in three stages, centered on the measures and achievements. It pointed out the key work of prevention and control which are infectious source control and effective surveillance at present stage. It will be beneficial to schistosomiasis control in China.

Chinese guidelines for treatment of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder commonly encountered in clinical practice. The International Working Group (IWG) on ITP has published several landmark papers on terminology, definitions, outcome criteria, bleeding assessment, diagnosis, and management of ITP. The Chinese consensus reports for diagnosis and management of adult ITP have been updated to the 4th edition. Based on current consensus positions and new emerging clinical evidence, the thrombosis and hemostasis group of the Chinese Society of Hematology issued Chinese guidelines for management of adult ITP, which aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical decision making.

Applied anatomy of the lower cervical pedicle screw insertion.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain an accurate approach to inserting the pedicle screw into C3-C7 segments of the cervical vertebra. METHODS: Anatomic morphology of lateral mass and pedicle, and their anatomic relationship with the adjacent tissue were observed on C3-C7 segments of 25 adult embalmed cadavers (50 sides). RESULTS: 1) The inferior edge of the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process and the inferior edge of the pedicle were connected with each other on 25 adult embalmed cadavers (50 sides). The transverse section which passed through the median point between the superior edge and the inferior edge of the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process, and the transverse section which passed through the central axis between the superior edge and the inferior edge of the pedicle, were in the same horizontal plane. The superior and inferior position of placing the pedicle screw was determined by this transverse section, which passed through the median point between the superior and the inferior edge of the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process. 2) There was a directed internal-downwards "triangular sulcule" between the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process and the anterolateral edge of the inferior articular process. The anterior wall of the triangular sulcule was the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process, the posterior wall was the anterolateral edge of the inferior articular process, and the bottom of the sulcule was connected with the interior edge of the pedicle. The vertical length between the top of triangle and the planes of inferior edge of the pedicle was (2.78+/-1.71) mm. The inferior edge of the cervical pedicle could be detected using a blunt probe along the "triangular sulcule" between the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process and the anterolateral edge of the inferior articular process in surgical operation. 3) The lateral fovea of the articular process was observed on all lateral masses (50 sides). The internal and external position of the entrance point could depend on anatomic landmarks: the lateral edge of the lateral fovea of the articular process. The horizontal length between the lateral fovea of the articular process and the entrance point was (3.14+/-1.45) mm. 4) The diameter of pedicle screw, about (2.78+/-1.71) mm, was the transverse diameter of the cancellous bone of the greatest narrow part of the cervical pedicle. CONCLUSIONS: The median point between the superior edge and the inferior edge of the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process, the lateral fovea of the articular process, and the triangular sulcule between the base of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process and the anterolateral edge of inferior articular process, are easy to be exposed and identified in surgical operation. The pedicle screw can be precisely inserted through this method.

[A comparison of knowledge awareness rates and influencing factors of clonorchiasis among residents in 4 counties (cities) of Hunan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the status of knowledge awareness rates and influencing factors of clonorchiasis among the residents in 4 counties (cities) of Hunan Province, so as to provide the references for formulating the prevention and control strategy of clonorchiasis in the province. METHODS: A total of 1 224 subjects were selected by the multi-stage cluster sampling method and investigated with questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The clonorchiasis knowledge awareness rates of the residents were 15.67% in Yongzhou City, 9.94% in Yueyang City, 13.25% in Wangcheng County, and 21.96% in Tongdao County, respectively. In the whole province, the clonorchiasis knowledge awareness rates of the residents were 44.67%, 56.43%, 60.95%, and 42.46% in the etiology, clinical manifestations, epidemiological characteristics and daily prevention, respectively. The logistic regression showed that the influencing factors of clonorchiasis knowledge awareness rates were the daily dining place, whether or not having the medical personnel in the family, the degree of attention to the relevant news reports, and the history of parasitic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The level of clonorchiasis than that in other areas, but the overall level of clonorchiasis knowledge awareness of the residents in Hunan Province is not high. Therefore, the relevant authority should strengthen the health education in clonorchiasis prevention knowledge including personal daily food hygienic knowledge. knowledge awareness rate of the residents in the west-southern areas of Hunan Province is higher.