[Effects of different types of intraocular lens implantation on patient's visual quality and function after phacoemulsification].

Objective: To explore the effects of different types of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on patient's visual quality and function after phacoemulsification. Methods: The clinical data of patients with monocular cataract who underwent phacoemulsification in the Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between December 2021 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the types of IOL, the patients were divided into monofocal group, bifocal group and depth of focus extension group. Three months later, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA), best corrected intermediate visual acuity (BCIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA) and best corrected near visual acuity (BCNVA) were detected. Contrast sensitivity and total wavefront aberration were measured by visual function analyzer. Satisfaction with visual quality was evaluated by hospital-made satisfaction questionnaire. Results: A total of 92 patients were included, with 31 males and 61 females, and their age was (61.8±5.2) years. There were 43, 28 and 21 cases in monofocal group, bifocal group and depth of focus extension group, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in clinical baseline data among the three groups. UCIVA, UCDVA, BCIVA and BCDVA in depth of focus extension group were 1.01±0.13, 0.92±0.18, 1.21±0.19 and 1.20±0.23, respectively, which were higher than those in monofocal group (0.62±0.12, 0.74±0.13, 1.02±0.17, 1.07±0.19, respectively) and bifocal group (0.67±0.15, 0.78±0.14, 1.01±0.16, 1.01±0.18, respectively), while absolute value of spherical equivalent [(-0.42±0.07) D] was lower than that in the other two groups [ (-0.49±0.05) D and (-0.45±0.08) D] (both P<0.05). UCNVA and BCNVA in bifocal group were 0.91±0.18 and 1.25±0.18, which were higher than those in depth of focus extension group (0.63±0.24 and 1.19±0.17) (both P<0.05). There were no significant differences in contrast sensitivity among the three groups under day vision or between monofocal group and bifocal group under night vision (all P>0.05), but the contrast sensitivity was higher in depth of focus extension group under night vision (3.0, 6.0, 12.0 c/d) than other two groups (all P<0.05). The score of ocular discomfort was the highest in bifocal group, followed by depth of focus extension group and monofocal group (both P<0.05). The score of visual interference in bifocal group was lower than that in monofocal group and depth of focus extension group (both P<0.05). The scores of subjective feeling in bifocal group and depth of focus extension group were higher than that in monofocal group (both P<0.05). The reading score was the highest in bifocal group, followed by depth of focus extension group and monofocal group (both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in total low-order aberration among the three groups (P=0.472). The total aberration and higher-order aberration [(0.74±0.35) µm and (0.41±0.12) µm] were the highest in monofocal group, followed by bifocal group [(0.61±0.21) µm and (0.22±0.09) µm] and depth of focus extension group [(0.46±0.13) µm and (0.06±0.09) µm] (all P<0.05). Conclusions: IOL implantation with depth of focus extension can enhance visual range, night vision and contrast sensitivity, and thus effectively improve postoperative visual quality and function in cataract patients. The bifocal IOL can better improve the patient's UCNVA and BCNVA, resulting in high satisfaction with visual quality.

RESOLVE-based radiomics in cervical cancer: improved image quality means better feature reproducibility?

AIM: To compare the reproducibility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-based radiomic features between readout-segmented echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (RESOLVE) and single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (SS-EPI DWI) in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RESOLVE and SS-EPI DWI images of 36 patients with histopathologically confirmed cervical cancer were collected retrospectively. Two observers independently delineated the whole tumour on RESOLVE and SS-EPI DWI, and then copied them to the corresponding ADC maps. Shape, first-order, and texture features were extracted from ADC maps in the original and filtered (Laplacian of Gaussian [LoG] and wavelet) images. Thereafter, 1,316 features were generated in each RESOLVE and SS-EPI DWI, respectively. The reproducibility of radiomic features was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In the original images, RESOLVE showed 92.86%, 66.67%, and 86.67% of features with excellent reproducibility in shape, first-order, and texture features, while SS-EPI DWI showed 85.71%, 72.22%, and 60% of features with excellent reproducibility, respectively. In the LoG and wavelet filtered images, RESOLVE had 56.77% and 65.32% of features with excellent reproducibility and SS-EPI DWI had 44.95% and 61.96% of features with excellent reproducibility, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with SS-EPI DWI, the feature reproducibility of RESOLVE was better in cervical cancer, especially for texture features. The filtered images cannot improve the feature reproducibility compared with the original images for both SS-EPI DWI and RESOLVE.

[Relationship between expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and improvement of macular structure in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy].

Objective: To explore the relationship between expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and improvement of macular structure in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods: A before-after study was carried out. A total of 110 patients (110 eyes) with wAMD who were admitted to Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between August 2019 and December 2021 were enrolled, and all patients were given vitreous injection of anti-VEGF drug (ranibizumab or bevacizumab). The aqueous humor was collected to detect mRNA levels of NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) and interleukin (IL) 1ß by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The levels of IL-1ß, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and VEGF in aqueous humor were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between the above indexes and central macular thickness (CMT) in wAMD patients was analyzed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: In the 110 wAMD patients, there were 68 males and 42 females, with a mean age of (68.7±7.6) years. Compared with those before treatment, mRNA levels of NLRP3 (1.65±0.27, 1.34±0.19 vs 1.97±0.23, both P<0.017), Caspase-1 (1.47±0.15, 1.29±0.17 vs 1.53±0.18, both P<0.017), ASC (1.33±0.14, 1.21±0.18 vs 1.47±0.12, both P<0.017) and IL-1ß (1.78±0.21, 1.46±0.17 vs 2.21±0.24, both P<0.017), and levels of IL-1ß [(26.9±5.7), (20.3±4.6) vs (33.6±8.3) ng/L, both P<0.017], IL-18 [(32.7±7.6), (23.3±6.9) vs (46.4±9.4) ng/L, both P<0.017], TNF-α [(39.4±6.6), (21.7±6.3) vs (52.9±9.1) ng/L, both P<0.017] and VEGF [(35.7±10.2), (23.4±6.7) vs (65.4±19.3) ng/L, both P<0.017] were decreased after the first and second injection. Moreover, the above-mentioned indexes after second injection were lower than those after the first injection (all P<0.017). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that NLRP3 mRNA (the first injection: ß=53.750, P<0.001; the second injection: ß=94.648, P<0.001), IL-1ß (the first injection: ß=1.356, P=0.021; the second injection: ß=2.008, P=0.003), IL-18 (the first injection: ß=1.984, P<0.001; the second injection: ß=1.251, P=0.003) and VEGF (the first injection: ß=1.875, P<0.001; the second injection: ß=2.119, P<0.001) had linear relationships with CMT. Conclusion: The decrease of NLRP3 inflammasome and its products in aqueous humor may be related to the improvement of macular structure in wAMD patients after anti-VEGF therapy.

[Analysis on the infection source of the first local cluster epidemic caused by the VOC/Gamma variant of SARS-CoV-2 in China].

Objective: To investigate a SARS-CoV-2 epidemic reported in Rongcheng City, Weihai, Shandong Province. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid positive patients and their close contacts were investigated, and the whole genome sequencing and genetic evolution analysis of 9 variant viruses were carried out. An infection source investigation and analysis were carried out from two sources of home and abroad, and three aspects of human, material and environment. Results: A total of 15 asymptomatic infections were reported in this epidemic, including 13 cases as employees of workshop of aquatic products processing company, with an infection rate of 21.67% (13/60). Two cases were infected people's neighbors in the same village (conjugal relation). The first six positive persons were processing workers engaged in the first process of removing squid viscera in the workshop of the company. The nucleic acid Ct value of the first time were concentrated between 15 and 29, suggesting that the virus load was high, which was suspected to be caused by one-time homologous exposure. The whole genome sequence of 9 SARS-CoV-2 strains was highly homologous, belonging to VOC/Gamma (Lineage P.1.15). No highly homologous sequences were found from previous native and imported cases in China. It was highly homologous with the six virus sequences sampled from May 5 to 26, 2021 uploaded by Chile. The infection source investigation showed that the company had used the squid raw materials captured in the ocean near Chile and Argentina from May to June 2021 over the last 14 days. Many samples of raw materials, products and their outer packages in the inventory were tested positive for nucleic acid. Conclusion: This epidemic is the first local epidemic caused by the VOC/Gamma of SARS-CoV-2 in China. It is speculated that the VOC/Gamma, which was prevalent in South America from May to June 2021, could be imported into China through frozen squid.

[Investigation of small airway function of occupational asthma at different stages].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of small airway dysfunction in patients with occupational asthma, and explore the significance of small airway function indicators in the evaluation of occupational asthma. Methods: A total of 53 patients with occupational asthma diagnosed in our hospital from December 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected in May 2020. 55 healthy people were included as the control group (NC group) and 58 bronchial asthma patients as BA group. The general information and baseline pulmonary function (FVC、FEV(1)、PEF) of the subjects were collected, the pulmonary function were reexamined and small airway function (FEF(25%)pred、FEF(50%)pred、FEF(75%)pred、MMEF(25-75%)pred) were tested at the time of diagnosis and remission. Results: There was no significant difference in pulmonary function and asthma control score (ACT) between OA group and BA group (P=0.356, 0.610, 0.364, 0.430, 0.533, 0.759, 0.426, 0.632) . The incidence of small airway dysfunction in OA group was 77.4%. The indexes of small airway function (FEF(25%)pred, FEF(50%)pred, FEF(75%)pred, MMEF(25-75%)pred) were lower than those in the NC group (P<0.001) . The small airway function indexes of mild and moderate OA patients in remission stage were improved (P=0.029, 0.182) , but the abnormal rate of small airway function was still 62.3%, and there was no significant difference compared with those at the time of diagnosis (P=0.091) . Small airway function (MMEF(25-75%)pred, FEF(50%)pred) was correlated with large airway function (FEV(1)% pred, PEF% pred) (P=0.001) . Conclusion: Small airway dysfunction often occurs and persists in patients with occupational asthma, and has a certain correlation with large airway function indexes.

[Emphasizing the mutual effects of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease with infectious disease].

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is a hepatic manifestation of systemic metabolic disorders, with a high prevalence. Moreover, it often coexists and evidently interacts with liver injury caused by a variety of viral infections in association with specific bacterial or fungal infectious diseases, and thus unitedly affect the intra-and extrahepatic diseases clinical outcome. The mutual effects, natural process, and extrahepatic manifestations of the two diseases combined coexistence are now elaborated here.

[Biocompatibility of extracellular matrix hydrogel with human iPSCs differentiated cardiomyocytes].

Objective: To observe the biocompatibility of porcine omental derived extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and the feasibility of ECM hydrogel as a delivery vector of cell transplantation. Methods: A series of chemical, physical and enzymatic methods were applied to acellularize the porcine omentum. Subsequently, the extracted ECM was prepared into thermosensitive hydrogel. The biochemical composition of the hydrogel was identified by histological staining. The microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrogel was then injected into the myocardium of mice to observe its in situ gelation ability. Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into cardiomyocytes was achieved by small molecule induction, and then the obtained hiPSC-CMs were cultured. hiPSC-CMs cultured onto the prepared hydrogel were defined as the hydrogel group, while conventionally cultured hiPSC-CMs were defined as the control group. Cardiomyocyte viability and growth patterns were detected using live/dead staining, CCK-8 and phalloidin staining. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot of cardiomyocytes were used to determine the survival and phenotypic maintenance markers of cardiomyocytes in materials. Results: The results of HE staining, oil red O staining and DAPI fluorescence staining showed that there was no significant cell debris, nucleus and lipid residue in the prepared ECM hydrogel. The Sirius red staining and Alcian blue staining showed that the hydrogel retained collagen and glycolaminoglycan, which were the main components of ECM. The prepared hydrogel behaves as a viscous liquid at 4 ℃ and as a gel state at 37 ℃. Scanning electron microscope results showed that the microstructure of the hydrogel was composed of irregular fibers and pores of different sizes. Under the guidance of ultrasound, the prepared ECM hydrogel could be successfully injected into the myocardium of mice. Immediately after the injection, the hyperechoic signal could be observed under ultrasound, suggesting that the hydrogel remained in the myocardium. HE staining of myocardial tissue evidenced that there was lump of gel in the injection area. The differentiated hiPSC-CMs were co-cultured with the prepared ECM hydrogel, and the results of live/dead staining showed that most of the hiPSC-CMs in the hydrogel group and the control group were alive, dead cells were scanty. The results of CCK-8 test showed that the absorbance values of the two groups were similar (P>0.05). The results of phalloidin staining showed that hiPSC-CMs could extend normally when co-cultured with ECM hydrogel. The cell morphology of the hydrogel group was similar with that of the control group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the F-actin coverage area per cell between the two groups (P>0.05). Immunofluorescence staining of cardiomyocyte markers showed that there was no significant difference in the coverage area of α-actinin and connexin-43 (Cx-43) per field between the hydrogel group and the control group (both P>0.05), the quantitative results of DAPI staining showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the number of cells between the two groups (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the results of Western blot showed that the expression levels of α-actinin and Cx-43 in cardiomyocytes in the hydrogel group were similar as those in the control group (both P>0.05). Conclusions: These results show that preparation of the ECM hydrogel from porcine omentum is successful. The hydrogel has good biocompatibility and no obvious cytotoxicity. Besides, the hydrogel can support the survival of hiPSC-CMs in vitro and maintain its phenotype. These properties make it a promising injectable cardiac tissue engineering material.

[The diagnostic value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in occupational asthma and its correlation with pulmonary function].

Objective: To investigate the value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) , and analyze the correlation between FeNO and pulmonary function in patients with OA. Methods: In October 2019, clinical datas, including pulmonary function, FeNO and blood routine test of 64 workers who applied for the diagnosis of OA in January 2012 to October 2018 in our hospital were collected. The diagnostic value of FeNO in OA was evaluated, FeNO and pulmonary function in different degrees of OA were compared, and the correlations were analyzed. Results: The FeNO value of OA patients [ (58.4±13.1) ppb] was higher than non-OA patients[ (30.1±13.7) ppb] (P<0.05) . The FeNO value of patients with moderate OA [ (68.9±13.8) ppb] was higher than that of patients with mild OA[ (54.2±10.3) ppb] (P<0.05) . The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of FeNO in the diagnosis of OA was 0.9453 (95%CI: 0.8928-0.9978, P<0.05) , the optimal cut-off point is 47.5 ppb, and the sensitivity and specificity are 88.6% and 89.7% respectively. There was negative correlation between FeNO and FEV1% pred (r=-0.454, P<0.01) . Conclusion: FeNO has a clinical application value in the diagnosis of OA. It should be combined with pulmonary function index in practical work.

[Study of cytokines in peripheral blood and lung of rats exposed to hard metal dust].

Objective: To study the dynamic changes of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of hard metal lung disease (HMLDR) rats. Methods: In March 2019, the rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, each group included 8 rats: control (C) group include 3 groups, hard metal (HM) group include 3 groups. 10 mg HM were administered in HM group by using the pulmonary endotracheal tube. After 4, 8 and 12 week, the BALF and serum were collected for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) , tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) . Results: There was no abnormality in behavior, diet and fur of rats in C and HM group at each exposure time. There was no significant difference in body weight between the two groups of rats (P>0.05) . Compared with the C group, the expression of MMP-1 in BALF of rats in HM group were significantly higher in all stages (4, 8 and 12 weeks after exposure) (P<0.05) , the expression of TIMP-1 in BALF of rats in HM group were significantly higher in 8 and 12 weeks after exposure (P<0.05) . However, there was no significant difference in serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels between the two groups in each stage (P>0.05) . There was no significant difference in TNF-α. level in BALF and serum between C and HM group in all stages (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in BALF have reference value in the HMLD auxiliary diagnosis.

[Predictive values of the combination of Friedman stage and sleep oximetry done early after surgery in predicting the treatment outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictive values of the combination of preoperative data, including medical history and physical examination, and results of sleep oximetry performed early after the surgery (one week) in predicting the treatment outcomes of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: All the patients who were diagnosed with OSAHS, underwent UPPP treatment and had complete follow-up data in our institution between Jan 2013 and May 2016 were enrolled in our study. The pre-operative data of these patients, including age, physical examination, and polysomnography (PSG) data, were all exactly collected for analysis. All these patients had received the evaluation of subjective efficacy scale and the sleep oximetry test in early post-operative days (within one week). The long-term efficacy evaluations including PSG and subjective efficacy scale were all finished at least three months after the surgery. RESULTS: In the research 61 patients were finally studied, including 25 responders (41.0%) and 36 non-responders (59.0%). Regression analysis revealed that the pre-operative Friedman stage and early post-operative oxygen desaturation index of ≥4% (ODI4) were found to be independently predictive parameters for the UPPP treatment outcomes (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis was used to estimate the predictive values of ODI4 to the treatment outcomes, and it was calculated with an area under the curve of 0.822. Using the ODI4 of 15 as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity of that calculated were up to 0.778 and 0.760 respectively. The response rate among the patients with an early post-operative ODI4 of <15 was 70.4%, which was significantly higher than that of the patients with an early post-operative ODI4 of ≥15, whose response rate was 17.6% (P<0.05). The similar results could also be obtained in the patients with pre-operative Friedman stage II (87.5% vs.25.0%) and Friedman stage III (33.3% vs. 6.7%). CONCLUSION: The combination of early post UPPP operation oximetry parameters, especially ODI4, and pre-operative Friedman stage could be used in better evaluating the potential surgical outcomes of UPPP.

[Analysis of direct economic burden of occupational asthma].

Objective: To analyze the direct economic burden of occupational asthma patients and provide economic basis for the government to rationally allocate health resources. Methods: In September 2019, colleted the case data of 53 patients diagnosed with occupational asthma who were hospitalized in our hospital from December 2008 to December 2018, and analyze the impact of gender, age, diagnosis time, ducation level, allergen type to the length of stay, hospitalization cost, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, average daily hospitalization costs and other indicators. Results: The average length of hospitalization for occupational asthma patients was (38.7±8.1) days, and the average hospitalization cost was 14743 yuan, of which medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and comprehensive medical service costs accounted for the top three, 42.5% (331977/781369) , 32.0% (249942/781369) , 19.6% (153268/781369) respectively. Hospitalization days for occupational asthma patients has decreased significantly in 2014-2018 (P<0.05) . There were no significant differences in hospitalization costs, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and average daily hospitalization costs for occupational asthma patients caused by different allergens (isocyanates, persulfates and phthalic anhydrides) (P>0.05) . Hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and average daily hospitalization costs of patients with moderate occupational asthma were significantly higher than those of mild patients (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Early detection of occupational asthma patients and early intervention can reduce the economic burden on patients and society.

Meta-analysis of the association between primary tumour location and prognosis after surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Primary tumour location is emerging as an important prognostic factor in localized and metastatic colorectal cancers. However, its prognostic role in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) after hepatectomy remains controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate its prognostic value. METHODS: References were identified through searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library comparing overall or disease-free survival after hepatic resection between patients with CRLM originating from right- or left-sided colorectal cancers. Data were pooled using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals according to a random-effects model. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the effect of underlying confounding factors on HR estimates and to adjust for this. RESULTS: The final analysis included 21 953 patients from 45 study cohorts. Compared with left-sided primary tumour location, right-sided location was associated with worse overall survival (HR 1·39, 95 per cent c.i. 1·28 to 1·51; P < 0·001; prediction interval 1·00 to 1·93), and also tended to have a negative impact on disease-free survival (HR 1·18, 1·06 to 1·32; P = 0·004; prediction interval 0·79 to 1·75). Subgroup analysis showed that the negative effect of right-sided primary tumour location on overall survival was more prominent in the non-Asian population (HR 1·47, 1·33 to 1·62) than the Asian population (HR 1·18, 1·05 to 1·32) (P for interaction <0·01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a prognostic role for primary tumour location in patients with CRLM receiving hepatectomy, especially regarding overall survival. Adding primary tumour location may provide important optimization of prognosis prediction models for CRLM in current use.

ANTECEDENTES: La ubicación del tumor primario (primary tumor location, PTL) ha surgido como un factor pronóstico importante en los cánceres colorrectales (colorectal cancers, CRCs) localizados y metastásicos. Sin embargo, todavía se discute su relevancia como factor pronóstico tras la resección de metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal (colorectal liver metastases, CRLM). Se realizó una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis para determinar su valor pronóstico. MÉTODOS: En PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science y la Biblioteca Cochrane se identificaron los trabajos que compararon la supervivencia global (overall survival, OS) y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad (disease-free survival, DFS) tras la resección hepática de CRLM cuyo CRCs estuviese situado en el lado derecho o izquierdo. Los datos se expresaron en forma del cociente de riesgos instantáneos (hazard ratio, HR) e intervalos de confianza del 95% (i.c. del 95%) de acuerdo con un modelo de efectos aleatorios. Se efectuaron análisis de metarregresión y de subgrupos para evaluar el efecto de los factors de confusión existentes en las estimaciones de HR, ajustando por los mismos. RESULTADOS: El análisis final incluyó 21.953 pacientes de cohortes de 45 estudios. La PTL en el lado derecho en comparación con el lado izquierdo se asoció con una peor supervivencia global (HR 1,39; i.c. del 95% 1,28-1,51; P < 0,001; intervalo de predicción 1,00-1,93) y una tendencia a un impacto negativo en la DFS (HR 1,18; i.c. del 95% 1,06-1,32; P = 0,004; intervalo de predicción 0,79-1,75). El análisis de subgrupos mostró que el efecto negativo de la PTL del lado derecho en la OS fue más prominente en la población no asiática (HR 1,47; i.c. del 95% 1,33-1,62) que en la asiática (HR 1,18; i.c. del 95% 1,05-1,32; Pinteracción < 0,01). CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio demostró que la PTL tiene un papel pronóstico tras la hepatectomía de las CRLM, especialmente respecto a la OS. La adición de la PTL proporcionaría una optimización importante en los modelos actuales de predicción pronóstica de CRLM.

[Characteristics of auditory brainstom response and auditory steady state evoked responses in noise-induced hearing loss population].

Objective: To explore the characteristics of auditory steady state evoked responses (ASSR) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in noise-induced hearing loss population and the relationship between the response threshold of corresponding frequency and pure tone audiometry (PTA) . Methods: Noise-induced hearing loss patients who completed subjective and objective audiometry in our hospital from October 2014 to October 2018 were collected. The results of PTA, ABR, ASSR and the correlation between subjective and objective audiometry were discussed. Results: A total of 381 ears of 193 patients were enrolled. The difference of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz between ASSR threshold and PTA was 5.9, 6.9, 11.8 and 1.8 dB, respectively. The correlation coefficients were 0.638, 0.680, 0.657 and 0.608. The difference of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 kHz between ABR threshold and PTA was 44.2, 35.0, 19.0 and 2.0 dB. With the increase of frequency, the threshold difference between ABRt V wave and PTA decreased gradually. Conclusion: ASSR and ABR response thresholds are valuable in subjective assessment on noise-induced hearing loss. The thresholds of ASSR and ABR at 4 kHz are close to those of PTA.

Microbial sensor for drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

AIMS: Drug susceptibility testing (DST) of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is critical in treating tuberculosis. We demonstrate the possibility of using a microbial sensor to perform DST of M. tuberculosis and shorten the time required for DST. METHODS AND RESULTS: The sensor is made of an oxygen electrode with M. tuberculosis cells attached to its surface. This sensor monitors the residual oxygen consumption of M. tuberculosis cells after treatment with anti-TB drugs with glycerine as a carbon source. In principle, after drug pretreatment for 4-5 days, the response differences between the sensors made of drug-sensitive isolates are distinguishable from the sensors made of drug-resistant isolates. The susceptibility of the M. tuberculosis H37Ra strain, its mutants and 35 clinical isolates to six common anti-TB drugs: rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin, ethambutol, levofloxacin and para-aminosalicylic acid were tested using the proposed method. The results agreed well with the gold standard method (LJ) and were determined in significantly less time. The whole procedure takes approximately 11 days and therefore has the potential to inform clinical decisions. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the possible application of a dissolved oxygen electrode-based microbial sensor in M. tuberculosis drug resistance testing. This study used the microbial sensor to perform DST of M. tuberculosis and shorten the time required for DST. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The overall detection result of the microbial sensor agreed well with that of the conventional LJ proportion method and takes less time than the existing phenotypic methods. In future studies, we will build an O2 electrode array microbial sensor reactor to enable a high-throughput drug resistance analysis.

Ultra-low radiation dose CT angiography of the lower extremity using the iterative model reconstruction (IMR) algorithm.

AIM: To investigate the image quality of lower-extremity computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA) with ultra-low radiation dose using the iterative model reconstruction (IMR) algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lower-extremity CTA was acquired using a 256-multidetector CT system from 90 patients assigned into three groups: (1) the routine dose (RD) group: 120 kVp, automatic tube current modulation (ACTM) with an image quality index of 12, and filtered back projection (FBP); (2) the low-dose (LD) group: 80 kVp, ACTM with an image quality index of 1, and IMR; and (3) the ultra-low dose (ULD) group: 80 kVp, 20 mAs, and IMR. CT attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lower-extremity arteries were calculated. Subjective image quality of lower-extremity segments was assessed. Effective radiation dose was recorded. RESULTS: The radiation dose was reduced by 91.4% and 67.3% in the ULD group (0.15±0.02 mSv) compared to the RD group (1.86±0.51 mSv) and the LD group (0.49±0.08 mSv; both p<0.05). Higher CT attenuation, SNR, CNR, and lower image noise were obtained in the ULD group and the LD group compared to the RD group (all p<0.05). Better subjective image quality in lower leg segments was obtained in the ULD group and the LD group compared to the RD group (all p<0.05). No difference was found between the ULD and LD groups in both objective and subjective image quality (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: By using IMR during lower-extremity CTA, the radiation dose is reduced by up to 91.4% without compromising image quality.

[Occupational characteristics of 318 cases diagnosed as occupational asthma].

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of occupational asthma and provide a basis for revising the diagnosis of occupational asthma in China. Methods: Taking "occupational asthma" , "occupational bronchial asthma" and "bronchial provocation test at work site" as key words, the case reports of occupational asthma in China were retrieved. The general data, latent period, allergen, clinical manifestation, and diagnostic methods were analyzed. Results: A total 318 cases from 14 published literatures were reported.The incidence of male and female is basically similar. The average age of onset is 38 years, and the latent period is from 2 months to 19 years. The top 3 allergens were isocyanates, penicillin and cephalosporins, formaldehyde. During the diagnosis process, 48.8% of the patients were diagnosed by bronchial provocation test, and 19 cases were diagnosed according to the specific IgE antibody. Only 1 case was diagnosed according to the specific skin test. Conclusion: The etiological diagnosis of occupational asthma is not easy. Nearly half of the patients in our country have been diagnosed as occupational asthma by bronchial provocation test at work site. How to identify the relationship between occupational exposure and the occurrence of asthma is one of the main problems we need to solve.

[A comparison between 3.0 T MRI and histopathology for preoperative T staging of potentially resectable esophageal cancer].

Objective: To explore the value of 3.0 T MRI using multiple sequences (star VIBE+ BLADE) in evaluating the preoperative T staging for potentially resectable esophageal cancer (EC). Methods: Between April 2015 and March 2016, a total of 66 consecutive patients with endoscopically proven resectable EC underwent 3.0T MRI in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University.Two independent readers were assigned a T staging on MRI according to the 7th edition of UICC-AJCC TNM Classification, the results of preoperative T staging were compared and analyzed with post-operative pathologic confirmation. Results: The MRI T staging of two readers were highly consistent with histopathological findings, and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of preoperative T staging MR imaging were also very high. Conclusion: 3.0 T MRI using multiple sequences is with high accuracy for patients of potentially resectable EC in T staging. The staging accuracy of T1, T2 and T3 is better than that of T4a. 3.0T MRI using multiple sequences could be used as a noninvasive imaging method for pre-operative T staging of EC.

[Effect of nerve growth factor on chronic peripheral neuropathy in rats induced by 1-bromopropane].

Objective: To observe the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Mecobalamin on chronic peripheral neuropathy in rats induced by 1-bromopropane. Methods: 36 male SD rats were exposed to 1-bromopropane vapor at concentrations of 4 000 mg/m(3), 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. The rats were randomed divided into 4 groups, and treated by Mecobalamin for 300 µg/kg qd, NGF for 40 µg/kg qd, Mecobalamin+NGF with the dose as mentioned above, respecively. The control group were fed in normal condition. The changes of Sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV) , electromyography (EMG) and pathology were observed 30 days later. Results: The nerve conduction velocity were decreased in all the rats. Compared with the control group, the motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) was improved in group Mecobalamin and group Mecobalamin+NGF, The difference was statistically significant, as the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) was improved only in group Mecobalamin+NGF. Sciatic nerve biopsy observed by electron microscope showed that myelinated nerve fibers were obvious swelling, lamellar separation, partial myelin vacuolization, and axonal degeneration. After treatment with exogenous nerve growth factor, the number and severity of damaged nerve fibers were restored. Conclusion: Exogenous nerve growth factor contributes to the recovery of peripheral nerve damage induced by 1-bromopropane.