Glycyrrhizic acid inhibits DNA damage repair and enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells.

This research was designed to prospect the mechanism and impact of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on DNA damage repair and cisplatin (CP)-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells. First, human melanoma cell SK-MEL-28 was stimulated using GA for 24, 48, and 72 h. Then, the optimal treatment time and dosage were selected. After that, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was employed for testing the cell viability, flow cytometry for the apoptosis, comet assay for the DNA damage of cells, and western blot for the cleaved-Caspase3, Caspase3, Bcl-2, and γH2AX protein expression levels. The experimental outcomes exhibited that as the GA concentration climbed up, the SK-MEL-28 cell viability dropped largely, while the apoptosis level raised significantly, especially at the concentration of 100 µm. In addition, compared with GA or CPtreatment only, CP combined with GA notably suppressed the viability of melanoma cells and promoted cell apoptosis at the cytological level. At the protein level, the combined treatment notably downregulated the Bcl-2 and Caspase3 expression levels, while significantly upregulated the cleaved-Caspase3 and γH2AX expression levels. Besides, CP + GA treatment promoted DNA damage at the DNA molecular level. Collectively, both GA and CP can inhibit DNA damage repair and enhance the apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 cells, and the synergistic treatment of both exhibits better efficacy.

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral triple sequential combination therapy for treating patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A multicenter retrospective study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an oral sequential triple combination therapy with selexipag after dual combination therapy with endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I)/riociguat in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. A total of 192 PAH patients from 10 centers had received oral sequential selexipag therapy after being on dual-combination therapy with ERA and PDE5i/riociguat for a minimum of 3 months. Clinical data were collected at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. The study analyzed the event-free survival at 6 months and all-cause death over 2 years. At baseline, the distribution of patients among the risk groups was as follows: 22 in the low-risk group, 35 in the intermediate-low-risk group, 91 in the intermediate-high-risk group, and 44 in the high-risk group. After 6 months of treatment, the oral sequential triple combination therapy resulted in reduced NT-proBNP levels (media from 1604 to 678 pg/mL), a decline in the percentage of WHO-FC III/IV (from 79.2% to 60.4%), an increased in the 6MWD (from 325 ± 147 to 378 ± 143 m) and a rise in the percentage of patients with three low-risk criteria (from 5.7% to 13.5%). Among the low-risk group, there was an improvement in the right heart remodeling, marked by a decrease in right atrium area and eccentricity index. The intermediate-low-risk group exhibited significant enhancements in WHO-FC and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. For those in the intermediate-high and high-risk groups, there were marked improvements in activity tolerance, as reflected by WHO-FC and 6MWD. The event-free survival rate at 6 months stood at 88%. Over the long-term follow-up, the survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 86.5% and 86.0%, respectively. In conclusion, the oral sequential triple combination therapy enhanced both exercise capacity and cardiac remodeling across PAH patients of different risk stratifications.

New insights into nucleic acid sensor AIM2: The potential benefit in targeted therapy for cancer.

The AIM2 inflammasome represents a multifaceted oligomeric protein complex within the innate immune system, with the capacity to perceive double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and engage in diverse physiological reactions and disease contexts, including cancer. While originally conceived as a discerning DNA sensor, AIM2 has demonstrated its capability to discern various nucleic acid variations, encompassing RNA and DNA-RNA hybrids. Through its interaction with nucleic acids, AIM2 orchestrates the assembly of a complex involving multiple proteins, aptly named the AIM2 inflammasome, which facilitates the enzymatic cleavage of proinflammatory cytokines, namely pro-IL-1ß and pro-IL-18. This process, in turn, underpins its pivotal biological role. In this review, we provide a systematic summary and discussion of the latest advancements in AIM2 sensing various types of nucleic acids. Additionally, we discuss the modulation of AIM2 activation, which can cause cell death, including pyroptosis, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Finally, we fully illustrate the evidence for the dual role of AIM2 in different cancer types, including both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic functions. Considering the above information, we uncover the therapeutic promise of modulating the AIM2 inflammasome in cancer treatment.

Artificial neural network and genetic algorithm coupled fermentation kinetics to regulate L-lysine fermentation.

Fermentation plays a pivotal role in the industrialization of bioproducts, yet there is a substantial lag in the fermentation process regulation. Here, an artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) coupled with fermentation kinetics were employed to establish an innovative lysine fermentation control. Firstly, the strategy of coupling GA with ANN was established. Secondly, specific lysine formation rate (qp), specific substrate consumption rate (qs), and specific cell growth rate (µ) were predicted and optimized by ANN-GA. The optimal ANN model adopts a three-layer feed-forward back-propagation structure (4:10:1). The optimal fermentation control parameters are obtained through GA. Finally, when the carbon to nitrogen ratio, residual sugar concentration, ammonia nitrogen concentration, and dissolved oxygen were [2.5, 4.5], [6.5, 9.5] g·L-1, [1.0, 2.0] g·L-1 and [20, 30] %, respectively, the lysine concentration reaches its peak at 213.0 ± 5.10 g·L-1. The novel control strategy holds significant potential for optimizing the fermentation of other bioproducts.

Continuous vital signs monitoring using wireless wearable devices in patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer: A prospective self-control study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To explore the reliability and safety of continuous monitoring of vital signs in patients using wireless wearable monitoring devices after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer. Methods The patients undergoing VATS for lung cancer in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to August 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Both wireless wearable and traditional wired devices were used to monitor the vital signs of patients after surgery. Spearman correlation analysis, paired sample t test and ratio Bland-Altman method were used to test the correlation, difference and consistency of monitoring data measured by the two devices. The effective monitoring rate of the wireless wearable device within 12 hours was calculated to test the reliability of its continuous monitoring. Results A total of 20 patients were enrolled, including 15 females and 5 males with an average age of 46.20±11.52 years. Data collected by the two monitoring devices were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation data collected by the two devices showed no statistical difference (P>0.05), while heart rate measured by wireless wearable device was slightly lower (=−0.307±1.073, P<0.001), and the blood pressure (=1.259±5.354, P<0.001) and body temperature(=0.115±0.231, P<0.001) were slightly higher. The mean ratios of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and body temperature collected by the two devices were 0.996, 1.004, 1.000, 1.014, and 1.003, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and 95% confidence interval of 95%LoA of each indicator were within the clinically acceptable limit. The effective monitoring rate of each vital signs within 12 hours was above 98%. Conclusion The wireless wearable device has a high accuracy and reliability for continuous monitoring vital signs of patients after VATS for lung cancer, which provides a security guarantee for subsequent large-scale clinical application and further research.

Preliminary application of foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for repairing soft tissue defects in shoulder and back / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back.@*METHODS@#Between August 2018 and January 2023, the foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back of 8 patients. There were 5 males and 3 females with the age ranged from 21 to 56 years (mean, 35.4 years). Wounds were located in the shoulder in 2 cases and in the shoulder and back in 6 cases. The causes of injury were chronic infection of skin and bone exposure in 2 cases, secondary wound after extensive resection of skin and soft tissue tumor in 4 cases, and wound formation caused by traffic accident in 2 cases. Skin defect areas ranged from 14 cm×13 cm to 20 cm×16 cm. The disease duration ranged from 12 days to 1 year (median, 6.6 months). A pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was designed and harvested. The flap was divided into A/B flap and then were folded to repair the wound, with the donor area of the flap being pulled and sutured in one stage.@*RESULTS@#All 7 flaps survived, with primary wound healing. One patient suffered from distal flap necrosis and delayed healing was achieved after dressing change. The incisions of all donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years (mean, 24.7 months). The skin flap has a good appearance with no swelling in the pedicle. At last follow-up, 6 patients had no significant difference in bilateral shoulder joint motion, and 2 patients had a slight decrease in abduction range of motion compared with the healthy side. The patients' daily life were not affected, and linear scar was left in the donor site.@*CONCLUSION@#The foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of shoulder and back with simple operation, less damage to the donor site, and quick recovery after operation.

Diagnosis, Genetics, and Management of 24 Patients With Cardiac Paragangliomas: Experience From a Single Center.

Context: Paragangliomas located within the pericardium represent a rare yet challenging clinical situation. Objective: The current analysis aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of cardiac paragangliomas, with emphasis on the diagnostic approach, genetic background, and multidisciplinary management. Methods: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with cardiac paraganglioma (PGL) in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, between 2003 and 2021 were identified. Clinical data was collected from medical record. Genetic screening and succinate dehydrogenase subunit B immunohistochemistry were performed in 22 patients. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 38 years (range 11-51 years), 8 patients (33%) were females, and 4 (17%) had familial history. Hypertension and/or symptoms related to catecholamine secretion were present in 22 (92%) patients. Excess levels of catecholamines and/or metanephrines were detected in 22 (96%) of the 23 patients who have completed biochemical testing. Cardiac PGLs were localized with 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in 11/22 (50%), and 99mTc-hydrazinonicotinyl-tyr3-octreotide scintigraphy in 24/24 (100%) patients. Genetic testing identified germline SDHx mutations in 13/22 (59%) patients, while immunohistochemistry revealed succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency in tumors from 17/22 (77%) patients. All patients were managed by a multidisciplinary team through medical preparation, surgery, and follow-up. Twenty-three patients received surgical treatment and perioperative death occurred in 2 cases. Overall, 21 patients were alive at follow-up (median 7.0 years, range 0.6-18 years). Local recurrence or metastasis developed in 3 patients, all of whom had SDH-deficient tumors. Conclusion: Cardiac PGLs can be diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, biochemical tests, and appropriate imaging studies. Genetic screening, multidisciplinary approach, and long-term follow-up are crucial in the management of this disease.

Novel insecticidal proteins from ferns resemble insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis.

Lepidopterans affect crop production worldwide. The use of transgenes encoding insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in crop plants is a well-established technology that enhances protection against lepidopteran larvae. Concern about widespread field-evolved resistance to Bt proteins has highlighted an urgent need for new insecticidal proteins with different modes or sites of action. We discovered a new family of insecticidal proteins from ferns. The prototype protein from Pteris species (Order Polypodiales) and variants from two other orders of ferns, Schizaeales and Ophioglossales, were effective against important lepidopteran pests of maize and soybean in diet-based assays. Transgenic maize and soybean plants producing these proteins were more resistant to insect damage than controls. We report here the crystal structure of a variant of the prototype protein to 1.98 Å resolution. Remarkably, despite being derived from plants, the structure resembles the 3-domain Cry proteins from Bt but has only two out of three of their characteristic domains, lacking the C-terminal domain which is typically required for their activities. Two of the fern proteins were effective against strains of fall armyworm that were resistant to Bt 3-domain Cry proteins Cry1Fa or Cry2A.127. This therefore represents a novel family of insecticidal proteins that have the potential to provide future tools for pest control.

Structural journey of an insecticidal protein against western corn rootworm.

The broad adoption of transgenic crops has revolutionized agriculture. However, resistance to insecticidal proteins by agricultural pests poses a continuous challenge to maintaining crop productivity and new proteins are urgently needed to replace those utilized for existing transgenic traits. We identified an insecticidal membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) protein, Mpf2Ba1, with strong activity against the devastating coleopteran pest western corn rootworm (WCR) and a novel site of action. Using an integrative structural biology approach, we determined monomeric, pre-pore and pore structures, revealing changes between structural states at high resolution. We discovered an assembly inhibition mechanism, a molecular switch that activates pre-pore oligomerization upon gut fluid incubation and solved the highest resolution MACPF pore structure to-date. Our findings demonstrate not only the utility of Mpf2Ba1 in the development of biotechnology solutions for protecting maize from WCR to promote food security, but also uncover previously unknown mechanistic principles of bacterial MACPF assembly.

Effectiveness and safety of Xuebijing injection for patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and Metaanalysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients. METHODS: Related studies on multiple biological databases and websites were searched up to December 11, 2021 without language and publication time restrictions. Review Manager V.5.3 and Stata 14 software were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies were finally included. The Metaanalysis showed that compared with the routine treatment alone, XBJ combined with the routine treatment can reduce the 28day mortality ( = 0.3, 95% : 0.12, 0.74), Creactive protein ( = -12.8, 95% : -23.13, 3.46), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( = -9.32, 95% : -14.66, -3.98) and interleukin-6 (S = -0.6, 95% : -1.04, -0.17) levels and increase the leukocyte ( = 0.73, 95% : 0.42, 1.04) and lymphocyte count ( = 0.18, 95% : 0.07, 0.29) in peripheral blood; additionally, it has no obvious side effects ( = 1.11, 95% : 0.65, 1.9). There was no evidence that the XBJ combined therapy can improve the nucleic acid conversion rate and computed tomography improvement rate of COVID19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that XBJ combined with routine treatment seems to be more effective than routine treatment for patients with COVID19. Limited by the number and quality of included papers, this finding still needs further validation by more studies.

Astragaloside IV promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration through upregulating lncRNA H19 recruited ILF3 to enhance the stability of CDK4 mRNA.

Skin is the first line of the body to resist pathogen invasion. A potentially fatal infection may result from problems with wound healing. Small molecule drugs like astragaloside IV (AS-IV) show pro-healing activities, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Using real-time quantitative PCR and a western blot assay, the amount of gene expression was evaluated. The proliferation and migration of keratinocytes were determined by MTS and wound healing assay, respectively. The binding of lncRNA H19 to RBP protein ILF3 and the binding of ILF3 protein to CDK4 mRNA were confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation. Treatment with AS-IV enhanced the expression of lncRNA H19, ILF3, and CDK4 and improved the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes HaCaT. Additionally, apoptosis of keratinocytes was attenuated by AS-IV. Further studies showed that both lncRNA H19 and ILF3 were important for AS-IV-mediated keratinocyte growth and migration. In addition, lncRNA H19 recruited ILF3 to increase CDK4 mRNA level and enhanced cell proliferation. We discovered a lncRNA H19/ILF3/CDK4 axis that is activated by AS-IV to promote keratinocyte migration and proliferation. These results elucidate the mechanism of action of AS-IV and justify its application in further application in wound healing treatment.

Semiology characteristics and location of epileptogenic zone in motor seizures of axial and shoulder girdle muscles assessed by video stereoelectroencephalography study in 65 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the semiology characteristics of motor seizures of axial and shoulder girdle muscles (ASMs) by stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and its value in determining location of epileptogenic zone. METHODS: A total of 598 patients underwent SEEG assessment in Sanbo Brain Hospital were reviewed; 65 patients with ASMs selected. Thirteen semiology feature items were extracted according to the location and symmetry of involved axial muscles, direction of movement, etc. Seizures were grouped with items, and the k-means was used to analyze association between ASMs semiology characteristics and seizure-onset zone (SOZ). RESULTS: The SOZs of ASMs involved 23 combinations of seven different brain regions: 31 patients (47.7%) had one brain region, 19 (29.2%) had two, 14 (21.5%) had three, and one patient (1.5%) had four. One hundred and fifteen brain regions were analyzed. Seven brain regions accounted for a significant difference in chi-square test, χ2 = 62.79, p < 0.0001, with the highest proportion of insular and perisylvian. The k-means method identified two clusters: cluster 1 had a high degree of agreement with temporal lobe epilepsy (12/15), characterized by less shrug-like movement, later involvement of axial shoulder girdle muscles, longer duration, and lower seizure frequency; cluster 2 had a high degree of agreement with posterior cortex epilepsy (14/18), characterized by earlier involvement of axial shoulder girdle muscles, shorter duration, and higher seizure frequency. In frontal lobe, insular and perisylvian, anterior and middle cingulate gyrus, are the two categories accounted for similar proportion. Seizure-onset lateralized at the contralateral of unilateral cervical tonic, with rate of seizure-free was 73.7%. SIGNIFICANCE: The incidence of ASMs is high in insular and perisylvian. Unilateral cervical tonic seizures have good lateralizing value. Based on semiology characteristics, ASMs can be roughly clustered into two categories, which can only effectively distinguish the origins of temporal lobe and posterior cortex, with low discrimination for the seizure-onset of other lobes.

Evaluation of the immunization effectiveness of bOPV booster immunization and IPV revaccination.

To provide a basis for further optimization of the polio sequential immunization schedule, this study evaluated the effectiveness of booster immunization with one dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) at 48 months of age after different primary polio immunization schedules. At 48 months of age, one dose of bOPV was administered, and their poliovirus types 1-3 (PV1, PV2, and PV3, respectively)-specific neutralizing antibody levels were determined. Participants found to be negative for any type of PV-specific neutralizing antibody at 24, 36, or 48 months of age were re-vaccinated with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The 439 subjects who received a bOPV booster immunization at the age of 48 months had lower PV2-specific antibody levels compared with those who received IPV. One dose of IPV during basic polio immunization induced the lowest PV2-specific antibody levels. On the basis of our findings, to ensure that no less than 70% of the vaccinated have protection efficiency, we recommend the following: if basic immunization was conducted with 1IPV + 2bOPV (especially Sabin strain-based IPV), a booster immunization with IPV is recommended at 36 months of age, whereas if basic immunization was conducted with 2IPV + 1bOPV, a booster immunization with IPV is recommended at 48 months of age. A sequential immunization schedule of 2IPV + 1bOPV + 1IPV can not only maintain high levels of antibody against PV1 and PV3 but also increases immunity to PV2 and induces early intestinal mucosal immunity, with relatively good safety. Thus, this may be the best sequential immunization schedule for polio in countries or regions at high risk for polio.

Clinical practice guidelines and real-life practice in hepatocellular carcinoma: A Chinese perspective

Liver cancer is the fourth most prevalent and the second most lethal cancer in China. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver ultrasonography plus alpha-fetoprotein every 6 months continues to be the predominant surveillance modality. The age-Male-ALBI-Platelets score was recommended in the recent 2022 Chinese guidelines to predict HCC occurrence. The Chinese liver cancer (CNLC) staging system proposed in the 2017 guidelines continues to be the standard model for staging with modifications in the treatment allocations. Considering the aggressive nature of HBV-associated HCC, multimodal and high-intensity strategies like the addition of immunotherapy-based systemic treatment to local therapies, including resection, ablation, and intra-arterial therapies, have been adopted in real-life practices in China. The latest Chinese guidelines recommend atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, suntilimab plus a bevacizumab analog, lenvatinib, sorafenib, donafenib, and FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy as first-line treatment without priority. Regorafenib, apatinib, camrelizumab, and tislelizumab have been added as second-line systemic therapies for patients who progressed on sorafenib. Systemic therapies adopted in real-life practice are sophisticated with various combination modalities and different sequences.

Efficacy of partial nephrectomy in patients with localized renal carcinoma: a 20-year experience of 2 046 patients in a single center / 中华外科杂志

Objectives: To analyze the long-term survival of patients with localized renal cell carcinoma after partical nephrectomy. Methods: The clinicopathological records and survival follow-up data of 2 046 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma, who were treated with partial nephrectomy from August 2001 to February 2021 in the Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, were retrospectively analyzed. There were 1 402 males and 644 females, aged (M(IQR)) 51 (19) years (range: 6 to 86 years). The primary end point of this study was cancer-specific survival. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference test was performed by Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were fitted to determine factors associated with cancer-specific survival. Results: The follow-up time was 49.2 (48.0) months (range: 1 to 229 months), with 1 974 patients surviving and 72 dying. The median cancer-specific survival time has not yet been reached. The 5- and 10-year cancer specific survival rates were 97.0% and 91.2%, respectively. The 10-year cancer-specific survival rates for stage pT1a (n=1 447), pT1b (n=523) and pT2 (n=58) were 95.3%, 81.8%, and 81.7%, respectively. The 10-year cancer-specific survival rates of patients with nuclear grade 1 (n=226), 2 (n=1 244) and 3 to 4 (n=278) were 96.6%, 89.4%, and 85.5%, respectively. There were no significant differences in 5-year cancer-specific survival rates among patients underwent open, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery (96.7% vs. 97.1% vs. 97.5%, P=0.600). Multivariate analysis showed that age≥50 years (HR=3.93, 95%CI: 1.82 to 8.47, P<0.01), T stage (T1b vs. T1a: HR=3.31, 95%CI: 1.83 to 5.99, P<0.01; T2+T3 vs. T1a: HR=2.88, 95%CI: 1.00 to 8.28, P=0.049) and nuclear grade (G3 to 4 vs. G1: HR=2.81, 95%CI: 1.01 to 7.82, P=0.048) were independent prognostic factors of localized renal cell carcinoma after partial nephrectomy. Conclusions: The long-term cancer-specific survival rates of patients with localized renal cancer after partial nephrectomy are satisfactory. The type of operation (open, laparoscopic, or robotic) has no significant effect on survival. However, patients with older age, higher nuclear grade, and higher T stage have a lower cancer-specific survival rate. Grasping surgical indications, attaching importance to preoperative evaluation, perioperative management, and postoperative follow-up, could benefit achieving satisfactory long-term survival.

Drug resistance and genomic characteristics of a strain of O139 Vibrio cholerae isolated from human bloodstream infection / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the drug resistance and genomic characteristics of a strain of serogroup O139 Vibrio cholerae producing cholera toxin isolated from the bloodstream of a person with bacteremia. Methods: The broth dilution method and automatic drug sensitivity analyzer were used to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the strain. The complete genome sequence of the strain was obtained by using second-generation gene sequencing and nanopore sequencing. BLAST software was used for comparison and analysis with CARD, Resfinder, ISfinder, VFDB, and other databases. The drug-resistant genes, insertion sequences and virulence genes carried by the strain were identified. MEGA 5.1 software was used to construct a genetic phylogenetic tree based on the core genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Results: V. cholerae SH400, as the toxigenic strain, carried multiple virulence-related genes and four virulence islands. The strain was resistant to streptomycin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole, carrying corresponding drug-resistant genes. The strain also carried IncA/C plasmid with the size of 172914 bp and contained 10 drug-resistant genes. Combined with the genomic evolutionary relationship, this study found that the drug-resistant genes and drug-resistant plasmids carried among strains showed certain aggregation. The traditional ST type of strain SH400 was ST69, and the cgMLST type was a new type highly similar to cgST-252. Conclusion: This strain of serogroup O139 V. cholerae carries the ctxAB gene, multiple drug-resistant genes and IncA/C plasmid, and there are multiple drug-resistant islands.

Research progress of laboratory biomarker for colorectal cancer / 中华预防医学杂志

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a major medical and public health threat to human life and health. At present, the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRC mainly depends on the laboratory tests. With the increasing demand for treatment and prognosis, screening methods for CRC are emerging. In order to provide a reference for reasonable selection of laboratory diagnostic biomarkers, and further improve the accuracy and reliability of colorectal cancer screening, auxiliary diagnosis, efficacy monitoring, as well as prognostic evaluation, this article reviews the laboratory screening and diagnostic methods for CRC, and makes outlook for the future detection markers of CRC.

Research progress of macrophage polarization in the treatment of aortic dissection / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Aortic dissection is one of the most devastating cardiovascular diseases. One of the most important pathological features of aortic dissection is local inflammatory response, including the infiltration of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix degradation, and smooth muscle cell phenotype switch. Macrophages which are the core of the inflammatory response play an extremely pivotal role in the progression of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Macrophages can be artificially divided into M1 and M2 types, of which the M1-type promotes inflammation while the M2-type is associated with the regression of inflammation and tissue healing. Mastering the switch of phenotypic transformation of macrophages may be of great help in inhibiting the inflammation of aortic tissue and facilitating tissue healing, as well as the treatment of aortic dissection. In this paper, we focus on the polarization of macrophages and discuss the role of macrophages in aortic dissection, the polarization pathway and the effect of related polarizing agents on the treatment of aortic dissection.

Clinical analysis of a family with autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia caused by IBA57 gene mutations / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical, imaging and gene variation characteristics of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 74 caused by mutations in IBA57 gene. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 2 cases of autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia caused by mutations in IBA57 gene who visited the Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Wuxi Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in 2010 and 2021, and the patients′ clinical data were collected. Results:The 2 patients were siblings with onset age of 4 years and 7 months, 1 year and 3 months, respectively. The same compound heterozygous mutations in IBA57 gene were found in the sibling patients [c.473G>C (p.R158P) and c.697C>T (p.R233X)]. Both patients were diagnosed as spastic paraplegia type 74. They had mild to moderate gait abnormalities, optic atrophy, decreased vision, and leukodystrophy with periventricular white matter abnormality, but no obvious growth and mental retardation in developmental assessment. Conclusions:Cases of spastic paraplegia type 74 caused by compound heterozygous mutations in IBA57 gene mainly manifested as childhood onset and slowly progressive inferior spasmodic weakness. The patients did not display significant cognitive impairment, and imaging examinations showed obvious leukodystrophy.

Clinical efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of 13 cases of refractory localized pustular psoriasis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of patients with localized pustular psoriasis irresponsive or intolerant to conventional treatment.Methods:Clinical data were collected from 13 patients with refractory localized pustular psoriasis, who received secukinumab treatment in Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital from December 2019 to April 2022. Efficacy was evaluated by comparing palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) area and severity index (PPPASI) score and physician global assessment (PGA) score in PPP patients before and after the treatment, and by comparing clinical global impression (CGI) score in patients with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH). Adverse events were recorded during the treatment.Results:Among the 13 patients with refractory localized pustular psoriasis, 6 were diagnosed with PPP, 3 with ACH, and 4 with PPP complicated by ACH. There were 3 males and 10 females, and their age was 33.2 ± 14.6 years. After 12-week treatment, the PPPASI score decreased from 13.88 ± 3.62 points at baseline to 6.81 ± 2.31 points in 10 patients presenting with PPP lesions, 4 achieved 75% improvement in the PPPASI score (PPPASI75), and 5 achieved PGA0/1; at the same time, 6 of the 7 patients presenting with ACH lesions achieved moderate or marked improvement in the CGI score, and 4 of the 6 patients achieved marked improvement. Two patients with PPP discontinued the treatment after 3- and 5-week treatment respectively due to poor response, and 1 patient with ACH achieved mild improvement in the CGI score after 12-week treatment. No severe adverse events were reported during the treatment. However, inflammatory follicular papules occurred in 1 patient, and eczematoid lesions occurred in another 1 patient, which both regressed after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion:Secukinumab was effective and safe in the treatment of refractory localized pustular psoriasis, and may serve as a new treatment option for refractory PPP and ACH.