Decoding the duration of fertility of laying chicken through phenotypic and proteomic evaluation.

1. This study determined the effective indicators and proteins involved in long-duration fertility (DF) in chickens.2. Three lines of Chinese Xinhua chickens (900) were compared using seven phenotypic trait indicators, and the best was determined based on repeatability value. Subsequently, differential expression analysis, functional annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed to investigate the pathways and hub proteins. Finally, qPCR analysis was conducted to validate the expression of identified hub proteins, and functional annotation with previously published genes was performed to explain how hub proteins work to maintain the trait.3. The study found that the number of fertilised eggs (FN) and maximum fertilised eggs (MCF) were the most repeatable among the seven indicators. It identified 231 differentially expressed proteins, with 144 being down-regulated and 87 being up-regulated. The differentially expressed proteins exhibited high clustering within various cellular compartments, including the cytosol and cytoplasm and GTP binding. Multiple pathways were identified, including tight and adherens junctions, TGF-beta signalling, autophagy-animal, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and the ribosome that may regulate the trait. Three hub proteins, KRAS, RPL5 (p < 0.001), and HSPA4 (p < 0.01), were significantly differentially expressed between high and low DF groups.4. This study identified FN and MCF as effective indicators for addressing DF. As it is a quantitative trait, KRAS, HSPA4, and RPL5 are potential hub proteins that work with other genes to maintain the trait.

[Establishment and biological characteristics of a human buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCC117].

Objective: To establish a human buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC) cell line SCC117 in China, analyze and identify its basic biological characteristics. Methods: A 59-year-old Chinese male patient with BMSCC in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology in January 2011 was included in this study, his surgical specimens were primary cultured in vitro by improved tissue block culture method. The BMSCC cell line SCC117 was established after continuous passage and stable growth. The morphological characteristics of the cells were observed by light and electron microscope, and their basic biological characteristics were analyzed by growth curve, chromosome karyotype and xenotransplantation tumorigenicity in nude mice experiment. The expressions of cytokeratin (CK14), tumor-related proteins retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB), P53, E-cadherin, P21, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) were detected by immunohistochemical and human papilloma virus (HPV) were tested by PCR. SCC117 was identified by short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of genomic DNA. Results: SCC117, a human BMSCC cell line, had been continuously subcultured in vitro for more than 150 generations. The cells grew in polygonal mosaic and lost contact inhibition, the typical desmosomes and tensional fibrils were observed by electron microscope, and CK14 was positive by immunohistochemistry. The doubling time was 40.16 h, the chromosome mode of the cell line was concentrated between 67 and 69, hypo-triploid. All 4 nude mice inoculated with SCC117 cells developed tumors, indicating that the SCC117 cell line had the ability of xenogeneic tumorigenesis. The histopathological type of the transplanted tumor in nude mice was consistent with that of the primary tumor tissue, both of which were squamous cell carcinoma. The immunohistochemical results showed that in both human primary tumor and the transplanted tumor tissue in nude mice, RB, P53, and E-cadherin were all positive, P21 was weakly positive, while PTEN was negative. SCC117 was tested negative for the presence of HPV. STR sequence analysis showed that SCC117 cell line originated from primary tumor tissue and was not cross-contaminated by other cell lines. Conclusions: The human BMSCC cell line SCC117 was successfully established in China, which could provide a new experimental model for the study of oral SCC without HPV infection, especially BMSCC.

[Study on the correlation between glycolipids and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia].

To study the clinical correlation between fasting plasma glucose, lipid metabolism, prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and to explore the combined effect as diagnostic indicators. A total of 108 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital from June 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed as the hyperplasia group, and 98 healthy physical examination personnel were selected as the control group during the same period. Compare the differences in levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small and dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C), homocysteine, lipoprotein a (LPa), prostate specific antigen (PSA), and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) between two groups of patients. Using Pearson analysis method to analyze the correlation between the above indicators and the size of prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia; using multiple linear regression to analyze the influencing factors of prostate volume enlargement; draw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and analyze the application value of individual and combined detection of HDL, FPG, PSA, and fPSA. The results showed that there were significant differences in HDL, FPG, PSA, and fPSA levels between the control group and the proliferative group(P<0.05). The size of prostate volume is negatively correlated with HDL(r=-0.183, P<0.05) and positively correlated with FPG (r=0.202, P<0.05), PSA(r=0.412, P<0.05), and fPSA(r=0.425, P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that HDL(P=0.000), FPG(P=0.048), PSA(P=0.044), and fPSA (P=0.012) were risk factors for increased volume of benign prostatic hyperplasia; ROC curve analysis shows that the AUC of HDL, FPG, PSA, and fPSA combined detection is 0.823, which is better than individual detection. In conclusion,HDL, FPG, PSA, fPSA has close correlation with hyperplasia of prostate, the joint detection may has better prediction for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

[Dihydroartemisinin enhances sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE1/DDP cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis by promoting ROS production].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) for enhancing the inhibitory effect of cisplatin (DDP) on DDP-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HNE1/DDP and explore the mechanism. METHODS: CCK-8 method was used to assess the survival rate of HNE1/DDP cells treated with DHA (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µmol/L) and DDP (0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 µmol/L) for 24 or 48 h, and the combination index of DHA and DDP was calculated using Compusyn software. HNE1/DDP cells treated with DHA, DDP, or their combination for 24 h were examined for cell viability, proliferation and colony formation ability using CCK-8, EdU and colony-forming assays. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting. The effects of N-acetyl-cysteine (a ROS inhibitor) on proliferation and apoptosis of HNE1/DDP cells with combined treatment with DHA and DDP were analyzed. RESULTS: Different concentrations of DHA and DDP alone both significantly inhibited the viability of HNE1/DDP cells. The combination index of DHA (5 µmol/L) combined with DDP (8, 16, 32, 64, 128 µmol/L) were all below 1. Compared with DHA or DDP alone, their combined treatment more potently decreased the cell viability, colony-forming ability and the number of EdU-positive cells, and significantly increased the apoptotic rate, intracellular ROS level, and the expression levels of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 in HNE1/DDP cells. N-acetyl-cysteine pretreatment obviously attenuated the inhibitory effect on proliferation and apoptosis-inducing effect of DHA combined with DDP in HNE1/DDP cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: DHA enhances the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effect of DDP on HNE1/DDP cells possibly by promoting accumulation of intracellular ROS.

[Exploring potential serum metabolite markers of intrahepatic cholestasis based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics technology].

Objective: To analyze the blood differential metabolites of patients with intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics technology so as to find potential metabolic target. Method: Serum samples were collected from thirty patients with intrahepatic cholestasis and thirty healthy individuals after metabolomics analysis. The differential metabolites were initially screened based on the multiple differences and significance. KEGG enrichment analysis was performed on the differential metabolites to determine the candidate targets. The potential clinical application value of these characteristic metabolites was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Result: A total of thirty patients with intrahepatic cholestasis and thirty healthy adults were included. The age difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The clinical condition was consistent with the statistically significant differences in liver biochemical indicators, blood routine, coagulation, and inflammatory indicators between the two groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, a blood metabolomics screening analysis revealed 99 differentially expressed metabolites associated with intrahepatic cholestasis. Of these, 15 showed statistically significant differences. Glucose, lipid, and energy metabolisms were the various primary types of differential metabolites involved. The receiver operating characteristic curve>0.9 included the following twelve kinds of metabolites: 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde, 6-hydroxy-1H-indole-3-acetamide, phenylalanyl tryptophan, 1-methylguanosine, 2-ethoxy-5-methylpyrazine, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole, methylthioadenosine, alanylisoleucine, anabsinthin, N-acetyl-DL-histidine monohydrate, N-methylnicotinamide, and others. The fifteen metabolites that were previously identified and calculated according to the differential quantitative value of the metabolite corresponding ratio exhibited fold-changes in the upregulated and downregulated potential biomarkers (phenylalanine tryptophan, phenylalanine, 5'-methylthioadenosine, anabsinthin, and N-methylnicotinamide) in combination with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve>0.9. Conclusion: Phenylalanyl tryptophan, phenylalanylalanine, 5'-methylthioadenosine, anabsinthin, and N-methylnicotinamide may serve as potential metabolic markers to distinguish patients with cholestasis from healthy controls. N-methylnicotinamide, among them, is of great importance as a potential marker.

[Comprehensive evaluation of single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients based on efficacy and nutrition].

Objective: To evaluate the 1-year postoperative efficacy and nutritional indicators of single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in obese patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥40.0 kg/m2 regardless of other related metabolic diseases and patients with severe type 2 diabetes and a BMI between 27.5 and 40.0 kg/m2. The clinical data of 66 obese patients who underwent SADI-S at the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Department of China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from November 2018 to May 2022 were collected, including 53 cases of da Vinci robotic surgery and 13 cases of laparoscopic surgery. The patients comprised 38 men and 28 women with a median age of 35 (18-61) years and a mean preoperative BMI of 42.93 ± 6.82 kg/m2. A total of 38 patients had type 2 diabetes, and 46 had hyperuricemia, 45 had hypertension, 35 had hyperlipidemia, 12 had hypercholesterolemia, and 12 had a high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The main observation indicators were (1) intraoperative and postoperative conditions; (2) weight loss outcomes, including body weight, BMI, excess body weight loss (%EWL), and total body weight loss (%TWL) at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery; (3) effects of treatment on metabolic disease; and (4) changes in nutrient indicators. Results: (1) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions: All patients successfully underwent SADI-S with neither conversion to laparotomy nor death. Four (6.1%) patients developed postoperative complications, and all of them recovered and were discharged after conservative or surgical treatment. (2) Weight loss outcomes: %EWL at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery was 62.07 ± 26.56, 85.93 ± 27.92, and 106.65 ± 29.65, respectively, and %TWL was 22.67 ± 4.94, 32.10 ± 5.18, and 40.56 ± 7.89, respectively. Body weight and BMI 3 to 12 months after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (all P < 0.001). (3) Effect of treatment on metabolic disease: 3 to 12 months after surgery, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, uric acid, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and other indicators were significantly lower than those before surgery (all P < 0.05). Twelve months after surgery, the remission rates of diabetes, hyperuricemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and high LDL were 100% (38/38), 65.2% (30/46), 62.2% (28/45), 94.3% (33/35), 100% (12/12), and 100% (12/12), respectively. (4) Changes in nutrient indicators: Compared with the preoperative nutrient levels, the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were lower at 3 to 12 months after surgery, the total protein level was lower at 6 to 12 months after surgery, the albumin level was lower at 6 months after surgery, and the ferritin level was lower at 3 months after surgery. The differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The incidence of anemia was 6.1% (4/66), hypoalbuminemia was 4.5% (3/66), and ferritin deficiency was 4.5% (3/66), all of which were improved or normalized through conservative treatment. Twelve months after surgery, 30 (45.5%) patients had vitamin A deficiency, 17 (25.8%) had vitamin E deficiency, 11 (16.7%) had folic acid deficiency, 2 had potassium deficiency (3.0%), 3 (4.5%) had calcium deficiency, 2 (3.0%) had magnesium deficiency, 9 (13.6%) had iron deficiency, and 16 (24.2%) had zinc deficiency. However, no relevant clinical symptoms occurred. Conclusions: SADI-S has a very significant effect on weight loss and alleviation of metabolic diseases. Nutrient deficiencies after SADI-S mainly involve vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and folic acid. The long-term efficacy and safety of SADI-S still need further follow-up observation.

Metabolomics and amino acid profiling of plasma reveals the metabolite profiles associated with nitrogen utilisation efficiency in primiparous dairy cows.

Nitrogen (N) utilisation efficiency (NUE, milk N yield [g/d]/N intake [g/d]) is an important performance indicator in dairy farming. Determining the NUE-associated blood metabolite profile will contribute to the optimisation of nutritional strategies to further improve NUE among dairy cows. Here, 20 primiparous lactating cows with days in milk ranging from 95 to 115 days were selected from a total of 1 221 cows. Each cow's N intake and milk N yield were measured for 7 days. Subsequently, blood samples were collected before morning feeding. Based on analysis and calculations, cows were retrospectively classified into two groups based on their NUE values, namely, a low NUE group (LNUE, NUE = 24.8 ± 1.6%, n = 10, mean ± SD) and a high NUE group (HNUE, NUE = 35.2 ± 1.7%, n = 10, mean ± SD). Plasma samples were selected from six cows in each group for metabolomics and amino acid profiling. Among the 41 differential metabolites (DMs) identified in the metabolomic analysis, sucrose, MG(0:0/22:1(13Z)/0:0), 2-amino-6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, and L-glutamine exhibited significant correlations with NUE, milk yield, and BW (P < 0.05). Moreover, the five differential amino acids and amino acid metabolites (DAAs) identified in the amino acid profiling and 5 of the 6 differential amino acids and amino acid conjugates identified by plasma metabolomics were found to be less abundant in the HNUE group (P < 0.05). Specifically, there was a 39.4% decrease in L-arginine content and a 29.2% decrease in L-glutamine content (P < 0.05). Pathway analysis indicated that the DMs and DAAs were mainly involved in arginine biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism (pathway impact > 0.1). These results provided new insights into the new blood metabolite profile associated with NUE in dairy cows. These new insights can provide foundational information for the formulation of new strategies to further enhance NUE in dairy cows.

[The combined application of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid and IgG intrathecal synthesis indicators and biochemical markers in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis].

Objective: To establish and verify a diagnostic model for distinguishing multiple sclerosis (MS) from other neurological diseases with similar symptoms by usingcerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal band (CSF-OCB)combined with IgG intrathecal synthesis indicators and biochemical markers. Methods: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients admitted to the Neurology Department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University from January 2014 to December 2022 were selected as the case group, while patients with similar neurological symptoms were selected as the control group. Using the case-control study design, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the detection of age, gender, oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid, IgG intrathecal synthesis indicators and biochemical indicators for all study subjects. The differential diagnosis model was determined by the multiple logistic regression analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of the differential diagnosis model for neurological diseases with similar symptoms to MS and other conditions. Results: This study included 167 patients in the case group and 335 patients in the control group, of which 128 patients in the case group and 265 patients in the control group were used to construct the model, and 39 patients in the case group and 70 patients in the control group were used for model validation. The differential diagnostic model constructed by a multivariate logistic regression model was Y=0.871×CSF-OCB-0.051×CSFprotein-0.231×CSFchloride+1.183×gender-0.036×LDH+35.770. The model showed that the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity were respectively 0.916, 87.3% and 87.6%. The Delong test results showed that the diagnostic efficacy of the model was significantly different from OCB, IgG intrathecal synthesis indicators, and OCB combined with IgG intrathecal synthesis indicators (P<0.05). The new model validation showed that the actual diagnostic consistency rate for the MS group was 84.6%, while the actual diagnostic consistency rate for the control group was 90.0%. Conclusion: This study combines OCB, IgG intrathecal synthesis indicators, and biochemical indicators to establish a diagnostic prediction model for neurological diseases with similar clinical symptoms in MS. This model may have good differential diagnostic value and can better assist clinical diagnosis in the early stages of disease progression in MS patients.

Spontaneous bone regeneration in segmental mandibular defects: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation for segmental mandibular defect is vital for mastication function and facial aesthetics. Interestingly spontaneous bone regeneration after segmental mandibulectomy sporadically occurs to avoid further bony rehabilitation. This study aimed to assess the potential of spontaneous bone regeneration in the treatment of mandibular defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies. Critical appraisal of the included articles was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. RESULTS: A total of 35 studies, including 60 patients, that investigated spontaneous bone regeneration after segmental mandibulectomy were included. Among these patients, 39 (65%) were male and 21 (35%) were female, with a mean age of 20.81 ± 16.38 years. Periosteum was completely and partially preserved during mandibulectomy in 25 and 13 patients, respectively. Continuous bone regeneration between mandibular stumps was observed in 53 (88.3%) patients during follow-up. Although the mandibular stump was not stabilized in 13 (21.67%) patients, continuous bony regeneration still occurred, with a mean recovery period of 30.29 months. This was significantly greater than the overall average recovery time of 19.87 months. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous bone regeneration could occur in segmental mandibular defects, particularly in young patients with intact periosteum and rigid mandibular stump fixation.

[Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor].

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 51 patients with SMARCA4-UT who were diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to December 2023, and 52 patients with SMARCA4-intact non-small cell lung cancer (SMARCA4-iNSCLC) expression admitted during the same period were used as controls. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to analyze the survival difference between the two groups of patients, and the Cox regression model was used to explore the factors influencing the prognosis of the two groups of patients. Results: In the SMARCA4-UT group, there were 50 males and 1 female, with the age of (63.8±9.7) years. Compared to the SMARCA4-iNSCLC group, the SMARCA4-UT group exhibited a higher proportion of male patients and smokers, as well as a higher Ki-67 level (all P<0.05). SMARCA4-UT is mainly characterized by solid lesions with poor adhesion, and some of them exhibit rhabdomyoid morphology. Immunohistochemistry revealed negative results for BRG1, thyroid transcription factor-1, P40, NapsinA, and others were mostly negative, while some patients were positive for spalt-like transcription factor 4. There were a relatively large number of cases with Ki-67≥30% (47/51, 92%). Among the 10 patients in the SMARCA4-UT group who underwent next-generation sequencing genetic testing, 6 patients were found to have SMARCA4 mutations, often accompanied by TP53 (8/10, 80%), STK 11(3/10, 30%), KRAS(2/10, 20%), with fewer common driver gene mutations. The average tumor mutation burden was 16.12 mutations/Mb. Compared with SMARCA4-iNSCLC patients, the median overall survival of SMARCA4-UT patients was significantly shorter (12 months vs 45 months, P<0.001), and the median overall survival of patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ SMARCA4-UT treated with immunotherapy was longer than that of patients without immunotherapy (23 months vs 7 months, P=0.027). The results of the multivariate Cox regression model analysis indicated that SMARCA4 deficiency is a risk factor for prognosis in patients with SMARCA4-UT and SMARCA4-iNSCLC [HR=7.954(95%CI： 2.764-22.890), P<0.001]. Conclusions: SMARCA4-UT is a rare undifferentiated tumour distinct from SMARCA4-iNSCLC, which is prevalent among elderly male smokers. It possesses high invasiveness and poor prognosis. The typical pathological characteristic is negative BRG1. Immunotherapy demonstrates a certain effect.

Misprogramming of glucose metabolism impairs recovery of hippocampal slices from neuronal GLT-1 knockout mice and contributes to excitotoxic injury through mitochondrial superoxide production.

We have previously reported a failure of recovery of synaptic function in the CA1 region of acute hippocampal slices from mice with a conditional neuronal knockout (KO) of GLT-1 (EAAT2, Slc1A2) driven by synapsin-Cre (synGLT-1 KO). The failure of recovery of synaptic function is due to excitotoxic injury. We hypothesized that changes in mitochondrial metabolism contribute to the heightened vulnerability to excitotoxicity in the synGLT-1 KO mice. We found impaired flux of carbon from 13C-glucose into the tricarboxylic acid cycle in synGLT-1 KO cortical and hippocampal slices compared with wild-type (WT) slices. In addition, we found downregulation of the neuronal glucose transporter GLUT3 in both genotypes. Flux of carbon from [1,2-13C]acetate, thought to be astrocyte-specific, was increased in the synGLT-KO hippocampal slices but not cortical slices. Glycogen stores, predominantly localized to astrocytes, are rapidly depleted in slices after cutting, and are replenished during ex vivo incubation. In the synGLT-1 KO, replenishment of glycogen stores during ex vivo incubation was compromised. These results suggest both neuronal and astrocytic metabolic perturbations in the synGLT-1 KO slices. Supplementing incubation medium during recovery with 20 mM D-glucose normalized glycogen replenishment but had no effect on recovery of synaptic function. In contrast, 20 mM non-metabolizable L-glucose substantially improved recovery of synaptic function, suggesting that D-glucose metabolism contributes to the excitotoxic injury in the synGLT-1 KO slices. L-lactate substitution for D-glucose did not promote recovery of synaptic function, implicating mitochondrial metabolism. Consistent with this hypothesis, phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase, which decreases enzyme activity, was increased in WT slices during the recovery period, but not in synGLT-1 KO slices. Since metabolism of glucose by the mitochondrial electron transport chain is associated with superoxide production, we tested the effect of drugs that scavenge and prevent superoxide production. The superoxide dismutase/catalase mimic EUK-134 conferred complete protection and full recovery of synaptic function. A site-specific inhibitor of complex III superoxide production, S3QEL-2, was also protective, but inhibitors of NADPH oxidase were not. In summary, we find that the failure of recovery of synaptic function in hippocampal slices from the synGLT-1 KO mouse, previously shown to be due to excitotoxic injury, is caused by production of superoxide by mitochondrial metabolism.

[Analysis of the epidemiological traits of occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinhuangdao between 1961 and 2020].

Objective: To study the prevalence of occupational pneumoconiosis in Qinhuangdao from 1961 to 2020 and offer a foundation for developing occupational pneumoconiosis prevention and control methods. Methods: In December 2020, the data of occupational pneumoconiosis cases diagnosed by medical institutions with occupational disease diagnosis qualifications in Qinhuangdao City from 1961 to 2020 were collected Anova or kruskal-Walls tests and chi-square tests were used for inter-group comparisons of continuous and categorical variables, and LSD tests or Tamhane T2 tests were used for multiple comparisons. Results: Between 1961 and 2020, 384 cases of pneumoconiosis were documented in Qinhuangdao, of which 382 (99.5%) patients were men and 2 (0.5%) were women. The average dust service duration is 15 (9, 25) years, with a minimum duration of 0.5 years and a maximum duration of 49 years; Cases were primarily distributed in Qinglong Manchu Autonomous County (187 cases, 48.7%) and the Haigang district (160 cases, 41.7%) ; Type of pneumoconiosis was silicosis (340 cases, 88.5%), mainly 273 cases (71.1%) of stage I, 88 cases (22.9%) of stage II, and 23 cases (6.0% of stage III) ; Cases of Phase II and III and with short lengths of service are mainly concentrated in medium-sized, small, private limited liability companies and collective enterprises. Rrock work (166 cases, 43.2%), and loading kiln workers (42 cases, 10.9%) were the main types. Conclusion: Because the distribution of pneumoconiosis cases in Qinhuangdao city is concentrated and the length of service is decreasing, it is important to enhance the oversight of important area, businesses, industries, and job categories in line with the growth of the region's mineral resources.

[The prognostic value of colonoscopy grading for acute graft-versus-host disease in patients with malignant hematological disorders after unrelated cord blood transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of enteroscopic grading for the prognostic assessment of patients with malignant hematological diseases who developed intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease (IT-aGVHD) after unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT) . Methods: Fifty patients with IT-aGVHD who developed hormone resistance after UCBT from June 2016 to June 2023 at Anhui Provincial Hospital were collected to compare the effective and survival rates of IT-aGVHD treatment in the group with milder enteroscopic mucosal injury (27 cases, enteroscopic grading of Ⅰ and Ⅱ) and the group with more severe injury (23 cases, enteroscopic grading of Ⅲ and Ⅳ) and to retrospectively analyze the factors affecting patients' prognosis. Results: Patients in the mild and severe groups had an effective rate of 92.6% and 47.8% at 28 days after colonoscopy (P<0.001), 81.5% and 39.1% at 56 days after colonoscopy (P=0.002), with optimal effective rate of 92.6% and 65.2% (P=0.040), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant. The multifactorial analysis found that enteroscopic grading was an independent risk factor affecting the effective rate of IT-aGVHD treatment. The overall survival rate at 2 years after colonoscopy was 70.4% (95% CI 52.0% -88.8% ) and 34.8% (95% CI 14.8% -54.8% ) for patients in the mild and severe groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). Multifactorial analysis revealed that enteroscopic grading, cytomegalovirus infection status, second-line treatment regimen, and patients' age were independent risk factors for survival. Conclusion: The treatment efficacy and prognosis of patients in the group with less severe enteroscopic injury (grades Ⅰ and Ⅱ) were better than those in the group with more severe injury (grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ) .

[Clinical characteristics analysis of 4 cases with acute flaccid myelitis in children].

Objective: To summarize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children. Methods: Clinical characteristics of 4 AFM cases from Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from September 2018 to November 2022, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The age of 4 children with AFM was 7 years, 4 years and 3 months, 7 years and 1 month, 6 years and 5 months, respectively. There were 2 boys and 2 girls. Prodromal infection status showed 3 children of respiratory tract infection and 1 child of digestive tract infection. The main manifestation was asymmetrical limb weakness after infection, and the affected limb range was from monoplegia to quadriplegia. Cranial nerve injury was involved in 1 child, no encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging in the spinal cord of all 4 children showed long T1 and T2 signals, mainly involving gray matter. Cerebrospinal fluid cell-protein separation was observed in 2 children. Pathogen detected in 1 child pharyngeal swab was enterovirus D68. Antibody IgM to adenovirus was positive in the blood of 1 child. Antibody IgG against Echo and Coxsackie B virus were positive in the blood of another child. After glucocorticoid, human immunoglobulin or simple symptomatic treatment and at the same time under later rehabilitation training, muscle strength recovered to different degrees, but there were disabilities left in 3 children. Conclusions: AFM should be considered in children with acute and asymmetrical flaccid paralysis accompanied by abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signal in the central region of spinal cord, especially post-infection. The effective treatment is limited and the prognosis is poor.

[Clinicopathological characteristics of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with B-cell proliferation or neoplasms].

Objective: To investigate the clinical, pathological and immunophenotypic features, and differential diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) with B-cell proliferation or neoplasms. Methods: Eight qualified cases were collected from the Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China from January 2019 to July 2023. One case was diagnosed with AITL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the other seven cases were diagnosed with AITL and B-cell proliferation. Clinical characteristics and pathological morphology were summarized. Immunohistochemical analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization and gene rearrangement detection were performed. Results: The patients' average age was 58 years. Five of them were male. Biopsies of the enlarged cervical lymph nodes showed structural destruction and exhibited various histologic patterns. Some cases revealed Burkitt-like morphology, a moderate tumor volume and slightly irregular nuclei. Some cases showed prominent nucleoli. High endothelial venules and expanded follicular dendritic cells were detected. Tumor cells derived from T-follicular helper (TFH) cells were positive for two or more TFH biomarkers. Nodular or diffuse patchy proliferation of B cells was noted around the tumor tissue, which was initially considered as B-cell lymphoma. All of the 8 cases showed monoclonal rearrangements of the T-cell receptor genes while 5 of them also showed clonal rearrangements of the Ig genes. Seven of the 8 cases were subject to the detection of C-MYC gene breakage and were all negative. EBV-positive cells were seen in 6 cases. Neoplastic B cells were positive for C-MYC (>40%), while proliferative B cells were negative for C-MYC (<40%). Conclusions: The histological morphology of AITL with B-cell proliferation or lymphoma may be different from AITL. An integrated analysis, incorporating clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular assessment, helps reach an accurate diagnosis. This group of cases demonstrated the clinical and pathological characteristics of AITL accompanied by B-cell proliferation and B-cell lymphoma. The findings suggest that C-MYC maybe a feasible indicator for distinguishing B-cell proliferation from B-cell lymphoma, and provide a simple and feasible immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis and research of composite lymphoma.

[Analysis of the effect of early subcutaneous specific immunotherapy on the levels of dust mite allergen-specific antibodies and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism].

Objective: To investigate the effects of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) on patients' immune markers and metabolic levels in the early stage of allergen treatment, and to gain insight into the role of SCIT in regulating immune responses and metabolic levels, so as to provide reference data for the further discovery of potential biomarkers. Methods: A longitudinal study was used to include 40 subjects who underwent SCIT with dust mite allergens in the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between November 2017 and February 2022, including 20 subjects each of single mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SM-SCIT) and double mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (DM-SCIT). In this study, levels of dust mite allergen-specific antibodies and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism were measured before and 12 months after treatment, while pulmonary function tests were performed. The therapeutic effects of the patients were followed up by visual analogue scale (VAS), asthma control test (ACT) and total medication scores (TMS). The results were statistically analyzed using t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: After 12 months of treatment with SCIT, both groups showed a significant decrease in total VAS score (SM-SCIT:Z=-2.298, P<0.05; DM-SCIT:Z=-3.411, P<0.001); total ACT score (SM-SCIT:Z=-2.054, P<0.05; DM-SCIT:Z=-2.014, P<0.05) and total medication scores (SM-SCIT:Z=-3.799, P<0.000 1; DM-SCIT:Z=-3.474, P<0.001) were significantly higher, in addition to significantly higher MMEF75/25 values in the DM-SCIT group (t=-2.253, P<0.05). There was no significant change in sIgE in the SM-SCIT group (P>0.05), and the sIgG4 levels of the Der p, Der f, p 1, p 2, f 2, and p 21 fractions were significantly elevated (Z=-2.651, -3.771, -2.949, -2.912, -2.725, -2.128, and -3.285, respectively, all P<0.05); The sIgE of Der p 2, f 2, p 7 and p 23 fractions(Z=-2.651, -3.771, -2.949, -2.912, -2.725, -2.128, -3.285, all P<0.05) and the sIgG4 levels of the Der p, Der f, p 1, p 2, f 1, f 2, p 10, p 21 and p 23 fractions (Z=-3.808, -3.845, -3.061, -2.688, -2.464, -3.211, -2.371, -2.091, -2.427, all P<0.05) of the DM-SCIT group were significantly elevated. Metabolomics analysis showed that arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, 5, 9, 12-octadecatrienoic acid, 5(S)-hydroxylated eicosatetraenoic acid, and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid were significantly elevated at the beginning of the treatment period after SM-SCIT treatment (Z of -2.191, -2.497, -1.988, -2.090, -2.19, -2.803, -2.073, all P<0.05); 5(S)-hydroxylated eicosatetraenoic acid showed elevated and alpha-linolenic acid, eicosadienoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were significantly decreased in the DM-SCIT group after treatment (Z=-1.988, -2.090, -2.497, -1.988, respectively, all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that arachidonic acid was significantly negatively correlated with changes in dust mite-specific IgG4 (r=-0.499, P<0.05), and that alpha-linolenic acid, 5, 9, 12-octadecatrienoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were positively correlated with the ΔsIgG4 of the dust mite der p 2 (r=0.451, 0.420, 0.474, respectively; all P<0.05). Conclusion: Significant changes in allergen-specific antibody levels and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism levels occur during SCIT, and the two may interact and influence each other.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors of chest tightness variant asthma in children].

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and risk factors of chest tightness variant asthma (CTVA) in children, so as to provide basis for the prevention and management of the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze 178 children aged 6-17 years old who were admitted to the Department of Allergy, Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 due to chest tightness. The age was 8.83(7.50, 11.58) years old, with 89 males (50%) and 89 females (50%). According to the diagnosis of CTVA, 130 cases were divided into CTVA group and 48 non-CTVA cases were divided into control group. Demographic data, personal history, family history, clinical features, auxiliary examination results and other data were collected. The clinical characteristics, allergens, FeNO level and pulmonary function parameters of the two groups were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors of the disease. Results: The proportion of school-age children (6-11 years old) in CTVA group was higher than that of adolescent children (≥12 years old) [(113/130,86.9%) vs (26/48,54.2%),Z=21.985,P<0.01]. The proportion of CTVA combined with eczema [(74/130,56.9%) vs (19/48,39.6%), χ2=4.225,P<0.05] and rhinitis symptoms [(98/130,75.4%) vs (27/48,56.2%), χ2=6.138,P<0.05] was higher. The positive rates of mold sensitization [(52/130,40.0%) vs (11/48,22.9%), χ2=4.474,P<0.05] and multiple sensitization [(71/130,54.6%) vs (18/48,37.5%), χ2=4.108,P<0.05] in inhaled allergens were significantly higher than those of control group. The proportion of elevated FeNO (>20 ppb) in CTVA children was 20.8% (27/130), which was significantly higher than that in control group 4.2%(2/48)(χ2=7.086,P<0.01). There were no statistical differences in spirometry parameters FEV1 and FVC between CTVA group and control group (P both>0.05). FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75 and MMEF were significantly lower than those in control group (P all<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that rhinitis symptoms (OR=2.351, 95%CI 1.105-5.002, P=0.026), multiple sensitizations (OR=2.184, 95%CI 1.046-4.557, P=0.038), tIgE>60 kU/L(OR=3.080, 95%CI 1.239-7.654, P=0.015), FeNO>20 ppb (OR=6.734, 95%CI 1.473-30.796, P=0.014) and small airway dysfunction (OR=3.164, 95%CI 1.089-9.194, P=0.034) were risk factors for chest tightness variant asthma. FeNO combined with FEF50 has the largest area under the curve (Z=2.744, P<0.01) in diagnosing CTVA. Conclusion: CTVA is more common in school-age children than in adolescent children. Rhinitis symptoms, multiple sensitization, tIgE>60 kU/L, FeNO>20 ppb and small airway dysfunction are risk factors for chest tightness variant asthma. FeNO combined with small airway indexes can improve the diagnostic value of CTVA.

[A preliminary study on the characteristics of refractive parameters and retinal blood flow in dominant eyes].

Objective: To explore the characteristics of refractive parameters and retinal and choroidal blood flow in dominant and non-dominant eyes. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Students who were 18 to 32 years old and had emmetropia or myopia but no systemic diseases were recruited from universities in Wuhu, Anhui Province from April 2019 to August 2023. They were divided into 4 groups based on the difference in spherical equivalent between two eyes:<0.50 D (group A), 0.50 to 1.74 D (group B), 1.75 to 2.49 D (group C), and≥2.50 D (group D). The card hole method was used to determine the dominant eye. The refractive parameters of both eyes were recorded, including spherical equivalent, myopia degree, astigmatism degree, axial length, and corneal curvature difference (K2-K1). Optical coherence tomography angiography was performed to measure the blood flow density of the superficial retinal capillaries, deep retinal capillaries (DVC), avascular layer (AC), entire retina, choroidal capillaries, and choroidal vessels, as well as the retina and choroid as a whole. Statistical analysis was conducted using the paired sample t-test, chi square test, and variance analysis. Results: A total of 78 eligible subjects, aged (24.50±2.36) years old, 28 males and 50 females, were included. Fifty subjects had the right eye and 28 had the left eye as the dominant eye. Forty-two subjects had high myopia in the dominant eye, and 30 had high myopia in the non-dominant eye. There were statistically significant differences (all P<0.05) in the spherical equivalent [(-4.588±2.534) D vs. (-4.058±2.453) D], myopic spherical power [(-4.253±2.504) D vs. (-3.779±2.425) D], and axial length [(25.531±1.212) mm vs. (25.256±1.238) mm] between dominant and non-dominant eyes among all subjects, as well as in the astigmatism degree of groups A and C, spherical power of groups B to D, and spherical power and axial length of groups C and D. There were also statistically significant differences (all P<0.05) in the blood flow density of the DVC [(0.291±0.130) vs. (0.257±0.148)], AC [(0.347±0.118) vs. (0.326±0.126)], and overall retina and choroid [(0.385±0.102) vs. (0.349±0.084)] between dominant and non-dominant eyes among all subjects, as well as in the blood flow density of the superficial retinal capillaries, DVC, AC, choroidal capillaries, and overall retina and choroid of groups C and D, density of the choroidal vessels of group C, and density of the entire retina of group D. Conclusions: In young individuals with emmetropia or near vision, the degree of myopia in dominant eyes is higher than that in non-dominant eyes. When the difference in the spherical equivalent between two eyes is ≥1.75 D, the blood flow density of the retina and choroid in the dominant eye is greater than that in the non-dominant eye.