[Current Status of Surveillance Systems for Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus].

To conduct timely surveillance of the seasonal characteristics and disease burden of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) in various geographical regions of China, and further develop more precise and effective prevention and intervention strategies, there is an urgent need for China to establish a nationwide, effective, and stable HRSV surveillance system. Through combining the current status of domestic and international HRSV surveillance systems and the existing surveillance framework in China, this study proposed an HRSV surveillance type applicable to China based on different surveillance purposes, and considering the feasibility of implementation. This article aimed to provide solid scientific and technical support to monitor the dynamic changes of HRSV epidemic timely, carry out a risk assessment and early warning, and further understand the disease burden of HRSV in China. It also helps to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and control of the HRSV diseases research and development, use, and evaluation of HRSV vaccines and drugs in China.

[Efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency combined with gabapentin in the treatment of acute herpetic neuralgia].

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) combined with gabapentin in the treatment of acute herpetic neuralgia (AHN). Methods: A total of 123 AHN patients were retrospectively selected in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2019 to July 2022, who were divided into two groups based on treatment methods: control group (treated with gabapentin, n=61) and study group (treated with gabapentin and PRF, n=62). The visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized for pain severity assessment and the self-rating scale for sleep (SRSS) was utilized for sleep quality evaluation. The differences in serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL-10), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-2 and IL-6 before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The overall treatment effectiveness and the occurrence rates of postherpetic neuralgia and adverse reactions were evaluated in both groups. Results: Among the study group patients, 28 were male and 34 were female, and the age was (62.8±8.5) years. Among the control group patients, 35 were male and 26 were female, and the age was (64.0±7.8) years. The VAS scores of the study group before and after treatment were 7.96±1.33 and 1.52±0.60, respectively, while the control group were 7.68±1.52 and 2.70±0.64. The SRSS scores before and after treatment in the study group were 31.74±5.90 and 12.06±2.81, respectively, while those in the control group were 33.10±5.54 and 14.14±2.96, respectively. Before treatment, there were no statistically differences of the VAS scores and SRSS scores in both groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores and SRSS scores in both groups decreased compared with before treatment (all P<0.05), the study group's VAS scores and SRSS scores were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no statistically differences of the serum levels of IL-10, CXCL-10, PGE2, COX-2, IL-2 and IL-6 in both groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of IL-10, CXCL-10, PGE2, COX-2 and IL-6 in both groups decreased compared with before treatment, while the IL-2 level increased. Additionally, the study group had lower serum levels of IL-10, PGE2, COX-2 and IL-6 compared with the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the study group had 35 cases of cure, 26 cases of effectiveness, and 1 case of ineffectiveness, while the control group had 22 cases of cure, 31 cases of effectiveness, and 8 cases of ineffectiveness. The overall treatment efficacy of the study group was better than that of the control group (P=0.012). The incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in the study group after treatment was 16.1% (10/62), which was lower than that in the control group, which was 37.7% (23/61) (P<0.05). There were no statistically differences of the occurrence rates of adverse reactions in both groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Combining PRF with gabapentin for the treatment of AHN demonstrates better overall efficacy and safety, which can more effectively alleviate pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels.

[Efficacy and safety of high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency combined with pregabalin on severe thoracic postherpetic neuralgia].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-voltage pulse radiofrequency combined with pregabalin on severe thoracic postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 103 patients with PHN who were admitted to the Department of Pain Medicine of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from May 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively selected, including 50 males and 53 females, and aged 40 to 79 (65.4±9.2) years. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment methods they received: the control group (n=51) and the study group (n=52). The patients in the control group were treated with oral pregabalin, and the patients in the study group received pregabalin plus high-voltage pulse radiofrequency therapy. The pain intensity and efficacy of the two groups were evaluated before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. The pain intensity, the sleep quality and the efficacy of treatment was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score and nimodipine method, respectively. The levels of pain mediators including serum neuropeptide Y (NPY), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), substance P (SP) and ß-endorphin were measured. The differences of the above indicators and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The VAS scores of the study group and the control group before treatment were 7.94±0.76 and 8.20±0.81, and PSQI scores were 16.84±3.90 and 16.29±3.84, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (both P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores of the two groups were 2.84±0.80 and 3.35±0.87, and PSQI scores were 6.78±1.90 and 7.98±2.40, respectively, and the VAS score and PSQI score in the study group were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). There were no significant differences of the serum levels of NPY, PGE2, SP and ß-endorphin before treatment in the study group and control group (all P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the levels of NPY, PGE2, SP and ß-Endorphin in the study group were (240.7±26.8) ng/L, (74.4±8.6) µg/L, (108.9±15.7) ng/L and (4.4±0.9) ng/L, which were lower than those in the control group [(268.1±29.4) ng/L, (79.7±8.3) µg/L, (115.2±16.2) ng/L, (5.2±1.3) ng/L, respectively], with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). After treatment, 29 cases were cured, 16 cases were markedly effective and 6 cases were effective in the study group, while 16 cases, 24 cases and 8 cases were cured, markedly effective and effective in the control group, respectively. The overall efficacy of patients in the study group was better than that in the control group (Z=-2.32, P=0.018). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group and control group was 11.5% (6/52) and 7.8% (4/51), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ2=0.40, P=0.527). Conclusion: High-voltage pulse radiofrequency combined with pregabalin can significantly improve the pain intensity and sleep quality of patients with severe thoracic PHN and reduce the levels of pain mediators, with a high safety profile.

[Efficacy and safety of high-voltage pulsed radiofrequency combined with pregabalin on severe thoracic postherpetic neuralgia].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-voltage pulse radiofrequency combined with pregabalin on severe thoracic postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 103 patients with PHN who were admitted to the Department of Pain Medicine of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from May 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively selected, including 50 males and 53 females, and aged 40 to 79 (65.4±9.2) years. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment methods they received: the control group (n=51) and the study group (n=52). The patients in the control group were treated with oral pregabalin, and the patients in the study group received pregabalin plus high-voltage pulse radiofrequency therapy. The pain intensity and efficacy of the two groups were evaluated before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. The pain intensity, the sleep quality and the efficacy of treatment was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score and nimodipine method, respectively. The levels of pain factors including serum neuropeptide Y (NPY), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), substance P (SP) and ß-Endorphin were measured. The differences of the above indicators and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The VAS scores and PSQI scores of the study group and the control group before treatment were (7.94±0.76), (8.20±0.81), (16.84±3.90) and (16.29±3.84), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (both P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores and PSQI scores of the two groups were (2.84±0.80), (3.35±0.87), (6.78±1.90) and (7.98±2.40), respectively, and the VAS score and PSQI score in the study group were lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Serum levels of NPY, PGE2, SP and ß-Endorphin were (298.5±31.0) ng/L, (92.3±11.0) µg/L, (156.8±21.4) ng/L, and (8.6±1.6) ng/L in the study group and (304.2±28.6) ng/L, (94.4±12.9) µg/L, (152.7±23.8) ng/L and (8.2±1.8) ng/L in the control group, with no significant differences (all P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, levels of NPY, PGE2, SP and ß-Endorphin were (240.7±26.8) ng/L, (74.4±8.6) µg/L, (108.9±15.7) ng/L and (4.4±0.9) ng/L, which were lower than those in the control group [(268.1±29.4) ng/L, (79.7±8.3) µg/L, (115.2±16.2) ng/L, (5.2±1.3) ng/L, respectively], with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). After treatment, 29 cases were cured, 16 cases were markedly effective and 6 cases were effective in the study group, while 16 cases, 24 cases and 8 cases were cured, markedly effective and effective in the control group. The overall efficacy of patients in the study group was better than that in the control group (Z=-2.32, P=0.018). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group and control group was 11.5% (6/52) and 7.8% (4/51), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ2=0.40, P=0.527). Conclusion: High-voltage pulse radiofrequency combined with pregabalin can significantly improve the pain and sleep quality of patients with severe thoracic PHN and reduce the level of pain factors, with a high safety profile.

Infection risk in psoriatic patients receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: a 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) are commonly used for treating psoriatic diseases; however, the risk of infection while receiving TNFis remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the infection risk in patients with psoriatic disease receiving TNFis. A prospectively registered systematic literature search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to December 31, 2021. We included double-blind randomized controlled trials that compared TNFis or other biologics with placebo in adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The primary outcomes included overall and serious infection risks, and secondary outcomes included upper respiratory infections and nasopharyngitis risks. The risk ratio of the dichotomous outcome was calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method with random effects, and heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic and quantified using the I-squared statistic. A total of 48 studies with 15 464 patients with psoriatic diseases were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a slightly increased overall infection risk (risk ratio = 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.15) but not serious infection risk (risk ratio = 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.49) among patients receiving TNFis. There were also no increased risks of upper respiratory infections (risk ratio = 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.28) or nasopharyngitis (risk ratio = 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.30). In subgroup analyses using the fixed effects model, only etanercept and certolizumab pegol were, respectively, associated with an increased risk of overall infection (RR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.03-1.27) and upper respiratory infections (RR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.02-1.98). In conclusion, evidence to date suggests an increased overall infection risk that is generally tolerable in patients with psoriatic diseases receiving TNFis. There are no increased risks of serious infections, upper respiratory infections or nasopharyngitis.

Association between sensorineural hearing loss and vitiligo: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disease of the skin due to melanocyte destruction. A shared pathogenesis affecting melanocytes in the cochlea has been postulated. However, the association between vitiligo and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between vitiligo and SNHL. METHODS: This retrospective, nationwide cohort study included patients with vitiligo and age-, sex- and comorbidities-matched controls (propensity score matching; 1:4 ratio) from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2013. RESULTS: In total, 13 048 patients with vitiligo and 52 192 controls were included. SNHL developed in 0.61% patients with vitiligo and 0.29% controls. After adjusting for sex, age and comorbidities, a significant association between vitiligo and SNHL was found (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.66-2.86). The other risk factors for developing SNHL included increased age, male sex, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and diffuse connective tissue diseases. In subgroup analysis, the association between vitiligo and SNHL remained significant in almost all the subgroups. CONCLUSION: A 2.2-fold increased risk of developing SNHL was found in patients with vitiligo. Proper referral to otologists for early screening and closer follow-up of SNHL should be considered for patients with vitiligo, especially for patients with older age.

Association between sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and risk of bullous pemphigoid in patients with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Certain anti-diabetic agents have been linked to the development of bullous pemphigoid (BP). However, the relationship between BP and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between SGLT2i usage and BP. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database between 2007 and 2018. A total of 149 060 patients with diabetes receiving SGLT2i were matched 1 : 2 with diabetic patients without SGLT2i usage. Factors such as age, sex, duration of diabetes condition, DPP4i usage, insulin usage and selected comorbidities were included in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the control, the 2-year-cumulative incidence was significantly low in patients using SGLT2i after adjustment for competing mortality. Patients with diabetes receiving SGLT2i had a low risk [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.33-0.96] for BP after adjustment for potential confounders. Age (HR, 1.06), renal disease (HR, 1.79), cerebrovascular disease (HR, 3.23), epilepsy (HR, 3.07), DPP4i users (HR: 2.55) and insulin users (HR: 2.56) were significant risk factors for BP. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of BP did not increase in patients receiving SGLT2i. Thus, SGLT2i could be a safe choice for patients with diabetes having additional risk factors or a history of BP.

Rapid personalized chemotherapy recommendation for cancer patients: An interview with Shaohua Ma and two members of his group.

Shaohua Ma, an early-career group leader, and his team talk about their passion for data science and their project published in Patterns, where multiplex gene quantification-based "digital markers" are used for extremely rapid evaluation of chemo-drug sensitivity. This method allows quick and personalized chemo-drug recommendations for cancer patients, helping to improve their clinical care and health outcomes.

Translesional pressure gradient and leptomeningeal collateral status in symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Leptomeningeal collateral (LMC) status governs the prognosis of large artery occlusive stroke, although factors determining LMC status are not fully elucidated. The aim was to investigate metrics affecting LMC status in such patients by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients with recent ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack attributed to atherosclerotic M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis (50%-99%) were recruited. Demographic, clinical and imaging data of these patients were collected. Ipsilesional LMC status was graded as good or poor by assessing the laterality of anterior and posterior cerebral arteries in CTA. A CFD model based on CTA was constructed to reflect focal hemodynamics in the distal internal carotid artery, M1 MCA and A1 anterior cerebral artery. Pressure gradients were calculated across culprit MCA stenotic lesions in CFD models. Predictors for good LMC status were sought in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Amongst the 85 patients enrolled (mean age 61.5 ± 10.9 years), 38 (44.7%) had good ipsilesional LMC status. The mean pressure gradient across MCA lesions was 14.8 ± 18.1 mmHg. Advanced age (P = 0.030) and a larger translesional pressure gradient (P = 0.029) independently predicted good LMCs. A lower fasting blood glucose level also showed a trend for good LMCs (P = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested a correlation between translesional pressure gradient and maturation of LMCs in intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Further studies with more exquisite and dynamic monitoring of cerebral hemodynamics and LMC evolution are needed to verify the current findings.

Investigation on the role of XPG gene polymorphisms in breast cancer risk in a Chinese population.

We conducted a case-control study to investigate the role of XPG gene polymorphisms (rs2094258, rs751402, and rs17655) in the development of breast cancer. Patients with breast cancer (320) and control subjects (294) were consecutively selected from the Zhongshan Hospital between April 2013 and January 2015. The genotyping of XPG rs2094258, rs751402, and rs17655 was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using the chi-square test, we did not find any significant differences in the genotype distributions of XPG rs2094258 (χ(2) = 1.48, P = 0.48), rs751402 (χ(2) = 0.65, P = 0.72), and rs17655 (χ(2) = 0.01, P = 0.92) genes between breast cancer patients and control subjects. The genotype distributions of XPG rs2094258, rs751402, and rs17655 did not deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in control subjects, and the P values were 0.58, 0.97, and 0.26, respectively. Using unconditional logistic regression analysis, we found that XPG rs2094258, rs751402 and rs17655 gene polymorphisms are not associated with the development of breast cancer after adjusting for potential confounding factors. In conclusion, we found that XPG rs2094258, rs751402, and rs17655 do not influence the development of breast cancer in a Chinese population.

Seroepidemiology of varicella-zoster virus in Korean adolescents and adults using fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test.

We conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study in 2012-2013 to determine the seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in adolescents and adults living in Korea, where varicella vaccination has been recommended universally at age 12-15 months since 2005. Residual serum samples were collected from 1196 healthy adults and adolescents aged ⩾10 years between November 2012 and March 2013. The fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to determine the seroprevalence of VZV. The seroprevalences of VZV were compared between six age groups: 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and ⩾60 years. The seroprevalence of VZV in the entire study cohort was 99·1% according to the FAMA test and 93·1% as determined by ELISA. The seroprevalences of the six age groups were as follows: 96·0%, 99·5%, 99·5%, 99·5%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, by the FAMA test, and 83·3%, 93·0%, 93·0%, 97·5%, 94·5%, and 97·5%, respectively, by ELISA. Seroprevalence increased significantly with age (P < 0·001); moreover, the seroprevalence in subjects aged 10-19 years was significantly lower than in other age groups (P < 0·001), as measured by both the FAMA test and ELISA. Thus, strategies to increase protective immunity against VZV in teenagers are necessary.

Association of autoantibody specificity and response to intravenous immunoglobulin G therapy in immune thrombocytopenia: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common autoimmune bleeding disorder, in which platelet glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa and GPIb-IX are the two most frequently targeted autoantigens. Our previous studies in animal models of ITP demonstrated that intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) could protect against anti-GPIIb-IIIa autoantibody-mediated thrombocytopenia but failed to ameliorate ITP induced by most anti-GPIb-IX autoantibodies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this human study was to evaluate the association between the specificity of antiplatelet autoantibodies and response to IVIG treatment. PATIENTS/METHODS: In this retrospective study, a cohort of 156 previously untreated adults with severe ITP who underwent IVIG therapy (0.4 g kg(-1)  day(-1) for 5 days) was analyzed. The primary outcome was response defined as platelet counts of ≥ 30 × 10(9)  L(-1) and a doubling of baseline counts within 7 days of dosing, and an absence of bleeding. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Among the 66 patients with anti-GPIb-IX autoantibodies, only 24 (36.4%) achieved a response, as compared with 72 of 90 patients (80.0%) who were negative for anti-GPIb-IX autoantibodies (relative risk 2.2; 95% confidence interval 1.6-3.1). This study found no difference in response between patients with anti-GPIIb-IIIa autoantibodies (61.7%) and those without anti-GPIIb-IIIa autoantibodies (61.3%). Logistic regressions, including main effects and the interaction between these two autoantibodies, showed no influence of anti-GPIIb-IIIa autoantibodies on the effects of anti-GPIb-IX autoantibodies with regard to their association with IVIG response. Thus, in adults with ITP, the presence of anti-GPIb-IX autoantibodies is a predictive factor for poor response to IVIG treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01666795.

Elevated expression of CX3C chemokine receptor 1 mediates recruitment of T cells into bone marrow of patients with acquired aplastic anaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Acquired aplastic anaemia (AA) is a T-cell-mediated, organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by haematopoietic stem cell destruction in the bone marrow. The exact molecular mechanism of T-cell trafficking into the bone marrow is unclear in AA. Very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) and CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) play active roles in many autoimmune diseases. Therefore, we investigated whether VLA-4 and CX3CR1 also contribute to T-cell migration into the bone marrow in acquired AA. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Expression levels of CX3CR1 and VLA-4 and their ligands [fractalkine (CX3CL1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)] were examined in 63 patients with AA and 21 healthy control subjects. T-cell chemotaxis and adhesion were analysed in 17 patients with severe AA. We also prospectively evaluated the expression pattern of CX3CR1 during treatment with antithymocyte globulin plus cyclosporine in 11 patients with severe AA. RESULTS: The proportion of peripheral and bone marrow CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressing CX3CR1 and the level of CX3CL1 was increased in patients with AA. However, there was no significant difference in VLA-4 expression or VCAM-1 levels. Functional studies demonstrated that chemotaxis towards autologous bone marrow plasma or soluble CX3CL1 was significantly higher in T cells from AA patients and could be blocked by CX3CR1 inhibitors. CX3CR1-mediated T-cell adhesion was also upregulated in these patients. The expression of CX3CR1 was associated with the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSION: The present findings demonstrate that CX3CR1 plays a pivotal role in recruitment of T cells into the bone marrow in acquired AA and is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of this disorder.

Advantages of positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

To explore the value of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we retrospectively summarize the results of PET-CT scan from 118 patients, with ESCC who underwent PET-CT scan in the different courses during treatment. Then, the results of PET-CT scan plus other conventional methods were analyzed to identify the value of PET-CT scan in diagnosis, staging, response evaluation, monitoring recurrence, and metastasis following treatment. It is suggested that PET-CT scan possess high value in diagnosis and gives more favorable indication in N and M staging. PET-CT scan should be translated into routine surveillance for postoperation follow up and is one of more helpful evaluators of response to chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Tumor development is associated with decrease of TET gene expression and 5-methylcytosine hydroxylation.

The TET (ten-eleven translocation) family of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent dioxygenases catalyzes the sequential oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine, leading to eventual DNA demethylation. The TET2 gene is a bona fide tumor suppressor frequently mutated in leukemia, and TET enzyme activity is inhibited in IDH1/2-mutated tumors by the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate, an antagonist of α-KG, linking 5mC oxidation to cancer development. We report here that the levels of 5hmC are dramatically reduced in human breast, liver, lung, pancreatic and prostate cancers when compared with the matched surrounding normal tissues. Associated with the 5hmC decrease is the substantial reduction of the expression of all three TET genes, revealing a possible mechanism for the reduced 5hmC in cancer cells. The decrease of 5hmC was also observed during tumor development in different genetically engineered mouse models. Together, our results identify 5hmC as a biomarker whose decrease is broadly and tightly associated with tumor development.

Synthesis of Pt doped Bi2O3/RuO2 photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting using visible light.

This study was focused on the preparation of modified bismuth oxide photocatalysts, including Ru and Pt doped Bi2O3, using sonochemically assisted method to enhance their photocatalytic activity. The crystalline phase composition and surface structure of Bi2O3 photocatalysts were examined using SEM, XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy, and XPS. Optical characterizations have indicated that the Bi2O3 presents the photoabsorption properties shifting from UV light region into visible light which is approaching towards the edge of 470 nm. According to the experimental results, visible-light-driven photocatalysis for water splitting with the addition of 0.3 M Na2SO3 and 0.03 M H2C2O4 as sacrificing agents demonstrates that Pt/Bi2O3-RuO2 catalyst could increase the amount of hydrogen evolution, which is around 11.6 and 14.5 micromol g(-1) h(-1), respectively. Plausible formation mechanisms of modified bismuth oxide and reaction mechanisms of photocatalytic water splitting have been proposed.

The diagnostic value of a multivariate logistic regression analysis model with transvaginal power Doppler ultrasonography for the prediction of ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: A multivariate logistic regression analysis model for predicting ectopic pregnancy in women with pregnancy of unknown location was designed and evaluated clinically. METHODS: Endometrial thickness, symmetry, resonance, pattern of echogenicity, helicine artery blood flow and blood flow resistance index (RI) in 129 patients with suspected early ectopic pregnancy were assessed by transvaginal power Doppler ultrasonography. Variables significant in univariate logistic regression analysis were included in a multivariate predictive logistic regression analysis model. RESULTS: The final predictive model included three factors: endometrial thickness≤9 mm; a multilayered endometrial echogenicity pattern with prominent outer and midline hyperechogenic lines and an inner hypoechogenic region; and visible endometrial arterial blood flow. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.980. When RI was >0.65 and the predictive probability>0.50, diagnostic accuracy was high. The model correctly diagnosed 52/55 (94.5%) clinically confirmed ectopic pregnancy cases. CONCLUSION: This multivariate predictive logistic regression analysis model has clinical value for the differential diagnosis of early ectopic pregnancy when the pregnancy location is unknown.

Crystallization mechanisms of phase change (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) optical recording films.

In this study, the (GeSbSn)(100-x0Co(x) films (x = 0-13.3) were deposited on natural oxidized silicon wafer and glass substrate by dc magnetron co-sputtering of GeSbSn and Co targets. The ZnS-SiO2 films were used as protective layers. The thicknesses of the (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) films and protective layer were 100 nm and 30 nm, respectively. We investigated the effects of Co addition on the thermal property, crystallization kinetics, and crystallization mechanism of the GeSbSn recording film. The crystallization temperatures of (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) films were decreased with Co content. It was found that the activation energy of the (GeSbSn)(100-x)Co(x) films will decrease from 1.53 eV to 0.55 eV as Co content increased from 0 at.% to 13.3 at.%.

Therapeutic effect of alpha-fetoprotein promoter-mediated tBid and chemotherapeutic agents on orthotopic liver tumor in mice.

Previous studies have shown that the application of Ad/AFPtBid significantly and specifically killed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in culture and subcutaneously implanted in mice. This study was to test the therapeutic efficacy of Ad/AFPtBid in an orthotopic hepatic tumor model. Four weeks after implantation of tumor cells into the liver, nude mice were treated with Ad/AFPtBid alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured as a marker for tumor progression. The results showed that Ad/AFPtBid significantly inhibited Hep3B tumor growth. Ad/AFPtBid and 5-FU in combination was more effective than either agent alone. Tumor tissues of Ad/AFPtBid alone or combination treatment groups showed a decrease in cells positive for proliferation cell nuclear antigen, but an increase in apoptosis. Ad/AFPtBid did not suppress the hepatic tumor formed by non-AFP-producing hepatoma SK-HEP-1 cells or colorectal adenocarcinoma DLD-1 cells. The survival rate was higher in mice treated with Ad/AFPtBid plus 5-FU than those treated with either agent alone. No acute toxic effect was observed in mice receiving Ad/AFPtBid. Collectively, Ad/AFPtBid can specifically target and effectively suppress the AFP-producing orthotopic liver tumor in mice without obvious toxicity, indicating that it is a promising tool in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of AFP-producing HCC.