Artificial LiF-Rich Interface Enabled by In situ Electrochemical Fluorination for Stable Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Lithium (Li)-metal batteries are promising next-generation energy storage systems. One drawback of uncontrollable electrolyte degradation is the ability to form a fragile and nonuniform solid electrolyte interface (SEI). In this study, we propose the use of a fluorinated carbon nanotube (CNT) macrofilm (CMF) on Li metal as a hybrid anode, which can regulate the redox state at the anode/electrolyte interface. Due to the favorable reaction energy between the plated Li and fluorinated CNTs, the metal can be fluorinated directly to a LiF-rich SEI during the charging process, leading to a high Young's modulus (~2.0 GPa) and fast ionic transfer (~2.59×10-7  S cm-1 ). The obtained SEI can guide the homogeneous plating/stripping of Li during electrochemical processes while suppressing dendrite growth. In particular, the hybrid of endowed full cells with substantially enhanced cyclability allows for high capacity retention (~99.3 %) and remarkable rate capacity. This work can extend fluorination technology into a platform to control artificial SEI formation in Li-metal batteries, increasing the stability and long-term performance of the resulting material.

Clinical Study on Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture Combined with Acupuncture at Pericardium Meridian Points for the Treatment of Post-stroke Sleep Reversal / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture(with the functions of awakening the brain and opening the orifices)combined with acupuncture at pericardium meridian points in the treatment of post-stroke sleep reversal(PSSR).Methods Sixty patients with PSSR were randomly divided into observation group and control group,30 patients in each group.Both groups were given conventional treatment,the control group was given oral use of Alprazolam,and the observation group was given the combination of acupuncture a at pericardial meridian points,and 10 days of treatment was one course of treatment.After 10 days of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and Ascens Insomnia Scale(AIS)scores,as well as the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)scores were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.The changes in cortisol levels at 0,8,and 16 o'clock were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.Results(1)After treatment,the PSQI scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving PSQI scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the AIS and HAMD scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the AIS and HAMD scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the cortisol level of patients in the two groups at 0,8,and 16 o'clock was significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the cortisol level at 0,8,and 16 o'clock was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 86.67%(26/30)in the observation group and 80.00%(24/30)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was slightly superior to that of the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture combined with acupuncture at pericardium meridian points for the treatment of PSSR can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,so as to improve the quality of life of the patients,and the therapeutic efficacy is remarkable.

The predictive value of a nomogram model based on aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after radiofrequency ablation / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index(APRI)and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence after radiofrequency ablation(RFA),and to construct a nomogram model for predicting the prognosis.Methods The clinical data of a total of 204 patients,whose initial diagnosis was HCC and received RFA at the Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University of China between January 2017 and December 2020,were retrospectively analyzed.The optimal cut-off value of APRI was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to estimate the recurrence-free survival(RFS)of high-APRI group patients and low-APRI group patients.The independent predictors of HCC recurrence after RFA were identified by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis,and significant variables were selected to construct a nomogram model.The predictive ability of the nomogram model for HCC recurrence was evaluated by the consistency index(C-index)and calibration curves.Results The incidence of HCC recurrence after RFA was 57.4%(117/204),the optimal cut-off value of APRI for predicting HCC recurrence was 0.501,and the area under curve(AUC)value was 0.678(95%CI=0.603-0.752).High-APRI group(≥0.501)had 121 patients and low-APRI group(＜0.501)had 83 patients.High APRI index was significantly correlated with low RFS(χ2=12.929,P＜0.01).The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of tumors(HR=1.541,95%CI=1.039-2.286,P=0.031),maximum tumor diameter(HR=1.461,95%CI=1.011-2.112,P=0.044),serum AFP level(HR=2.286,95%CI=1.576-3.318,P＜0.01)and APRI index(HR=1.873,95%CI=1.257-2.790,P=0.002)were the independent risk factors for HCC recurrence.Based on the above four variables,a nomogram model for predicting HCC recurrence after RFA was constructed,the C-index was 0.769(95%CI=0.676-0.862),and the AUC values for 1-,2-,and 3-year RFS prediction were 0.707,0.719,and 0.707,respectively.The calibration curves showed that a good consistency existed between the predicted probability and actual probability.Conclusion The nomogram model based on APRI and tumor biological characteristics has an excellent predictive ability for HCC recurrence after RFA.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:38-43)

A quantitative study on the outcome of patients with breast cancer after autologous breast reconstruction and implant breast reconstruction based on multi-scaleon / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To evaluate the patient-reported outcome(PRO)of patients with breast cancer who underwent autologous breast reconstruction and implant breast reconstruction.Methods Patients who underwent breast reconstruction in Shanghai Cancer Center,Fudan University from Jan 2020 to Jun 2021 were selected,including 111 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction and 108 patients who underwent implant breast reconstruction.Chinese version Breast-Q2.0 scale,breast cancer specificity scale QLQ-BR23 and EORTC quality of life scale QLQ-C30 were used to investigate the PRO of the two groups 18 months after operation.Results The rate of stage Ⅲ breast cancer in the self-weight construction group was higher than that in the implant reconstruction group(64.9%vs.44.4%,P<0.001).The preoperative neoadjuvant therapy and postoperative radiotherapy in the autologous reconstruction group were higher than those in the implant reconstruction group(P<0.001).Postoperative chemotherapy and endocrine therapy in the autologous reconstruction group were lower than those in the implant reconstruction group(P<0.001).The study based on Breast-Q scale showed that the breast satisfaction of autologous reconstruction group was higher than that of implant reconstruction(59.28±17.20 vs.54.94±14.48,P<0.05).The study based on QLQ-BR23 showed that the self-weight construction group was higher than the implant reconstruction group in the field of arm symptoms(20.02±20.80 vs.12.65±16.18,P<0.05).The study based on QLQ-C30 scale showed that there was no significant difference in all functional areas and symptom areas of patients.There was no significant difference in the number and time of social regression between the two groups.Conclusion Breast reconstruction can improve the PRO of breast cancer patients,and oncology factors will affect the choice of breast reconstruction.Patients with autologous breast reconstruction are more satisfied with breast appearance,but upper limb symptoms such as swelling and pain are more obvious than implant reconstruction,which is related to the higher proportion of axillary lymph node dissection in patients with autologous reconstruction.There is no significant difference in quality of life and social regression between the two groups.

Value of left ventricular shape index and eccentricity index of gated myocardial perfusion imaging in the evaluation of left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of left ventricular shape index (SI) and eccentricity index (EI) in evaluating left ventricular remodeling.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 324 patients (264 males, 60 females, age (62.5±11.8) years) diagnosed with myocardial infarction (MI) and 113 healthy controls (HC; 47 males, 66 females, age (57.8±10.7) years) who received gated myocardial perfusion imaging (GMPI) in First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2016 to September 2020. SI (end-diastolic SI (EDSI), end-systolic SI (ESSI)), EI and left ventricular function parameters (end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), summed motion score (SMS), summed thickening score (STS), peak ejection rate (PER) and peak filling rate (PFR)) were obtained by quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) software. Propensity score (PS) inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the intergroup covariates. The differences and correlations of EDSI, ESSI, EI and left ventricular function parameters between patients in MI group and HC group were analyzed. ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate the values of EDV, EDSI, ESSI and EI alone and in combination in the assessment of left ventricular systolic function impairment. Data were analyzed by independent-sample t test, Pearson correlation and Spearman rank correlation analyses, and Delong test. Results:After IPTW, EDSI and ESSI in MI group ( n=319) were higher than those in HC group ( n=133; EDSI: 0.66±0.09 vs 0.60±0.06; ESSI: 0.59±0.11 vs 0.47±0.07; t values: 8.05, 14.67, both P<0.001), and EI was lower than that in HC group (0.81±0.06 vs 0.85±0.03; t=-8.93, P<0.001). In both groups, there were significant correlations between EDSI and ESSI ( r values: 0.928, 0.873), between EDSI, ESSI and EI ( r values: from -0.831 to -0.641), between EDSI, ESSI and LVEF ( r values: from -0.627 to -0.201), between ESSI and EDV, ESV and SMS ( rs values: 0.336-0.584), between ESSI and -PER, PFR ( rs values: from -0.406 to -0.402, r values: from -0.352 to -0.325) (all P<0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that EDV (AUC: 0.895) and ESSI (AUC: 0.839) had the highest efficacy in evaluating left ventricular systolic function impairment in MI group and HC group, respectively. EDV-EDSI-ESSI-(1-EI) had higher efficacy in the assessment of impaired left ventricular systolic function in MI group (AUC: 0.956), which was higher than that of EDV or EDV-EDSI or EDV-ESSI or EDV-(1-EI) ( z values: from -2.64 to -2.18, P values: 0.008-0.029); EDV-EDSI-ESSI-(1-EI) also had high efficacy in HC group (AUC: 0.911), which was higher than that of EDV or EDV-EDSI or EDV-(1-EI) ( z values: from -2.60 to -2.43, P values: 0.009-0.015). Conclusions:In MI patients, the increase of SI and the decrease of EI indicate the increase of left ventricular sphericity and the aggravation of left ventricular remodeling. SI and EI have certain clinical application values in evaluating left ventricular morphology, predicting left ventricular remodeling and left ventricular systolic function impairment.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 68Ga-NOTA-CD44: a novel tracer targeting atherosclerotic plaques / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To construct 68Ga-1, 4, 7-trizacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-CD44 as a novel atherosclerosis tracer targeting hyaluronic acid (HA), and evaluate its biological property and molecular imaging features. Methods:Low molecular weight (LMW) recombinant human CD44 protein was selected, and the C-terminal of the protein was modified by sulfonation and coupled to the bifunctional ligand NOTA to synthesize a novel molecular probe 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 targeting HA. The biological properties of the probe, such as labeling rate and in vitro stability, were studied. Three atherosclerotic plaque model mice and three normal C57BL/6 mice were studied by 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 microPET/CT imaging and pathological examination. Results:68Ga-NOTA-CD44 tracer was synthesized and purified with the radiochemical purity above 99%, and the specific activity was up to 62.22 MBq/nmol. lts stability was good in PBS, and the radiochemical purity was over 90% after incubation for 3 h. After intravenous injection, the probe was metabolized mainly by the kidneys, and its metabolic level decreased successively in the liver, lungs and blood. MicroPET/CT imaging results of atherosclerotic model mice suggested that the uptake in the plaque of abdominal aorta was higher at 60 min after injection, with SUV max and target/background ratio (TBR) max of 1.14±0.02 and 4.95±0.93, and the probe had certain atherosclerotic plaque eroded targeting, which was consistent with the pathological result. Conclusions:As a novel probe, 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 is simple to prepare and has a high labeling rate. It has good physicochemical properties and in vivo biological properties, and can display atherosclerotic eroded plaques sensitively. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44 has a promising prospect to be a new molecular probe for early noninvasive recognition of atherosclerotic eroded plaques.

Research progress of FAPI radionuclide imaging in cardiovascular diseases / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Myocardial fibrosis is an important pathological process in the development of cardiovascular diseases, which is closely related to the prognosis of patients. Activated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the main effector cells, whose surface specifically overexpress fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Radionuclide-labeled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) can specifically bind to FAP to visualize activated CFs in vivo, showing preliminary clinical application in the early diagnosis, prognosis prediction and interventional guidance of various cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the progress of researches on the application of radionuclide-labeled FAPIs in cardiovascular diseases imaging.

Practice and Technical Analysis of Intelligent Pharmaceutical Services for Traditional Chinese Medicine / 医药导报

Objective To analyze the development status of intelligent pharmaceutical services for traditional Chinese medicine,to summarize the practical experience of intelligent pharmaceutical services for traditional Chinese medicine,and to explore its technical requirements and development direction.Methods The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of traditional Chinese medicine launched the Smart Traditional Chinese Medicine Room project in January 2018 and established a Smart Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacy to undertake pharmaceutical services such as outpatient dispensing,decoction,and distribution of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces.Results A total of 5.572 million pairs of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces were delivered until May 2023,and 231 400 patients were served in 2022.The service process was more straightforward;there was no need to wait for medication or go to the hospital again.The service efficiency was high,improving the patient's medical experience.Conclusions Intelligent pharmaceutical services for traditional Chinese medicine are developing rapidly.A comprehensive intelligent service system will be established based on technological progress in the future.

Clinical characteristics of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Guizhou Province from 2017 to 2021 / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the incidence, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in Guizhou Province from 2017 to 2021 and provide a scientific basis for monitoring of CJD in Guizhou Province.Methods:In this retrospective study, epidemiological and clinical information on suspected CJD cases reported by nine hospitals in Guizhou Province was collected and analyzed based on the laboratory test results of cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and skin samples from the patients.Results:From 2017 to 2021, a total of 47 patients with suspected CJD were reported in Guizhou Province, including 22 confirmed patients. Of these patients, 18 patients (18/22) were clinically diagnosed with sporadic CJD, 2 patients (2/22) were clinically suspected of having sCJD, and 2 patients (2/22) were confirmed to have genetic CJD. All patients primarily presented with rapid progressive dementia, and abnormal magnetic resonance imaging findings of the head are the main auxiliary examination results (16/20). The positive rate of 14-3-3 protein in cerebrospinal fluid was high (14/21). The blood sample PRNP gene testing revealed that 129 amino acids were M/M homozygous, while 219 amino acids were E/E homozygous. Except for T188K and E200K mutations detected by PRNP gene testing in 2 gCJD cases, no other site mutations were found, and 5 cases were positive for skin PrPSc. Patients' geographical distribution showed no obvious clustering. Patients have a wide range of occupations. The male-to-female ratio was 13:9, with a median age of 64 years. The majority of the patients were Han Chinese, and there was no special epidemiological history. Conclusion:The majority of the confirmed CJD patients in Guizhou Province from 2017 to 2021 are sporadic CJD patients, and their residence, occupation, gender ratio, age distribution, and other characteristics are consistent with the incidence patterns of sporadic CJD.

Effect of biological amniotic membrane soaked in pirfenidone on scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery in rabbit eyes / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the application of biological amniotic membrane soaked in pirfenidone(PFD)and to evaluate its anti-scarring effect and toxic side effects on glaucoma model of rabbit eyes.METHODS: The right eyes of 72 healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 0.5%PFD+ biological amniotic membrane group, biological amniotic membrane group, mitomycin C(MMC)group and blank control group after the glaucoma model was established by anterior chamber injection of compound carbomer solution, and 18 rabbits in each group underwent trabeculectomy, in which the 0.5% PFD+ biological amniotic membrane group was placed with 0.5% PFD solution-soaked biological amniotic membrane under the scleral flap, and the biological amniotic membrane group was placed with normal saline-soaked rehydrated biological amniotic membrane under the scleral flap. In the MMC group, a cotton pad soaked in MMC was placed under the scleral flap for 3 min and immediately rinsed with normal saline, while the blank control group received no implant after the scleral flap was made. The intraocular pressure(IOP), filtration blebs, toxic side effects and complications were evaluated, and the histopathological changes in the filtration area were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS: The mean IOP at 14, 21 and 28 d after trabeculectomy were 0.5%PFD+ biological amniotic membrane group&#x0026;#x003C;MMC group&#x0026;#x003C;biological amniotic membrane group&#x0026;#x003C;blank control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). At 28 d after trabeculectomy, 0.5%PFD+ biological amniotic membrane group had the best effect of anti-inflammatory hyperplasia and inhibition of collagen formation, the highest survival rate of filtration blebs, and the inflammatory reaction was mild.CONCLUSION: Biological amniotic membrane soaked in pirfenidone has more obvious anti-scarring effect on glaucoma model, with less toxic side effects and good safety.

Application of Sphenoid Sinus Morphological Characteristics in Sex Estimation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images / Aplicación de las Características Morfológicas del Seno Esfenoidal en la Estimación del Sexo Basada en Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Sex determination of unknown persons plays an important role in forensic science. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the sphenoid sinus. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of sphenoid sinuses dimensions for sex determination using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images in Chinese adults. MRI images of 79 sphenoid sinuses (from 44 men and 35 women) were retrospectively selected. The height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter were measured in the midsagittal view of the sphenoid sinuses. All data were subjected to descriptive and discriminative functional analysis with unpaired t-test and canonical discriminant. Comparison between male and female groups showed significant statistical differences regarding the height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter of sphenoid sinuses. The predictive accuracy rate of the sphenoid sinus to identify sex was 63.6 % in males and 62.9 % in females with an overall accuracy of 63.3 %. This study proposed the importance of sexual dimorphism of sphenoid sinus dimensions, especially if other methods are not available. It suggested using MRI in forensics science thus obviating the complete dependence on the usage of conventional computed tomography (CT) and facilitating the study of forensic anatomy at the level of soft tissue.

La determinación del sexo de personas desconocidas juega un papel importante en la ciencia forense. Como la mayoría de los huesos utilizados para la determinación del sexo se recuperan en un estado incompleto, a menudo es necesario utilizar huesos recuperados intactos, por ejemplo, el seno esfenoidal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las dimensiones de los senos esfenoidales para la determinación del sexo utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética en individuos adultos chinos. Se seleccionaron retrospectivamente imágenes de resonancia magnética de 79 senos esfenoidales (de 44 hombres y 35 mujeres). La altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales, se midieron en vista mediana sagital. Todos los datos se sometieron a análisis funcional descriptivo y discriminativo con prueba t no pareada y discriminante canónico. La comparación entre los grupos de hombres y mujeres mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas en cuanto a la altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales. La tasa de precisión predictiva del seno esfenoidal para identificar el sexo fue del 63,6 % en hombres y del 62,9 % en mujeres, con una precisión general del 63,3 %. Este estudio propuso la importancia del dimorfismo sexual de las dimensiones del seno esfenoidal, especialmente si no se dispone de otros métodos. Se sugiere utilizar la resonancia magnética en la ciencia forense, obviando así la dependencia total del uso de la tomografía computarizada convencional y facilitando con esto el estudio de la anatomía forense a nivel de los tejidos blandos.

Rapid detection of Heterobasidion annosum using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.

Heterobasidion annosum is one of the most aggressive pathogens of Pinus forests in Europe, causing considerable economic losses. To detect H. annosum for disease diagnosis and control, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction with a primer set designed from the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) DNA sequences of H. annosum. In our study, this LAMP assay was found to be capable of efficiently amplifying the target gene within 60 min at 63°C. In specificity tests, H. annosum was positively detected, and other species were negative. The detection limit of this assay was found to be 100 pg·µL-1, and the assay was also successfully tested for use with basidiospore suspensions and wood samples. This study provides a rapid method for diagnosing root and butt rot caused by H. annosum, which will be of use in port surveillance of logs imported from Europe.

Effect of Surface Decalcification With Hydrochloric Acid on the Determination of Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, Ki67, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Expressions in Invasive Breast Carcinoma Based on Immunohistochemistry and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization.

BACKGROUND: Bone is the most common site of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). EDTA is often used to decalcify bony tissue samples to ensure the accurate assessment of antigenicity in MBC. It takes ~24 to 48 hours to decalcify small bone tissues such as bone marrow, which is considered unacceptable given the priority that is often placed on the rapid processing of bone marrow trephine cores. Thus, an effective decalcification method that preserves genetic material is needed. AIM: We performed immunohistochemical studies on surface decalcification (SD) in breast tumors and evaluated the effect of SD on receptor status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on a subset of these tumors to establish a protocol for handling bone specimens for MBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four cases of invasive breast tumors were studied. We compared the immunohistochemical expressions of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67, and HER2 between control tissue (nondecalcified) and parallel tissue subjected to SD with hydrochloric acid. We also evaluated the effect of SD on the fluorescence in situ hybridization expression of HER2. RESULTS: Categorical decreases in ER and PR expression were identified in 9/31 (29.0%) cases without SD and 10/26 (38.5%) cases with SD. HER2 expression changed from equivocal to negative in 4/12 (33.4%) cases. Among the HER2-positive cases, all remained positive after SD. The most significant declines in immunoreactivity occurred with Ki67, with an average decrease from 22% to 13%. The average HER2 copy numbers were 5.37 and 4.76 in the control and SD groups, respectively, and the average HER2/CEP17 ratios were 2.35 and 2.08, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, SD is an alternative decalcification method in bony metastases to assess ER, PR, and HER2 in MBC.

Features of peritoneal dendritic cells in the development of endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence of immunological dysfunction have been described in endometriosis. Dendritic cells (DCs), one of the main antigen-presenting cells, are specialized in the initiation and modulation of the adaptive immune response. Emerging studies demonstrated both endometrial and circulating differences in DCs populations in women with endometriosis. However, the role and mechanism of peritoneal DCs in endometriosis is still unclear. The present study was undertaken to explore the features of peritoneal DCs in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. This study is beneficial to further clarify the cause of endometriosis and provide a new insight into the medical treatment for endometriosis. METHODS: The study included 12 women with endometriosis and 11 women without endometriosis. The C57BL6 mouse model of endometriosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of endometrial segments. The peritoneal DCs of endometriosis patients and mouse models were analyzed by fluorescence associated cell sorting (FACS) examination. RESULTS: Increased cell density of peritoneal DCs were observed in endometriosis patients. Moreover, the proportion of mature DCs (mDCs, CD80highCD1alow cells) in the peritoneal DCs was lower whereas the proportion of immature DCs (iDCs, CD80lowCD1ahigh cells) was increased in endometriosis patients. Similarly, the cell density of peritoneal DCs in murine models increased immediately after the injection of endometrial tissues and reached the highest level at 14 days. In addition, the proportion of mDCs (CD11chighCD80high cells) in the peritoneal DCs decreased immediately after the injection of endometrial tissues and then increased with the time until 42 days, but still lower than the control group. In contrast, the proportion of iDCs (CD11chighCD80low cells) in the peritoneal DCs showed the opposite dynamic changes. However, after treated with LPS, the mDCs proportion was significantly increased, leading to lower volume and weight of the endometriosis lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Increased level of peritoneal DCs facilitated the pathogenesis of endometriosis lesions, especially in the early stage of the disease. Furthermore, peritoneal DCs maturation played an important role in the development of endometriosis.

Role and Interaction Between ACE1, ACE2 and Their Related Genes in Cardiovascular Disorders.

Cardiovascular disease is the greatest health care burden and one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Less is known about the genetic factors that are responsible for predisposition to cardiovascular disease thus; the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases remain obscure. One important regulator of blood pressure homeostasis is the renin-angiotensin system. The protease renin cleaves angiotensinogen into the inactive decameric peptide angiotensin I (Ang I). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) catalyzes the cleavage of the Ang I into the active octomer angiotensin II (Ang II). In humans, can ACE polymorphism has been associated with determinants of renal and cardiovascular function and pharmacological inhibition of ACE and Ang II receptors are effective in lowering blood pressure and preventing kidney disease. In addition, inhibition of ACE and Ang II receptors has beneficial effects in heart failure. A homologue of ACE, termed ACE2, has been identified; it is predominantly expressed in the vascular endothelial cells of the kidney and heart. Unlike ACE, ACE2 functions as a carboxypeptidase, cleaving a single residue from AngI, generating Ang1-9, and a single residue from AngII to generate Ang1-7. Nevertheless, the in vivo role of ACE2 in the cardiovascular system and the renin-angiotensin system is not known.

Alterations of macular ganglion cell layer thickness and optic disc parameters in patients with early diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the changes of optic disc parameters, peripapillary retinal nerve fibers layer(pRNFL)thickness and macular ganglion cell layer(mGCL)thickness among patients with early diabetes retinopathy and healthy controls by Cirrus HD-optical coherence tomography(OCT).METHODS: In this cross-sectional comparative study, 45 non-diabetic retinopathy(NDR), 52 mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR), 55 moderate NPDR with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and 64 age-matched healthy controls were included. The fasting blood glucose(FBG), duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)and past history of the patients were collected in detail. Optic disc parameters(i.e., binocular RNFL thickness symmetry percentage, rim area, optic disc area, cup-to-disc ratio, cup volume), pRNFL thickness and mGCL thickness were measured by Cirrus HD-OCT. The comparison of different groups was performed by one-way analysis of variance.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the binocular RNFL thickness symmetry percentage and rim area were significantly decreased, while the average C/D and vertical C/D were significantly increased in the NDR group, mild NPDR group and moderate NPDR group(all P&#x003C;0.05). Compared with the control group, the peripapillary RNFL thicknesses(superior, temporal, inferior, nasal)and macular GCL thickness(average, minimum, superior, supero-temporal, infero-temporal, inferior, supero-nasal, and infero-nasal)became thinner in the NDR group, mild NPDR group, and moderate NPDR group(all P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: Patients with early DR have significantly decreased binocular RNFL thickness asymmetry, rim area, pRNFL and mGCL thickness, while they have significantly increased cup-to-disc ratio when compared to healthy controls. The results support the statement that DM causes inner retinal neurodegenerative changes even in T2DM patients without overt microangiopathy.

Relationship between Helicobacter Pylori and Male Infertility / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Helicobacter pylori （H.pylori） is a gram-negative， spiral-shaped bacillus and it is the only bacteria known in medicine that can live in the stomach， with a high infection rate in the population. Besides its confirmed link to peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis， H.pylori has recently been found to be associated with many extragastric diseases， including male infertility. The incidence of male factor infertility keeps rising， but some reasons remain unclear. This paper summarized the research on H.pylori and infertility abroad in recent years in order to speculate and explore the possible relationship between them.

Indications and complications prevention and management of phaseⅡ implantation of Provox Vega voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the indications and management of common postoperative complications of phase II tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) for Provox Vega voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 20 patients undergoing phase II TEP for Provox Vega voice prosthesis in our hospital between May 2021 and January 2022 were analyzed. Among them, there were 19 males and 1 female, aged from 37 to 76 years, with an average age of (60.0±8.4)years. The surgical indications and the prevention and treatment of common postoperative complications were summarized. Descriptive analysis was used in this research. Results: The basic surgical indications were as following: after total laryngectomy, there was no stenosis of the stoma and esophagus entrance, no scar constitution, no mouth opening restriction, no stiffness and backward restraint of the neck after radiotherapy, and more than half a year apart surgery or radiotherapy. Among the 20 patients, 18 underwent implantation successfuly, 1 failed in the operation, and for 1 patient, the prosthesis was removed due to bleeding 1 week after implantation. The common postoperative complications included TEP fistula infection (2 cases), the TEP fistula bleeding(1 case), deep neck (prevertebral) abscess (1 case), granulation at the inner side of the TEP fistula (1 case), invagination of the prosthesis (2 cases) and leakage around the prosthesis (2 cases). All patients were cured with different interventions. Conclusions: The Provox Vega voice prosthesis is generally safe for phase Ⅱ implantatione, but implantation indications need to be established. Common postoperative complications can be solved through preventive and remedial interventions.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics and misdiagnosis of area postrema syndrome manifesting as intractable nausea, vomiting, and hiccups in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders / 中华内科杂志

Objective: To investigate the misdiagnosis of area postrema syndrome (APS) manifesting as intractable nausea, vomiting and hiccups in neuromyelitis optic spectrum disease (NMOSD) and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from NMOSD patients attending the Department of Neurology at the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between January 2019 and July 2021. SPSS25.0 was then used to analyze the manifestations, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment of APS. Results: A total of 207 patients with NMOSD were included, including 21 males and 186 females. The mean age of onset was 39±15 years (range: 5-72 years). The proportion of patients who were positive for serum aquaporin 4 antibody was 82.6% (171/207). In total, 35.7% (74/207) of the NMOSD patients experienced APS during the disease course; of these patients, 70.3% (52/74) had APS as the first symptom and 29.7% (22/74) had APS as a secondary symptom. The misdiagnosis rates for these conditions were 90.4% (47/52) and 50.0% (11/22), respectively. As the first symptom, 19.2% (10/52) of patients during APS presented only with intractable nausea, vomiting and hiccups; 80.8% (42/52) of patients experienced other neurological symptoms. The Departments of Gastroenterology and General Medicine were the departments that most frequently made the first diagnosis of APS, accounting for 54.1% and 17.6% of patients, respectively. The most common misdiagnoses related to diseases of the digestive system and the median duration of misdiagnosis was 37 days. Conclusions: APS is a common symptom of NMOSD and is associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Other concomitant symptoms often occur with APS. Gaining an increased awareness of this disease/syndrome, obtaining a detailed patient history, and performing physical examinations are essential if we are to reduce and avoid misdiagnosis.

Risk factors for bleeding and thrombotic events in critically ill patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in critically ill patients and determine the best predictors of coagulation-related complications.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who received ECMO for respiratory or circulatory failure at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2020 to December 2022. The outcome was whether bleeding or thrombosis occurred from 24 h after ECMO insertion to before weaning. The differences in demographic characteristics, weaning conditions, prognosis, routine blood tests, organ function, coagulation and blood product transfusion of each group were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis, and ROC curve evaluation was used to assess their capacity to predict complications.Results:A total of 61 patients with ECMO were enrolled, with 21 cases of bleeding and 14 cases of thrombosis during ECMO. Compared with the nonbleeding group, the activated partial thromboplastin time, thromboplastin time (TT), and transfusions of frozen plasma and red blood cells were higher in the bleeding group (all P<0.05). Compared with the nonthrombotic group, the increase in body weight, D-dimer (DD), fibrinogen degradation product (FDP), and improvement of arterial oxygen partial pressure (ΔPO 2) within 24 h were significantly higher in the thrombotic group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that TT ( OR=1.039, 95% CI: 1.006~1.072, P=0.018) and frozen plasma transfusion volume ( OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.010-1.083, P=0.012) were risk factors for bleeding events. FDP ( OR=1.030, 95% CI: 1.009-1.051, P=0.005), DD ( OR=1.181, 95% CI: 1.044-1.336, P=0.008), and ΔPO 2 ( OR=1.007, 95% CI: 1.002-1.012, P=0.006) were risk factors for thrombosis. According to ROC curve analysis, the AUCs of TT, frozen plasma transfusion, and combined indexes for predicting bleeding were 0.712, 0.690, and 0.816, respectively. The combined indices had a cut-off value of 0.273, a sensitivity of 75.61%, and a specificity of 80.00%. The AUCs of FDP, DD, ΔPO 2, and combined FDP with ΔPO 2 for predicting thrombosis were 0.778, 0.748, 0.786, and 0.868, respectively. The cut-off value of the combined index was 0.157, the sensitivity was 68.09%, and the specificity was 92.86%. Conclusions:TT combined with frozen plasma transfusion volume predicted bleeding optimally, while FDP plus ΔPO 2 predicted thrombotic events better during ECMO treatment in critically ill patients.