Association of stress hyperglycemia with clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that stress hyperglycemia is significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential associations between various markers of stress hyperglycemia, such as admission blood glucose (ABG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) with different definitions, and the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events in patients diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Our study enrolled a total of 1099 patients diagnosed with STEMI who underwent PCI from 2016 to 2021. The primary outcomes of this study were in-hospital death and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Stress hyperglycemia was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital death (ABG OR: 1.27 95% CI 1.19-1.36; FBS OR: 1.25 95% CI 1.16-1.35; SHR1 OR: 1.61 95% CI 1.21-2.14; SHR2 OR: 1.57, 95%CI 1.22-2.01; SHR3 OR: 1.59, 95%CI 1.24-2.05) and all-cause mortality (ABG HR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.14; FBS HR: 1.12, 95 CI 1.07-1.17; SHR1 HR: 1.19 95% CI 1.03-1.39; SHR2 HR: 1.28, 95%CI 1.14-1.44; SHR3 HR: 1.29, 95%CI 1.14-1.45) after adjusting for ischemic time, age, gender, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), current smoking history, chronic kidney disease (CKD), previous history of coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), stroke, cancer, culprit vessel, multi-vessel disease. These associations exhibited a non-linear, J-shaped pattern, wherein the risk significantly increased when the ABG and FBS levels exceeded 5mmol/L. Moreover, the inflection point for SHR was estimated to be 1.2. CONCLUSIONS: Stress hyperglycemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death and all-cause mortality in STEMI patients treated with PCI. Stress hyperglycemia should be considered a high-risk prognostic marker in all STEMI patients, regardless of with or without diabetes.

Research progress on the effects of proanthochanidins in reshaping microbiota and suppressing inflammation / 中华预防医学杂志

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) are a class of polyphenols that are composed of flavanate monomers and their polymers, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties with very few side effects. This article reviews the mechanism by which PCs differentially regulate microbiota, reshape microflora diversity and play a role in suppressing inflammation, providing a reference for the basic research of PCs in improving female vaginal health, and is expected to provide a new idea and breakthrough for the combined use of PCs with other antibacterial drugs in the treatment of vaginitis.

Research progress on the effects of proanthochanidins in reshaping microbiota and suppressing inflammation / 中华预防医学杂志

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) are a class of polyphenols that are composed of flavanate monomers and their polymers, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties with very few side effects. This article reviews the mechanism by which PCs differentially regulate microbiota, reshape microflora diversity and play a role in suppressing inflammation, providing a reference for the basic research of PCs in improving female vaginal health, and is expected to provide a new idea and breakthrough for the combined use of PCs with other antibacterial drugs in the treatment of vaginitis.

Utilizing ultra-small volume graft in auxiliary liver transplantation for portal hypertension / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the clinical effect of auxiliary liver transplantation with ultra-small volume graft in the treatment of portal hypertension. Methods: Twelve cases of portal hypertension treated by auxiliary liver transplantation with small volume graft at Liver Transplantation Center,Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University between December 2014 and March 2022 were studied retrospectively. There were 8 males and 4 females,aged 14 to 66 years. Model for end-stage liver disease scores were 1 to 15 points and Child scores were 6 to 11 points. The grafts was derived from living donors in 9 cases,from split cadaveric donors in 2 cases,from whole cadaveric liver of child in 1 case. The graft recipient body weight ratios of 3 cadaveric donor livers were 0.79% to 0.90%, and of 9 living donor livers were 0.31% to 0.55%.In these cases, ultra-small volume grafts were implanted. The survivals of patient and graft, complications, portal vein blood flow of residual liver and graft, abdominal drainage and biochemical indexes of liver function were observed. Results: All the grafts and patients survived. Complications included outflow tract torsion in 2 cases, acute rejection in 1 case, bile leakage in 1 case, and thyroid cancer at the later stage of follow-up in 1 case, all of which were cured. The torsion of outflow tract was attributed to the change of anastomotic angle after the growth of donor liver. After the improvement of anastomotic method, the complication did not recur in the later stage. There was no complication of portal hypertension. The measurement of ultrasonic portal vein blood flow velocity showed that the blood flow of residual liver decreased significantly in the early stage after operation, and maintained a very low blood flow velocity or occlusion in the long term after operation, and the blood flow of transplanted liver was stable. Conclusions: Auxiliary liver transplantation can implant ultra-small donor liver through compensation of residual liver. This method may promote the development of living donor left lobe donation and split liver transplantation. However, the auxiliary liver transplantation is complex, and it is difficult to control the complications. Therefore, this method is currently limited to centers that are skilled in living related liver transplantation and that have complete ability to monitor and deal with complications.

Creation and Analysis of Related Genetic Characteristics of BALB/cA.Cg.SHJHhr Mice / 实验动物与比较医学

ObjectiveTo introduce the Hr gene of spontaneously mutated SHJHhr mice into BALB/cAShjh inbred mice with clear genetic background,and provide a basis for study on the molecular mechanism of Hr gene mutation-induced abnormal phenotype and the application of this model.Methods Using a backcross-intercross breeding method guided by phenotypic monitoring, mutant genes from SHJHhr mice bred by spontaneous mutation were introduced into inbred BALB/cAShjh mice by homozygous mutation introgression, and the mice were bred into BALB/cA.Cg.SHJHhr (abbreviated as C.Cg.SHJHhr) mice after 10 generations. The genotypes of 90 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection sites were analyzed in C.Cg.SHJHhr mice by multiplex PCR library construction followed by next generation sequencing. Then 14 biochemical locus marker genes were detected in C.Cg.SHJHhr mice according to the method of GB/T 14927.1-2008. Finally, whole genome exon sequencing was utilized to detect the mutated genes in this mouse. ResultsFrom May 2018 to March 2022, a total of 10 generations of backcross-intercross were conducted to complete the construction of the C.Cg.SHJHhr mouse line. Among the 90 SNPs loci detected, except for rs13484115 and rs13484116, all the other loci had the same genotype as the recipient mice BALB/cAShjh. The results of biochemical marker gene detection showed that all the 14 loci of the mouse were the same as those of the recipient mouse. Whole genome exon sequencing found that the mouse had 109 site mutations compared with the recipient mouse strain, including 71 synonymous mutations, 1 stopgain, 37 missense mutations, and 20 genes involved in protein sequence alterations (including the reported Hr gene). ConclusionC.Cg.SHJHhr mice were created. Through exon sequencing and genetic analysis, three Hr mutated genes and associated mutated genes that mainly cause phenotypic variations were identified, which provides a basis for expanding the application of C.Cg.SHJHhr mice in biomedical research.

Investigation on Biological Characteristics and Aging Phenotype of SHJHhr Mice / 实验动物与比较医学

Objective To measure and analyze biological characteristics and aging phenotype of SHJHhr mice and provide basic data for the application of the mouse model in aging mechanisms research and antiaging drug development. MethodsWith ICR mice of the same age as control group, the body mass growth data of SHJHhr mice at the age of 3 to 16 weeks, the reproduction ability of 1 to 4 fetuses and the life cycle of SHJHhr mice were measured. Blood routine (30 items) and serum biochemical indexes (25 items) of 6-week-old SHJHhr mice were measured. The venous blood of 8-week-old SHJHhr mice was collected for flow cytometry analysis to determine the content of immune cells. The aging bone structure of the cancellous bone and bone mineral density of SHJHhr mice aged 4, 8 and 26 weeks were measured by micro-CT. Histopathological changes of bone and joint of 8-week-old mice were observed. ResultsCompared with ICR mice, the female and male body mass of SHJHhr mice were significantly lower at the age of 16 weeks (P < 0.05), and the reproductive performance of female mice was low (P < 0.01) or did not have normal reproductive capacity. The shortest survival time of SHJHhr mice was 57 weeks and the longest was 71 weeks, which was shorter than those of normal ICR mice, showing obvious rapid aging phenomenon. At the same time, some physiological and biochemical indexes of blood and pathological changes of bone and cartilage tissues also showed the accelerated aging and abnormality of animal physiological functions. ConclusionSHJHhr mice have some biological characteristics of rapid aging as well as some physiological and pathological changes caused by aging.

Application value of single-port laparoscopic left lateral donor liver acquisition in pediatric living donor liver transplantation / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of single-port laparoscopic left lateral donor liver acquisition in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of the donor and recipient who were admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University for PLDLT in January 2020 were collected. The donor was a male, aged 28 years with body mass as 62 kg, height as 174 cm and body mass index (BMI) as 20.5 kg/m 2. The recipient was the daughter of the donor, aged 1 year with body mass as 9 kg, height as 75 cm and BMI as 16.0 kg/m 2. The donor underwent single-port laparoscopic left lateral donor liver acquisition. The recipient underwent living donor liver trans-plantation by the same operation team. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative conditions; (2) postoperative conditions; (3) follow-up. Results:(1) Intraoperative conditions. The donor under-went single-port laparoscopic left lateral donor liver acquisition successfully, with the single-port access system being placed through a transumbilical incision. The operation time, the warm ischemia time of the donor liver and volume of intraoperative blood loss were 240 minutes, 3 minutes and 40 mL, respectively, of the donor. The weight of the donor liver was 233.6 g, and the corrected graft-to-recipient body weight ratio was 2.60%. The recipient underwent living donor liver transplantation successfully. (2) Postoperative conditions. The donor began to take liquid diet at postoperative day 1, and results of laboratory examination showed that the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total bilirubin (TBil) of the donor was 239 U/L, 116 U/L, 53 U/L and 22.57 μmol/L. The donor began to take diet with high quality proteins at postoperative day 2, and to get for out-of-bed activities moderately. The donor′s peritoneal drainage fluid was light red at postoperative day 3, and no fluid accumulation was found in the operation area after abdominal B-ultrasound examination, so the peritoneal drainage tube was removed. The donor was discharged at postoperative day 4. The liver function of the recipient recovered to normal level 2 weeks after the operation. (3) Follow-up. The donor was followed up by outpatient examination 2 weeks after discharged, and results of laboratory examination showed that the ALT, AST, GGT and TBil was 44 U/L, 25 U/L, 53 U/L and 9.22 μmol/L, respectively. Neither the donor nor the recipient had complication ≥Ⅱ grade of the Clavien-Dino classification, such as biliary fistula and vascular complication during the 6 months after operation.Conclusion:Single-port laparoscopic left lateral donor liver acquisition can be used into the PLDLT.

Clinicopathological features of twenty four active aortitis cases / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinicaland pathological characteristics of aortitisin order to improve the understanding of this rare conditionand improve correct diagnostic rate.Methods:Twenty-four cases of active aortitis were identified from a total of 1 838 cases of ascending aorta specimens in the last 6 years at Wuhan Asia General Hospital. Clinical data including medical history, laboratory and imaging data were collected and the treatment with immunosuppressive and hormonal treatment as well as follow-up data were analyzed. Pathological data including gross findings, microscopic features of the aortic valve and aorta were analyzed. Continuous variables were expressed as mean±standard deviation. Frequencies were described as percentages. Results:Among the 24 cases of active aortitis, 1 case was clinically diagnosed as aortitis before operation, 7 cases were suspected aortitis before operation, and the other 16 cases were diagnosed as aortitis after pathological examination. Among those 16 cases, one case was Behcet′s syndrome, 2 cases were infectious aortitis, 3 cases were Takayasu aortitis, and 10 cases were clinically isolated aortitis. None case had aortic stenosis, while 21 cases had aortic valve insufficiency. Eleven cases of aortitis showed coagulation necrosis. In the 5 cases of Behcet′s syndrome, 3 had acute noninfectious endocarditis of aortic valve.Conclusions:Most of the aortitis in this study was found accidentally in pathological examination. All of the clinically isolated aortitiswere misdiagnosed before pathological examination. Most of the patients with aortitis had simple aortic valve insufficiency. Coagulation necrosis is an important clue for the diagnosis of aortitis. Acute noninfectious endocarditis is an important clue for the diagnosis of Behcet′s syndrome.

Firm-level short selling and the local COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from China.

Short seller trading behavior attracts much attention, especially when negative shocks occur. Recent literature has focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented shock, but evidence on short sellers' reactions is quite scarce. This paper investigates how short sellers responded to the local COVID-19 pandemic in China. Empirical results show that greater numbers of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in listed firms' headquarters locations are associated with more subsequent short selling of those firms. The results hold after addressing other potential concerns. In addition, the impact of the local COVID-19 pandemic on short selling is stronger for firms with weaker financial conditions, in more vulnerable industries, and with higher risks of a stock price crash. The impact is alleviated after lifting the lockdown restrictions in Wuhan and becomes insignificant in later outbreaks. Overall, our findings support the informational role of short sellers within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pediatric liver transplantation for Alagille syndrome: a single-center experience / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of liver transplantation in children with Alagille syndrome (ALGS). Methods Clinical data of 12 children with ALGS were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics of children with ALGS, pathological characteristics of liver tissues, characteristics of liver transplantation, postoperative complications and follow-up of children with ALGS were analyzed. Results JAG1 gene mutation and typical facial features was present in all 12 children. Jaundice was the most common initial symptom, which occurred at 7 (3, 40) d after birth. Upon liver transplantation, the Z scores of height and body weight were calculated as -2.14 (-3.11, -1.83) and -2.32 (-3.12, -1.12). Five children developed severe growth retardation and 4 children with severe malnutrition. Eight of 12 children were diagnosed with cardiovascular abnormalities. Pathological examination showed that the lobular structure of the diseased livers of 4 children was basically maintained, and 8 cases of nodular liver cirrhosis in different sizes including 1 case of single early moderately-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Three children were misdiagnosed with biliary atresia and underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Eight children underwent living donor liver transplantation, three children underwent cadaveric donor liver transplantation (two cases of split liver transplantation and one case of cadaveric total liver transplantation), and one child underwent domino liver transplantation (donor liver was derived from a patient with maple syrup urine disease). during the follow-up of 30.0(24.5, 41.7) months, the survival rates of the children and liver grafts were both 100%. During postoperative follow-up, the Z scores of height and body weight were calculated as -1.24 (-2.11, 0.60) and -0.83 (-1.65, -0.43), indicating that the growth and development of the children were significantly improved after operation. Conclusions Liver transplantation is an efficacious treatment for children with ALGS complicated with decompensated cirrhosis, severe itching and poor quality of life. For children with ALGS complicated with cardiovascular abnormalities, explicit preoperative evaluation should be delivered, and consultation with pediatric cardiologists should be performed if necessary.

Significance of Epstein-Barr virus-infected lymphocyte cell types in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after pediatric liver transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the characteristics and significance of Epstein-Barr virus-infected lymphocyte cell types in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD)after pediatric liver transplantation.Methods:From June 2013 to March 2021, retrospective data analysis was performed for 14 pediatric liver transplant recipients with PTLD.The determination of EBV-DNA in PBMC, plasma and TBNK lymphocyte cells was analyzed.Results:EBV-DNA in PBMC showed a high viral load(>10 4 copies/ml)and plasma EBV-DNA was >10 3 copies/ml( n=8). There were dominant B-cell-type infection( n=12)and T/NK-cell-type infection( n=2). After treatment, EBV-DNA in PBMC and plasma turned negative in 7 patients with a decline( n=6)and an increase( n=1). EBV-DNA in B lymphocyte became negative( n=10)with a decline( n=3). In one case, EBV-DNA increased in T, B and NK cells with a high viral load.The remainders recovered after treatment.One case of hemophagocytic syndrome died from a progression of PTLD. Conclusions:A large majority of EBV-related PTLD are dominated by B-cell-type infection and a few belong to T or NK-cell-type infection.Patients with T/NK-cell-type infection have a worse response to therapy and poorer prognosis than those with B-cell-type infection.Determination of EBV-infected lymphocyte cell types is of vital research value for treatment and prognosis.

Clinical research of incomplete immune tolerance to donor specific blood group antigen in pediatric ABO incompatible living donor liver transplantation recipients / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the potential immune mechanism of pediatric ABOi-LDLT presenting low humoral immune response to donor specific blood group antigen.Methods:From June 2013 to December 2020, clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 29 patients of long-term surviving pediatric ABOi-LDLT.There were A to O ABOi-LDLT( n=10)and B to O ABOi-LDLT( n=19). Graft types included left lateral lobe( n=26)and left hemi-liver( n=3). The median age of liver transplantation was 10 months, the median weight 8.0 kg and the median follow-up time 41.9 months.The titers of donor specific blood group antibodies and non-donor specific blood group antibodies(IgG, IgM)were continuously monitored before transplantation and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months post-transplantation.Protocol or event-based liver biopsy was performed to determine whether or not there was antibody-mediated rejection. Results:The titer of donor specific blood group antibody in recipients was significantly lower than that of non-donor specific blood group antibody( P<0.001). Among 18 protocol liver pathological biopsies, two cases were C4d positive for vascular endothelium.Five abnormal event-based liver biopsies were completed and one was C4d positive in bile duct endothelium.No pathological sign of typical blood group antibody mediated antigen-antibody complex mediated cascade immune reaction was detected in liver pathological biopsy.Typical pathological signs of blood group antibody mediated rejection were absent in protocol liver biopsy. Conclusions:Donor specific blood group antibody is expressed at a low level in pediatric ABOi-LDLT recipients.It presents as incomplete immune tolerance to donor specific blood group antigen.

Liver transplantation for acute liver failure in children: 8-year experience in a single center / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of liver transplantation for acute liver failure (ALF) in children. Methods Clinical data of 15 children with ALF who underwent liver transplantation were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The proportion of ALF among children undergoing liver transplantation during the same period was calculated. The characteristics, postoperative complications and clinical prognosis of ALF children receiving liver transplantation were analyzed. Results In the same period, the proportion of ALF was 2.0% (15/743) among pediatric recipients undergoing liver transplantation. All 15 children had acute onset of ALF, and most of them were accompanied by fever, diarrhea and progressive yellowing of skin and sclera. Thirteen children were complicated with hepatic encephalopathy before operation (6 cases of stage Ⅳ hepatic encephalopathy), and two children were complicated with myelosuppression and granulocytopenia before liver transplantation. Ten children underwent living donor liver transplantation with relative donor liver, 4 received liver transplantation from donation after cardiac death (DCD), and 1 underwent Domino donor-auxiliary liver transplantation. Of 15 children, 12 recipients had the same blood type with their donors, 1 recipient had compatible blood type with the donor and 2 cases had different blood type with their donors. Among 15 children, 10 cases developed postoperative complications. Postoperative cerebral edema occurred in 5 cases, of whom 4 cases died of diffuse cerebral edema, and the remaining case was in a persistent vegetative state (eyes-open coma). Postoperative cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was seen in 5 cases. Two children presented with aplastic anemia and survived after bone marrow transplantation, 1 case died of CMV hepatitis and viral encephalitis, and 2 cases died of diffuse brain edema. One child developed graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after liver transplantation, and died of septic shock after bone marrow transplantation. Nine children survived and obtained favorable liver function during postoperative follow-up. Conclusions Liver transplantation is an efficacious treatment for ALF in children, which may enhance the survival rate. Brain edema is the main cause of death in ALF children following liver transplantation, and treatment such as lowering intracranial pressure, improving brain metabolism and blood purification should be actively performed. Liver transplantation should be promptly performed prior to the incidence of irreversible neurological damage in ALF children, which might prolong the survival and enhance long-term prognosis.

Construction of a genome instability-derived lncRNA-based risk scoring system for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Emerging evidence revealed the critical roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in maintaining genomic instability. However, genome instability-associated lncRNAs (GILncRNAs) and their performance in clinical prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rarely reported. Our study constructed a computational framework integrating somatic mutation information and lncRNA expression profiles of HCC genome and we identified 88 GILncRNAs of HCC. Function enrichment analysis revealed that GILncRNAs were involved in various metabolism processes and genome instability of cancer. A genome instability-derived lncRNA-based gene signature (GILncSig) was constructed using training set data. The performance of GILncSig for outcome prediction was validated in testing set and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) set. The multivariate cox regression analysis and stratification analysis demonstrated GILncSig could serve as an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival of HCC patients. The time-dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve illustrated GILncSig outperformed two recently published lncRNA signatures for overall survival prediction. The combination of GILncSig and tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation status exhibited better prognostic performance in survival evaluation compared to TP53 mutation status alone. AC145343.1 was further validated to be a risk factor for HCC in vitro among GILncSig. Overall, our study provided a novel approach for identification of genome instability-associated lncRNAs and established an independent risk score system for outcome prediction of HCC patients, which provided a new insight for exploring in-depth mechanism and potential therapy strategy.

Intraosseous schwannoma of the proximal humerus with pathologic fracture.

BACKGROUND: Intraosseous schwannomas are extremely rare in the humerus, and less than five cases have been reported previously in the literature. This is the first report of its origin in the proximal humerus with pathologic fracture. We herein present this case to discuss the reason for its rarity and share our experience of management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old female patient presented with pain in the right shoulder, which was caused by tripping and falling over a board. Radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed considerable tumor in proximal humerus, which connected with a fracture. For this suspected tumor, we performed two operations. Pathological examination demonstrated typical picture of a schwannoma, showing whorls and interlacing fascicles of schwannoma spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein, SOX-10 and CD68, while they were completely negative for desmin, DOG-1, AE1/AE3 and P63. The Ki-67 index was about 10%. No mitoses or features of malignancy were identified. The final diagnosis of intraosseous schwannoma was made. The treatment for intraosseous schwannoma with pathologic fracture includes excisional biopsy, curettage, bone allograft, and fracture fixation. The patient recovered well. After the surgery, the patient gradually regained mobility and the pain subsided. There was no recurrence after 6 months of follow-up by X-ray. CONCLUSIONS: Although very rare, intraosseous schwannoma should be taken under consideration in the differential diagnosis of benign-appearing osseous tumor in the proximal humerus with pathologic fracture.

Bioinformatics Analyses of Potential miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Axis in HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Aims: We aimed to explore the crucial miRNA-mRNA axis through bioinformatics analysis and provide evidences for the development of pathophysiological mechanisms and new therapies for HBV-related HCC. Methods: MiRNA (GSE76903) and mRNA (GSE77509) dataset were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) using R software. Overlapping genes between DE-mRNAs and target genes of DE-miRNAs were identified as candidate genes. Hub genes were obtained via cytohubba analysis. The expression at protein and mRNA levels and prognostic value of hub genes were evaluated based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Key miRNA-mRNA axes were constructed according to predicted miRNA-mRNA pairs. MiRNA expression and prognostic role were respectively identified using starBase v3.0 and Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Real-time PCR was performed to verify the expression of crucial miRNAs and mRNAs. Coexpression of crucial miRNA and mRNA were analyzed using starBase v3.0. Results: CDK1, CCNB1, CKS2 and CCNE1 were screened as hub genes, which were significantly upregulated at protein and mRNA levels. These up-regulated hub genes were also significantly associated with poor prognosis. Hsa-mir-195-5p/CDK1, hsa-mir-5589-3p/CCNB1 and hsa-let-7c-3p/CKS2 were screened as critical miRNA-mRNA axes. Critical miRNAs were decreased in HCC, which indicates unfavourable prognosis. QPCR results showed that crucial miRNAs were decreased, whereas critical mRNAs were increased in HBV-related HCC. A reverse relationship between miRNA and mRNA in crucial axis was further verified. Conclusion: This study identified several miRNA-mRNA axes in HBV-related HCC. Hsa-mir-195-5p/CDK1, hsa-mir-5589-3p/CCNB1 and hsa-let-7c-3p/CKS2 might serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HBV-related HCC.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation improves pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer : A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) based on the available clinical evidence.@*METHODS@#We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang Database up to February 2021 for published randomized controlled trials (RCT) relevant to TEAS for the improvement of the pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET. We performed literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a meta-analysis with the RevMan 5.3 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 2 206 cases of IVF-ET from 9 RCTs were included, 1 018 in the TEAS group and 1 188 in the control. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the TEAS than in the mock TEAS and non-TEAS control groups (RR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.42－2.42, P < 0.001; RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10－1.39, P = 0.0004), and so was it before and after oocyte retrieval (RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03－2.17, P = 0.03; RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.12－1.92, P = 0.005). The TEAS group also showed dramatically improved embryo implantation rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.24－1.79, P < 0.0001) and live birth rate (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04－1.98, P = 0.03) compared with the control.@*CONCLUSIONS@#As a safe and non-invasive treatment, TEAS can significantly improve the pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET, with definite effectiveness. /.

The formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian meiosis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are necessary for meiosis in mammals. A sufficient number of DSBs ensure the normal pairing/synapsis of homologous chromosomes. Abnormal DSB repair undermines meiosis, leading to sterility in mammals. The DSBs that initiate recombination are repaired as crossovers and noncrossovers, and crossovers are required for correct chromosome separation. Thus, the placement, timing, and frequency of crossover formation must be tightly controlled. Importantly, mutations in many genes related to the formation and repair of DSB result in infertility in humans. These mutations cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men, premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian dysgenesis in women. Here, we have illustrated the formation and repair of DSB in mammals, summarized major factors influencing the formation of DSB and the theories of crossover regulation.

Occupational health risk assessment in a resin anchorage production workshop / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To compare the applicability of three risk assessment methods on occupational health risk assessment of chemical harmful factors in a resin anchorage production workshop. METHODS: A resin anchoring agent production workshop was selected as the research subject using the judgment sampling method. Contact ratio assessment method and comprehensive index method(both are semi-quantitative evaluation method) and qualitative risk assessment method were applied to estimate the occupational health risks of jobs involved with styrene, dibutyl phthalate and phthalic anhydride. The assessment was carried out, and the obtained risk level was standardized as the risk ratio. The evaluation results of these three methods were compared. RESULTS: The assessment results of exposure ratio method were 1-3, and those of comprehensive index method were 2-3. The risk ratio of the above methods after standardization is consistent with that before standardization. The result of qualitative risk assessment was 2-3, and the risk ratio after standardization was 3-4. The risk ratio after standardization was 1 level higher than that before standardization. Kappa analysis results showed that the result of contact ratio method and the comprehensive index method was in good agreement(Kappa=0.53, P<0.05). The qualitative risk assessment method was inconsistent with the contact ratio method and the comprehensive index method(Kappa values were 0.19 and 0.40, both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive index method is the preferred method for occupational health risk assessment of anchorage agent production workshop under the condition that detection results of occupational hazards can be obtained. Qualitative risk assessment method can be used when the test results cannot be obtained.

Hemodynamic monitoring of the liver after auxillary liver transplantation treated with a functional shunt for portal hypertension associated with a small-for-size graft / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the hepatic hemodynamics changes and pathophysiological mechanisms of the use of a functional shunt after auxillary liver transplantation to treat portal hypertension associated with a small-for-size graft.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients with portal hypertension treated with functional shunting of small-volume grafts from a living donor liver at the Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from July 2014 to December 2018, and a total of 6 patients were included as the research objects, including 4 males and 2 females, with a median age of 35.5 (29.0-52.0) years old. Blood flow monitoring data were collected during and after operation, and the characteristics of liver hemodynamics were analyzed.Results:The portal venous blood flow of the remnant native liver gradually decreased to no flow. As a buffer response, the flow velocity of hepatic artery increased. The portal venous blood flow of the graft gradually increased in the early postoperative period and then gradually decreased from post-operation Day 5 to 10 due to gradual increase in portal venous resistance. However, the portal venous perfusion gradually increased from Day 10 after the operation, reached to a level and declined to a stable level about 1 month after the operation. The volume of abdominal drainage slowly decreased after the peak level at Day 5-10 after the operation, and disappeared completely at Day 30 after operation.Conclusions:When using auxiliary liver transplantation for functional shunting to treat portal hypertension, autologous residual liver can act as a guide buffer for the pressure gradient of portal vein hyperperfusion in liver transplantation, and reach a steady state of blood flow distribution about 1 month after surgery, while relying on autologous remnant liver hepatic artery buffer response prevents small liver syndrome.