Bibliometric and visual analysis of Chinese scarlet fever literature / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the research status and trend of scarlet fever literature in China, and to provide reference for subsequent research. Methods Three major Chinese databases, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, as well as Web of Science English database, were used to search for literature related to scarlet fever from 2000 to 2023. Citespace6.2.R2 software was used to statistically analyze the number of publications, authors, institutions and journals, co-cited literature, keyword clustering, and other literature characteristics of the literature. Results From 2000 to 2023, a total of 1 011 Chinese literature were included in the three major Chinese databases. Since 2011, the number of publications had gradually increased, but in recent years, the number of publications had decreased. The organization with the most publications was the Shenyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The cluster analysis of key words mainly formed 9 cluster tags, and the high-frequency keywords mainly included epidemic characteristics, epidemiology, incidence rate, etc. A total of 84 English literature were included in the WOS database, with an overall upward trend in publication volume. The institution with the most publications was the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the most frequently cited journal was “LANCET INFECT DIS”.《Resurgence of scarlet fever in China: a 13-year population-based surveillance study》 was the most cited journal. After keyword cluster analysis, 9 cluster labels were mainly formed, and the keywords were mainly outbreak，Hong Kong, and Group A streptococcus. Conclusion Compared with the English literature, which mainly focuses on spatiotemporal aggregation, etiology and strain resistance, Chinese literature focuses more on epidemic surveillance, clinical features and quality nursing.

Results and analysis of intercomparison in the 2019—2021 national personal dose monitoring / 中国辐射卫生

@#<b>Objective</b> To analyze the process of intercomparison of national personal dose monitoring, evaluate the ability of personal dose monitoring, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of monitoring results in our laboratory. <b>Methods</b> In accordance with the intercomparison protocol for 2019—2021, an energy-discriminant thermoluminescence dosimeter was used for measurement at different doses. The uncertainty of measurement was evaluated and compared with the reference value. <b>Results</b> <i>H</i>_p(10) was measured for intercomparison in 2019—2021. In 2019, the single group performance difference was −0.02 to 0.02 and the comprehensive performance was 0.02. These values were 0.02-0.10 and 0.05 in 2020, and −0.02 to 0.02 and 0.01 in 2021. The intercomparison results were rated as excellent in the three consecutive years. <b>Conclusion</b> The personal dose monitoring system in our laboratory was in good condition, and the monitoring results were accurate and reliable. Improving the knowledge of personnel and cultivating a serious working attitude are important for intercomparison and personal dose monitoring.

Analysis of the cost of hospital delivery for postpartum women in large public hospitals in Beijing / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To analyze the hospitalization costs of delivery for postpartum women with different delivery methods, ages and comorbidities or complications, for references for medical institutions and medical insurance management departments to develop payment and compensation standards for inpatient delivery.Methods:The first page of medical records of hospitalized delivery women admitted to 8 large tertiary hospitals in Beijing from January 2018 to December 2021 were selected. Descriptive analysis was made on the mode of delivery, age, hospitalization expenses and cost structure of puerpera, as well as the hospitalization expenses of puerpera with different complications or complications. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Chi-squared test were used to statistically compare the level and structure differences between groups. Results:A total of 23 320 pregnant women were included, with an average age of 32.3 years. There were 13 605 cases of natural delivery and 9 715 cases of caesarean section. The median cesarean section rate in the right age group (<35 years old) and the elderly group (35-50 years old) were 36.73% and 56.58%, respectively, and the median hospital expenses were 5 865 yuan and 7 042 yuan, respectively. The median hospital expenses for natural delivery and caesarean section were 4 452 yuan and 10 033 yuan, respectively. The highest proportion of hospitalization expenses for natural delivery and cesarean section were treatment expenses (23.45%) and medicine expenses (29.19%), respectively. The median of hospitalization cost for women with≥2 comorbidities or complications (6 736 yuan) was higher than that for women with 1 comorbidities or complications (5 794 yuan).Conclusions:The hospitalization cost of cesarean section was significantly higher than that of natural delivery and the rate of cesarean section and the cost of delivery in women aged 35 and above were higher than those under 35 years old. The structure of hospitalization cost was different in different delivery modes, and the complications or complications had a greater impact on the average hospitalization expenses.

Study on predicting the risk of retinal vein occlusion based on nomogram model and systemic risk factors / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To establish and preliminarily validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. A total of 162 patients with RVO (RVO group) diagnosed by ophthalmology examination in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2017 to April 2022 and 162 patients with age-related cataract (nRVO group) were selected as the modeling set. A total of 45 patients with branch RVO, 45 patients with central RVO and 45 patients with age-related cataract admitted to Xi'an Fourth Hospital from January 2022 to February 2023 were used as the validation set. There was no significant difference in gender composition ratio ( χ2=2.433) and age ( Z=1.006) between RVO group and nRVO group ( P=0.120, 0.320). Age, gender, blood routine (white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, lymphocyte count, erythrocyte volume, mean platelet volume, platelet volume distribution width), and four items of thrombin (prothrombin time, activated partial thrombin time, fibrinogen, and thrombin time) were collected in detail ), uric acid, blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein a), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and cerebral infarction. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were calculated. The single logistic regression was used to analyze the clinical parameters of the two groups of patients in the modeling set, and the stepwise regression method was used to screen the variables, and the column graph for predicting the risk of RVO was constructed. The Bootstrap method was used to repeated sample 1 000 times for internal and external verification. The H-L goodness-of-fit test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the calibration and discrimination of the nomogram model. Results:After univariate logistic regression and stepwise regression analysis, high density lipoprotein, neutrophil count and hypertension were included in the final prediction model to construct the nomogram. The χ2 values of the H-L goodness-of-fit test of the modeling set and the validation set were 0.711 and 4.230, respectively, and the P values were 0.701 and 0.121, respectively, indicating that the nomogram model had good prediction accuracy. The area under the ROC curve of the nomogram model for predicting the occurrence of post-stroke depression in the modeling set and the verification set was 0.741 [95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.688-0.795] and 0.741 (95% CI 0.646-0.836), suggesting that the nomogram model had a good discrimination. Conclusions:Low high density lipoprotein level, high neutrophil count and hypertension are independent risk factors for RVO. The nomogram model established based on the above risk factors can effectively assess and quantify the risk of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction.

Promoting effect of AGTR1 blocker olmesartan on the apoptosis of HTF and its mechanism / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To study the effect and mechanism of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AGTR1) blocker olmesartan (OMS) on the apoptosis of human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTF).Methods:Tenon capsule tissues were obtained from patients during strabismus surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University.Primary HTF were cultured by explant culture.Primary cells were identified by vimentin immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.The fibrosis model of HTF was established using 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2). The cells were divided into normal control group cultured in culture medium, TGF-β2 group in culture medium containing TGF-β2, TGF-β2+ OMS group in culture medium containing TGF-β2 and OMS, and OMS group in culture medium containing OMS, and were cultured for 48 hours.Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with annexin V/PI staining.The early apoptosis, late apoptosis, and total apoptosis rates were analyzed.The protein expression of procaspase-9, cleaved caspase-9, bax and bcl-2 in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was detected by Western blot.The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was detected by colorimetry.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (No.2019-014).Results:Primary HTF were successfully isolated and cultured.The cultured cells were long spindle-shaped and positive for vimentin.The expression rate of vimentin in the primary cells was greater than 99%.A statistically statistical difference was found in the early apoptosis rate, late apoptosis rate, and total apoptosis rate among the four groups ( F=24.92, 3.96, 41.82; all at P<0.05). The early and total apoptosis rates were significantly higher in TGF-β2+ OMS group than normal control group and TGF-β2 group, and the late apoptosis rate in TGF-β2+ OMS group was significantly higher than that of normal control group (all at P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in cleaved caspase-9/procaspase-9, bax, and bax/bcl-2 among the four groups ( F=4.40, 7.98, 4.61; all at P<0.05). The bax/bcl-2 expression was significantly increased in TGF-β2+ OMS group in comparison with normal control group, and the expressions of cleaved caspase-9/procaspase-9, bax, and bax/bcl-2 were significantly elevated in TGF-β2+ OMS group compared with TGF-β2 group (all at P<0.05). LDH activity in the normal control group, TGF-β2 group, TGF-β2+ OMS group and OMS group was (783.99±79.97), (913.16±196.86), (2 529.06±240.21), and (2 134.29±138.96) μmol/(min·L), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ( F=24.95, P<0.05). Compared with normal control group and TGF-β2 group, LDH activity in TGF-β2+ OMS group was increased, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P<0.05). SOD activity in the normal control group, TGF-β2 group, TGF-β2+ OMS group and OMS group was (50.35±0.97), (41.61±4.56), (28.88±3.26), and (37.61±4.83) μmol/(min·L), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ( F=5.71, P<0.05). SOD activity was reduced in TGF-β2+ OMS group compared with normal control group and TGF-β2 group, reduced in OMS group compared with normal control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:AGTR1 blocker OMS can promote the apoptosis of HTF effectively.Mitochondrial apoptosis pathway mediated by bax/bcl-2/caspase-9 and oxidative stress pathway are the potential mechanisms that OMS regulates the apoptosis of HTF.

Development of highly potent non-covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causal agent of the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is an urgent need for potent, specific antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is an essential enzyme for the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, and thus is a target for coronavirus drug discovery. Nearly all inhibitors of coronavirus 3CLpro reported so far are covalent inhibitors. Here, we report the development of specific, non-covalent inhibitors of 3CLpro. The most potent one, WU-04, effectively blocks SARS-CoV-2 replications in human cells with EC50 values in the 10-nM range. WU-04 also inhibits the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with high potency, indicating that it is a pan-inhibitor of coronavirus 3CLpro. WU-04 showed anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity similar to that of PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) in K18-hACE2 mice when the same dose was administered orally. Thus, WU-04 is a promising drug candidate for coronavirus treatment. One-Sentence SummaryA oral non-covalent inhibitor of 3C-like protease effectively inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication.

The effect of anaerobic co-fermentation on acidification performance of food waste and cardboard waste.

The fermentation system with high solid materials for food waste (FW) is uneven in nutrition and easy to produce volatile acid accumulation, which causes the reaction system to acidify and affects the normal operation of fermentation. This study evaluated the effect of the co-substrate percentages (FW:CB = 9:1, FW:CB = 8:2, FW:CB = 7:3) and the initial total solid contents (12%, 15%, 18%) on the co-fermentation acidification performance of FW and cardboard waste (CB). The maximum methane production was obtained when mono-fermenting FW had high solids contents (1.4 L/kg). The methane production increased and then decreased with the increasing percentages of CB. Under the conditions of FW:CB = 8:2, the maximum methane production could reach 3.4 L/kg. The lower methane production (1.8 - 2.5 L/kg) with high percentages of CB (FW:CB = 7:3) was translated into higher yields of caproic acid (up to 26%), which indicated that lower percentages of CB had a stabilization effect due to the higher buffering capacities in co-fermentation. As a result, this study demonstrated new possibilities for using CB percentages to control the production of high added-value biogas in dry co-fermentation of FW.

Predictive and analysis of COVID-19 cases cumulative total：ARIMA model based on machine learning

At present, COVID-19 poses a serious threat to global human health, and the cumulative confirmed cases in America, Brazil and India continue to grow rapidly. Therefore, the prediction models of cumulative confirmed cases in America, Brazil and India from August 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 were established. In this study, the prevalence data of COVID-19 from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021 were collected from the World Health Organization website. Several ARIMA models were formulated with different ARIMA parameters. ARIMA (7,2,0), ARIMA (3,2,1), and ARIMA (10,2,4) models were selected as the best models for America, Brazil, and India, respectively. Initial combinations of model parameters were selected using the automated ARIMA model, and the optimized model parameters were then found based on Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The analytical tools autocorrelation function (ACF), and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) were used to evaluate the reliability of the model. The performance of different models in predicting confirmed cases from January 1, 2022 to January 5, 2022 was compared by using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). This study shows that ARIMA models are suitable for predicting the prevalence of COVID-19 in the future. The results of the analysis can shed light on understanding the trends of the outbreak and give an idea of the epidemiological stage of these regions. Besides, the prediction of COVID-19 prevalence trends of America, Brazil, and India can help take precautions and policy formulation for this epidemic in other countries.

Association between vitamins and sarcopenia / 中华老年医学杂志

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a decreased skeletal muscle mass, a reduced strength, and a decreased performance.A key component of sarcopenia management is nutritional intervention.Currently, most of research focused on the roles of protein-energy metabolism and essential amino acids or their metabolites in the intervention of sarcopenia.However, as an important nutrient, little is known about the role of vitamins in sarcopenia.This review summarized the state-of-the-art evidence regarding the associations of vitamin D, B, C, E, and carotenoid with sarcopenia.Based on observational studies, a robust relationship between different types of vitamins and sarcopenia has been established, which implies that vitamin supplementation may be valuable for preventing sarcopenia in the elderly, especially in those with vitamin deficiencies.However, there are few clinical trials to explore the effects of vitamins for preventing or treating sarcopenia.Well-designed clinical trials are therefore needed to address this important issue.

Research progress of operational quantities for external radiation protection / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

A set of new operational quantities for external radiation protection was proposed in ICRU Report 95. The new operational quantities were designed to overcome the conceptual and technical shortcomings of the existing operational quantities, and to achieve a better estimation of the protection quantities. This paper introduces the development of operational quantities, and the changes in their definitions, calculation phantoms and the application scopes, so as to fully understand the significance of the changes in the new operational quantities, which can be used as a reference for the relevant professionals.

Estimation on organ absorbed dose conversion coefficient for patients during coronary intervention procedure with Monte Carlo method / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To calculate the conversion coefficient from dose area product (DAP) to organ absorbed dose by Monte Carlo method in order to conveniently estimate doses to patient organ during coronary intervention procedure.Methods:The Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation kit was used to calculate the organ absorbed dose conversion coefficients by simulating exposure scene.Results:The conversion coefficients used in coronary angiography (CAG) for lung, bone marrow, liver and heart were (0.283±0.068), (0.169±0.049), (0.110±0.077) and (0.080±0.032) mGy/(Gy·cm 2) for male, and (0.376±0.121), (0.192±0.056), (0.153±0.105), and (0.102±0.033) mGy/(Gy·cm 2) for female, respectively. These were similar to those in the case of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The DAPs for different interventional procedures were statistically significant ( t=-6.012, P<0.05). The DAPs for difference gender groups had no statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Conversion coefficient for organ absorbed dose has little correlation with CAG and PCI in the same sex group. Dose conversion coefficients for female group are greater than those for male group in the same procedure. Conversion coefficients from DAP to organ absorbed dose calculated with Monte Carlo method can provide convenience for rapidly estimating the organ absorbed dose to clinical patients.

Status quo of radiation protection in some pet hospitals in Beijing-Tianjin Region, China / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To analyze the status quo and existing problems of radiation protection for veterinary X-ray facilitiesin Beijing-Tianjin region, China, and to provide a basis for improving radiation protection management level. Methods According to the requirements of the Technical guidelines for status quo assessment of occupational hazard of the employing unit (AQ/T 4270—2015), the study performed status quo assessment on the workplaces of veterinary X-ray facilities in 16 pet hospitals in Beijing-Tianjin region, and comprehensively analyzed the impact of the workplaces on the health of radiation workers and the public. Results In terms of personnel management, the pass rates of occupational health management post setting, personnel training, personal protective equipment, individual monitoring of occupational external exposure, notification of occupational hazards, and occupational health surveillance were 100%, 81.3%, 100%, 75%, 37.5%, and 25%, respectively. In terms of workplace management, most workplaces had reasonable layout and zoning and complete protection and emergency devices. However, there were some problems in some places, such as non-standard radiation warning signs, no notice board of occupational hazards, and no radiation protection testing. In terms of document management, all institutions had imperfect system documents. Conclusion The workplaces of veterinary X-ray facilities in 16 institutions basically meet the requirements for radiation protection, but there are also some problems, such as inadequate management of personnel and workplace radiation protection, and imperfect system documents. Institutions should strengthen the study of radiation protection knowledge. The competent authorities should strengthen supervision, formulate corresponding standards for radiation protection, enhance training, and improve the professional level of staff.

Effects of daily mean temperature and other meteorological variables on bacillary dysentery in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

BACKGROUND@#Although previous studies have shown that meteorological factors such as temperature are related to the incidence of bacillary dysentery (BD), researches about the non-linear and interaction effect among meteorological variables remain limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of temperature and other meteorological variables on BD in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, which is a high-risk area for BD distribution.@*METHODS@#Our study was based on the daily-scale data of BD cases and meteorological variables from 2014 to 2019, using generalized additive model (GAM) to explore the relationship between meteorological variables and BD cases and distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) to analyze the lag and cumulative effects. The interaction effects and stratified analysis were developed by the GAM.@*RESULTS@#A total of 147,001 cases were reported from 2014 to 2019. The relationship between temperature and BD was approximately liner above 0 °C, but the turning point of total temperature effect was 10 °C. Results of DLNM indicated that the effect of high temperature was significant on lag 5d and lag 6d, and the lag effect showed that each 5 °C rise caused a 3% [Relative risk (RR) = 1.03, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.05] increase in BD cases. The cumulative BD cases delayed by 7 days increased by 31% for each 5 °C rise in temperature above 10 °C (RR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.30-1.33). The interaction effects and stratified analysis manifested that the incidence of BD was highest in hot and humid climates.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study suggests that temperature can significantly affect the incidence of BD, and its effect can be enhanced by humidity and precipitation, which means that the hot and humid environment positively increases the incidence of BD.

Advances of miRNA-mediated regulatory roles in plant-microbe interaction / 生物工程学报

There are many bidirectional communication and crosstalk between microbes and host plants. The plant-pathogen interaction directly affects the survival of host plants, while the interaction between plants and their probiotics benefits both. Plant miRNA responds quickly to pathogenic or beneficial microbes when they enter the plant tissues, while microbes also produce miRNA-like RNA (milRNA) to affect plant health. These means miRNA or milRNA is an important fast-responding molecular mediator in plant-microbe interactions, and these internal mechanisms have been better understood in recent years. This review summarized the regulatory roles of miRNA in plant-pathogens and plant-probiotics interaction. The regulatory role of miRNA in disease resistance of host plants during plant-pathogens interaction, and the regulatory role of miRNA in promoting host growth and development during plant-probiotics interaction, as well as the cross-kingdom regulatory role of milRNA in host plants, were discussed in-depth.

Analysis of radioactive occupational hazard evaluation results of some medical institution construction in Tianjin / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To evaluate the current status of radioactive occupational hazards in the construction of some medical institutions in Tianjin, discover existingproblems and deficiencies, and provide a technical basis for radiation protection management. Methods Based on the requirements of relevant regulations and standards, we comprehensivelyevaluated the results of the pre-evaluation and control effect evaluation of 81 radioactive occupational hazards in Tianjin. Results Among the 35 proposed protective measures for pre-evaluation of radiation occupational hazards constructionprojects, the lowest compliance rate is warning signs and personal protective equipment. Among the 46 construction projects of radioactive occupational hazard control evaluation, the pass rate of protective measures was between 73.9% and 100%, with the lowest pass rate for personal protective equipment. Besides, the pass rate of radiation protectionmanagement evaluation was 95.7% ～ 100%, with the lowest pass rate for the protection management system.The initial inspectionpass rateof the equipment quality control acceptancewas 98.6%, while the pass rate was 97.1% for the relevant workplace radiation protection during the initial inspection. Conclusion The pre-evaluation completion rate of radiological occupational hazard evaluation in Tianjin medical institution construction project, unilateral and area of construction room, workplace layout and zoning, ventilation, shielding measures, personal dose management and occupational health inspection all meet the requirements of regulations and standards. However, there are still some deficiencies in the personal protective equipment, warning signs and the radiation protection management system. Therefore, the regulatory department should further strengthen the evaluation of medical institutions, especially the key supervision and management of non-conformities.

Ongoing research on monitoring of internal exposure of nuclear medical staff / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

With the wide application of nuclear medicine and the increase in the number of related staff, the potential occupational health problems should receive enough attention. At present, the personal dose monitoring of most radiation workers in nuclear medicine is mainly based on the information on external exposure provided by thermoluminescence dosimeters whereas the routine internal exposure monitoring has not fully been carried out, thus resulting in underestimating their annual effective dose. Comprehensive personal dose monitoring is not only an important part of occupational health monitoring, but also a crucial means of occupational health management. In this paper, the characteristics of internal exposure in nuclear medicine were analyzed, the monitoring techniques and dose estimating method were introduced, and several commonly used softwares were listed, so as to comprehensively and objectively learn about the current internal radiation exposure of nuclear medicine workers, and to provide reference for health administration departments to formulate regulatory policies and protection requirements.

MRI differences between locally advanced rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the MRI differences between locally advanced rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCR).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect the clinical and imaging data of 165 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated by NCR combined with surgery from October 2016 to October 2019 in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 36 cases were rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and 129 cases were non-mucinous adenocarcinoma. The image features of the two groups before and after NCR were evaluated based on MRI, including the length and thickness of the tumor, the distance from the lower edge of the tumor to the anal edge, T stage, N stage, involvement of mesorectal fascia (MRF) and peritoneal reflux. The difference of NCR and the change of MRI characteristics after NCR were compared by independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test or χ 2 test. The accuracy of MRI re-staging after NCR was evaluated according by postoperative pathological staging results. Results:Before NCR, there was significant difference in length of tumor between mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma groups ( P=0.044), there was no significant difference in the distance from the lower edge of the tumor to the anal edge, thickness of the tumor, T stage, N stage, involvement of MRF and peritoneal reflux (all P>0.05). After NCR, in patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, the distance reduction from the lower edge of the tumor to the anal edge, the length reduction of the tumor, the thickness reduction of the tumor, the T-stage decline rate were significantly higher than those in the mucinous adenocarcinoma group (all P<0.05). The N-stage decline rate of mucinous adenocarcinoma was higher than that in non-mucinous adenocarcinoma group ( P=0.008). After NCR, MRI overestimated T staging of patients with both mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma compared with pathological T-stage ( P<0.001). In patients with mucinous adenocarcinoma, MRI overstated the N-stage than pothology ( P=0.001). Conclusions:There is different sensitivity of mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma to NCR. Patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinoma benefit more from the efficacy of NCR. The accuracy of MRI in re-staging of rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma after NCR needs to be improved.

COVID-19 in China: Risk Factors and R0 Revisited

The COVID-19 epidemic had spread rapidly through China and subsequently has proliferated globally leading to a pandemic situation around the globe. Human-to-human transmissions, as well as asymptomatic transmissions of the infection, have been confirmed. As of April 3rd public health crisis in China due to COVID-19 is potentially under control. We compiled a daily dataset of case counts, mortality, recovery, temperature, population density, and demographic information for each prefecture during the period of January 11 to April 07, 2020 (excluding Wuhan from our analysis due to missing data). Understanding the characteristics of spatiotemporal clustering of the COVID-19 epidemic and R0 is critical in effectively preventing and controlling the ongoing global pandemic. The prefectures were grouped based on several relevant features using unsupervised machine learning techniques. We performed a computational analysis utilizing the reported cases in China to estimate the revised R0 among different regions for prevention planning in an ongoing global pandemic. Finally, our results indicate that the impact of temperature and demographic (different age group percentage compared to the total population) factors on virus transmission may be characterized using a stochastic transmission model. Such predictions will help prioritize segments of a given community/region for action and provide a visual aid in designing prevention strategies for a specific geographic region. Furthermore, revised estimation and our methodology will aid in improving the human health consequences of COVID-19 elsewhere.

Analyses of quality control testing results of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment in Tianjin in 2019 / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To understand the current status of quality control of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment in Tianjin, discuss the problems existing in the process of quality control, and provide technical basis for the relevant regulatory agencies.Methods:Using stratified random sampling, a total of 401 pieces of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment distributed over 111 medical institutions in Tianjin was used for this study. X-ray multifunctional dosimeters and other types of equipment were used to perform quality control testing and evaluation under the relevant health industry standards.Results:The initial testing pass rate of these equipment was 90.0%, with the pass rates of X-ray imaging equipment lower than those of X-ray fluoroscopy equipment, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) ( χ2=9.203, 3.383, 5.754, P<0.05). Among the imaging equipment, the screen X-ray equipment had the lowest pass rate, followed by the breast X-ray equipment and medical digital radiography (DR). The main unqualified items were output repeatability, deviation of tube voltage indication and limit spatial resolution. DR accounted for the highest percentage of X-ray equipment that were below testing condition. The unqualified proportion of X-ray imaging equipment was higher than that of X-ray fluoroscopy equipment ( χ2=8.216, P <0.05). Among the imaging equipment, the screen X-ray equipment was seen to have the highest unaqualified proportion, followed by computed radiography (CR). Among the 401 devices in this study, the initial testing pass rates of private medical institutions was not statistically different from those of public medical institutions ( P>0.05). The initial pass rates of domestic equipment was lower than those of imported equipment ( χ2=4.576, P<0.05). Conclusions:The performance of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment in Tianjin needs to be further improved. Medical institutions should pay attention to the quality control testing of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment. The relevant regulatory agencies should strengthen oversight and management of equipment that contains unqualified items, no baseline values and below the testing conditions.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis in Huai'an of Jiangsu Province, 2013 - 2018 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To understand the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis in Huai'an of Jiangsu Province, and to provide evidence for the formulation of prevention and control measures. Methods Relevant data was collect through "Infectious Disease Report Information Management System". Descriptive epidemiology (population distribution, time distribution, regional distribution) and clinical characteristics analysis of brucellosis were conducted in Huai'an City from 2013 to 2018. Results Totally 704 cases of brucellosis had been reported in Jiangsu Province, with an average annual incidence of 0.1467/100000, among which 32 cases (4.55％) had been reported in Huai'an, with an average annual incidence of 0.1100/100000 from 2013 to 2018. The annual outcomes (incidence rates) were 2 (0.0416/100000), 4 (0.0834/100000), 6 (0.1247/100000), 6 (0.1232/100000), 8 (0.1636/100000) and 6 (0.1221/100000), respectively. Most of the cases were males (20 cases, 62.5％), and aged mainly focused from 40 - < 60 years old (20 cases, 62.5％). The occupation was mainly farmers (21 cases, 65.6％). The contact with animals was mainly sheep, and the contact mode was feeding and slaughtering. The cases mainly occurred from March to September (26 cases), and all districts had cases except Hongze. The main clinical manifestations were fever, fatigue, hyperhidrosis and arthromyalgia, with 30 cases (93.8％), 28 cases (87.5％), 25 cases (78.1％) and 22 cases (68.8％), respectively. Some cases showed enlargement of liver, spleen, lymph nodes and testis. Conclusions The incidence of brucellosis in Huai'an City is on the rise, and the characteristics of population distribution, time distribution and regional distribution are obvious. The clinical features are mainly fever, fatigue, and hyperhidrosis. We should strengthen the monitoring of brucellosis, carry out health education for high -risk groups, and reduce the occurrence of brucellosis.