[Acidophil stem cell pituitary neuroendocrine tumors/adenoma: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of acidophil stem cell pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET)/adenoma. Methods: Five cases of acidophil stem cell PitNET/adenoma were diagnosed between May 2022 and July 2023 at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China. The clinicopathological features of the tumor were analyzed by using histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 1 male and 4 females, aged from 23 to 69 years. Patient 3 was 55 years old at the time of diagnosis and first surgery, and relapsed 5 years later. The patients' median age was 32 years. Patients 1 and 5 showed elevated blood prolactin, with various degrees of hormonal symptoms except Patient 3, who showed only tumor compression symptoms. Imaging studies showed that all cases involved the sellar floor. The tumors of Patients 1, 2 and 5 were closely related to the cavernous sinus segment of the internal carotid artery. The tumors exhibited a diffuse growth pattern with chromophobic to slightly acidophilic cytoplasm. A few of tumor cells showed chromophobic cytoplasm. The nucleoli were conspicuous. Intranuclear inclusion bodies and variably-sized clear vacuoles were observed occasionally. Under electron microscope, marked mitochondrial abnormalities were observed, including increased mitochondria number, expanded hypertrophy, and absence of mitochondrial ridge fracture. Some mitochondrial matrices were dense, while some were vacuolated. Conclusions: Acidophil stem cell PitNET/adenoma is a rare type of pituitary adenomas/PitNETs. It often has a more clinically aggressive manner with immature cells, diffuse expression of PIT1, prolactin, and varying degrees of growth hormone expression. Because of the obvious diversity of their clinical hormone status and hormone immune expression, the diagnosis of this type tumor is still a challenge.

[Surgical timing for childhood blepharoptosis].

Blepharoptosis in children is one of the common pediatric eye diseases. It is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also affects visual and psychological development. How to choose the right time to operate has been controversial in clinical practice. Based on the domestic and foreign research progress and clinical experience, we propose that factors, such as the etiology of blepharoptosis, visual and psychological development characteristics of children, developmental characteristics of eyelid-related muscles, and types of blepharoptosis, should be considered for selection of the timing of surgery in a personalized and standardized manner, so as to provide reference and guidance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of blepharoptosis in children.

Training and experience outperform literacy and formal education as predictors of community health worker knowledge and performance, results from Rongo sub-county, Kenya.

Introduction: There is a growing recognition that Community Health Workers are effective at improving health outcomes and expanding health access. However, the design elements that lead to high-quality Community Health Worker programing are relatively understudied. We looked at the predictors of Community Health Worker knowledge of obstetric and early infant danger signs as well as performance in achieving antenatal care and immunization uptake among their clients. Methods: The study takes place in the context of an intervention implemented jointly by Lwala Community Alliance and the Kenya Ministry of Health which sought to professionalize Community Health Worker cadres through enhanced training, payment, and supervision. There were four cohorts included in the study. Two cohorts started receiving the intervention prior to the baseline, one cohort received the intervention between the baseline and endline, and a final cohort did not receive the intervention. Data on Community Health Worker demographics, knowledge tests, and key performance indicators were collected for 234 Community Health Workers. Regression analyses were used to explore education, literacy, experience, training, and gender as potential predictors of CHW performance. Results: We found that clients of Community Health Workers trained through the intervention were 15% more likely to be fully immunized and 14% more likely to have completed four or more antenatal care visits. Additionally, recency of training and experience caring for pregnant women were associated with increased Community Health Worker knowledge. Finally, we found no association between gender and CHW competency and tenuous associations between education/literacy and Community Health Worker competency. Discussion: We conclude that the intervention was predictive of increased Community Health Worker performance and that recency of training and experience were predictive of increased knowledge. Though education and literacy are often used in the selection processes of Community Health Workers globally, the link between these characteristics and Community Health Worker knowledge and performance are mixed. Thus, we encourage further research into the predictive value of common Community Health Worker screening and selection tools. Further, we encourage policymakers and practitioners to reconsider the use of education and literacy as means of Community Health Worker selection.

[Genomic structure of varicella-zoster virus and its vaccine application status].

With the determination of the whole genome sequence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) virus, the successful breakthrough of infectious cloning technology of VZV, and the emergence of effective preventive vaccines, which have been proven to be effective and safe, varicella has become a disease preventable by specific immunity. This article will review the genomic structure, epidemiological characteristics, and research application progress of varicella vaccine and herpes zoster vaccine of varicella zoster virus to provide reference for primary prevention of the disease.

Life cycle analysis comparison between textbooks and e-books in Philippine public schools

BACKGROUND@#Early studies show e-reading to be better in some impact assessment indicators. However, newer studies on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices shows various role of user behavior, device properties, and media properties in calculated environmental impacts. There is a need to study scenarios of media use such as printed media and its digitized forms to determine use scenarios that would minimize environmental impacts.@*OBJECTIVES@#The objectives of the study are the following: to model the life cycle from cradle to use phase of reading one textbook in both print and e-book format and to compare the impact of reading textbooks in print with impact of reading textbooks in E-book format.@*METHODS@#A functional unit of 280-page textbook read in 1 year was the basis for modelling life cycle from cradle to use phase of both print and e-book formats of a textbook. Processes related to paper production, printing and manufacture are based on United States Life Cycle Inventory Database. Processes related to E-book reading are taken from the Life Cycle Analysis of Sony Z5 mobile Phone. Normalized outputs on impact assessments were compared using Tools for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI 2.1).@*RESULTS@#Use of Mobile Phone to read e-books is better in 4 out of 7 impact categories (Acidification Potential, Human Health-Cancer, Human Health – non-Cancer and Ozone Depletion) than reading using traditional textbooks. Reading traditional books is better in 2 out of 7 impact categories (Eutrophication and Freshwater Ecotoxicity). Global warming potential has comparable values between reading in print and in soft copy. @*CONCLUSION@#Depending on impact assessment of concern, either reading using mobile phone or thru printed textbook would give a better impact. It is also suggested to create hybrid activities that could model scenarios using both printed and soft copies of textbooks.

[Arthroscopic-assisted fracture reduction combined with robot-navigated nail placement to treat talar neck fractures].

This study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic-assisted reduction combined with robot-navigated nail placement in the treatment of talar neck fractures. The clinical data of 13 patients with talar neck fracture in Xuzhou Benevolent Hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 were analyzed in the retrospective study. Among them, there were 9 males and 4 females, aged (36±12) years; there were 8 cases suffered on the right and 5 cases on the left. All patients were reset under arthroscopy and cannulated screws were placed in combination with three-dimensional navigation and positioning of orthopedic robot. The wounds and complications were observed in the postoperative follow-up. The activities of bilateral ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were measured in the last follow-up. The visual analogue scale score (VAS) of pain in the affected feet before operation were compared with that at the last follow-up. The ankle and hind foot work energy scale of American Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) was used to assess the ankle function. The results showed that the wounds of 13 patients healed in one stage. The operation time was (95±45) min and the blood lose was (45±10) ml. All the patients were followed-up for (15.0±3.5) months. Two cases developed subtalar arthritis without talus necrosis and fracture nonunion. At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the dorsal extension and plantar flexion of the ankle between the affected side and the healthy side (25.8°±1.9° vs 26.2°±2.3°, 44.2°±2.7° vs 44.7°±2.8°, both P>0.05). The VAS score of pain in the affected foot at the last follow-up was 0.53±0.18, it was significantly lower than that before operation (0.87±0.29) (P<0.001). The mean AOFAS ankle and hind foot energy scale of the ankle function was 93.5 at the last follow-up. It's showed that treatment of talus neck fracture with arthroscopy assisted and robot guided nail placement is satisfactory and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Transcript expression profiling of fibromelanosis-related genes in black-bone chickens.

1. The aim of the present study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolic pathways involved in this phenotype. Fibromelanosis is the most striking feature of black-bone chickens, such as the Silkie and Dongxiang indigenous breeds. Due to the accumulation of eumelanin in connective tissues, fibromelanosis manifests as black colouration of the skin, muscles, gut, and periosteum. Studies on fibromelanosis can provide useful information pertaining to human diseases and offer commercial value to the poultry industry. However, the genetic basis of fibromelanosis remains unclear.2. Digital gene expression analysis was performed on black and white skin samples collected from the HW1 black-bone chicken line to detect differences in genome-wide expression patterns. A total of >30 billion bp were sequenced, and 2,707,926,466 bp and 2,948,782,964 bp of clean data obtained for creation of libraries for black and white skin, respectively. In total, 252 DEGs from 15,508 mapped genes were identified with 83 up-regulated in white skin and 169 up-regulated in black skin.3. Gene ontology analysis highlighted that genes from the extracellular region and associated components were abundant among the DEGs. Pathway analysis revealed that many DEGs were linked to amino acid metabolism and the immune system. qRT-PCR validation using 14 genes showed good conformity with the sequence analysis of fibromelanosis-related genes.4. The results showed that L-dopachrometautomerase precursor (DCT), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPD) from the tyrosine metabolism pathway, coagulation factor II (F2), fibrinogen beta chain (FGB), plasminogen (PLG) and complement component 7 (C7) from the complement and coagulation cascades were important genes in the fibromelanosis process in black-bone chickens. These candidate genes require further correlation analysis and functional verification.

CircRNA_103801 accelerates proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by sponging miR-338-3p and regulating HIF-1/Rap1/PI3K-Akt pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the roles of hsa_circRNA_103801 in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of circRNA_103801 in OS cells. Cell count kit-8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays were employed to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells. The effects of circRNA_103801 on the apoptosis of OS cells were identified by flow cytometry. The binding relationship between circRNA_103801 and miR-338-3p was verified by bioinformatics analysis. MiR-338-3p level in OS cell lines was detected by RT-qPCR. Additionally, Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression levels of HIF-1, Rap1, PI3K, and Akt in OS cells. The results showed that the expression level of circRNA_103801 was significantly up-regulated in OS patients' tissues. Inhibiting the expression level of circRNA_103801 could attenuate the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OS cells. In addition, the down-regulated expression level of circRNA_103801 could induce cell apoptosis. The results of the luciferase reporter assay suggested that circRNA_103801 could be combined with miR-338-3p, and the RT-qPCR revealed that the miR-338-3p level in OS cells after knockdown of circRNA_103801 was elevated compared with the control group. The results of Western blotting suggested that the expression levels of HIF-1, Rap1, PI3K, and Akt were elevated in OS cells. In conclusion, the circRNA_103801-miR-3388-3p-HIF-1/Rap1/PI3K-Akt pathway could be a therapeutic target of OS.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Phosphate-Solubilizing Rhizobacterium Burkholderia pseudomultivorans Strain MPSB1, Isolated from a Copper Mined-Out Site.

Burkholderia pseudomultivorans MPSB1 was isolated from a copper mined-out soil sample collected from Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines. Here, we report the draft genome sequence with predicted gene inventories supporting rhizosphere bioremediation, such as heavy metal tolerance, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production.

Servicio de determinación de hormonas a instituciones hospitalarias en el Centro de Isótopos / Hormone determination service to hospital institutions the Center of Isotopes

RESUMEN En los marcos de la estrecha colaboración entre la Agencia de Energía Nuclear y Tecnologías de Avanzada y el Ministerio de Salud Pública, a inicios de este siglo se procedió a organizar, en el Centro de Isótopos, un servicio de determinación de hormonas por metodologías nucleares, atendiendo a necesidades de diversas instalaciones hospitalarias. El centro disponía de personal capacitado en técnicas de radioinmunoanálisis y seguridad radiológica, el equipamiento necesario y laboratorios licenciados para el trabajo con sustancias radiactivas. Para ello se hizo necesario incorporar al Sistema de Calidad las regulaciones vigentes para laboratorios clínicos y adecuar la infraestructura para el procesamiento de no menos de 1000 muestras por semana, procedentes de 16 hospitales. Se requería recogida y transportación de las muestras, recepción, inspección y registro, análisis, evaluación y entrega de los resultados. En función de la actividad se diseñó y puso en operación un sistema informático y se normalizaron acciones para asegurar competencia técnica avalada por: trazabilidad; incertidumbre; ejercicios de aptitud y otros requisitos exigidos por la regulación de Buenas Prácticas de Laboratorio Clínico vigentes en el país. A raíz de nuevas regulaciones, el servicio ha introducido de manera paulatina determinadas mejoras. En 15 años de trabajo este laboratorio ha resultado el principal del país en emplear métodos radiactivos para la cuantificación de hormonas, lo que favorece la atención de más de 70 000 pacientes como promedio al año, principalmente de la capital. Esto es parte de nuestra contribución en el 500 aniversario de La Habana.

ABSTRACT Within the framework of the close collaboration between the Agency of Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies and the Ministry of Public Health, at the beginning of this century, and considering the need of different hospitals, the Center of Isotopes (CENTIS), began providing service to determine hormones by nuclear methodologies,. CENTIS had qualified personnel in immune radioanalysis RIA/IRMA techniques and radiation safety, in addition to having the required equipment and accredited laboratories to work with radioactive substances. As a result, it was necessary to incorporate to CENTIS Quality System, the regulations in force for clinical laboratories , and to adapt its infrastructure for the processing of no less than 1000 samples per week from 16 hospitals. The Service required collection and transportation of the samples, reception, inspection and registration, test, evaluation and delivery of the test results. In order to fulfil this activity, a computer system was designed and set , and standards for actions were established to guarantee a high technical quality endorsed by traceability, uncertainty; proficiency tests and other requirements demanded by the Good Practices of Clinical Laboratory (BPLC 03 -2009) issued by CECMED. Due to new regulations, several improvements have been introduced. In 15 years, CENTIS laboratory has become the most important in the country using radioactive methods for the quantification of hormones, with an average testing of more than 70 000 patients per year, mainly in the capital. This is part of our contribution in the 500th Anniversary of Havana.

SEASONAL VARIATION OF SERUM 25-HYDROXY-VITAMIN D IN TWO CAPTIVE EASTERN BLACK RHINOCEROS ( DICEROS BICORNIS MICHAELI) HOUSED IN A NORTH AMERICAN ZOO.

Black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis spp.) are critically endangered species, with less than 65 individual animals housed in captivity within Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos within the United States, and an estimated 5,500 individual animals of all subspecies surviving in the wild. Previously published reference values for circulating vitamin D3 (25OHD3; 55.7 ± 34.2 ng/ml) were based upon samples from free-ranging black rhinoceros in Africa. Recent research in human medicine has highlighted the importance of subclinical vitamin D deficiency, with links to increased risks for developing various health conditions. Serum samples collected opportunistically from two captive Eastern black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis michaeli) housed with seasonal access outdoors in a North American zoo were tested for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels over a 3-yr period. A commercially prepared pelleted diet containing vitamin D3 was fed to both rhinos. This study correlates environmental ultraviolet (UV) index, dietary supplementation, and seasonal serum 25OHD levels to compare with known 25OHD3 levels in free-ranging African black rhinoceros. Results in these two individuals suggest that D. bicornis spp. are dependent upon sunlight or UVB for measurable circulating 25OHD, and that current vitamin D3 supplementation levels may have little effect for Diceros spp. in human care housed in northern latitudes.

Influence of endophytic root bacteria on the growth, cadmium tolerance and uptake of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.).

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five cadmium-tolerant endophytic plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) strains on the biomass and cadmium tolerance, and accumulation of the bioenergy plant switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) under cadmium (Cd)-contaminated conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five bacterial strains (Bj05, Le14, Ps14, So02 and Bo03) that could tolerate up to 2000 µmol l-1 CdCl2 with a high Cd-binding capacity were isolated from plants grown in Cd-contaminated soil. These strains could promote the growth of switchgrass in the presence of 20 µmol l-1 CdCl2 . Under Cd stress, both the root and shoot length and biomass in two switchgrass cultivars, Alamo and Cave-in-Rock (CIR), increased significantly after treatment with PGPB (P ˂ 0·05). Of the five PGPB strains, Bj05 and Le14 most effectively alleviated the Cd-induced growth inhibition of Alamo plants. Interestingly, the five PGPB strains increased Cd tolerance and decreased the accumulation and translocation factor (TF) of Cd in switchgrass when grown in the presence of 20 µmol l-1 CdCl2 . The Cd concentrations in roots and shoots of Alamo and CIR plants were significantly reduced (P Ë‚ 0·05) compared with noninoculated plants. By 16S rRNA sequencing, these PGPB strains were classified as Pseudomonas putida Bj05, Pseudomonas fluorescens Ps14, and Enterobacter spp. Le14, So02 and Bo03. CONCLUSION: Inoculation with PGPB protects plants from the inhibitory effects of Cd, improves plant growth and decreases Cd concentration. These observations suggest that these strains could be used to promote growth and lower the bioavailability of Cd in switchgrass. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These strains are potential candidates for the development of low Cd-accumulating switchgrass, particularly in areas of Cd contamination and pollution, and could be used efficiently for the bioremediation of contaminated soil.

[Effect and related mechanism of microRNA-181 attenuates oxidized low density lipoprotein induced vascular endothelial cell injury].

Objective: To observe the expression level of microRNA-181 (miR-181) and importin-α3 in oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced vascular endothelial cell injury models, and explore the effect and mechanism of miR-181 on endothelial cell injury. Methods: Human vein endothelial cell line CRL-1730 were cultured and vascular endothelial cell injury model was established by intervention with ox-LDL. The cells were divided into control group (intervened by double distilled water), low-dose group (intervened by 10 µg/ml ox-LDL) and high-dose group (intervened by 20 µg/ml ox-LDL). In addition, cells of low-dose group were divided into miR-181 mimic group (miR-181 mimic was transfected) and mimic control group (miR-181 mimic control was transfected). Cell viabilities, mRNA and protein expression level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), miR-181, importin-α3, and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: (1) The cell viabilities in low-dose group and high-dose group were lower than control group (0.207±0.012 and 0.204±0.007 vs. 0.323±0.018, all P<0.01). The relative IL-6 mRNA expression in low-dose group and high-dose group were higher than control group (1.24±0.16 and 1.36±0.23 vs. 0.22±0.03, all P<0.01). The relative miR-181 mRNA expression in low-dose group and high-dose group were lower than control group (0.91±0.11 and 0.88±0.07 vs. 2.20±0.13, all P<0.01). The relative importin-α3 mRNA expression in low-dose group and high-dose group were higher than control group (1.23±0.22 and 0.55±0.03 vs. 0.44±0.06, all P<0.01). The relative NF-κB mRNA expression in low-dose group and high-dose group were higher than control group (1.67±0.34 and 0.41±0.11 vs. 0.11±0.04, all P<0.01). The relative importin-α3 protein expression in low-dose group and high-dose group were higher than control group (1.44±0.23 and 1.31±0.22 vs. 0.29±0.08, all P<0.01). The relative NF-κB protein expression in low-dose group and high-dose group were higher than control group (0.43±0.05 and 0.37±0.04 vs. 0.16±0.03, all P<0.01). (2)The cell viabilities in miR-181 mimic group was higher than in mimic control group (0.262±0.008 vs. 0.211±0.021, P<0.01). The relative miR-181 mRNA expression level in miR-181 mimic group was higher than in mimic control group (4.23±0.34 vs. 0.88±0.16, P<0.01). The relative importin-α3 mRNA expression level in miR-181 mimic group was lower than in mimic control group (0.24±0.03 vs. 1.08±0.13, P<0.01). The relative NF-κB mRNA expression level was lower in miR-181 mimic group than in mimic control group (0.13±0.03 vs. 0.51±0.06, P<0.01). The relative importin-α3 protein expression level was lower in miR-181 mimic group than in mimic control group (0.34±0.06 vs. 1.67±0.26, P<0.01). The relative NF-κB protein expression level was lower in miR-181 mimic group than in mimic control group (0.43±0.02 vs. 1.53±0.36, P<0.01). Conclusions: Lower miR-181 expression but higher importin-α3 and its downstream NF-κB signaling are associated with ox-LDL induced vascular endothelial cell injury and up-regulation of miR-181 could alleviate ox-LDL induced vascular endothelial cell injury possibly via importin-α3/NF-κB pathway.

[Effect of intratympanic injection of budesonide for otitis media with effusion in adolescents and adults].

Objective:To assess the longitudinal curative effect and improvement of subjective symptoms by using intratympanic injection of budesonide (BUD) for OME patients over 12 years old and adults.Method:One hundred and eighty patients who were diagnosed as OME were recruited. A single-blind, randomized, parallel-control prospective study was performed. Dexamethasone (DEX) and sodium chloride (NS) were served as controls. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups, which respectively received intratympanic injection of BUD (0.5 mg/ml), DEX (5 mg/ml) or 0.9% NS solution (1 ml) once a week. Survival analysis was applied to compare the longitudinal curative effect among the three groups. Meanwhile, seven main subjective symptoms were scored by 10-point visual scale (VAS) and physician's evaluations were preformed during treatment and follow-up.Result:After adjustement for course of disease, volume and characters of effusion, the relative risk (RR) of BUD was 0.131 (95%CI: 0.053-0.354) when compared with NS. Survival curve showed, in BUD group, about 96.6%(57/59) of patients maintained effectiveness more than 3 months, 83.1%(49/59) were more than 1 year, and 81.4%(48/59) of the patients could sustain longer than 3 years. In DEX group, 73.2%(41/56) of patients showed effectiveness more than 3 months, 46.4%(26/56) were more than 1 year, and 42.9%(24/56) of the patients could sustain longer than 3 years. While in NS group, 50.8%(33/65) of the patients showed effectiveness more than 3 months, 26.2% (17/65) were more than 1 year, and 20.0%(13/65) of the patients could sustain longer than 3 years. Survival curve demonstrated that the rank of longitudinal therapeutic efficacy was BUD, DEX and NS (P< 0.05). Both BUD and DEX showed improvements in subjective symptoms and quality of life (except for mental stress) compared with NS (P< 0.05). In the aspect of improving the symptom of stuffy ear, BUD showed advantage over both DEX and NS. During and after treatment, no serious complications or sequelae were observed.Conclusion:Intratympanic injection with BUD for OME patients showed advantages in improving long-term therapeutic efficacy, it was a safe as well as effective intervention for children over age of 12 and adults suffering from OME.

[Survey of the third Zika virus disease case in the mainland of China].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of Zika virus(ZIKV)disease prevention and control. METHODS: Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the clinical manifestations, laboratory detection results and disease progression of the third imported ZIKV disease case in the mainland of China. RESULTS: On 19 February 2016, a ZIKV disease case was confirmed in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, which was the third imported case of ZIKV disease confirmed by China CDC laboratory and expert consulting. The patient just had a travel to Fiji and Samoa and had mosquito bite history in Samoa. The patient was hospitalized on 16 February after the onset on 14 February and the eruption on 15 February. The body temperature of the patient became normal on 17 February, the rash disappeared on 19 February and the conjunctivitis resolved on 20 February. The positive detection of the viral nucleic acid in blood was only for 3 consecutive days, and the viral nucleic acid could be detected in urine even after negative detection in blood for 4 days. CONCLUSION: The symptoms of the patient were typical. ZIKV can be detected by using blood sample in early phase, but after body temperature become normal, the virus can be detected in urine.

Congenital Cyst of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

This is a case of a newborn female with congenital pancreatic cysts discovered incidentally. The 5-week-old infant had multiple abdominal cysts originating from the pancreas. When the radiologist catheter placement failed to alleviate the symptoms, the infant underwent laparoscopic excision. The lesion, however, recurred 11 months after the first excision, leading to a second surgical procedure including excision and marsupialization. A review of the literature revealed that this is a rare condition. Herein, we discuss the characteristics of the case, including medical imaging, drainage catheter placement, surgical treatment, pathological findings, and follow-up. Differential diagnoses, clinical presentations, treatment options, and patient outcomes are also discussed. Although rare, congenital pancreatic cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an infant with cystic lesion of the pancreas.

Two Case Reports of Nodular Fasciitis: A Newly Recognized Placental Lesion.

We describe two occurrences of nontrophoblastic mesenchymal tumors of the placenta. The first placental tumor was found along the placental margin, and the second was identified close to the insertion of the fetal membranes along the placental disc. Microscopically both lesions demonstrated bland fibroblastic cells with intricate vasculature and inflammatory cells. Both lesions were negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), beta-HCG, PLAP, CD34, desmin, h-caldesmin, and smooth muscle actin by immunohistochemistry. Some cells were weakly positive for CD10, a nonspecific finding. The morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of these lesions were most consistent with nodular fasciitis, a tumor most commonly found in the soft tissues. FISH positive for USP6 gene rearrangement in our two patients confirmed the molecular similarity of these lesions to nodular fasciitis of soft tissue. Such lesions can be easily dismissed on gross placental examination as infarcts or thrombi, thus these rare entities are likely underreported.

[Modified radical mastoidectomy on"drum sinus" type chronic suppurative otitis media:our experience].

Objective:To our experience of modified radical mastoidectomy on "drum sinus" type chronic suppurative otitis media.Method:We measured the size of tympanic sinus,the extent of meningeal plate lowering and the extent of sigmoid ante-displacement in 54 patients of chronic suppurative otitis media,and determined the criterion of "drum sinus".The patients who comply with the criterion received modified radical mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty via epitympanum approach.The patients were followed up for at least 3 months,The time of dry ear,growth of repaired tympanic membrane,and any complications such as dizziness,facial paralysis,cerebrospinal fluid leakage were recorded.Result:Twenty-nine out of the 54 CSOM patients complied with the criterion of drum sinus.Two cases were lost to follow-up.Therefore,27 cases were included in the study.Three months after the operation,the rate of dry ear was 81.5% Tympanic membrane was successfully repaired in 77.8% of the patients.Three cases had dizziness after operation.No facial paralysis or cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed.Conclusion:For"drum sinus" type chronic suppurative otitis media,the modified radical mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty via epitympanum approach can be taken.

Pre-Transplant Assessment of Vascular Calcification as a Risk Factor of Mortality, Graft Loss, and Cardiovascular Events in Renal Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification (VC) is known as an independent predictor of mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis; nevertheless, there is a lack of studies about the impact of vascular calcification in renal transplant recipients, and none of them use the Kauppila Index (KI) as a predictor of patient and graft prognosis. METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective study of 119 renal transplants, evaluating abdominal aortic calcifications (L4-S1) with the KI. We established 2 categories: absence (KI = 0-2) and presence (KI = 3-24) of VCs before transplantation. We analyzed the impact of calcification in graft and patient survival, new-onset diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular events, renal function, and mineral metabolism. RESULTS: VCs were observed in 50 patients (42%) before renal transplantation. Patients with VCs were older, but no statistical differences were found in the pre-transplant study between sex, diabetes, body mass index, and cardiovascular events. We found a major patient survival (limited to first 2 years after transplantation), graft survival, and death-censored graft survival in those without VCs (P = .037, P = .015, and P = .023, respectively). In line with results, a higher incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiovascular death was observed in the group with preexisting calcification (P = .016/P = .019). In the multivariable analysis, VCs were not an independent predictor for graft loss, death-censored graft loss, or major cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: Simple evaluation of VCs with the use of the KI at the time of transplantation relates with graft and patient survival and with MACE after renal transplantation.