Assessment of quality of life in patients with craniopharyngioma and identification of risk factors for compromised overall wellness

ABSTRACT Objective: Quality of Life (QoL) has been a multifactorial concerning issue in oncology. We aimed to inspect the pre-operative QoL among patients with craniopharyngioma and to explore the potential correlations between parameters of QoL and clinical indices. Subjects and methods: We enrolled a total of 109 patients with craniopharyngioma. We utilized Short Form 36 (SF-36), Symptom Check List-90, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire scale (GAD7), Patient Health Questionnaire Depression (PHQ9) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to prospectively evaluated their QoL. Parameters of QoL along with clinical indices were compared among sub-groups divided according to Puget classification. Correlation analyses and regression analyses were performed to detect influential determinants to self-reported wellness. Results: Patients presented impaired QoL compared with general population ( p < 0.001), as assessed by SF-36. Correlation analyses indicated the detrimental influence resulting from central diabetes insipidus (CDI). Multivariate linear regression unveiled the adverse effect of CDI on Mental Component Summary (coefficient = −13.869, p = 0.007), GAD7 total score (coefficient = 2.072, p = 0.049) as well as PHQ9 total score (coefficient = 3.721, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression verified CDI as a risk factor of developing depressive symptoms (OR = 6.160, p = 0.001). Conclusion: QoL of patients with craniopharyngioma was remarkably compromised before operation. CDI exerted detrimental influences on patients' QoL and it might serve as a marker for early identification of patients at risk of depression.

Post-Bader procedure: a long-term follow-up case study / Procedimento pós-Bader: estudo de caso com acompanhamento de longo prazo

ABSTRACT Keratoconus is a progressive disorder that manifests as a cone-like steepening of the central or paracentral inferior cornea and irregular stromal thinning. There is a gradual decrease in visual acuity due to corneal asymmetry, irregular astigmatism, and increased optical aberrations, consequently impacting the quality of life. Several procedures have been developed in an attempt to slow or reverse the progression. The Bader procedure, which includes a pattern of incisions around the circumference of the cornea and at the base of the protruding cone, is one such surgery. These incisions penetrate 70-90% of the cornea's depth. Its goal is to flatten the topography and reduce corneal asymmetry and irregular astigmatism. Though prior research found these to be highly promising, we report a patient who was given contact lenses to restore and maintain his vision while his corneal ectasia and thinning progressed over the following decade.

RESUMO O ceratocone é uma doença progressiva que se manifesta como uma elevação semelhante a um cone da cór­nea central ou paracentral inferior e é associada a uma re­dução irregular da espessura do estroma. Há uma diminuição gradual da acuidade visual devido à assimetria da córnea, ao astigmatismo irregular e a um aumento das aberrações ópticas, o que prejudica a qualidade de vida. Foram desenvolvidos vários procedimentos para tentar interromper ou mesmo reverter a evolução da doença. Um deles é o chamado procedimento de Bader, que inclui um padrão de incisões em volta da circunferência da córnea e na base do cone protuberante. Essas incisões penetram até 70%-90% da profundidade da córnea e têm o objetivo de achatar a topografia e diminuir a assimetria da córnea e o astigmatismo irregular. Embora essa técnica seja muito promissora, segundo um estudo anterior, aqui se apresenta o caso de um paciente no qual esses objetivos não foram atingidos. Esse paciente recebeu lentes de contato para restaurar e manter sua visão, enquanto sua ectasia corneana e a redução da espessura progrediram ao longo da década seguinte.

Prévalence et facteurs prédicteurs des troubles post-traumatiques chez les accidentés de la voie publique / Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in road traffic accidents

Introduction: les troubles post-traumatiques survenant à la suite d'un accident de la route ont un impact tant sanitaire qu'économique. Méthodes: notre étude prospective, vise à déterminer la prévalence de ces troubles, et de dégager leurs facteurs de risque auprès de sujets victimes d'accidents de la route et hospitalisés au service de chirurgie orthopédique et de traumatologie du Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Sfax-Tunisie. Résultats: soixante-dix sujets ont été inclus dans notre étude. La prévalence de l'état de stress aigu était de 37,1% et il a été associé au sexe féminin, au niveau scolaire bas, à la présence d'antécédents médicochirurgicaux, à la passivité au cours de l'accident, à la sévérité des lésions, et à la présence d'une symptomatologie anxieuse et dépressive. Le trouble stress post traumatique était constaté chez 40% des sujets et il a été associé au milieu de résidence urbain, à la passivité au cours de l'accident, et à la symptomatologie anxieuse et dépressive. Des scores faibles des stratégies de coping fonctionnelles et des scores élevés des stratégies de coping dysfonctionnelles ont été significativement associés à ces deux troubles. Le niveau scolaire bas, la résidence en milieu urbain, un niveau élevé d'anxiété et de dépression et la stratégie de coping de déni apparaissent comme des facteurs de risque indépendants de l'état de stress aigu et du trouble stress post traumatique. Conclusion: il s'avère ainsi important de déterminer un profil de personnes plus exposées aux troubles post-traumatique afin de permettre un dépistage précoce par les médecins avec lesquels les accidentés pourraient avoir des contacts dans les suites de leurs accidents.

ntroduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder following a road accident has both a health and an economic impact. Methods: we conducted a prospective study to determine the prevalence of this disorder, and to identify risk factors in subjects victims of road accidents and hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology of the University Hospital Center of Sfax-Tunisia. Results: a total of sixty-ten subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of acute stress was 37.1% and was associated with female sex, low educational level, previous medical and surgical history, passivity during the accident, severity of injuries and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder was observed in 40% of subjects and was associated with urban residential environment, passivity during the accident and anxious and depressive symptoms. Low scores for functional coping strategies and high scores for dysfunctional coping strategies were significantly associated with both disorders. Low educational level, urban residential environment, high levels of anxiety and depression, and denial coping strategy appear to be independent risk factors for acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusion: It is therefore important to determine the profile of people at greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, to enable early diagnosis in victims of road accidents.

Polipectomia a frio: um procedimento seguro para remover pequenas lesões colorretais não pediculadas / Cold snare polypectomy: a safe procedure for removing small non-pedunculated colorectal lesions

ABSTRACT Background: Polypectomy is an important treatment option for preventing colorectal cancer. Incomplete polyp resection (IPR) is re­cognized as a risk factor for interval cancer. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the complete polyp resection (CPR) rate for cold snare polypectomy (CSP) in small non-pedunculated polyps and, secondarily, specimen retrieval and complication rates. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 479 polyps <10 mm removed by CSP in 276 patients by an inexperienced endoscopist. Results: A total of 476 polyps (99.4%) were resected en bloc. A negative margin (classified as CPR) was observed in 435 polyps (90.8%). An unclear or positive margin (classified as IPR) was observed in 43 cases (9.0%) and 1 case (0.2%), respectively, for an overall IPR rate of 9.2% (44/479). The IPR rate was 12.2% in the first half of cases and 5.9% in the second half (P=0.02). Dividing into tertiles, the IPR rate was 15.0% in the first tertile, 6.9% in the second tertile, and 5.7% in the third tertile (P=0.01). Dividing into quartiles, the IPR rate was 15.8% in the first quartile and 5.9% in the fourth quartile (P=0.03). The IPR rate was 6.3% for type 0-IIa lesions and 14.1% for type 0-Is lesions (P=0.01). For serrated and adenomatous lesions, the IPR rate was 9.2%. Specimen retrieval failed in 3.6% of cases. Immediate bleeding (>30 s) occurred in 1 case (0.2%), treated with argon plasma coagulation. No delayed bleeding or perforation occurred. Conclusion: CSP is a safe technique that provides good results for the resection of small non-pedunculated polyps, with a short learning curve.

RESUMO Contexto: A polipectomia é uma importante opção terapêutica na prevenção do câncer colorretal (CCR). A ressecção incompleta do pólipo (RIP) é reconhecida como fator de risco para o câncer de intervalo. Objetivo: O principal objetivo foi avaliar o índice de ressecção completa da polipectomia a frio (PF) em pequenos pólipos não pediculados e, secundariamente, a recuperação do espécime e índice de complicações. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente 479 pólipos <10 mm removidos por PF em 276 pacientes, por um endoscopista sem experiência com este método. Resultados: Foram ressecados em bloco 476 pólipos (99,4%). Tivemos margem negativa, considerada ressecção completa do pólipo (RCP), em 435 (90,8%) casos. Margem indefinida ou positiva (classificada como RIP) foi observada em 43 (9,0%) casos e em 1 (0,2%) caso, respectivamente, com um índice global de RIP de 9,2% (44/479). O índice de RIP foi de 12,5% na primeira metade dos casos e 5,9% na última metade (P=0,02). Dividindo em tercis, o índice de RIP foi de 15,0% no primeiro terço, 6,9% no segundo terço e 5,7% no terceiro quarto, P=0,01. Dividindo em quartis, o índice de RIP foi de 15,8% no primeiro quarto, enquanto o último quarto foi de 5,9%, P=0,03. O índice de RIP foi de 6,3% para lesões tipo 0-IIa e de 14,1% para lesões tipo 0-Is, P=0,01. O índice de RIP foi de 9,2% para lesões serrilhadas e adenomatosas. Houve falha na recuperação dos espécimes em 3,6% dos casos. Sangramento imediato (>30 s) ocorreu em um caso (0,2%), controlado com plasma de argônio. Sem sangramento tardio e perfuração. Conclusão: PF é uma técnica segura que apresenta bons resultados para a ressecção de pequenas lesões não pediculadas, com uma curta curva aprendizado.

Contribution of Digital Technology to the Surgical Technique of Miniscrew Insertion: a Literature Review

Orthodontic miniscrews are used to achieve absolute anchorage. Their insertion technique is simple but must be precise to avoid intra- and postoperative complications. This study aimed to review the literature on the role of digital technology in the precise placement of miniscrews and to describe the different stages of the insertion guide manufacturing chain. The databases used were PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, including the following English descriptors: "Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures," "Cone Beam Computed Tomography." Digital technology improves the accuracy of miniscrew placement by using 3D imaging to assess the quantity and quality of bone and the proximity of anatomical structures in the area to be implanted. By combining 3D imaging with the new techniques of 3D printing and virtual planning, the orthodontist can obtain a personalized placement guide for the patient using computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. A digitally-assisted miniscrew insertion system is a promising technique for precise and safe miniscrew insertion but cannot be used routinely. Therefore, large-scale studies are needed to map miniscrew insertion in different areas, considering ethnicity, gender, and different anatomical characteristics.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in patients with advanced glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy?assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in patients with advanced glaucoma. Methods: Records of 46 patients with advanced glaucoma were reviewed retrospectively in this single?center chart review. The main outcome measure was surgical success; intra?ocular pressure (IOP) and IOP lowering medication use were secondary outcome measures. Success was defined as an IOP of 18 mmHg or lower (criterion A) or 14 mmHg or lower (criterion B) and one of the following: IOP reduction >30% from baseline on the same or fewer medications or IOP ? of baseline on fewer medications as compared to baseline. Results: Forty?seven eyes were included in the analysis. The average mean deviation was ?17.5 ± 7.2 dB (range ?8.0 to ?33.0). The average follow?up was 6.8 months (range 3.2–22.3). Success at 6 months was 91% for criterion A and 75% for criterion B (n = 33). Mean IOP was reduced from 19.3 ± 6 mmHg (12–40) on 3.7 ± 1.4 medications to 13.2 ± 5.8 mmHg on 1.6 ± 1.4 medications at the 6th post?operative month (P < 0.001 for both IOP and medications). At the last follow?up visit, 37 patients (78%) had an IOP of 14 mmHg or lower, and ten of these patients were unmedicated. Transient hyphema and IOP spikes were the most prevalent adverse events following surgery. Three eyes required further surgery for IOP control. None of the patients lost vision because of surgery. Conclusions: GATT is a viable surgical option in cases of advanced glaucoma. Careful patient selection and attentive post?operative management are imperative.

Association between statin use & risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A systematic review & meta-analysis

Background & objectives: Statin use has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of several types of cancer, however, the data on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are still inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically summarize all available data on this association and conduct a meta-analysis on the same. Methods: A systematic review was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception upto October 2019 with a search strategy that included terms such as ‘statin’ and ‘DLBCL’. Eligible studies included either case–control or cohort studies that reported the association between statin use and the risk of DLBCL. Relative risk, odds ratio (OR), hazard: risk ratio or standardized incidence ratio of this association and standard error were extracted and combined for calculating the pooled effect estimate using random-effects, generic inverse variance method. Results: A total of 1139 articles were screened. Of these six studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included for the meta-analysis. Statin use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of DLBCL with the pooled OR of 0.70 (95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.88; I2=70%). The funnel plot (fairly symmetric) was not suggestive of the presence of a publication bias. Interpretation & conclusions: The present systematic review and meta-analysis found that statin use is associated with a 30 per cent reduced odds of DLBCL. However, the pooled analysis utilized data from observational studies so causation cannot be concluded upon. Hence, it suggested that randomized-controlled studies are still needed to confirm this potential benefit.

Six-Year Surveillance of Acquired Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Israel

Objectives: We studied the profile of bloodstream infections (BSI) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identified predictors of mortality. Methods: The study collected data from hospital records for children younger than 18-years who developed BSI during their PICU stay between 2014 and 2019. Results: In 114 patients, 136 PICU-acquired BSIs with 152 pathogens were documented. The incidence of BSI was 47.12/1000 PICU admissions and 7.95/1000 PICU hospital days. Gram-negative rods accounted for 75% of isolates, Gram-positive cocci accounted for 21.7% of isolates, and fungi accounted for 3.3% of isolated pathogens. ICU mortality was observed in 25 (21.9%) patients with a BSI compared to 94 (3.1%) patients without a BSI (P<0.001). Hemodynamic instability (P=0.014, OR 4.10, 95%CI 1.33-12.66), higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P=0.044), and lower albumin levels (P=0.029) were associated with increased risk of ICU mortality. Conclusion: BSI in the PICU is associated with increased mortality. Early identification and management of risk factors independently associated with poor clinical outcomes in these patients should be aimed to ensure improved survival.

Long-term outcome of transcatheter repair of paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the long-term clinical efficacy of transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) post surgical mitral valve replacement. Methods: This study is a retrospective study. Patients who completed transcatheter repair of paravalvular leak after surgical mitral valve replacement at Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2010 to December 2018 were included. Technical success was defined as the occluder being stably implanted in the paravalvular leak site without affecting the function of the mitral valve and surrounding tissues; and there were no intervention-related complications, such as new hemolysis or aggravated hemolysis, and echocardiography confirmed mitral paravalvular regurgitation reduced by more than 1 grade. Patients were followed up at 30 days, 1, and 3 years after the intervention. The main endpoints were all-cause death and re-surgery due to interventional failure or serious complications. The occurrence of occluder-mediated hemolysis and chronic renal insufficiency was recorded, and patients were monitored with echocardiography during follow up. Results: A total of 75 patients were included, aged (54.3±22.9) years old, and 38 patients were males. All patients had decreased cardiac function and/or hemolysis before intervention. Procedural success was achieved in 54 patients (72.0%). Incidence of device-mediated hemolysis was 18.7% (14/75). During the follow-up period, all-cause death occurred in 7 patients (9.3%), and 3 were cardiac deaths.The 3-year event-free survival rate was 81.3% (61/75). The need for cardiac surgery was 9.3% (7/75): 3 cases due to severe device-mediated hemolysis, 2 cases due to prosthetic valve failure and 2 cases due to moderate to severe residual regurgitation. The echocardiography follow-up results showed that the position of the occluder was stable, there was no impact on the artificial valve function and surrounding structures, and the residual regurgitation was stable without progressive increase in event-free patients. Compared with pre-intervention, the left ventricular end systolic diameter ((33.9±7.4)mm vs. (38.3±8.9) mm, P=0.036), end diastolic diameter ((53.7±8.3) mm vs. (58.4±9.1) mm, P=0.045) and left atrial diameter (59.3 (44.5, 90.7) mm vs. 64.3 (44.8, 96.6) mm, P=0.049) were significantly reduced, pulmonary artery systolic pressure was also significantly decreased ((36.5±15.8) mmHg vs. (46.3±14.9) mmHg, P=0.022, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). There was no significant difference between 3 years and 1 year after transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement is an effective treatment option in selective patients.

Performance of laminin γ2 in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma and in microvascular invasion / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the value of laminin γ2 (LAMC2) in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the difference in patients with different types of microvascular invasion (MVI).Methods:A cohort of 100 patients with HCC who underwent surgical treatment at the Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2021 to March 2022 were prospectively enrolled. There were 80 males and 20 females, aged (55.7±11.1) years. The data of 17 patients with hepatic hemangioma without cirrhosis who underwent operation at the same hospital during the study period were collected to serve as the control group (6 males, 11 females), aged (42.8±9.8) years. LAMC2 in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and LAMC2 were compared between the two groups, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to compare these two markers in the diagnosis of HCC. The LAMC2 of different MVI patients were compared.Results:The levels of LAMC2 and AFP were 1 334.2(838.9, 2 656.0) pg/ml and 19.0(4.6, 778.6) μg/L in the HCC group, which were significantly higher than 375.2(221.2, 691.7)pg/ml and 3.3(2.5, 3.5) μg/L in the control group ( Z=-4.32, -4.63, both P<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve were 0.829(95% CI: 0.748-0.892) for LAMC2 and 0.852(95% CI: 0.769-0.910) for AFP, and was 0.949(95% CI: 0.911-0.988) for using both in the diagnoses. The diagnostic efficacy of combining LAMC2 and AFP was significantly better than that of LAMC2 alone and AFP alone (area under ROC: Z=3.15, 3.07, P=0.002, 0.002). When the patients were divided into the M0 group (61 patients), the M1 Group (25 patients) and the M2 Group (14 patients) based on MVIs, the concentrations of LAMC2 were 1 168.6(834.3, 2 521.4) pg/ml, 942.2(614.0, 2 056.6) pg/ml and 3 128.4(1 852.7, 7 191.3) pg/ml, respectively. The level of LAMC2 in the M2 group was significantly higher than that in the M0 and M1 groups ( Z=-3.46, -3.32, P=0.001, 0.004). Conclusion:The diagnostic efficacy of LAMC2 combined with AFP for HCC was significantly higher than that of either LAMC2 alone or AFP alone. Serum LAMC2 levels were significant different among the groups of HCC patients with different types of MVI.

Prediction of Ki-67 expression level in mass breast cancers using multi-modal ultrasound features / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To predict the Ki-67 expression grading in patients with mass breast cancer based on multimodal ultrasound features to aid clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:Ninety-three female patients (93 masses in total) with breast cancers confirmed by pathological examination were retrospectively included in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 2017 to September 2020. According to the immunohistochemical results, the patients were divided into Ki-67 high expression group (55 cases) and Ki-67 low expression group (38 cases). The qualitative and quantitative features from two-dimensional gray-scale ultrasound, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), shear wave elastography (SWE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images of all breast masses were retrospectively analyzed, differential features were analyzed based on logistic regression algorithm. ROC curves and Kappa test were used for the evaluation of diagnosis.Results:The univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups for conventional ultrasound features (size, shape, margins), SWE features (stiff rim sign, Eratio), and CEUS features (perfusion defect, IMAX) (all P<0.05). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the margins, stiff rim sign, and perfusion defect were the independent factors for predicting the Ki-67 expression (all P<0.05). The performance of the predictive model was 0.882 (95%confidence interval of 0.798-0.940, P<0.05) with the sensitivity of 0.818 and specificity of 0.790. Conclusions:A preliminary analysis of the relationship between multi-modal ultrasound features and Ki-67 expression grading in mass breast cancers was performed based on logistic regression algorithm to provide more imaging information for clinical treatment and prognosis assessment.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided closed reduction in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.Methods:The clinical data of 78 children with Gartland type II and type III straight-type supracondylar fractures of the humerus who received treatment in The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from October 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. These children were divided into an observation group ( n = 38) and a control group ( n = 40) according to different treatment methods. The observation group was subjected to ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation. The control group was given C-arm fluoroscopy-guided closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation. Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), clinical healing time, operative time, and the incidence of intraoperative complications such as vascular and nerve injury were compared between the two groups. Results:Both groups of children achieved closed reduction without open reduction. The operative time in the observation group was (30.68 ± 5.45) minutes, which was significantly shorter than (40.54 ± 5.78) minutes in the control group ( t = 2.30, P < 0.05). The healing time of the fracture in the observation and control groups was (32.73 ± 4.56) days and (36.47 ± 6.24) days, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The range of joint motion and elbow hyperextension angle range in the observation group were (148.78 ± 3.81)° and (8.72 ± 8.92)°, respectively, and they were (147.24 ± 4.36)° and (7.98 ± 8.86)°, respectively in the control group. There were no significant differences in the range of joint motion and elbow hyperextension angle range between the two groups (both P > 0.05). The excellent and good rate of joint function in the control and observation groups was 92.5% (37/40) and 92.1% (35/38), respectively. There was no significant difference in excellent and good rate of joint function between the two groups ( P > 0.05). There were three cases of postoperative nerve damage in the control group and no vascular or nerve damage was observed in the observation group. There were significant differences in the number of cases of vascular or nerve injury between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.97, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation for the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus can shorten the operative time, decrease the incidence of intraoperative nerve injury, and reduce the X-ray exposure time of doctors and patients.

Gene Analysis for the Sebaceous Carcinoma of Scalp by Whole Exome Sequencing / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo reveal the differences of the related pathogenicity gene mutations between sebaceous adenocarcinoma （SC） of scalp and sebaceous adenoma （SA） of scalp on whole exome level. MethodsWhole exome sequencing was performed on a SC sample and a SA sample by Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform. Suspicious single nucleotide variation sites were selected for mutation conservation and functional analysis. SciClone was used to track subclone evolution and clonal map information was obtained for each tumor sample. The high-frequency significant gene mutations in the tumor sample were screened by MutSigCV software， and compared with the known driver genes. ResultsTwo driver genes TFDP1 and ACVR1B harboring mutations in scalp SC compared to SA were found. ConclusionsThe finding of mutation in driver genes TFDP1 and ACVR1B should be confirmed in a large cohort， which might reveal the mechanism of scalp SC development and find a therapeutic target for SC.

Buyang Huanwutang Treats Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy via Mitochondrial Transport in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN） via mitochondrial transport. MethodDiabetes in SD rats was induced by a high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ）. The 45 diabetic rats were randomly assigned into a DPN group， an alpha-lipoic acid （60 mg·kg-1·d-1） group， and a Buyang Huanwutang （15 g·kg-1·d-1） group， with 15 rats in each group. Fifteen normal SD rats were fed with the standard diet and set as the control group. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 12 weeks. The paw withdraw threshold （PWT） and motor nerve conduction velocity （MNCV） were measured at the end of medication， and the sciatic nerve and the bilateral dorsal root ganglia of L4-5 were collected. The injury model of NSC34 cells was established by treating with 50 mmol·L-1 glucose and 250 μmol·L-1 sodium palmitate. The NSC34 cells were then randomly assigned into a blank （10% blank serum） group， a DPN （10% blank serum） group， an apha-lipoic acid （10% apha-lipoic acid-containing serum） group， a Buyang Huanwutang （10% Buyang Huanwutang-containing serum） group， and a Buyang Huanwutang + Compound C （CC） （10% Buyang Huanwutang-containing serum + 10 μmol·L-1 CC） group. The cell intervention lasted for 24 h. The immunofluorescence method， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot were employed to determine the expression levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （p-AMPK）， phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein （p-CREB）， kinesin family member 5A （KIF5A）， and dynein cytoplasmic 1 intermediate chain 2 （DYNC1I2）. ResultCompared with the control group， the DPN group of rats showed increased fasting blood glucose （P<0.01）， decreased MNCV and PWT （P<0.01）， down-regulated expression of KIF5A， p-AMPK/AMPK， and p-CREB/CREB （P<0.01）， and up-regulated expression of DYNC1I2 （P<0.01）. Compared with the DPN group， drug intervention groups showed increased MNCV and PWT （P<0.01）， up-regulated expression of KIF5A， p-AMPK/AMPK， and p-CREB/CREB （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated expression of DYNC1I2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The Buyang Huanwutang group had higher levels of MNCV and KIF5A （P<0.05） and lower level of DYNC1I2 （P<0.01） than the apha-lipoic acid group. Compared with the blank group， the DPN group of NSC34 cells showed decreased levels of KIF5A， p-AMPK/AMPK， and p-CREB/CREB （P<0.01） and increased level of DYNC1I2 （P<0.01）. The apha-lipoic acid group and Buyang Huanwutang group had higher levels of KIF5A， p-AMPK/AMPK， and p-CREB/CREB （P<0.05， P<0.01） and lower level of DYNC1I2 （P<0.01） in NSC34 cells than the DPN group. Buyang Huanwutang group had higher KIF5A level （P<0.05） in NSC34 cells than the apha-lipoic acid group. Moreover， the Buyang Huanwutang + CC group had lower levels of KIF5A， DYNC1I2， p-AMPK/AMPK， and p-CREB/CREB （P<0.01） in NSC34 cells than the Buyang Huanwutang group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang may regulate mitochondrial anterograde transport via the AMPK/CREB pathway to prevent and treat DPN.

Huangqi Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA-C18orf26-1/microRNA-663a/transforming growth factor-β axis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a valid treatment for alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Although our previous studies showed that microRNA-663a (miR-663a) suppresses the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the transforming growth factor-β/small mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) pathway, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HSC activation via the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has not yet reported. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA lnc-C18orf26-1 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanism by which HQD inhibits hepatic fibrosis.@*METHODS@#The expression levels of lnc-C18orf26-1, miR-663a and related genes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HSCs were transfected with the miR-663a mimic or inhibitor and lnc-C18orf26-1 small interfering RNAs. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of HSCs. Changes in lncRNA expression were evaluated in miR-663a-overexpressing HSCs by using microarray to identify miR-663a-regulated lncRNAs. RNA hybrid was used to predict the potential miR-663a binding sites on lncRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-663a and the lncRNA. The expression levels of collagen α-2(I) chain (COL1A2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were determined using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Lnc-C18orf26-1 was upregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs and competitively bound to miR-663a. Knockdown of lnc-C18orf26-1 inhibited HSC proliferation and activation, downregulated TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA and COL1A2 expression, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. HQD suppressed the proliferation and activation of HSCs. HQD increased miR-663a expression and decreased lnc-C18orf26-1 expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that HQD inhibited the expression of COL1A2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in HSCs, and these effects were reversed by miR-663a inhibitor treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study identified lnc-C18orf26-1 and miR-663a as promising therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. HQD inhibits HSC proliferation and activation at least partially by regulating the lnc-C18orf26-1/miR-663a/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/p-Smad2 axis.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram for predicting prognosis of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms based on data from 490 cases in a single center / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting outcomes of patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (G-NENs).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively collected the clinical data from 490 patients with the diagnosis of G-NEN at our medical center from 2000 to 2021. Log-rank test was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) of the patients. The independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of G-NEN were identified by Cox regression analysis to construct the prognostic nomogram, whose performance was evaluated using the C-index, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curve, DCA, and AUDC.@*RESULTS@#Among the 490 G-NEN patients (mean age of 58.6±10.92 years, including 346 male and 144 female patients), 130 (26.5%) had NET G1, 54 (11.0%) had NET G2, 206 (42.0%) had NEC, and 100 (20.5%) had MiNEN. None of the patients had NET G3. The numbers of patients in stage Ⅰ-Ⅳ were 222 (45.3%), 75 (15.3%), 130 (26.5%), and 63 (12.9%), respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified age, pathological grade, tumor location, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and F-NLR as independent risk factors affecting the survival of the patients (P < 0.05). The C-index of the prognostic nomogram was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.800-0.858), and its AUC for predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 0.883, 0.895 and 0.944, respectively. The calibration curve confirmed a good consistency between the model prediction results and the actual observations. For predicting 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS, the TNM staging system and the nomogram had AUC of 0.033 vs 0.0218, 0.191 vs 0.148, and 0.248 vs 0.197, respectively, suggesting higher net benefit and better clinical utility of the nomogram.@*CONCLUSION@#The prognostic nomogram established in this study has good predictive performance and clinical value to facilitate prognostic evaluation of individual patients with G-NEN.

Study on in vitro differentiation of human adenoid-derived mesenchymal stem cells into olfactory sensory neurons / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of isolation and culture of human adenoid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) in vitro, and to observe the differentiation of aMSCs into olfactory sensory neurons. Methods: Adenoid tissues surgically removed from children with adenoid hypertrophy in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from September to November of 2020 were collected. The adenoid tissues were digested and isolated by trypsin and then cultured with adhesion method. The expressions of cell surface antigens CD45, CD73 and CD90 on aMSCs of P5 generation were tested by flow cytometry, and the ability of osteogenic and adipogenic induction were used to identify cell differentiation ability. Then, aMSCs were induced into differentiation by retinoic acid (RA), sonic hedgehog (SHH), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), RA+SHH, RA+bFGF, SHH+bFGF and RA+SHH+bFGF, respectively. The morphology of differentiated cells was observed under inverted microscope. The expression of β-tubulin 3, which was the specific marker of sensory neuron, the expressions of growth associated protein-43 (GAP43) and olfactory maker protein (OMP), which were the specific markers of olfactory sensory neuron, were detected by immunofluorescence antibody assay. The expression intensities were compared by Chi-square test of four-grid table data. Results: aMSCs were successively isolated and cultured from human adenoid tissues. P0 cells generation had good adhesion and proliferation performance. P2 cells were basically purified. P5 cells expressed CD73 and CD90 with the purity of 99.3% and 99.75% respectively, without CD45 expression. P5 cells had a good ability of osteogenic differentiation and adipogenic differentiation. Neuron-like morphology and expression of β-tubulin 3 were found in differentiated cells after induced by RA, SHH, or bFGF, respectively. An induction of expression of GAP43 was found in differentiated cells of bFGF+SHH group and RA+SHH+bFGF group, without expression of OMP of each group. The intensity of GAP43 expression of RA+SHH+bFGF group was stronger than that of bFGF+SHH group (χ2=17.48, P<0.005). Conclusions: aMSCs can be cultured from human adenoid tissues, with the stably passaged and good differentiation ability. As a new population of mesenchymal stem cells, aMSCs have the neuroregenerative properties and could differentiate into immature olfactory sensory neurons under the induction of RA+SHH+bFGF in vitro.

The effect of disease uncertainty on caregiving burden in major caregivers of stroke:an intermediary model with regulation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship and intrinsic mechanism between disease uncertainty, coping style, social support and caregiver burden of primary caregivers of stroke, in order to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the burden of care and improving the quality of care for stroke caregivers.Methods:In this study, the main caregivers of 314 stroke patients hospitalized in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital from December 2021 to May 2022 were selected by convenience sampling method, and cross-sectional surveys were conducted using the general data questionnaire, the Family Scale of Disease Uncertainty, the Simple Coping Style Questionnaire, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Caregiver Burden Scale. Model 4 in Hayes′ SPSS-Process program was used to test the mediation effect, and Model 15 was used to test the mediation effect of social support.Results:The positive predictive effect of disease uncertainty in the primary caregiver of stroke patients on the burden of caregivers was significant ( β=0.665, P<0.01). Active coping played a partial mediating role between disease uncertainty and caregiver burden, with a mediating effect of 0.306 and a mediating effect of 31.8%. The interaction between disease uncertainty and social support had a significant predictive effect on caregiver burden ( β=-0.033, P<0.05), and the interaction item between active response and social support had a significant predictive effect on caregiver burden ( β=-0.019, P<0.05). Conclusions:Positive coping is an important psychological mechanism between disease uncertainty and caregiver burden, and social support can alleviate the influence of disease uncertainty on caregiver′s burden, and can also strengthen the weakening effect of positive coping on caregiver′s burden.

Nutritional Status of Children Aged 3 to 7 Years in Zhag′yab， Tibet / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo understand the physical development level of 3-7 years old children in Zhag′yab， and to provide reference for local health decision-making. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2021 and July 2021， with a sample of 1 247 Tibetan children aged 3-7 years from kindergartens in 13 districts of Zhag′yab. Their height and weight were measured and the hemoglobin was detected by a unified method. Standard statistical method was adopted （Z-score method）. Z-scores of length /height-for-age （HAZ）， Z-scores of weight-for-age （WAZ）， Z-scores of body mass index （BMI）-for-age （BAZ） and Z-scores of weight-for-height （WHZ） were calculated by WHO Anthro v3.2.2 and WHO Anthro Plus. The nutritional status of children was evaluated according to WHO diagnostic criteria for malnutrition and anemia. ResultsThe average WAZ and HAZ of children aged 3 to 7 in Zhag′yab were lower than the WHO standards，except for the WAZ of 4-year old， the differences were statistically significant （P<0.05）. The overall detection rate of malnutrition was 25.7%， stunting， underweight， wasting， overweight， obesity and anemia were 11.6%， 11.8%， 10.8%， 3.3%， 1.8% and 29.3%， respectively. The detection rates of all indicators in boys were higher than those in girls， and the differences were not statistically significant （P>0.05）. The overweight rate and obesity rate of rural children were lower than those of urban children， and the other detection rates were higher than those of urban children. The differences of underweight rate， obesity rate and anemia rate were statistically significant between urban and rural children （P<0.05）. Among the detection rates of all indicators in different age groups， there were statistically significant differences in the overweight rate and the anemia rate （P<0.05）. The overweight rate of children aged 4 and the anemia rate of children aged 5 were the highest. ConclusionsThe physical development of children aged 3 to 7 in Zhag′yab is poor， and the prevalence of malnutrition and anemia is high. Underweight and anemia are more serious in rural children， and the overweight and obesity problem of urban children is emerging. More attention should be paid to promote their nutritional status. The prevention and intervention of children’s malnutrition should be strengthened in Zhag′yab.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced olfactory neuroblastoma in 25 cases / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in the treatment of locally advanced olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), and to explore the factors related to the efficacy of NACT. Methods: A total of 25 patients with ONB who underwent NACT in Beijing TongRen Hospital from April 2017 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 16 males and 9 females, with an average age of 44.9 years (ranged 26-72 years). There were 22 cases of Kadish stage C and 3 cases of stage D. After multiple disciplinary team(MDT) discussion, all patients were treated sequentially with NACT-surgery-radiotherapy. Among them, 17 cases were treated with taxol, cis-platinum and etoposide (TEP), 4 cases with taxol, nedaplatin and ifosfamide (TPI), 3 cases with TP, while 1 case with EP. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and survival analyses were calculated based on the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The overall response rate of NACT was 32% (8/25). Subsequently, 21 patients underwent extended endoscopic surgery and 4 patients underwent combined cranial-nasal approach. Three patients with stage D disease underwent cervical lymph node dissection. All patients received postoperative radiotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 44.2 months (ranged 6-67 months). The 5-year overall survival rate was 100.0%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rates was 94.4%. Before NACT, Ki-67 index was 60% (50%, 90%), while Ki-67 index was 20% (3%, 30%) after chemotherapy [M (Q1, Q3)]. The change of Ki-67 before and after NACT was statistically significant (Z=-24.24, P<0.05). The effects of age, gender, history of surgery, Hyams grade, Ki-67 index and chemotherapy regimen to NACT were analyzed. Ki-67 index≥25% and high Hyams grade were related to the efficacy of NACT (all P<0.05). Conclusions: NACT could reduce Ki-67 index in ONBs. High Ki-67 index and Hyams grade are clinical indicators sensitive to the efficacy of NACT. NACT-surgery-radiotherapy is effective for patients with locally advanced ONB.