'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi' Changes the Metabolite Composition of Jujube Tree Leaves and Affects the Feeding Behavior of Its Insect Vector Hishimonus hamatus Kuoh.

Hishimonus hamatus Kuoh is a leafhopper species native to China that feeds on Chinese jujube leaves. This leafhopper species has been verified to transmit jujube witches' broom (JWB) disease, caused by phytoplasma, a fatal plant pathogen, which belongs to the phytoplasma subgroup 16SrV-B. The transmission of JWB phytoplasma largely relies on the feeding behavior of piercing-sucking leafhoppers. However, the specific mechanisms behind how and why the infection of JWB influences the feeding behavior of these leafhoppers are not fully understood. To address this, a study was conducted to compare the feeding patterns of H. hamatus when feeding JWB-infested jujube leaves to healthy leaves using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. Then, a widely targeted metabolome analysis was performed to identify differences in the metabolite composition of JWB-infected jujube leaves and that of healthy jujube leaves. The results of EPG analyses revealed that when feeding on JWB-infected jujube leaves, H. hamatus exhibited an increased frequency of phloem ingestion and spent longer in the phloem feeding phase compared to when feeding on healthy leaves. In addition, the results of metabolomic analyses showed that JWB-infected leaves accumulated higher levels of small-molecular carbohydrates, free amino acids, and free fatty acids, as well as lower levels of lignans, coumarins and triterpenoids compared to healthy leaves. The above results indicated that the H. hamatus preferentially fed on the phloem of infected leaves, which seems to be linked to the transmission of the JWB phytoplasma. The results of metabolomic analyses partially imply that the chemical compounds might play a role in making the infected leaves more attractive to H. hamatus for feeding.

Clinical prospective study of Gallium 68 (68Ga)-labeled fibroblast-activation protein inhibitor PET/CT in the diagnosis of biliary tract carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study is to investigate the [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI PET/CT diagnosis performance in biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) and analyze the association between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI PET/CT and clinical indexes. METHODS: A prospective study (NCT05264688) was performed between January 2022 and July 2022. Fifty participants were scanned using [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI and [18F]FDG PET/CT and acquired pathological tissue. We employed the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare the uptake of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI and [18F]FDG, and the McNemar test was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy between the two tracers. Spearman or Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between [68 Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI PET/CT and clinical indexes. RESULTS: In total, 47 participants (mean age 59.09 ± 10.98 [range 33-80 years]) were evaluated. The [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI detection rate was greater than [18F]FDG in primary tumors (97.62% vs. 85.71%), nodal metastases (90.05% vs. 87.06%), and distant metastases (100% vs. 83.67%). The uptake of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI was higher than [18F]FDG in primary lesions (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 18.95 ± 7.47 vs. 11.86 ± 0.70, p = 0.001; extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 14.57 ± 6.16 vs. 8.80 ± 4.74, p = 0.004), abdomen and pelvic cavity nodal metastases (6.91 ± 6.56 vs. 3.94 ± 2.83, p < 0.001), and distant metastases (pleural, peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery, 6.37 ± 4.21 vs. 4.50 ± 1.96, p = 0.01; bone, 12.15 ± 6.43 vs. 7.51 ± 4.54, p = 0.008). There was a significant correlation between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI uptake and fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) expression (Spearman r = 0.432, p = 0.009), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (Pearson r = 0.364, p = 0.012), and platelet (PLT) (Pearson r = 0.35, p = 0.016). Meanwhile, a significant relationship between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI metabolic tumor volume and carbohydrate antigen199 (CA199) (Pearson r = 0.436, p = 0.002) was confirmed. CONCLUSION: [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI had a higher uptake and sensitivity than [18F]FDG in the diagnosis of BTC primary and metastatic lesions. The correlation between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI PET/CT indexes and FAP expression, CEA, PLT, and CA199 were confirmed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 05,264,688.

The ecdysis triggering hormone system is essential for reproductive success in Mythimna separata (Walker).

Ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH) was originally discovered as a key hormone that regulates insect moulting via binding to its receptor, ETH receptor (ETHR). However, the precise role of ETH in moth reproduction remains to be explored in detail. ETH function was verified in vivo using Mythimna separata (Walker), an important cereal crop pest. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that transcriptional expression profiles of MsepETH showed evident sexual dimorphism in the adult stage. MsepETH expression increased in the females on day 3 and persisted thereafter till day 7, consistent with female ovarian maturation, and was merely detectable in males. Meanwhile, MsepETH expression levels were significantly higher in the trachea than in other tissues. MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B were expressed in both sexes and were significantly higher in the antennae than in other tissues. MsepETH and MsepETHR knockdown in females by RNA interference significantly reduced the expression of MsepETH, MsepETHR-A, MsepETHR-B, MsepJHAMT, and MsepVG, which delayed egg-laying and significantly reduced egg production. RNAi 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) receptor (EcR) decreased MsepETH expression whereas injecting 20E restored egg production that had been disrupted by MsepETH interference. Meanwhile, RNAi juvenile hormone (JH) methoprene tolerant protein (Met) also decreased MsepETH expression and smearing JH analog methoprene (Meth) restored egg production. In conclusion, the reproduction roles of ETH, JH, and 20E were investigated in M. separata. These findings will lay the foundation for future research to develop an antagonist that reduces female reproduction and control strategies for pest insects.

Functional disparity of four pheromone-binding proteins from the plum fruit moth Grapholita funebrana Treitscheke in detection of sex pheromone components.

Grapholita funebrana, also known as the plum fruit moth, is an oligophagous pest species that causes enormous economic losses of the fruits of Rosaceae. An eco-friendly method for the control of G. funebrana besides chemical control has not yet been developed. The sex pheromone communication system plays an important role in moth courtship and mating, in which pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are critical. In this research, we identified four PBPs, namely, GfunPBP1.1, GfunPBP1.2, GfunPBP2, and GfunPBP3, from the antennae of G. funebrana. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that all four GfunPBPs were overwhelmingly expressed in the antennae and that GfunPBP1.2 and GfunPBP2 showed male-biased expression patterns, whereas GfunPBP1.1 and GfunPBP3 were equally expressed between sexes. The results of ligand-binding assays illustrated that although all four recombinant GfunPBPs (rGfunPBPs) had binding activity with the tested sex pheromone compounds, their preferred ligands were significantly different. rGfunPBP2 had the strongest binding affinity to Z8-12:Ac and Z8-12:OH; rGfunPBP1.1 preferred to bind Z8-14:Ac, Z10-14:Ac, and 12:OH more than to the other three GfunPBPs; and rGfunPBP1.2 exhibited stronger binding affinity to E8-12:Ac than to the other rGfunPBPs. Molecular docking results demonstrated that hydrophobic forces, especially van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, were the most important forces that maintained GfunPBP-pheromone ligand complexes. This study will improve our understanding of the sex pheromone recognition mechanisms of G. funebrana and promote the development of novel strategies for controlling G. funebrana.

Study on the relationship between the risk of Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction and the serum level of tyrosine hydroxylase and its potential influencing factors / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the relationship between serum levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the risk of cerebral infarction in Parkinson's patients. Methods A total of 129 patients with confirmed Parkinson's disease who were hospitalized in our hospital were selected, among the 58 patients had Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction (complicated with cerebral infarction group), and the remaining 71 patients had Parkinson's disease alone (control group). Blood TH levels and other potential related information were collected retrospectively at the time of diagnosis. Comparative analysis of data was performed using SPSS software. Results Comparing the serum TH expression levels in patients with Parkinson's disease and patients with cerebral infarction at admission , the serum TH level in patients with cerebral infarction was lower. Results also showed that the levels of CRP, IL-6, MDA, and Hcy were higher in patients with cerebral infarction, while PON-1 level was lower. In addition, patients with cerebral infarction had lower motor ability (higher UPDRS Ⅲ score). Further regression analysis was carried out with the occurrence of Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction as the dependent variable and the potential influencing factors as the independent variable. The results indicated that factors such as low expression of TH, high expression of inflammatory factors, and high expression of oxidative stress factors were positively correlated with the risk of complications of the two diseases. Conclusion The low expression of TH, inflammatory state and high oxidative stress state are the potential risk factors for Parkinson's disease complicated with cerebral infarction, which deserves clinical attention.

Fertility-preserving treatment outcomes in endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia patients with different molecular profiles / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To investigate the impact of molecular classification and key oncogenes on the oncologic outcomes in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) receiving fertility-preserving treatment. Methods: Patients with EC and AEH undergoing progestin-based fertility-preserving treatment and receiving molecular classification as well as key oncogenes test at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to March 2023 were reviewed. Hysteroscopic lesion resection and endometrial biopsy were performed before initiating hormone therapy and every 3 months during the treatment to evaluate the efficacy. The risk factors which had impact on the treatment outcomes in EC and AEH patients were further analyzed. Results: Of the 171 patients analyzed, the median age was 32 years, including 86 patients with EC and 85 patients with AEH. The distribution of molecular classification was as follows: 157 cases (91.8%) were classified as having no specific molecular profile (NSMP); 9 cases (5.3%), mismatch repair deficient (MMR-d); 3 cases (1.8%), POLE-mutated; 2 cases (1.2%), p53 abnormal. No difference was found in the cumulative 40-week complete response (CR) rate between the patients having NSMP or MMR-d (61.6% vs 60.0%; P=0.593), while the patients having MMR-d had increased risk than those having NSMP to have recurrence after CR (50.0% vs 14.4%; P=0.005). Multi-variant analysis showed PTEN gene multi-loci mutation (HR=0.413, 95%CI: 0.259-0.658; P<0.001) and PIK3CA gene mutation (HR=0.499, 95%CI: 0.310-0.804; P=0.004) were associated with a lower cumulative 40-week CR rate, and progestin-insensitivity (HR=3.825, 95%CI: 1.570-9.317; P=0.003) and MMR-d (HR=9.014, 95%CI: 1.734-46.873; P=0.009) were independent risk factors of recurrence in EC and AEH patients. Conclusions: No difference in cumulative 40-week CR rate is found in the patients having NSMP or MMR-d who received progestin-based fertility-preserving treatment, where the use of hysteroscopy during the treatment might be the reason, while those having MMR-d have a higher risk of recurrence after CR. Oncogene mutation of PTEN or PIK3CA gene might be associated with a lower response to progestin treatment. The molecular profiles help predict the fertility-preserving treatment outcomes in EC and AEH patients.

Comparison of the effects and safety of dydrogesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate on endometrial hyperplasia without atypia: a randomized controlled non-inferior phase Ⅲ clinical study / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To compare the effects and safety of dydrogesterone (DG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the treatment in patients with endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (EH). Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, prospective non-inferior randomized controlled phase Ⅲ trial. From February 2019 to November 2021, patients with EH admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University were recruited. Enrolled patients were stratified according to the pathological types of simple hyperplasia (SH) or complex hyperplasia (CH), and were randomised to receive MPA or DG. Untill May 14, 2022, the median follow-up time after complete response (CR) was 9.3 months (1.1-17.2 months). The primary endpoint was the 6-month CR rate (6m-CR rate). The secondary endpoints included the 3-month CR rate (3m-CR rate), adverse events rate, recurrence rate, and pregnancy rate in one year after CR. Results: (1) A total of 292 patients with EH were enrolled in the study with the median age of 39 years (31-45 years). A total of 135 SH patients were randomly assigned to MPA group (n=67) and DG group (n=68), and 157 CH patients were randomly assigned to MPA group (n=79) and DG group (n=78). (2) Among 292 patients, 205 patients enrolled into the primary endpoint analysis, including 92 SH patients and 113 CH patients, with 100 patients in MPA group and 105 in DG group, respectively. The 6m-CR rate of MPA group and DG group were 90.0% (90/100) and 88.6% (93/105) respectively, and there were no statistical significance (χ2=0.11, P=0.741), with the rate difference (RD) was -1.4% (95%CI:-9.9%-7.0%). Stratified by the pathology types, the 6m-CR rate of SH patients was 93.5% (86/92), and MPA group and DG group were respectively 91.1% (41/45) and 95.7% (45/47); and the 6m-CR rate of CH patients was 85.8% (97/113), and MPA group and DG group were 89.1% (49/55) and 82.8% (48/58) respectively. The 6m-CR rates of the two treatments had no statistical significance either (all P>0.05). A total of 194 EH patients enrolled into the secondary endpoint analysis, including 88 SH patients and 106 CH patients, and 96 patients in MPA group and 98 in DG group, respectively. The 3m-CR rate of SH patients were 87.5% (77/88), while the 3m-CR rates of MPA group and DG group were 90.7% (39/43) and 84.4% (38/45), respectively; the 3m-CR rate of CH patients was 66.0% (70/106), and MPA group and DG group had the same 3m-CR rate of 66.0% (35/53). No statistical significance was found between the two treatments both in SH and CH patients (all P>0.05). (3) The incidence of adverse events between MPA group and DG group had no statistical significance (P>0.05). (4) A total of 93 SH patients achieved CR, and the cumulative recurrence rate in one year after CR were 5.9% and 0 in MPA group and DG group, respectively. While 112 CH patients achieved CR, and the cumulative recurrence rate in one year after CR were 8.8% and 6.5% in MPA group and DG group, respectively. There were no statistical significance between two treatment groups (all P>0.05). Among the 93 SH patients, 10 patients had family planning but no pregnancy happened during the follow-up period. Among the 112 CH patients, 21 were actively preparing for pregnancy, and the pregnancy rate and live-birth rate in one year after CR in MPA group were 7/9 and 2/7, while in DG group were respectively 4/12 and 2/4, and there were no statistical significance in pregnancy rate and live-birth rate between the two treatment groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with MPA, DG is of good efficacy and safety in treating EH. DG is a favorable alternative treatment for EH patients.

Preliminary exploration of clinical prediction model of severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke based on nomogram model / 中华危重病急救医学

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a predictive model for severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke based on nomogram model, and evaluate its effectiveness.@*METHODS@#A prospective study was conducted. The patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to Mianyang Central Hospital from October 2018 to October 2021 were enrolled. Patients were divided into severe swallowing disorder group and non-severe swallowing disorder group according to whether severe swallowing disorder occurred within 72 hours after admission. The differences in general information, personal history, past medical history, and clinical characteristics of patients between the two groups were compared. The risk factors of severe swallowing disorder were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and the relevant nomogram model was established. The bootstrap method was used to perform self-sampling internal validation on the model, and consistency index, calibration curve, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), and decision curve were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.@*RESULTS@#A total of 264 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled, and the incidence of severe swallowing disorder within 72 hours after admission was 19.3% (51/264). Compared with the non-severe swallowing disorder group, the severe swallowing disorder group had a higher proportion of patients aged of ≥ 60 years old, with severe neurological deficits [National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 7], severe functional impairments [Barthel index, an activity of daily living functional status assessment index, < 40], brainstem infarction and lesions ≥ 40 mm (78.43% vs. 56.81%, 52.94% vs. 28.64%, 39.22% vs. 12.21%, 31.37% vs. 13.62%, 54.90% vs. 24.41%), and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years old [odds ratio (OR) = 3.542, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.527-8.215], NIHSS score ≥ 7 (OR = 2.741, 95%CI was 1.337-5.619), Barthel index < 40 (OR = 4.517, 95%CI was 2.013-10.136), brain stem infarction (OR = 2.498, 95%CI was 1.078-5.790) and lesion ≥ 40 mm (OR = 2.283, 95%CI was 1.485-3.508) were independent risk factors for severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke (all P < 0.05). The results of model validation showed that the consistency index was 0.805, and the trend of the calibration curve was basically consistent with the ideal curve, indicating that the model had good prediction accuracy. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) predicted by nomogram model for severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke was 0.817 (95%CI was 0.788-0.852), indicating that the model had good discrimination. The decision curve showed that within the range of 5% to 90%, the nomogram model had a higher net benefit value for predicting the risk of severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke, indicating that the model had good clinical predictive performance.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The independent risk factors of severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke include age ≥ 60 years old, NIHSS score ≥ 7, Barthel index < 40, brainstem infarction and lesion size ≥ 40 mm. The nomogram model established based on these factors can effectively predict the occurrence of severe swallowing disorder after acute ischemic stroke.

Different Binding Affinities of Three General Odorant-Binding Proteins in Grapholita funebrana (Treitscheke) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to Sex Pheromones, Host Plant Volatiles, and Insecticides.

Insect general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) play irreplaceable roles in filtering, binding, and transporting host odorants to olfactory receptors. Grapholita funebrana (Treitscheke) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), an economically important pest of fruit crops, uses fruit volatiles as cues to locate host plants. However, the functions of GOBPs in G. funebrana are still unknown. Three GOBP genes, namely, GfunGOBP1, GfunGOBP2, and GfunGOBP3, were cloned, and their expression profiles in different tissues were detected by the method of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The binding properties of recombinant GfunGOBPs (rGfunGOBPs) to various ligands were investigated via fluorescence binding assays. The three GfunGOBPs were mainly expressed in the antennae of both male and female moths. All these three rGfunGOBPs could bind to sex pheromones, while having varying affinities toward these pheromones. The three rGfunGOBPs also displayed a wide range of ligand-binding spectrums with tested host odorants. The rGfunGOBP1, rGfunGOBP2, and rGfunGOBP3 bound to 34, 33, and 30 out of the 41 tested odorants, respectively. Three rGfunGOBPs had overlapping binding activities to ß-myrcene, (-)-α-phellandrene, and ethyl isovalerate with the Ki less than 3.0 µM. The rGfunGOBP1 and rGfunGOBP3 could selectively bind to several insecticides, whereas rGfunGOBP2 could not. Three rGfunGOBPs had the dual functions of selectively binding to sex pheromones and host odorants. Moreover, the rGfunGOBP1 and rGfunGOBP3 can also serve as 'signal proteins' and bind to different insecticides. This study contributed to elucidating the potential molecular mechanism of the olfaction for G. funebrana, and thereby promotes the development of effective botanical attractants or pheromone synergists to control G. funebrana.

Analysis of risk factors for bleeding in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factor analysis and model prediction of bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 302 patients with MOJ treated with ERCP who were treated in the No. 363 Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University from January 2015 to June 2021. The general clinical data of the patients were collected, and the biochemical indicators of the pancreatic and bile ducts were detected. The patients were followed up after discharge, and the patients were divided into a bleeding group ( n=47) and a control group ( n=255) according to whether the follow-up patients were bleeding after ERCP. Compared the general and clinical data of the two groups of patients, including age, gender, platelet count, presence of bile duct stones, acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, number of stones, intraoperative bleeding, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, duodenal papillary diverticulum, and pre-surgical incision. The measurement data that obey the normal distribution were represented by the mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the two independent sample t test was used for the comparison between groups; the data that do not conform to the normal distribution were represented by M ( Q1, Q3), and the comparison between groups was used Mann-Whitney U test. The comparison of enumeration data between groups adopted chi-square test. Logistic multivariate regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of postoperative bleeding after ERCP, and a nomogram prediction model was established and verified according to the independent risk factors of postoperative bleeding. Results:The two groups of patients were compared in age, gender, platelet count, bile duct stones, acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, the number of stones, intraoperative bleeding and other aspects, the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The percentages of pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, duodenal papillary diverticulum, and surgical pre-incision in the bleeding group were 12.77%, 17.02%, 19.15%, 51.06%, 59.57%, and 14.89%, respectively. , the percentages of the control group were 3.92%, 5.10%, 9.02%, 19.22%, 17.65%, and 5.88%, and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups ( P<0.05). Taking postoperative bleeding as the dependent variable, and using the indicators with statistical differences in univariate analysis as independent variables, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the patient had pancreatic cancer ( OR=1.838, 95% CI: 1.524-4.613, P=0.041), cholangiocarcinoma ( OR=2.548, 95% CI: 1.870-5.116, P=0.015), stone incarceration ( OR=3.078, 95% CI: 2.374-6.012, P<0.001), duodenum Intestinal papillary diverticula ( OR=1.140, 95% CI: 1.045-1.628, P<0.001), surgical pre-incision ( OR=1.640, 95% CI: 1.321-1.928, P<0.001) were associated with postoperative bleeding in MOJ patients after ERCP independent risk factors. The predictive ability of duodenal papillary diverticulum was the highest; the predictive ability of stone incarceration and cholangiocarcinoma was the second, and there was no significant difference between them; the predictive ability of pancreatic cancer, stone diameter, and pre-incision on bleeding after ERCP in MOJ patients smaller. Pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, duodenal papillary diverticulum, and pre-incision scores were 42, 63, 28, 65, 76, and 34 points respectively, and the total score was 308 points corresponding to the nomogram model. The predictive power of the nomogram was 61.6%, and overall, the nomogram had good predictive performance. Harrell concordance index analysis and ROC curve were used to evaluate the model discrimination, the C-index calculation result was 0.826 (95% CI: 0.771-0.847), the ROC curve AUC was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.801-0.884), and the ROC prediction The value and the calculation result of C-index are relatively close. The model discrimination is applied in this study and has a certain prediction effect. The nomogram model in the Calibration curve predicted the probability of postoperative bleeding after ERCP in MOJ patients with high consistency with the actual probability. Conclusion:ERCP is safe and feasible for most patients with MOJ, but for patients with pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer, large stone diameter, stone incarceration, and duodenal papillary diverticulum, it should be performed with caution, and preoperative incision should be avoided, to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding. In addition, the nomogram model has a strong predictive ability in predicting bleeding after ERCP in patients with MOJ, which is worthy of reference in clinical research.

Comparison of the efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic and microscopic discectomy in treatment of lumbar disc herniation / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To compare the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic （UBE） and microscopic discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation （LDH） and to explore the safety and effectiveness of this operation. 【Methods】 A total of 87 LDH patients from July 2018 to July 2021 were analyzed retrospectively， including 42 cases of unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy and 45 cases of microscopic discectomy. Analysis was based on comparison of perioperative metrics， operation time， and estimated blood loss. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scale （VAS）， Oswestry disability index （ODI） and modified Macnab criterion. 【Results】 All patients were followed up for 13.3±1.18 months. In UBE group， operation time （57.12±6.35） min was shorter than that in the microscope group （62.21±7.09） min and estimated blood loss （29.31±3.62） mL was smaller than that in the microscope group （51.77±8.43） mL， with a significant difference （P0.05）. Dural sac tear occurred in 2 cases in UBE group and 3 cases in the microscope group； the incidence was not statistically significant （P>0.05）. Modified MacNab criterion evaluation at the last follow-up showed that 32 cases were excellent in UBE group， 7 cases were good， and 3 cases were fair， with the excellent and good rate of 92.9% （39/42）. The microscope group was excellent in 31 cases， good in 10 cases， and fair in 4 cases， with the excellent and good rate of 91.1% （41/45）. 【Conclusion】 UBE for LDH has a satisfactory short-term clinical efficacy， with the advantages of less trauma， greater efficiency， clear vision， and large operating space. Both UBE and microscopic discectomy can achieve good clinical results in treating LDH， but the former has the advantages of less trauma， high efficiency， and quick postoperative recovery.

Functional analysis of the odorant receptor coreceptor in odor detection in Grapholita molesta (lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The olfactory system must detect and discriminate various semiochemicals in the environment. In response to such diversity, insects have evolved a family of odorant-gated ion channels composed of a common receptor (coreceptor, Orco) and a ligand-binding tuning odorant receptor (OR) that confers odour specificity. This study aims to examine the expression pattern of Orco gene of Grapholita molesta (GmolOrco) and to elucidate the role of GmolOrco in detecting G. molesta sex pheromone and green leaf volatiles by using gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi) coupled antennal electrophysiological (EAG). Multiple sequence alignment showed that GmolOrco shared high sequence similarities with the Orco ortholog of lepidopterans. The results of real-time quantitative PCR detection demonstrated that GmolOrco was predominantly expressed in adult antennae and had the highest expression quantity in adult period among the different developmental stages. Compared with the noninjected controls, GmolOrco expression in GmolOrcodouble-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-injected males was reduced to 39.92% and that in females was reduced to 40.43%. EAG assays showed that the responses of GmolOrco-dsRNA injected males to sex pheromones (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate (Z8-12:OAc) and (Z)-8-dodecenyl alcohol (Z8-12:OH) were significantly reduced, and the GmolOrco-dsRNA-injected female to green leaf volatile (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate also significantly declined. We inferred that Orco-mediated olfaction was different in male and female G. molesta adults and was mainly involved in recognizing the sex pheromones released by female moths.

Expression of Rad51 and the histo-morphological evaluation of testis of the sterile male cattle-yak.

Meiotic recombination is key to the repair of DNA double-strand break damage, provide a link between homologs for proper chromosome segregation as well as ensure genetic diversity in organisms. Defects in recombination often lead to sterility. The ubiquitously expressed Rad51 and the meiosis-specific DMC1 are two closely related recombinases that catalyze the key strand invasion and exchange step of meiotic recombination. This study cloned and sequenced the coding region of cattle-yak Rad51 and determined its mRNA and protein expression levels, evaluated its molecular and evolutionary relationship as well as evaluated the histo-morphological structure of testes in the yellow cattle, yak and the sterile cattle-yak hybrid. The Rad51 gene was amplified using PCR, cloned and sequenced using testicular cDNA from yak and cattle-yak. Real-time PCR was used to examine the expression levels of Rad51/DMC1 mRNA in the cattle, yak and cattle-yak testis while western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the protein expression and localization of Rad51/DMC1 protein in the testicular tissue sections. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of Rad51 and DMC1 are extremely low in the male cattle-yak testis with a corresponding higher incidence of germ cell apoptosis. There was also thinning of the germinal epithelium possibly due to the depletion of the germ cells leading to the widening of the lumen area of the cattle-yak seminiferous tubule. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that the low expression of Rad51 and DMC1 may contribute to the male hybrid sterility in the cattle-yak.

Demography of Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at outdoor fluctuating temperatures.

The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major migratory pest of cereal crops in East Asia, South Asia and Australia. To comprehensively understand the ecological tolerance of M. separata, we collected life table data of individuals from four consecutive generations reared under outdoor natural fluctuating temperatures from 15 April to 17 October 2018 in Yangling, Shaanxi, China. The results showed that the immature stage in early summer and summer were shorter than in spring and autumn. High mortality in late larval instar and pupal stages was observed in the summer generation. The adult pre-oviposition period in autumn was longer than the other seasons. The population in the earlier two seasons had heavier pupae and higher fecundity than the population in the latter two seasons. The intrinsic rate of increase and the finite rate of increase was the highest in early summer (r = 0.1292 day-1, λ = 1.1391 day-1), followed by spring (r = 0.1102 day-1, λ = 1.1165 day-1), and was the lowest in summer (r = 0.0281 day-1, λ = 1.0293 day-1). The results of this study would be useful to predict the population dynamics of M. separata and deepen our standing of the adaptiveness of this migratory pest in natural fluctuating ambient environments.

Therapeutic effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on painful gait in mice with Achilles tendon injury and its possible mechanism / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of low intensity pulsed ultrasound（LIPUS）on painful gait in mice with Achilles tendon injury.Methods:Male C57BL/6 mice were selected to establish the Achilles tendon injury model by surgically full-thinkness tear of the right Achilles tendon. The mice were divided into Achilles tendon injury group and Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group according to the random number table method，with 7 mice per group. The Catwalk gait analysis system was used to evaluate the gait function of the mice by measuring the following five parameters 14 days after operation，including print area，standing time，step cycle，max intensity and stride length. Morphological changes of the Achilles tendon were observed by HE staining. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression level of nitric oxide synthase（iNOS）in the Achilles tendon tissues. At the same time，Achilles tendon cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. The cells were induced by 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide（LPS）for 12 hours to establish in vitro model（LPS group），and treated with LIPUS（LPS+LIPUS group）. The control group was set as well（without any treatment）. The nuclear translocation of nuclear transcription factor-κB（NF-κB）P65 was detected by immunofluorescence staining，and the expression of iNOS and phosphorylation（p）-NF-κB p65 protein was detected by Western blotting. Results:Compared with Achilles tendon injury group［（0.14±0.10）cm 2］，the print area of the affected limb in Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group［（0.28±0.13）cm 2］was increased（ P<0.05）. Compared with Achilles tendon injury group［（0.11±0.04）seconds］，the standing time of the affected limb in Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group［（0.21±0.03）seconds］was increased（ P<0.05）. Compared with Achilles tendon injury group［（0.25±0.05）seconds］，the step cycle of the affected limb in Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group［（0.40±0.05）seconds］was increased（ P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the max intensity and stride length between Achilles tendon injury group and Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group（ P>0.05）. HE staining showed obvious hyperplasia of Achilles tendon tissues in Achilles tendon injury group，with loosely and randomly arranged fibers，accompanied by neovascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration. Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group showed more orderly arranged fibers in Achilles tendon tissues，and the degree of neovascularization and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Compared with Achilles tendon injury group［（5.70±0.81）%］，the expression level of iNOS in Achilles tendon injury+LIPUS group［（2.84±0.94）%］was decreased 14 days after operation（ P<0.05）. Immunofluorescence results of Achilles tendon cells showed that NF-κB p65 protein entered the nucleus in LPS group compared with control group，and that LIPUS treatment inhibited nuclear translocation. In control group，Western blotting showed that iNOS was not expressed，and that the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was 0.63±0.16. Compared with control group，the expression levels of iNOS（0.99±0.22）and p-NF-κB P65（1.02±0.19）in LPS group were significantly increased（ P<0.05）. Compared with LPS group，the expression levels of iNOS（0.62±0.10）and p-NF-κB P65（0.65±0.21）in LPS+LIPUS group were decreased（ P<0.05）. Conclusion:LIPUS treatment can alleviate pain gait in mice with Achilles tendon injury and inhibit iNOS expression in vivo and in vitro，which may be related to inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Clinical features related to lymphatic metastasis in grade 3 endometroid endometrial cancer: a retrospective cross-sectional study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Endometrial cancer (EC) has been one of the most general cancers with respect to gynecological malignancies; however, there are debates on clinical strategies concerning treatments especially for patients with grade 3 (G3) endometroid endometrial cancer (EEC). Present study aimed to evaluate the lymphatic metastasis (LM) related factors and figure out the necessity of lymphadenectomy for G3 EEC patients.@*METHODS@#From January 2009 to April 2019, 3751 EC patients were admitted to Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. Clinical characteristics include age, grade, stage, and clinical pathological features. A total of 1235 EEC patients were involved in the multivariable analysis. Three hundred and eighty-one patients were involved in the survival analysis and the data attributed to sufficient follow-up information. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were utilized to analyze the survival rate.@*RESULTS@#Among the 1235 EEC patients, 181 (14.7%) were categorized as G3 and 1054 (85.3%) were grade 1 to grade 2 (G1-2). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymphovascular space invasion, adnexal involvement, and cervical stroma involvement were independent risk factors of LM in G3 cohort with odds ratio 3.4, 5.8, and 8.9; 95% confidence interval 1.1-10.6, 1.5-22.4, and 2.8-28.0, respectively. LM rates increased from 3.3% (3/92) to 75% (9/12) for G3 EEC cohort as related factor numbers increased from one to three. There were no differences between G3 and G1-2 EEC in overall survival and progression free survival. Additionally, no survival advantage was observed for G3 EEC patients at early stage with different plans of adjuvant treatment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#For G3 EEC patients without other pathological positive factor, the LM rate is lower than those with other pathological positive factor. Survival analysis showed no difference between G3 cohort and G1-2 cohort. Also, different adjuvant treatments had no impact on the overall survival for G3 EEC patients.

Self-reported taste and smell disorders in patients with COVID-19: distinct features in China

ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the frequencies of nasal symptoms in patients with COVID-19, including loss of smell and taste, as well as their presentation as the first symptom of the disease and their association with the severity of COVID-19. MethodsIn this retrospective study, 1,206 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included and followed-up by telephone call one month after discharged from Tongji Hospital, Wuhan. Demographic data, laboratory values, comorbidities, symptoms, and numerical rating scale scores (0-10) of nasal symptoms were extracted from the hospital medical records, and confirmed or reevaluated by the telephone follow-up. ResultsFrom COVID-19 patients (N = 1,172) completing follow-up, 199 (17%) subjects had severe COVID-19 and 342 (29.2%) reported nasal symptoms. The most common nasal symptom was loss of taste (20.6%, median score = 6), while 11.4% had loss of smell (median score = 5). The incidence of nasal symptom including loss of smell and loss of taste as the first onset symptom was <1% in COVID-19 patients. Loss of smell or taste scores showed no correlation with the scores of other nasal symptoms. Loss of taste scores, but not loss of smell scores, were significantly increased in severe vs. non-severe COVID-19 patients. Interleukin (IL)-6 and lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) serum levels positively correlated with loss of taste scores. About 80% of COVID-19 patients recovered from smell and taste dysfunction in 2 weeks. ConclusionIn the Wuhan COVID-19 cohort, only 1 out of 10 hospital admitted patients had loss of smell while 1 out 5 reported loss of taste which was associated to severity of COVID-19. Most patients recovered smell and taste dysfunctions in 2 weeks.

Is a 14-day quarantine period optimal for effectively controlling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

BackgroundThe outbreak of a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (Covid-19) has become pandemic. To be more effectively controlling the disease, it is critical to set up an optimal quarantine period so that about 95% of the cases developing symptoms will be retained for isolation. At the moment, the WHO-established quarantine period is 14 days based on previous reports which had studied small sizes of hospitalized cases (10 and [~]100, respectively), however, over 80% of adult- and 95% of child-cases were not necessary to stay in hospitals, and therefore, had not been hospitalized. Therefore, we are questioning if the current-inferred median incubation time is representative for the whole Covid-19 population, and if the current quarantine period is optimal. MethodsWe compiled and analyzed the patient-level information of 2015 laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases including 99 children in 28 Chinese provinces. This cohort represents a wide-range spectrum of Covid-19 disease with both hospitalized and non-hospitalized cases. ResultsThe full range of incubation periods of the Covid-19 cases ranged from 0 to 33 days among 2015 cases. There were 6 (0.13%) symptom-free cases including 4 females with a median age of 25.5 years and 2 males with a median age of 36 years. The median incubation period of both male and female adults was similar (7-day) but significantly shorter than that (9-day) of child cases (P=0.02). This cohort contained 4 transmission generations, and incubation periods of the cases between generations were not significantly different, suggesting that the virus has not been rapidly adapted to human beings. Interestingly, incubation periods of 233 cases (11.6%) were longer than the WHO-established quarantine period (14 days). Data modeling suggested that if adults take an extra 4-day or 7-day of isolation (i.e., a quarantine period of 18 or 21 days), 96.2% or 98.3%, respectively, of the people who are developing symptoms will be more effectively quarantined. Patients transmitted via lunch/dinner parties (i.e., gastrointestinal tract infection through oral transmission) had a significantly longer incubation period (9-day) than other adults transmitted via respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces and objects (P<0.004). ConclusionsThe whole Covid-19 population including both hospitalized and non-hospitalized cases had a median incubation period of 7-day for adults, which is 1.8-day longer than the hospitalized cases reported previously. An extension of the adult quarantine period to 18 days or 21 days could be more effective in preventing virus-spreading and controlling the disease. The cases transmitted by lunch/dinner parties could be infected first in the gastrointestinal tract through oral transmission and then infected in the respiratory system so that they had a longer incubation period.

Evidence for the Presence of Long-Lived Plasma Cells in Nasal Polyps

PURPOSE: Plasma cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation in nasal polyps. During secondary immune responses, plasma cell survival and Ig production are regulated by the local environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) and specific survival niches for LLPCs in human nasal polyps.METHODS: Nasal mucosal samples were cultured with an air-liquid interface system and the Ig levels in culture supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characteristics of LLPCs in nasal polyps were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression of neurotrophins as well as their receptors was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting.RESULTS: The numbers of CD138⁺ total plasma cells and BCL2⁺ plasma cells were increased in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with those in normal tissues. The production of IgG, IgA, and IgE was detected in culture supernatants even after a 32-day culture of nasal polyps. Although the total numbers of plasma cells were decreased in nasal polyps after culture, the numbers of BCL2⁺ plasma cells remained stable. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) as well as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, a high-affinity receptor for NGF, was upregulated in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. In addition, BCL2⁺ plasma cell numbers were positively correlated with NGF and TrkA mRNA expression in nasal mucosal tissues. Polyp plasma cells had the expression of TrkA.CONCLUSIONS: Human nasal polyps harbor a population of LLPCs and NGF may be involved in their prolonged survival. LLPCs may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing the local Ig production in nasal polyps.