Genomic profiles and their relationships with clinical characteristics and immune features in cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the genomic alteration profiles of cervical cancer patients, examine the correlation between mutation patterns and clinical and immune attributes, and discover novel targets for treatment of individuals with cervical cancer. METHODS: We performed targeted next-generation sequencing of tumor tissues and blood samples obtained from 45 cervical cancer patients to analyze somatic alterations, mutation patterns, and HLA alleles comprehensively. Additionally, we used flow cytometry to assess expression levels of immune checkpoint genes. RESULTS: Notably, genes such as AR (78%), KMT2D (76%), and NOTCH1 (62%) exhibited higher mutation frequencies. Moreover, the tumor mutation burden (TMB) was significantly greater in HPV-positive cervical cancer patients than in HPV-negative patients (P=0.029). BMI (P=0.047) and mutations in BARD1 (P=0.034), CEP290 (P=4E-04), and SLX4 (P=0.0128) were identified as predictors of shorter overall survival in cervical cancer patients. Furthermore, the present study revealed significant upregulation of PD-1 (P=0.027) and Tim-3 (P=0.048) in the high mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) cohort. In the elderly cervical cancer patient population, HLA-A03:01 emerged as a high-risk allele (OR=3.2, P<0.0001); HLA-C07:02 (OR=0.073, P=0.02) and HLA-B*07:02 (OR=0.257, P=0.037) were associated with a reduced risk among patients with low TMB. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into the mutation characteristics of cervical cancer patients and identifies potential therapeutic.

The Role of miRNA and Long Noncoding RNA in Cholestatic Liver Diseases.

Cholestatic liver diseases encompass a range of organic damages, metabolic disorders, and dysfunctions within the hepatobiliary system, arising from various pathogenic causes. These factors contribute to disruptions in bile production, secretion, and excretion. Cholestatic liver diseases can be classified into intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis, according to the location of occurrence. The etiology of cholestatic liver diseases is complex, and includes drugs, poisons, viruses, parasites, bacteria, autoimmune responses, tumors, and genetic metabolism. The pathogenesis of cholelstatic liver disease is not completely clarified, and effective therapy is lacking. Clarifying its mechanism to find more effective therapeutic targets and drugs is an unmet need. Increasing evidence demonstrates that miRNA and long noncoding RNA are involved in the progression of cholestatic liver diseases. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the research progress on the roles of miRNA and long noncoding RNA in cholestatic liver diseases. The aim of the review is to enhance the understanding of their potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic value for patients with cholestasis.

Developmental Toxicity of PEDOT:PSS in Zebrafish: Effects on Morphology, Cardiac Function, and Intestinal Health.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a conductive polymer commonly used in various technological applications. However, its impact on aquatic ecosystems remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the toxicity effects of PEDOT:PSS on zebrafish. We first determined the lethal concentration (LC50) of PEDOT:PSS in zebrafish and then exposed AB-type zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of PEDOT:PSS for 120 h. Our investigation elucidated the toxicity effects of zebrafish development, including morphological assessments, heart rate measurements, behavioral analysis, transcriptome profiling, and histopathological analysis. We discovered that PEDOT:PSS exhibited detrimental effects on the early developmental stages of zebrafish, exacerbating the oxidative stress level, suppressing zebrafish activity, impairing cardiac development, and causing intestinal cell damage. This study adds a new dimension to the developmental toxicity of PEDOT:PSS in zebrafish. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the ecological repercussions of PEDOT:PSS and highlight the importance of responsible development and application of novel materials in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Effect of remimazolam on electroencephalogram burst suppression in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery: Protocol for a randomized controlled noninferiority trial.

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication following cardiac surgery and increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Intraoperative electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression suggests excessively deep anesthesia and predicts POD. Use of remimazolam provides a stable hemodynamic status and an appropriate depth of anesthesia. We aim to assess remimazolam administered for anesthesia and sedation in elderly patients having cardiac surgery. Methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with noninferiority design. A total of 260 elderly patients aged equal to or greater than 60 years undergoing cardiac surgery will be randomly allocated to receive remimazolam or propofol (1:1) for general anesthesia and postoperative sedation until extubation. The primary outcome is the cumulative time with EEG burst suppression which is obtained from the SedLine system. The noninferiority margin is 2.0 min. The secondary outcomes include the POD occurrence within the first 5 days postoperatively and the duration of perioperative hypotension. Discussion: This noninferiority trial is the first to evaluate the effect of perioperative remimazolam administration on EEG burst suppression, POD occurrence, and duration of hypotension in elderly patients who undergo cardiac surgery. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200056353).

Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from haploidentical related donor could achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes for intermediate- or high-risk adult acute myeloid leukemia patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the most important curative method for intermediate- and high-risk adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. We aimed to identify the clinical outcomes of haploidentical related donor (HID) peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) who receiving peripheral blood (G-PB) harvest, and the patients receiving bone marrow (BM) plus G-PB harvest (BM + PB) as grafts were enrolled as control. The engraftments of neutrophil and platelet in G-PB group were both faster than those in BM + PB group. The cumulative incidences of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), and moderate to severe chronic GVHD (cGVHD) were all comparable between G-PB and BM + PB groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality at 3 years after HID HSCT was 12.6% versus 13.7% (p = 0.899) and 3.6% versus 7.3% (p = 0.295), respectively, in G-PB and BM + PB group. While the probabilities of GVHD-free/relapse-free survival, leukemia-free survival, and overall survival at 3 years after HID HSCT were 60.6% versus 53.4% (p = 0.333), 83.8% versus 79.0% (p = 0.603), and were 87.3% versus 82.9% (p = 0.670), respectively. We confirmed the safety and efficacy of HID PBSCT in intermediate- and high-risk AML patients in a large cohort.

Application of the cell-based RT-qPCR assay (C-QPA) for potency detection of the novel trivalent rotavirus vaccine in China.

BACKGROUND: Because of the deficiencies of traditional methods in multivalent rotavirus vaccine potency detection, a cell-based quantitative RT-qPCR assay (C-QPA) was established and validated for specificity, precision, and accuracy. METHODS: In order to further validate the robustness of this method in actual titer detection, the linear range and the practical application under different conditions were tested using monovalent and trivalent rotavirus samples and standards. RESULTS: Results showed that the linear range was 2.0-6.5, 3.9-8.3, and 3.5-8.1 UI (unit of infectivity) for G2, G3, and G4, respectively. Besides, unknown sample with high titer exceeding the linear range can be calculated by dilution. The UIs of serotypes G2, G3, and G4 in monovalent and trivalent rotavirus samples showed a relative deviation ≤4.10%, and the monovalent samples of the same serotype with or without protective agents showed a relative deviation ≤4.28%; the coefficient of variation (CV) of at least 176 tests (548 individual runs) of 3 in vitro-transcribed RNA standards with certain concentrations was not higher than 6.50%; the results of the trivalent samples tested by more than 149 times in 5 years (467 individual runs) showed the CVs lower than 12.66%; 15 samples detected by one laboratory showed a CV lower than 9.83%, while other three samples tested by two independent laboratories showed a CV lower than 6.90%. CONCLUSION: In summary, the C-QPA has good linearity, durability, repeatability, and reproducibility in practical application and has been proved by the authority to be widely used in the production, quality control and release of the recently licensed trivalent vaccine in China.

Neurotoxicity and the potential molecular mechanisms of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalic acid (MEHP) in zebrafish.

Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalic acid (MEHP) is the most toxic metabolite of plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalic acid (DEHP), and there is limited information available on the effects of MEHP on neurotoxicity. This study aims to examine the neurotoxicity of MEHP and preliminarily explore its potential molecular mechanisms. We found that MEHP impeded the growth of zebrafish embryos and the neurodevelopmental-related gene expression at environmentally relevant concentrations. MEHP exposure also induces oxidative stress response and brain cell apoptosis accompanied by a decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in zebrafish larvae. RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analysis showed that MEHP treatment altered the nervous system, neurogenic diseases, and visual perception pathways. The locomotor activity in dark-to-light cycles and phototaxis test confirmed the abnormal neural behavior of zebrafish larvae. Besides, the immune system has produced a large number of differentially expressed genes related to neural regulation. Inflammatory factor IL1ß and IL-17 signaling pathways highly respond to MEHP, indicating that inflammation caused by immune system imbalance is a potential mechanism of MEHP-induced neurotoxicity. This study expands the understanding of the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of MEHP, providing a new perspective for in-depth neurotoxicity exploration of similar compounds.

Effect of rScO2-Guided Blood Pressure Management on Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients After Major Noncardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Postoperative complications are common after major surgical procedures, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) reflects cerebral and global perfusion, and thus it can be used to guide hemodynamic management. We aim to explore the effect of rScO2-guided blood pressure management strategy on postoperative major complications in older adults who undergo major noncardiac surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial includes a total of 400 elderly patients receiving major noncardiac surgery and general anesthesia. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to one of two blood pressure management groups: a standard care group (targeting mean arterial pressure >65 mmHg or within 20% of baseline value), and a rScO2-guided group (absolute value of rScO2 >60% or decrease in rScO2 <10% of baseline). The primary outcome is the composite outcome of major complications (including infectious, respiratory, neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, thromboembolic gastrointestinal, and surgical complications) and deaths within the first 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include the individual components of the primary outcome by day 7 after surgery and 30-day mortality. Data will be analyzed in the modified intention-to-treat population. Discussion: This study will provide evidence for improving postoperative outcomes using the rScO2-guided blood pressure management among older adults who undergo major noncardiac surgery. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Identifier: ChiCTR2200060816).

This is a protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the use of intraoperative individualized regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO₂) optimization for blood pressure management in older adults undergoing major noncardiac surgery. The primary focus of this trial is the composite outcome of major complications (including infectious, respiratory, neurologic, cardiovascular, renal, thromboembolic gastrointestinal, and surgical complications) and deaths within the first 7 days after surgery. The secondary outcomes are the individual components of the primary outcome by day 7 after surgery and 30-day mortality. The findings of this trial will provide clinical evidence for the rScO₂-guided blood pressure management to improve postoperative outcomes in older patients who are scheduled for major noncardiac surgery.

Unraveling genomic regions and candidate genes for multiple disease resistance in upland cotton using meta-QTL analysis.

Verticillium wilt (VW), Fusarium wilt (FW) and Root-knot nematode (RKN) are the main diseases affecting cotton production. However, many reported quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for cotton resistance have not been used for agricultural practices because of inconsistencies in the cotton genetic background. The integration of existing cotton genetic resources can facilitate the discovery of important genomic regions and candidate genes involved in disease resistance. Here, an improved and comprehensive meta-QTL analysis was conducted on 487 disease resistant QTLs from 31 studies in the last two decades. A consensus linkage map with genetic overall length of 3006.59 cM containing 8650 markers was constructed. A total of 28 Meta-QTLs (MQTLs) were discovered, among which nine MQTLs were identified as related to resistance to multiple diseases. Candidate genes were predicted based on public transcriptome data and enriched in pathways related to disease resistance. This study used a method based on the integration of Meta-QTL, known genes and transcriptomics to reveal major genomic regions and putative candidate genes for resistance to multiple diseases, providing a new basis for marker-assisted selection of high disease resistance in cotton breeding.

Effects of dietary folic acid supplementation on lactation performance and mammary epithelial cell development of dairy cows and its regulatory mechanism.

The experiment investigated the impacts of FA on the proliferation of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (BMECs) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Supplementation of 10 µM FA elevated the mRNA expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin A2 and cyclin D1, and protein expression of PCNA and Cyclin A1. The mRNA and protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) and the BCL2 to BCL2 associated X 4 (BAX4) ratio elevated, while that of BAX, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 reduced by FA. Both Akt and mTOR signaling pathways were activated by FA. Moreover, the stimulation of BMECs proliferation, the alteration of proliferative genes and protein expression, the change of apoptotic genes and protein expression, and the activation of mTOR signaling pathway caused by FA were obstructed by Akt inhibitor. Suppression of mTOR with Rapamycin reversed the FA-modulated promotion of BMECs proliferation and change of proliferous genes and protein expression, with no impact on mRNA or proteins expression related to apoptosis and FA-activated Akt signaling pathway. Supplementation of rumen-protected FA in cow diets evaluated milk yields and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and estradiol levels. The results implied that the proliferation of BMECs was stimulated by FA through the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway.

Sulfonamides (SAs) exposure causes neurobehavioral toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations (ERCs) in early development of zebrafish.

Antibiotics, due to their stability and persistence in the environment, can have chronic impacts on various ecosystems and organisms. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic toxicity at environmental concentrations, particularly the neurotoxic effects of sulfonamides (SAs), remain poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the neurotoxicity of six SAs including the sulfadiazine (SD), sulfathiazole (ST), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfisoxazole (SIZ), sulfapyridine (SPD), and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) by exposing zebrafish to environmentally relevant concentrations (ERCs). The SAs exhibited concentration-dependent effects on zebrafish behavior, including spontaneous movement, heartbeat, survival rate, and body metrics, ultimately leading to depressive-like symptoms and sublethal toxicity during early life stages. Notably, even the lowest SA concentration (0.05 µg/L) induced neurotoxicity and behavioral impairment in zebrafish. We observed a dose-dependent increase in melancholy behavior as indicated by increased resting time and decreased motor activity in zebrafish larvae. Following exposure to SAs from 4 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf), key genes involved in folate synthesis [sepiapterin reductase a (spra), phenylalanine hydroxylase (pah), tyrosine hydroxylase (th), and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (tryptophan 5-monooxygenase) a tryptophan hydroxylase (tph1a)] and carbonic anhydrase (CA) metabolism [carbonic anhydrase II (ca2), carbonic anhydrase IV a (ca4a), carbonic anhydrase VII (ca7), and carbonic anhydrase XIV (ca14)] were significantly downregulated or inhibited at different concentrations. Our findings demonstrate that acute exposure to six SAs at environmentally relevant concentrations induces developmental and neurotoxic effects in zebrafish, impacting folate synthesis pathways and CA metabolism. These results provide valuable insights into the potential role of antibiotics in depressive disorders and neuroregulatory pathways.

Outcomes of haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adolescent and young adults with acute myeloid leukaemia.

We aimed to identify the efficacy of haploidentical related donor (HID) haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in a large cohort. Consecutive AML AYAs (15-39 years old, n = 599) receiving HID HSCT in complete remission (CR) were included. The 3-year cumulative incidence of measurable residual disease occurrence, relapse and non-relapse mortality after HID HSCT was 28.6% (95% CI: 25.0-32.2), 11.6% (95% CI: 9.0-14.2) and 6.7% (95% CI: 4.7-8.7) respectively. The 3-year probability of event-free survival, leukaemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) after HID HSCT was 60.7% (95% CI: 56.9-64.8), 81.7% (95% CI: 78.7-84.9) and 85.6% (95% CI: 82.8-88.4) respectively. In multivariable analysis, AML risk category at diagnosis and comorbidity burdens before HID HSCT were independently associated with LFS and OS. Compared to the older adults (≥ 40 years, n = 355) with AML receiving HID HSCT in CR during the same time period, AYAs have a lower incidence of non-relapse mortality and higher probabilities of LFS and OS. Thus, we firstly confirmed the safety and efficacy of HID HSCT in AYAs with AML-CR.

Desert Abiotic Carbon Sequestration Weakening by Precipitation.

Desert carbon sequestration plays an active role in promoting carbon neutralization. However, the current understanding of the effect of hydrothermal interactions and soil properties on desert carbon sequestration after precipitation remains unclear. Based on the experiment in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert, we found that the heavy precipitation will accelerate the weakening of abiotic carbon sequestration in deserts under the background of global warming and intensified water cycle. The high soil moisture can significantly stimulate sand to release CO2 at an incredible speed by rapidly increasing microbial activity and organic matter diffusion. At this time, the CO2 flux in the shifting sand was synergistically affected by soil temperature and soil moisture. As far as soil properties are concerned, with less organic carbon substrate and stronger soil alkalinity, the carbon sequestration of shifting sand is gradually highlighted and strengthened at low temperature. On the contrary, the carbon sequestration of shifting sand is gradually weakened. Our study provides a new way to assess the contribution of desert to the global carbon cycle and improve the accuracy and scope of application.

Evolution law of atmospheric boundary layer in Gurbantünggüt Desert based on reanalysis dataset and in situ observation data.

As a special geographical unit on the earth, deserts have certain differences in planetary boundary layer (PBL) characteristics from other surface types. In order to find out the long-term evolution law of the Gurbantünggüt Desert, on the basis of evaluating the availability of reanalysis data, using the most effective reanalysis data and situ measured data in this area, the evolution law of the atmospheric boundary layer in the desert area was studied. The results show that among the ERA5, MERRA2, JRA-55 and NCEP-FNL reanalysis data, the ERA5 data has the smallest error with the measured data in the comparison of ground elements or high-altitude meteorology parameters, and can be used for the long-term evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer in desert areas. Based on the ERA5 dataset, the annual planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) of the desert fluctuated between 1979 and 1985, but showed a downward trend overall. From 1986 to 2019, the PBLH generally shows an upward trend, and by 2020, the PBLH decreases again. The PBLH in the summer of the desert was contrary to the inter-annual change trend of the PBLH throughout the year. The spatial distribution shows that the PBLH has the characteristics of north-south anisotropy. The characteristics of the ABL in the Gurbantünggüt Desert in different thermal states in summer vary greatly. Based on the sounding observational data, the average PBLH of the stable boundary layer in the Gurbantünggüt Desert in summer is 496 m, the average PBLH of the convective boundary layer is 1693 m, and the average PBLH of the neutral boundary layer is 1208 m. The ABL in desert areas from 02:00 to 08:00 and 23:00 is dominated by stable boundary layers, of which the proportion of stable boundary layers at 05:00 is as high as 67%. During the day, the boundary layer from 14:00 to 17:00 is mainly the convective boundary layer, accounting for more than 50%, and the boundary layer at 20:00 is mainly a neutral boundary layer, accounting for 55%.

Trend patterns of HBsAg kinetics in chronic hepatitis B patients during nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy based on ARMA models.

BACKGROUND: Trend pattern analysis are lacking for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients during nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapy. We evaluated the trend patterns of HBsAg kinetics by time series analysis and forecasting times to HBsAg seroclearance accordingly. METHODS: A total of 116 CHB patients with documented three-month HBsAg levels during the previous more than five years of Nuc therapy were included. The piecewise linear trends of the autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) model were used for time series analysis of HBsAg kinetics trends. Best fitted models were created for each patient using HBsAg datasets with backtracking capability. Predicted time to HBsAg seroclearance was calculated accordingly. RESULTS: Four trend patterns of HBsAg kinetics were found: no trend (n = 22, 19.0%), single trend (n = 16, 13.8%), biphasic trend with rapid-slow decline (n = 56, 48.2%) and biphasic trend with rise-decline (n = 22, 19.0%). Except for no-trend patients, the trend became slow reduction as HBsAg declined. Only 6.1% of patients continued rapid decline when the initial HBsAg of the last trend reached <100 IU/mL. Last trend slopes < -10 and rise-decline patterns indicate greater chances of achieving HBsAg seroclearance within two years. CONCLUSION: Best fitted ARMA models of HBsAg kinetics can be created individually for patients during Nuc therapy. About 67.2% patients have biphasic trend patterns, suggesting the dynamic nature of HBsAg kinetics over time. Trend patterns and last trend slopes predict individual times to HBsAg seroclearance.

Prognostic factors for patients with hematologic malignancies admitted to the intensive care unit: is allogeneic transplantation still a risk factor?

The rate of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies is high. The risk factors for this were inconsistent across several previous studies, and there is currently no accepted consensus around risk factors for these patients. We aimed to identify which prognostic factors were associated with ICU mortality in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies, nearly half of which were allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. In addition, we aimed to compare the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with and without allogenic allo-HSCT. In total, 217 patients with hematologic malignancies were enrolled consecutive, 119 (54.8%) of whom underwent HSCT (allo-HSCT: n = 115). All survivors were followed up with until August 1, 2022. The rate of ICU mortality in this cohort was 54.4%: 55.5 and 53.1% for the patients with and without HSCT, respectively (p = 0.724). The probabilities of survival after ICU admission were also comparable between the patients who had allo-HSCT and those who did not. A multivariable analysis revealed that cerebrovascular disease, hyperlactic acidemia on the day of ICU admission, lower platelet count, use of vasoactive drugs, and absence of noninvasive ventilation on the day of ICU admission were independent risk factors for ICU mortality. For patients with three to five of these risk factors, the rate of ICU mortality was as high as 84.6%, which was significantly higher than that of other patients. In this study, the ICU mortality rate in patients with hematologic malignancies was still high, particularly for those with multiple risk factors. However, allo-HSCT was not found to be a risk factor for ICU mortality.

Lack of evolutionary convergence in multiple primary lung cancer suggests insufficient specificity of personalized therapy.

Multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) is an increasingly prevalent subtype of lung cancer. According to recent genomic studies, the different lesions of a single MPLC patient exhibit functional similarities that may reflect evolutionary convergence. We perform whole-exome sequencing for a unique cohort of MPLC patients with multiple samples from each lesion found. Using our own and other relevant public data, evolutionary tree reconstruction reveals that cancer driver gene mutations occurred at the early trunk, indicating evolutionary contingency rather than adaptive convergence. Additionally, tumors from the same MPLC patient are as genetically diverse as those from different patients, while within-tumor genetic heterogeneity is significantly lower. Furthermore, the aberrant molecular functions enriched in mutated genes for a sample show a strong overlap with other samples from the same tumor, but not with samples from other tumors or other patients. Overall, there is no evidence of adaptive convergence during the evolution of MPLC. Most importantly, the similar between-tumor diversity and between-patient diversity suggest that personalized therapies may not adequately account for the genetic diversity among different tumors in an MPLC patient. To fully exploit the strategic value of precision medicine, targeted therapies should be designed and delivered on a per-lesion basis.

Fault location of cable hybrid transmission lines based on energy attenuation characteristics of traveling waves.

The overhead-cable hybrid transmission lines are alternately connected by two types of lines, with a more complex structure and higher difficulty in fault location. This paper presents an ac-curate fault location method for overhead-cable hybrid lines based on traveling wave energy. Firstly, the basic concept of traveling wave energy is defined. Based on the attenuation charac-teristics of the traveling wave, the mapping relationship between traveling wave energy and fault location is analyzed. Secondly, considering the influence of S-transform error on the traveling wave energy propagation law, the traveling wave energy attenuation characteristics of common A-type and B-type hybrid lines are analyzed. Then, for the overhead-cable hybrid lines with different structures, the mapping relationship between the traveling wave energy at both ends of the line and the fault distance is quantitatively derived, and an accurate fault location method based on the initial traveling wave energy ratio at the same frequency at both ends of the line is proposed. Finally, a 110 kV hybrid transmission line fault simulation model is built in PSCAD/EMTDC, and the faults under different conditions are simulated in different line sections. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are verified through the simulation.

Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease: A meta-analysis.

Ruxolitinib is an important treatment for steroid refractory graft-versus-host disease (SR-GVHD). Therefore, we reported the updated results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of ruxolitinib as treatment for SR-GVHD. In addition, we wanted to compare the efficacy and safety between children and adults with SR-GVHD. Overall response rate (ORR) after ruxolitinib treatment was chosen as the primary end point. Complete response rate (CRR), infection, myelosuppression, and overall survival (OS) were chosen as secondary end points. A total of 37 studies were included in this meta-analysis, and 1,580 patients were enrolled. ORR at any time after ruxolitinib treatment was 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-0.84] and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74-0.81), respectively, for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD. CRR at any time after ruxolitinib treatment was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.40-0.57) and 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10-0.23), respectively, for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD. The ORRs at any time after treatment was highest in mouth SR-cGVHD, followed by skin, gut, joints and fascia, liver, eyes, esophagus, and lung SR-cGVHD. The incidence rate of infections after ruxolitinib treatment was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45-0.76) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.31-0.63), respectively, for SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD. The incidence rates of overall (grades I-IV) and severe (grades III-IV) cytopenia were 53.2% (95% CI: 16.0%-90.4%) and 31.0% (95% CI: 0.0-100.0%), respectively, for SR-aGVHD, and were 28.8% (95% CI:13.0%-44.6%) and 10.4% (95% CI: 0.0-27.9%), respectively, for SR-cGVHD. The probability rate of OS at 6 months after treatment was 63.9% (95% CI: 52.5%-75.2%) for SR-aGVHD. The probability rates of OS at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment were 95% (95% CI: 79.5%-100.0%), 78.7% (95% CI: 67.2%-90.1%), and 75.3% (95% CI: 68.0%-82.7%), respectively, for SR-cGVHD. The ORR, CRR, infection events, and myelosuppression were all comparable between children and adults with SR-GVHD. In summary, this study suggests that ruxolitinib is an effective and safe treatment for SR-GVHD, and both children and adults with SR-GVHD could benefit from ruxolitinib treatment.

Network Meta-Analysis of Acupoint Catgut Embedding in Treatment of Simple Obesity.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding in the treatment of simple obesity through network meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP database (VIP) were searched by using computer from 2011 to August 2021, and 35 RCT studies were retrieved. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the modified Jadad scoring table, and Stata 15.0 software was used for traditional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. Results: Thirty-five RCTs (3040 cases in total) were included. Acupoint embedding, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, TCM, acupoint embedding + acupuncture, acupoint embedding + exercise diet therapy, acupoint embedding + TCM, exercise diet therapy, acupoint embedding + moxibustion, and acupoint embedding + cupping were investigated in the studies. The results of network meta-analysis were as follows: in terms of total effective rate, acupoint catgut embedding was superior to acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and exercise diet therapy (P < 0.05); electroacupuncture, acupoint catgut embedding + acupuncture, acupoint catgut embedding + exercise diet therapy, acupoint catgut + TCM, acupoint catgut + moxibustion, and acupoint catgut + cupping were superior to acupuncture (P < 0.05); acupoint catgut + moxibustion was superior to electroacupuncture (P < 0.05); acupoint catgut + TCM, acupoint catgut + moxibustion, and acupoint catgut + cupping were superior to TCM treatment (P < 0.05); and electroacupuncture, acupoint catgut, acupoint catgut + acupuncture, acupoint catgut + exercise diet therapy, acupoint catgut + TCM, acupoint catgut embedding + moxibustion, and acupoint catgut embedding + cupping were superior to sports diet therapy (P < 0.05). Regarding weight loss, acupuncture treatment was superior to acupoint catgut embedding therapy (P < 0.05); acupoint catgut embedding + exercise diet therapy, acupoint catgut embedding + TCM, acupoint catgut embedding + moxibustion, and acupoint catgut embedding + cupping were superior to acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatment (P < 0.05); acupoint catgut embedding + exercise diet therapy, acupoint catgut embedding + TCM, and acupoint catgut embedding + moxibustion were superior to TCM treatment (P < 0.05); and acupoint catgut embedding, acupoint catgut embedding + acupuncture, catgut embedding + exercise diet therapy, acupoint catgut embedding + TCM, acupoint catgut embedding + moxibustion, and acupoint catgut embedding + cupping were superior to exercise diet therapy (P < 0.05). In terms of BMI reduction, acupoint catgut embedding + moxibustion and acupoint catgut embedding + cupping were more evident than acupuncture treatment (P < 0.05); and acupoint catgut embedding + moxibustion was more evident than electroacupuncture treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupoint catgut embedding and its combination with other therapies are the first choice for the treatment of simple obesity.