[Dyspnea with multiple bilateral lung opacities on CT scan].

A 58-year-old man was admitted with a typical presentation of acute left heart failure. However, the patient showed a partial response to the anti-heart failure therapy. Following admission, a continuous fever was monitored, and a CT scan revealed that multiple opacities on bilateral lungs had progressed. Bronchoscopy was performed, and Coxiella burnetii was detected by Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), and transbronchial lung biopsy showed organizing pneumonia. Considering that the patient had a history of rabbit breeding and delivery, with some newborn rabbits dying before he became ill, organizing pneumonia secondary to Q fever pneumonia was diagnosed. Anti-Q fever treatment was initiated and the patient's temperature returned to normal. Glucocorticoid was administered after adequate treatment for Q fever. The patient's symptom of dyspnea relieved soon and opacities on CT scan were absorbed remarkably. The final diagnosis was organizing pneumonia secondary to Q fever pneumonia accompanied with left heart failure.

[Comparison of quantitative detection of BCR::ABL1 p210 transcript levels: a multicenter study].

Objective: To assess the capability of seven reference medical laboratories to detect BCR::ABL1 p210 transcription levels and to compare the results among those laboratories. Methods: The interlaboratory comparison was carried out in two stages. The samples were prepared by the reference laboratory. The quantitative values of BCR::ABL1 p210 of the comparison samples covered 0.001%-0.01%, 0.01%-0.1%, 0.1%-1%, 1%-10% and>10% in each stage. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and dPCR (digital PCR) were used to examine the samples. The conversion factor (CF) was calculated and validated for each laboratory. Results: In the RT-PCR comparison, one laboratory was failed to detect BCR::ABL1 p210 in fourteen samples at the first stage. The results of the other six laboratories were qualified with the bias <±1.2 folds (-0.133-0.338) and 95% limits of agreement within ±5 folds (upper limit 0.147-0.785, lower limit -0.770--0.109), and the corresponding CF values were calculated and validated. In the dPCR comparison, one laboratory did not report results at the second stage. The results of the other six laboratories were qualified with the bias <±1.2 folds (-0.026-0.267) and 95% limits of agreement within±5 folds (upper limit 0.084-0.991, lower limit -0.669--0.135), and the corresponding CF values were calculated and validated. The samples with BCR::ABL1 p210 quantitative values of 0.01%-0.1%, 0.1%-1%, 1%-10% and >10% could be detected by both RT-PCR and qPCR. When the quantitative value of BCR::ABL1 p210 was 0.001%-0.01%, the detection rate of dPCR was higher than that of RT-PCR (85.56% vs. 68.00%). Conclusions: A good consistency is present among various laboratories. The quantitative value of BCR::ABL1 p210 is comparable among laboratories as shown by the CF value conversion. For quantitative detection of BCR::ABL1 p210 deep molecular reaction, dPCR has a higher positive detection rate and more advantages than RT-PCR. To ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of the BCR::ABL1 p210 test, it is imperative for every laboratory to enhance their daily quality control practices.

[Clinical analysis of adverse reactions in patients with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis treated with delamanid-containing regimen].

Objective: To explore the characteristics of adverse drug reactions during the 24-week therapy with delamanid-containing regimen for patients with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR/RR-PTB). Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted from June 2020 to June 2023. A total of 608 eligible patients with MDR/RR-PTB were enrolled in 26 tuberculosis medical institutions in China including 364 males and 79 females, aged 39.6(19.0-68.0) years. Patients were treated with chemotherapy regimens containing delamanid. Patients were closely supervised during treatment of medication, and all adverse reactions occurring during treatment were monitored and recorded. The clinical characteristics of adverse reactions were evaluated by descriptive analysis. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors of QTcF interval prolongation (QT corrected with Fridericia's formula). Results: Of the 608 patients enrolled in this study, 325 patients (53.5%) reported 710 adverse events within 24 weeks of treatment. The top 6 most common complications were hematological abnormalities (143 patients, 23.5%), QT prolongation (114 patients, 18.8%), liver toxicity (85 patients, 14.0%), gastrointestinal reaction (41 patients, 6.7%), peripheral neuropathy (25 patients, 4.1%) and mental disorders (21 patients, 3.5%). The prolongation of QT interval mostly occurred in the 12th week after the first dose of medication. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 21 patients (3.5%). There were 7 patients (1.2%) with mental disorders, including 2 patients (0.3%) with severe mental disorders. Conclusions: The safety of dalamanid-based regimen in the staged treatment of MDR/RR-PTB patients was generally good, and the incidence of adverse reactions was similar to that reported in foreign studies. This study found that the incidence of QT interval prolongation in Chinese patients was higher than that reported overseas, suggesting that the monitoring of electrocardiogram should be strengthened when using drugs containing delamanid that may cause QT interval prolongation.

[The efficacy and safety of protein A immunoadsorption combined with rituximab treatment for highly sensitized patients undergoing haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA) combined with rituximab (RTX) in highly sensitized patients who underwent haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) . Methods: The clinical data of 56 highly sensitized patients treated with PAIA and RTX before haplo-HSCT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Soochow Hopes Hematonosis Hospital between March 2021 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody types and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), humoral immunity, adverse reactions during adsorption, and survival within 100 days before and after adsorption were measured. Results: After receiving the PAIA treatment, the median MFI of patients containing only HLA Ⅰ antibodies decreased from 7 859 (3 209-12 444) to 3 719 (0-8 275) (P<0.001), and the median MFI of HLA Ⅰ+Ⅱ antibodies decreased from 5 476 (1 977-12 382) to 3 714 (0-11 074) (P=0.035). The median MFI of patients with positive anti-donor-specific antibodies decreased from 8 779 (2 697-18 659) to 4 524 (0-15 989) (P<0.001). The number of HLA-A, B, C, DR, and DQ antibodies in all patients decreased after the PAIA treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (A, B, C, DR: P<0.001, DQ: P<0.01). The humoral immune monitoring before and after the PAIA treatment showed a significant decrease in the number of IgG and complement C3 (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Forty-four patients underwent HLA antibody monitoring after transplantation, and the overall MFI and number of antibody types decreased. However, five patients developed new antibodies with low MFI, and nine patients continued to have high MFI. The overall survival, disease-free survival, non-recurrent mortality, and cumulative recurrence rates at 100 days post-transplantation were 83.8%, 80.2%, 16.1%, and 4.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The combination of PAIA and RTX has a certain therapeutic effect and good safety in the desensitization treatment of highly sensitive patients before haplo-HSCT.

[Identification of oxidative stress-related biomarkers in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps using WGCNA combined with machine learning algorithms].

Objective: To identify diagnostic markers related to oxidative stress in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) by analyzing transcriptome sequencing data, and to investigate their roles in CRSwNP. Methods: Utilizing four CRSwNP sequencing datasets, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and three machine learning methods for Hub gene selection were performed in this study. Subsequent validation was carried out using external datasets, as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time qPCR), and immunofluorescence staining of clinical samples. Moreover, the diagnostic efficacy of the genes was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analysis, immune-related analysis, and cell population localization. Additionally, a competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network was constructed to predict potential drug targets. Statistical analysis and plotting were conducted using SPSS 26.0 and Graphpad Prism9 software. Results: Through data analysis and clinical validation, CP, SERPINF1 and GSTO2 were identified among 4 138 DEGs as oxidative stress markers related to CRSwNP. Specifically, the expression of CP and SERPINF1 increased in CRSwNP, whereas that of GSTO2 decreased, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Additionally, an area under the curve (AUC)>0.7 indicated their effectiveness as diagnostic indicators. Importantly, functional analysis indicated that these genes were mainly related to lipid metabolism, cell adhesion migration, and immunity. Single-cell data analysis revealed that SERPINF1 was mainly distributed in epithelial cells, stromal cells, and fibroblasts, while CP was primarily located in epithelial cells, and GSTO2 was minimally present in the epithelial cells and fibroblasts of nasal polyps. Consequently, a CeRNA regulatory network was constructed for the genes CP and GSTO2. This construction allowed for the prediction of potential drugs that could target CP. Conclusion: This study successfully identifies CP, SERPINF1 and GSTO2 as diagnostic and therapeutic markers related to oxidative stress in CRSwNP.

A Chinese patient with Madelung's disease and alcoholic cardiomyopathy: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Madelung's disease is a rare disorder characterized by massive deposits of excess subcutaneous fat around the neck, shoulders, arms, and other parts of the body. It has a high prevalence among middle-aged alcoholic men in Mediterranean countries and a low incidence in Asian populations. Although patients with Madelung's disease are often associated with a variety of alcohol-induced metabolic disorders, the comorbidity of alcoholic cardiomyopathy is rarely reported, probably because of its low incidence or neglect by clinicians. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old man with a 10-year history of soft fat masses in the neck developed chest tightness and shortness of breath on exertion for the past 2 years. Laboratory tests revealed elevated γ-glutamyl transferase, glucose intolerance, hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, and anemia. Computed tomography of the neck showed symmetric nonencapsulated fat deposits, mainly in the anterior cervical regions. Echocardiography showed left heart enlargement and severe global left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 31%. Coronary angiography revealed 40-50% stenoses of the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries. After the exclusion of other causes of dilated cardiomyopathy, the patient was finally diagnosed with type I Madelung's disease and alcoholic cardiomyopathy. He underwent lifestyle changes, including reducing his alcohol intake, and received full pharmacological treatment for heart failure. One and a half years later, his cardiac function was partially restored, and all metabolic abnormalities improved except for elevated liver enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol use disorder should be assessed in patients with newly diagnosed Madelung's disease. Screening for alcoholic cardiomyopathy in alcoholic patients with Madelung's disease is necessary for early detection of cardiac abnormalities and intervention to improve the prognosis of this group of patients.

Water uptake patterns and rooting depths of Tamarix ramosissima in the coppice dunes of the Gurbantünggüt Desert, China: a stable isotope analysis.

Tamarix ramosissima has an important role in stabilizing sand dunes in desert ecosystems. Understanding the water use strategies of T. ramosissima is essential to understand its adaptations on coppice dunes. We utilized the stable isotopes δ2H and δ18O in soil water, groundwater, and xylem water to identify monthly differences in water sources. Additionally. we explored rooting depth using 2H2O as an artificial tracer. In May, T. ramosissima derived 75% of its water from shallow and middle soil layers. In July, it absorbed 90% water from middle and deep soil layers. In August and September, it acquired approximately 80% of its water from deep soil layers. The labelling using 2H as an artificial tracer indicated that the root system of T. ramosissima could reach depths >500 cm in the coppice dunes. 2H absorption was observed at depths of 100, 200, 300 and 400 cm. Soil water is the dominant water source for T. ramosissima in the coppice dunes because groundwater is at depths >30 m. The flexible water-use strategies of T. ramosissima enable it to effectively utilize different available water sources to adapt to the arid environment. These findings improve our understanding of water uptake patterns and drought adaptation strategies of T. ramosissima in the coppice dunes of desert ecosystems.

[Research progress in the treatment of maxillary transverse deficiency with combined orthodontic-orthognathic approach].

In combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment, the maxillary palatine suture is closed in most patients with insufficient maxillary width, and bony expansion of the maxilla cannot be achieved by dental expansion or rapid palatal expansion (RPE) which causes buccal inclination of the maxillary posterior teeth leading to unstable results. Therefore, segmental LeFort Ⅰ osteotomy and surgically assisted RPE are often used in clinical practice. In recent years, with the application of implant anchorage technology, implant anchorage assisted RPE has been gradually applied in orthognathic treatment. This article reviewed the indications, contraindications, complications, efficacy and long-term stability in different treatment approaches including segmental LeFort Ⅰ osteotomy, surgically assisted RPE and implant-supported maxillary skeletal expansion.

Association between Resting Heart Rate and Machine Learning-Based Brain Age in Middle- and Older-Age.

BACKGROUND: Resting heart rate (RHR), has been related to increased risk of dementia, but the relationship between RHR and brain age is unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of RHR with brain age and brain age gap (BAG, the difference between predicted brain age and chronological age) assessed by multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in mid- and old-aged adults. DESIGN: A longitudinal study from the UK Biobank neuroimaging project where participants underwent brain MRI scans 9+ years after baseline. SETTING: A population-based study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 33,381 individuals (mean age 54.74 ± 7.49 years; 53.44% female). MEASUREMENTS: Baseline RHR was assessed by blood pressure monitor and categorized as <60, 60-69 (reference), 70-79, or ≥80 beats per minute (bpm). Brain age was predicted using LASSO through 1,079 phenotypes in six MRI modalities (including T1-weighted MRI, T2-FLAIR, T2*, diffusion-MRI, task fMRI, and resting-state fMRI). Data were analyzed using linear regression models. RESULTS: As a continuous variable, higher RHR was associated with older brain age (ß for per 1-SD increase: 0.331, 95% [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.265, 0.398) and larger BAG (ß: 0.263, 95% CI: 0.202, 0.324). As a categorical variable, RHR 70-79 bpm and RHR ≥80 bpm were associated with older brain age (ß [95% CI]: 0.361 [0.196, 0.526] / 0.737 [0.517, 0.957]) and larger BAG (0.256 [0.105, 0.407] / 0.638 [0.436, 0.839]), but RHR< 60 bpm with younger brain age (-0.324 [-0.500, -0.147]) and smaller BAG (-0.230 [-0.392, -0.067]), compared to the reference group. These associations between elevated RHR and brain age were similar in both middle-aged (<60) and older (≥60) adults, whereas the association of RHR< 60 bpm with younger brain age and larger BAG was only significant among middle-aged adults. In stratification analysis, the association between RHR ≥80 bpm and older brain age was present in people with and without CVDs, while the relation of RHR 70-79 bpm to brain age present only in people with CVD. CONCLUSION: Higher RHR (>80 bpm) is associated with older brain age, even among middle-aged adults, but RHR< 60 bpm is associated with younger brain age. Greater RHR could be an indicator for accelerated brain aging.

A novel strategy for predicting the efficacy of temozolomide treatment for metastatic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies on the efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) in the treatment of Metastatic pheochromocytoma / paraganglioma (MPP) patients. And it remains unclear which MPP patients may benefit from TMZ treatment. METHODS: This was a prospective study. MPP patients were enrolled. Patients were treated with TMZ until disease progression or intolerable toxicities. The primary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included biochemical response rate progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. We compared the difference between effective and ineffective groups, to explore which patients are more suitable for TMZ treatment. RESULTS: 62 patients with MPP were enrolled and tumor response were evaluated in 54 patients. The DCR was 83% (35/42), and the ORR was 24% (10/41) among the progressive patients. PFS was 25.2 ± 3.1 months. The most common adverse event was nausea (41/55). We found that 92.9% (13/14) of patients with MGMT methylation greater than 7% respond to treatment. For the patients with MGMT methylation less than 7%, Ki-67 index could be used to guide the use of TMZ in these patients. Among the patients with Ki-67 index less than 5%, 66% (8/12) patients showed respond to treatment, and only 33% (4/12) patients with Ki-67 index more than 5% showed respond to TMZ. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that TMZ is a potential choice for the treatment of MPP with the high ability on disease control and well tolerability. We recommended to MGMT methylation analysis test and Ki-67 index to guide TMZ application.

[Prevalence of Echinococcus infections in small rodents in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into precision echinococcosis control. METHODS: One or two quadrats, each measuring 50 m × 50 m, were randomly assigned in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Township, Yushu City, Qinghai Province on June 2023, respectively, and 300 plate-type mouse traps, each measuring 12.0 cm × 6.5 cm, were assigned in each quadrat. Small rodents were captured during the period between 10 : 00 and 18 : 00 each day for 4 days. Then, all captured small rodents were identified and dissected, and liver specimens with suspected Echinococcus infections were subjected to pathological examinations. The Echinococcus cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene was amplified using PCR assay, and the sequence of the amplified product was aligned to that was recorded in the GenBank to characterize the parasite species. In addition, a phylogenetic tree of Echinococcus was generated based on the cox1 gene sequence using the neighbor-joining method. RESULTS: A total of 236 small rodents were captured in Shanglaxiu and Longbao townships, Yushu City, including 65 Qinghai voles and 51 plateau pikas in Shanglaxiu Township, and 62 Qinghai voles and 58 plateau pikas in Longbao Township, and there was no significant difference in the constituent ratio of small rodents between the two townships (χ2 = 0.294, P > 0.05). Seven plateau pikas and 12 Qinghai voles were suspected to be infected with Echinococcus by dissection, and pathological examinations showed unclear structure of hepatic lobules and disordered hepatocyte arrangement in livers of small rodents suspected of Echinococcus infections. PCR assay identified E. shiquicus DNA in 7 Qinghai voles, which were all captured from Shanglaxiu Township. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the cox1 gene sequence of Echinococcus in small rodents was highly homologous to the E. shiquicus cox1 gene sequence reported previously. CONCLUSIONS: Plateau pika and Qinghai vole were predominant small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, and E. shiquicus infection was detected in Qinghai voles.

[Construction of a global health talent training evaluation index system based on bibliometric analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the current research hotspots of global health training, and construct a global health talent training evaluation index system. METHODS: Publications pertaining to global health talent training evaluation were retrieved in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Web of Science Core Collection from 2003 to 2022, and keywords were extracted from eligible publications for co-occurrence and cluster analyses using the CiteSpace software. Based on keywords clustering results, a global health talent training evaluation index system was constructed using a context, input, process, and product (CIPP) evaluation model as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: A total of 692 Chinese publications and 1 264 English publications were included. Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analyses yielded 10 Chinese and 10 English keyword clusters, and the 10 Chinese keyword clusters included analytic hierarchy process, health diplomacy, personnel structure, crossdiscipline, educational assessment, global health discipline development, training needs, curriculum program, quality evaluation and logistics support, while the English keyword clusters included evidence-based practice, capacity building, global health, quality of life, machine learning, leadership, sub-Saharan Africa, health equity, global health security and global health diplomacy. Based on keyword clustering, a global health talent training evaluation index system was constructed with CIPP as the theoretical framework, which contained 4 primary indicators, 15 secondary indicators and 59 tertiary indicators, and the primary indicators included 4 dimensions of context evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation and product evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: A global health talent training evaluation index system has been constructed, which provides an effective evaluation tool and quantitative evidence for future global health talent training.

Experiences of seeking diabetic eye care among patients with diabetes in China: a community-based convergent mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the most updated utilization of eye care services and obtain a holistic understanding of barriers among patients with diabetes in China. STUDY DESIGN: This was a convergent mixed methods study. METHODS: A convergent triangulation mixed methods approach was used, with a quantitative cross-sectional survey of patients with diabetes and semistructured interviews involving patients and health workers. Following the conceptual framework of the World Health Organization Determinants of Health Behaviours, multivariate logistic regression for quantitative analysis and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used to examine barriers to seeking eye care among patients with diabetes. Triangulation was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative results. RESULTS: Among 1167 surveyed patients who participated in the quantitative component, 29.1% had undergone eye examinations within the last 12 months, and 9.3% had received eye surgery. Awareness that diabetes causes eye diseases (P < 0.001) and knowing laser treatment can treat diabetic retinopathy (DR; P < 0.001) were associated with higher examination rates. In the qualitative component, involving 20 patients and 11 health workers, barriers were identified from individual, social, and cultural environmental factors. Integration of data highlighted the complex interplay of these factors in shaping care-seeking behaviors and the importance of non-economic factors, including patients' information about costs of DR services and cultural environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic eye care utilization remains suboptimal in China, emphasizing the impact of cultural and contextual factors. Comprehensive education strategies, along with training for primary health workers and task-shifting, are likely to enhance eye care service utilization in underserved settings.

[Arrhythmias and electrocardiographic characteristics in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of arrhythmias and electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: This was a cohort study conducted in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Cancer patients initiating ICIs treatments from November 2020 to September 2022 were included in this study. Baseline 12-leads ECG before ICIs initiation and post-treatment ECG were analyzed. An abnormal ECG was defined as the presence of any of the following changes: sinus arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, premature contractions, conduction disorder, and ST-T changes. Results: A total of 87 patients were enrolled, aged 63 (57, 68) years, with 66 (75.9%) males. And 44.8% (39/87) of patients presented with at least one confirmed cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factor at baseline. The incidence of abnormal ECG increased from 31.0% (27/87) at baseline to 65.5% (57/87) after receiving (5.0±2.7) cycles of ICIs treatment (P<0.001). The incidence of sinus arrhythmias was significantly increased after ICIs treatment (23.0% (20/87) vs. 9.2% (8/87), P=0.023), of which only the incidence of sinus tachycardia was significantly increased (11.5% (10/87) vs. 2.3% (2/87), P=0.039). There was also a significantly increased incidence of ST-T changes after ICIs treatment (31.0% (27/87) vs. 17.2% (15/87), P=0.012), which mainly attributed to the T wave changes (29.9% (26/87) vs. 13.8% (12/87), P=0.001). The incidence of premature contractions was also significantly increased after ICIs treatment (9.2% (8/87) vs. 0, P=0.008). Additionally, compared with baseline, the P wave axis was significantly increased after ICIs treatment ((56.94±21.01)° vs. (52.00±22.69)°, P=0.043). After ICIs treatment, the heart rate was significantly increased ((79.07±15.37) beats/min vs. (75.64±13.37) beats/min, P=0.029). Sokolow-Lyon index ((2.21±0.81)mV vs. (2.33±0.75)mV, P=0.138), QTc interval ((431.44±36.04)ms vs. (428.00±30.05)ms, P=0.415) all showed signs of change after treatment, but did not reach the traditional significant level. Conclusions: The incidence of abnormal ECG is significantly increased after ICIs treatment, especially for sinus tachycardia, premature contractions and T wave changes; the P wave axis and heart rate is also significantly increased after treatment. It is important to perform regular ECG monitoring in patients receiving ICIs treatment.

[The association of cholesterol crystals and non-culprit plaque characteristics in AMI patients: an OCT study].

Objective: To analyze plaque characteristics of non-culprit coronary lesions with cholesterol crystals in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) by using optical coherence tomography(OCT). We also investigated the potential association between cholesterol crystals with plaque rupture and healed plaque at non-culprit segment. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Between January 2017 and December 2017, patients with AMI who underwent 3-vessel OCT imaging were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of cholesterol crystals at the non-culprit lesions. All patients underwent coronary angiography and OCT examination, and non-culprit plaque characteristics were compared between the two groups. The generalized estimating equation log-binomial multirariate regression model was used to assess the relationship between non-culprit lesions with cholesterol crystals and plaque rupture and plaque healing. The follow-up data collection ended in October 2023. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted, and log-rank tests were used to compare the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups. Results: A total of 173 AMI patients were included (aged (56.8±11.6) years; 124 men (71.7%)). Among 710 non-culprit lesions identified by OCT, there were 102 (14.4%) in cholesterol crystals group and 608 (85.6%) in non-cholesterol crystals group. Compared with non-culprit lesions without cholesterol crystals, those with cholesterol crystals had smaller minimum lumen diameter, severer diameter stenosis, and longer lesion length (all P<0.01). The prevalence of plaque rupture (17.6% (18/102) vs. 4.9% (30/608), P=0.001) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (31.4% (32/102) vs. 11.5% (70/608), P<0.01) was higher in the cholesterol crystals groups than in the non-cholesterol crystals group. In addition, vulnerable plaque characteristics such as (44.1% (45/102) vs. 25.8% (157/608), P<0.01), macrophages were more frequently observed in non-culprit lesions with cholesterol crystals. The generalized estimating equation log-binomial multivariate regression analyses showed that non-culprit cholesterol crystals were positively correlated with healed plaque (OR=1.583, 95%CI: 1.004-2.495, P=0.048). Conversely, cholesterol crystals were not associated with plaque rupture (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 0.745-3.576, P=0.221). The follow-up time was 2 142 (1 880, 2 198) days. Non-culprit cholesterol crystals were not related to the major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with AMI (log-rank P=0.558). Conclusions: Among AMI patients, non-culprit lesions with cholesterol crystals presented with severer luminal stenosis and increased plaque vulnerability. The presence of non-culprit cholesterol crystals was associated with rather than plaque rupture.

[Correlation between common driver gene variations and clinicopathological typing in lung adenocarcinoma].

Objective: To correlate the common driver gene variations in primary lung adenocarcinoma with their clinical characteristics and histopathological subtypes. Methods: There were 4 995 cases of primary lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed at Weifang People's Hospital of Shandong Province from January 2015 to December 2021 which were retrospectively analyzed. Among them 1 983 cases were evaluated for their histopathological subtype; 3 012 were analyzed for the correlation of their histopathological subtypes and corresponding driver gene variations, including invasive non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (INMA) and invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA), and morphologically, poorly-differentiated, moderately-differentiated and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. Next-generation sequencing was used to detect variations in EGFR, KRAS, ALK, RET, ROS1, MET, HER2, or BRAF driver genes. Results: There were 2 384 males and 2 611 females. EGFR and ALK variations were more commonly found in female patients aged 60 years or older, with EGFR mutation rate in clinical stage Ⅰ (25.80%) significantly higher than in other stages (P<0.05). KRAS mutations were more commonly detected in male smokers aged 60 years or older, HER2 mutations were more commonly in patients younger than 60 years, and RET mutations were more commonly in non-smokers (all P<0.05). No correlation was found between ROS1, MET, and BRAF gene variations and their clinical characteristics (P>0.05). For the histopathological subtypes, among the 1 899 cases of acinar adenocarcinoma, EGFR mutation rate was the highest (67.30%) compared to the other genes. Exon 21 L858R and exon 19 del were the main mutation sites in IMA and INMA, with a higher mutation rate at exon 20 T790M (11.63%) in micropapillary adenocarcinoma. In IMA, KRAS had the highest overall mutation rate (43.80%), with statistically significant difference in mutation rates of exon 2 G12D and exon 2 G12V in acinar adenocarcinoma, solid, and IMA (P<0.05). KRAS mutation at various sites were higher in poorly differentiated groups compared to moderately- and well-differentiated groups (P<0.05). HER2 mutations were more commonly observed in acinar adenocarcinoma, papillary, and micropapillary adenocarcinoma of INMA. BRAF mutation was higher in micropapillary adenocarcinoma compared with other types (P<0.05). Conclusions: Variations in EGFR, ALK, KRAS, HER2, and RET in primary lung adenocarcinoma are associated with patients' age, smoking history, and clinical stage, and driver gene mutations vary among different histopathological subtypes. EGFR mutations are predominant in INMA, while KRAS mutations are predominant in IMA.

[Intermittent exotropia complicated with spasm of the near reflex: a case report].

A 21-year-old female patient presented to the Ophthalmology Department of Yunnan University Affiliated Hospital with complaints of "bilateral blurred vision accompanied by diplopia for 3 weeks". The patient's main symptoms included intermittent visual blurring, diplopia, headaches, and ocular discomfort. Ocular examination revealed intermittent exotropia, sometimes accompanied by esotropia or orthotropia, along with signs of pupillary constriction and pseudomyopia. Based on the clinical presentation, a diagnosis of intermittent exotropia complicated by spasm of the near reflex (SNR) was made. The patient underwent bilateral exotropia surgery, which corrected the ocular alignment and resolved the symptoms and signs of SNR postoperatively.

JPT2 in subclinical hypothyroidism-related miscarriage as a transcription co-factor: involvement of LEPR/STAT3 activation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been identified to be associated with implantation failure, in which the dysfunction of trophoblast cells is involved. In this study, the transcriptomics of aborted placenta from SCH rats were analyzed. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) was downregulated in the aborted placenta. This study aims to investigate its role in SCH-associated miscarriage. METHODS: Spontaneous abortion was observed in SCH rats generated by thyroidectomy combined with levothyroxine administration. The transcriptomics analysis was performed using aborted placenta. Afterward, the effects of JPT2 on trophoblast cells were explored using gain-and loss-of-function experiments. RESULTS: Transcriptomics analysis showed 1286 downregulated genes and 2300 upregulated genes in the aborted placenta, and JPT2 was significantly downregulated in the aborted placenta from SCH rats. Afterward, gain-and loss-of-function experiments exhibited that overexpression of JPT2 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells and their attachment to endometrial stromal cells, while these biological behaviors were suppressed by JPT2 knockdown. Furthermore, JPT2 accelerated the transcription of leptin receptor (LEPR), and activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal in a transcription factor AP-2γ-dependent manner. In addition, silencing of LEPR abolished the role of JPT2. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that JPT2, which was downregulated in the aborted placenta from SCH rats, promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation, and attachment of trophoblast cells via regulating LEPR/STAT3 axis as a transcription co-factor. It is indicated that low expression of JPT2 may contribute to the abortion in individuals with SCH.

Modeling the effect of ambient temperature on reticulorumen temperature, and drinking and eating behaviors of late-lactation dairy cows during colder seasons.

Dairy cows may suffer thermal stress during the colder seasons especially due to their open-air housing systems. Free water temperature (FWT) and feed temperature (FT) are dependent on ambient temperature (AT) and can be critical for maintaining body and reticulorumen temperature (RT) in cold conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of FWT and FT on RT fluctuations, and of AT on RT and drinking and eating behaviors in late-lactation cows during cold exposure. Data were collected from 16 multiparous lactating cows for four 6-d periods during the autumn and winter seasons. The cows (224 ± 36 days in milk; mean ± SD) had an average milk yield (MY) of 24.8 ± 4.97 kg/d and RT of 38.84 ± 0.163 °C. Daily average AT ranged from 4.38 to 17.25 °C. The effects of the temperature and amount of the ingested water or feed on RT change and recovery time, and the effect of the daily AT on RT, feed and water intake, and drinking, eating, and rumination behaviors were analyzed using the generalized additive mixed model framework. Reticulorumen temperature change and recovery time were affected by FWT (+0.0596 °C/°C and -1.27 min/°C, respectively), but not by FT. The amount of the ingested free water and feed affected RT change (-0.108 °C/kg drink size and -0.150 °C/kg meal size, respectively), and RT recovery time (+2.13 min/kg drink size and + 3.71 min/kg meal size, respectively). Colder AT decreased RT by 0.0151 °C/°C between 9.91 and 17.25 °C AT. Cows increased DM intake (DMI) by 0.365 kg/d per 1 °C drop in AT below 10.63 °C, but with no increase in MY. In fact, MY:DMI decreased by 0.0106/°C as AT dropped from 17.25 to 4.38 °C. Free water intake (FWI) was reduced by 0.0856 FWI:DMI/°C as AT decreased from 17.25 to 8.27 °C. Cold exposure influenced animal behavior with fewer drink and meal bouts (-0.432 and -0.290 bouts/d, respectively), larger drink sizes (+0.100 kg/bout), and shorter rumination time (-5.31 min/d) per 1 °C decrease in AT from 17.25 °C to 8.77, 12.53, 4.38, and 10.32 °C, respectively. In conclusion, exposure to low AT increased feed intake, reduced water intake, and changes in eating, drinking and rumination behaviors of dairy cows in late lactation. Additionally, the consequences of cold exposure on cows may be aggravated by ingestion of feed and free water at temperatures lower than the body, potentially impacting feed efficiency due to the extra energetic cost of thermoregulation.

Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP, Bovaer®10) and whole cottonseed on milk production and enteric methane emissions from dairy cows under Swiss management conditions.

The objective of this study was to determine the potential effect and interaction of 3- nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP; Bovaer®) and whole cottonseed (WCS) on lactational performance, and enteric methane (CH4) emission of dairy cows. A total of 16 multiparous cows, including 8 Holstein Friesian (HF) and 8 Brown Swiss (BS) [224 ± 36 d in milk, 26 ± 3.7 kg milk yield], were used in a split-plot design, where the main plot was the breed of cows. Within each subplot, cows were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangements of treatments with 4, 24-d periods. The experimental treatments were: 1) Control (basal TMR), 2) 3-NOP (60 mg/kg TMR DM), 3) WCS (5% TMR DM), and 4) 3-NOP + WCS. The treatment diets were balanced for ether extract, crude protein, and NDF contents (4%, 16%, and 43% of TMR DM, respectively). The basal diets were fed twice daily at 0800 and 1800 h. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield were measured daily, and enteric gas emissions were measured (using the GreenFeed system) during the last 3 d of each 24-d experimental period when animals were housed in tie stalls. There was no difference in DMI on treatment level, whereas the WCS treatment increased ECM yield and milk fat yield. There was no interaction of 3-NOP and WCS for any of the enteric gas emission parameters, but 3-NOP decreased CH4 production (g/d), CH4 yield (g/kg DMI), and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM) by 13, 14 and 13%, respectively. Further, an unexpected interaction of breed by 3-NOP was observed for different enteric CH4 emission metrics: HF cows had a greater CH4 mitigation effect compared with BS cows for CH4 production (g/d; 18 vs. 8%), CH4 intensity (g/kg MY; 19% vs. 3%) and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM; 19 vs. 4%). Hydrogen production was increased by 2.85 folds in HF and 1.53 folds in BS cows receiving 3-NOP. Further, there was a 3-NOP ' Time interaction for both breeds. In BS cows, 3-NOP tended to reduce CH4 production by 18% at around 4 h after morning feeding but no effect was observed at other time points. In HF cows, the greatest mitigation effect of 3-NOP (29.6%) was observed immediately after morning feeding and it persisted at around 23% to 26% for 10 h until the second feed provision, and 3 h thereafter, in the evening. In conclusion, supplementing 3-NOP at 60 mg/kg DM to a high fiber diet resulted in 18 to 19% reduction in enteric CH4 emission in Swiss Holstein Friesian cows. The lower response to 3-NOP by BS cows was unexpected and has not been observed in other studies. These results should be interpreted with caution due to low number of cows per breed. Lastly, supplementing WCS at 5% of DM improved ECM and milk fat yield but did not enhance CH4 inhibition effect of 3-NOP of dairy cows.