Inferring Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Drug Resistance and Transmission using Whole-genome Sequencing in a High TB-burden Setting in China.

Objective: China is among the 30 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide, and TB remains a public health concern. Kashgar Prefecture in the southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region is considered as one of the highest TB burden regions in China. However, molecular epidemiological studies of Kashgar are lacking. Methods: A population-based retrospective study was conducted using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to determine the characteristics of drug resistance and the transmission patterns. Results: A total of 1,668 isolates collected in 2020 were classified into lineages 2 (46.0%), 3 (27.5%), and 4 (26.5%). The drug resistance rates revealed by WGS showed that the top three drugs in terms of the resistance rate were isoniazid (7.4%, 124/1,668), streptomycin (6.0%, 100/1,668), and rifampicin (3.3%, 55/1,668). The rate of rifampicin resistance was 1.8% (23/1,290) in the new cases and 9.4% (32/340) in the previously treated cases. Known resistance mutations were detected more frequently in lineage 2 strains than in lineage 3 or 4 strains, respectively: 18.6% vs. 8.7 or 9%, P < 0.001. The estimated proportion of recent transmissions was 25.9% (432/1,668). Multivariate logistic analyses indicated that sex, age, occupation, lineage, and drug resistance were the risk factors for recent transmission. Despite the low rate of drug resistance, drug-resistant strains had a higher risk of recent transmission than the susceptible strains (adjusted odds ratio, 1.414; 95% CI, 1.023-1.954; P = 0.036). Among all patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), 78.4% (171/218) were attributed to the transmission of DR-TB strains. Conclusion: Our results suggest that drug-resistant strains are more transmissible than susceptible strains and that transmission is the major driving force of the current DR-TB epidemic in Kashgar.

Relationship between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 SNP and serum homocysteine levels of Zhuang hypertensive patients in the central region of Guangxi.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels or H-type hypertension in different populations is inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the association between the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP and serum Hcy levels of Zhuang hypertensive patients in the central region of Guangxi. METHODS: A total of 606 Zhuang inpatients with essential hypertension were recruited in our hospital from August 2016 to December 2018. The patients were divided into H-type hypertension (Hcy > 10 µmol/L, n = 528) and non-H-type hypertension (Hcy ≤ 10 µmol/L, n = 78) groups. At the same time, an age- and sex-matched group of 379 subjects with normal physical examination in our hospital were selected as the control group. Blood biochemical measurements and genotyping of the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of H-type hypertension was 87.13%. The levels of serum Hcy in patients with hypertension were higher than those in control group (14.20 ± 5.78 µmol/L vs. 11.97 ± 5.39 µmol/L, P < 0.001), especially in patients with H-type hypertension (15.08 ± 5.65 µmol/L, P < 0.001). The frequencies of TT genotype (22.73%) and T allele (46.21%) in patients with H-type hypertension were significantly higher than those in control group (11.35% and 30.47%, respectively) and non-H-type hypertension group (10.26% and 28.85%, respectively; P < 0.001 for all). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that serum Hcy levels were significantly correlated with creatinine, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, endogenous creatinine clearance rate, and the MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes in control group, while serum Hcy levels were significantly correlated with creatinine, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, endogenous creatinine clearance rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, and the MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes in H-type hypertension group (P < 0.05-0.001). Serum Hcy levels in the T allele carriers were higher than those in the T allele noncarriers in both H-type hypertension and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was closely related between the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP and serum Hcy levels in Zhuang patients with H-type hypertension in the central region of Guangxi. The MTHFR SNP may be an important reason for the increase of serum Hcy levels in Zhuang patients with H-type hypertension in this region.

Modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic lateral neck dissection for treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a series of 31 cases / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the feasibility of the modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic thyroidectomy for lateral neck dissection (LND) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The clinical data of 31 patients with PTC who underwent modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic LND in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Run Run Shaw Hospital, from January to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 males and 29 females, aged (32.6±8.3) years (range: 17 to 55 years). The maximum diameter of the primary thyroid lesion (M(IQR)) was 1.06 (1.16) cm (range: 0.53 to 2.44 cm), and the maximum diameter of the metastatic lymph node was (1.04±0.37) cm (range: 0.44 to 1.88 cm). Operation time, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes dissected, and postoperative complications were recorded. Outpatient follow-up was conducted until November 30, 2022. Results: All operations were successfully completed with the endoscopy approach without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was 160 (20) minutes (range: 100 to 215 minutes), and the postoperative hospital stay was 4 (2) days (range: 2 to 14 days). The number of lymph nodes obtained by dissection in the central and lateral compartment of the neck was 11 (12) (range: 0 to 37) and 34.7±14.8 (range: 15 to 69), respectively. Temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4 cases and all recovered within 1 month after the operation. One case suffered from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (continuing followed up to assess whether it is a temporary injury). The complication of LND included 1 case of chylous leakage that was recovered with conservative treatment, 1 case of Horner syndrome returned to normal 3 months after surgery. During follow-up, there was no residual tumor or recurrence. Conclusion: The modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic LND for PTC is feasible, with a thorough dissection and concealed incision.

Current use of oral anticoagulation therapy and influencing factors among coronary artery disease patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in China / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate current use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy and influencing factors among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in China. Methods: Results of this study derived from "China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study", the study prospectively enrolled atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from 31 hospitals, and patients with valvular AF or treated with catheter ablation were excluded. Baseline data such as age, sex and type of atrial fibrillation were collected, and drug history, history of concomitant diseases, laboratory results and echocardiography results were recorded. CHA2DS2-VASc score and HAS-BLED score were calculated. The patients were followed up at the 3rd and 6th months after enrollment and every 6 months thereafter. Patients were divided according to whether they had coronary artery disease and whether they took OAC. Results: 11 067 NVAF patients fulfilling guideline criteria for OAC treatment were included in this study, including 1 837 patients with CAD. 95.4% of NVAF patients with CAD had CHA2DS2-VASc score≥2, and 59.7% of patients had HAS-BLED≥3, which was significantly higher than NVAF patients without CAD (P<0.001). Only 34.6% of NVAF patients with CAD were treated with OAC at enrollment. The proportion of HAS-BLED≥3 in the OAC group was significantly lower than in the no-OAC group (36.7% vs. 71.8%, P<0.001). After adjustment with multivariable logistic regression analysis, thromboembolism(OR=2.48,95%CI 1.50-4.10,P<0.001), left atrial diameter≥40 mm(OR=1.89,95%CI 1.23-2.91,P=0.004), stain use (OR=1.83,95%CI 1.01-3.03, P=0.020) and β blocker use (OR=1.74,95%CI 1.13-2.68,P=0.012)were influence factors of OAC treatment. However, the influence factors of no-OAC use were female(OR=0.54,95%CI 0.34-0.86,P=0.001), HAS-BLED≥3 (OR=0.33,95%CI 0.19-0.57,P<0.001), and antiplatelet drug(OR=0.04,95%CI 0.03-0.07,P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of OAC treatment in NVAF patients with CAD is still low and needs to be further improved. The training and assessment of medical personnel should be strengthened to improve the utilization rate of OAC in these patients.

The pregnancy outcomes of day-5 poor-quality and day-6 high-quality blastocysts in single blastocyst transfer cycles / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This study compared the outcomes of single blastocyst transfer cycles, using day- 5 poor-quality blastocysts and day-6 high-quality blastocysts. @*Methods@#We analyzed 462 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles performed at our center from January 2014 to December 2019. The cycles were divided into two groups: a day-5 poor-quality blastocyst transfer group (group A) and a day-6 high-quality blastocyst transfer group (group B). The clinical outcomes were tested. @*Results@#In groups A and B, respectively, the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR; 61.65% vs. 67.17%, p=0.258), implantation rate (IR; 61.65% vs. 67.17%, p=0.258), and live birth rate (LBR; 69.51% vs. 77.83%, p=0.134) showed no significant differences. Moreover, when day-3 embryo quality was considered, the CPR, IR, and LBR were also similar in group A and group B (p>0.05). @*Conclusion@#The clinical outcomes of day-5 poor-quality blastocysts and day-6 high-quality blastocysts were similar, suggesting that the developmental speed of the embryo might be more important than embryo quality for the clinical outcomes of single blastocyst transfer in FET cycles.

Catheter ablation versus medical therapy for atrial fibrillation with prior stroke history: a prospective propensity score-matched cohort study / 老年心脏病学杂志（英文版）

BACKGROUND@#Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior stroke history have a high risk of cardiovascular events despite anticoagulation therapy. It is unclear whether catheter ablation (CA) has further benefits in these patients.@*METHODS@#AF patients with a previous history of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) from the prospective Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study between August 2011 and December 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio to CA or medical treatment (MT) based on propensity score. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or ischemic stroke (IS)/SE.@*RESULTS@#During a total of 4.1 ± 2.3 years of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 111 patients in the CA group (3.3 per 100 person-years) and in 229 patients in the MT group (5.7 per 100 person-years). The CA group had a lower risk of the primary outcome compared to the MT group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.74, P < 0.001]. There was a significant decreasing risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.61, P < 0.001), IS/SE (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97, P = 0.033), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19-0.54, P < 0.001) and AF recurrence (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.37, P < 0.001) in the CA group compared to that in the MT group. Sensitivity analysis generated consistent results when adjusting for time-dependent usage of anticoagulants.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In AF patients with a prior stroke history, CA was associated with a lower combined risk of all-cause death or IS/SE. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the benefits of CA in these patients.

Association of cumulative resting heart rate exposure with rapid renal function decline: a prospective cohort study with 27,564 older adults / 老年心脏病学杂志（英文版）

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the prospective association between cumulative resting heart rate (cumRHR) and rapid renal function decline (RRFD) in a cohort of individuals aged 60 and older.@*METHODS@#In the Tianjin Chronic Kidney Disease Cohort Study, the individuals who underwent three consecutive physical examinations between 2014 and 2017, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and aged 60 years or older were enrolled. A total of 27,564 patients were prospectively followed up from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. The 3-year cumRHR was calculated. The primary outcome was RRFD, defined as an annualized decline in eGFR of 5 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or greater. Logistic and restricted spline regression models and subgroup analysis were used to investigate the association of cumRHR with RRFD after adjusting for all confounders.@*RESULTS@#During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, a total of 4,347 (15.77%) subjects developed RRFD. In fully-adjusted models, compared with the lowest quartile of cumRHR, the odds ratio (OR) for the highest was 1.44 (1.28-1.61), P < 0.001. Furthermore, each 1-standard deviation (27.97 beats/min per year) increment in cumRHR was associated with a 17% (P < 0.001) increased risk of RRFD, with a linear positive correlation (P for non-linear = 0.803). Participants with a 3-year cumRHR ≥ 207 (beats/min) * year (equivalent to ≥ 69 beats/min per year in 3 years) were found to be at a higher risk of RRFD.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The cumRHR is significantly associated with a higher risk of RRFD among older adults. These results might provide an effective goal for managing and delaying the decline of renal function in the older adults.

ZIP14 is involved in iron deposition and triggers ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Ferroptosis is caused by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation and can cause cell death. Abnormally expressed iron transporters are involved in ferroptosis in a variety of diseases. ZRT/IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) is a transport protein that can mediate cellular uptake of iron, zinc, and manganese. Herein, we have tested the hypothesis that the divalent metal transporter ZIP14 is involved in the initiation of ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). DN was induced in 8-week-old male rats by streptozotocin before analysis of the degree of renal tubular injury. In addition, an in vitro model of DN in human kidney proximal tubular cell line was used. We showed that ZIP14 was up-regulated and ferrous iron (Fe2+) levels increased both in vivo and in vitro. Expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and the level of glutathione were reduced, whereas that of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) treatment reduced the expression of ZIP14 and the levels of Fe2+ and MDA, which is consistent with ferroptosis. Fer-1 improved kidney function in DN rats. This was characterized by urine levels of protein-to-creatinine ratio, α1-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase. Our study demonstrates a novel role for ZIP14 in diabetic kidney injury mediated by ferroptosis, and suggests a potential new therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Da Buyuanjian Combined with Exercise Improves Learning Memory of AD Rats by Modulating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise combined with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） on the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） signaling pathway and related apoptotic proteins in AD rats， and to explore its mechanism of action in improving cognitive function of AD rats. MethodFifty male SD rats were randomly divided into Sham group， exercise （EX） group， Alzheimer's disease （AD） group （model）， TCM group （Dabuyuan Jian）， and EX+TCM group， 10 in each group. Aβ25-35 oligomer solution was injected into the hippocampal region to establish the AD rat model， and the EX group underwent 6 days/week of running table training. The TCM group was given Dabuyuan Jian （5.36 g∙kg-1） by gavage， and the EX+TCM group received running table training combined with intragastric administration of Dabuyuan Jian. An equal volume of purified water was given to the Sham， AD， and EX groups by gavage. The rats' learning memory was evaluated by Morris water maze. The morphological changes and ultrastructural changes of hippocampal neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and transmission electron microscopy， respectively. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of Akt， p-Akt， GSK-3β， p-GSK-3β， β-catenin， Bcl-2， Bax， and cleaved Caspase-3 in the hippocampus of rats. ResultCompared with the Sham group， the AD group showed an increase in escape latency and total swimming distance， and a decrease in the residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， with loose and disorganized arrangement of hippocampal pyramidal cells， a decrease in density， myelin-like changes in hippocampal ultrastructure， and a blurring of mitochondrial swelling. In addition， the expression of Bcl-2， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β and β-catenin was down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01） while the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 was up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the conditions in the AD group， the escape latency and swimming distance were reduced in the EX， TCM， and EX+TCM groups， while the residence time in the target quadrant was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， with regularly arranged pyramidal cells， elevated number of cells， and reduced myelin-like changes and improved mitochondrial swelling as seen by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover， the expression of Bcl-2， p-Akt and p-GSK-3β was up-regulated， while the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 was down-regulated（P<0.05，P<0.01）. The EX+TCM group had increased level of β-catenin while the EX and TCM groups were not statistically significant compared with the AD group. Compared with the EX+TCM group， the EX and TCM groups had increased escape latency and swimming distance and decreased residence time in the target quadrant（P<0.05，P<0.01）， with loosely arranged pyramidal cells and reduced synaptic integrity under transmission electron microscopy（P<0.01）. Furthermore， the levels of Bcl-2， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β and β-catenin were lowered （P<0.05，P<0.01）while the level of cleaved Caspase-3 was elevated（P<0.05）. ConclusionAerobic exercise combined with Dabuyuan Jian could improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD rats， and the mechanism might be related to the elevated expression of key proteins in the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. The combined use was better than the use of exercise or drugs alone.

Combined application of field epidemiology and laboratory etiology analysis in the investigation of a foodborne disease outbreak in Xinjiang uygur Autonomous Region, 2016 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objectives: To analyze the causes of a foodborne outbreak in rural areas of Xinjiang between April 2 and April 5 in 2016. Methods: Cases and the relevant background information were obtained by consulting outpatient records of local health centers and regional people's hospitals and interviewing doctors and residents. All samples were collected by the laboratory test through epidemiological and food hygiene investigations. The χ2 test (Fisher's exact probability method) was used to compare differences in incidence rates. Molecular typing, virulence genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) were analyzed by using Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Results: A total of 142 cases were found in this study, with incidence rate at 5.7‰ (142/24 979). Among all cases, the main symptoms were nausea (94%), vomiting (92%) and abdominal pain (67%), and the incubation period was about 2 h (1-7.5 h). There were 16 Staphylococcus aureus isolates identified and all of them could produce A+C+E mixed enterotoxin. PFGE showed 100% homology. WGS further revealed that there were 9 and 1 strains contained by Sequence Type 1 (ST1) and ST5405, respectively. All ST1 strains were in the same clade on the genome tree. Among these, 7 strains shared close proximity (74 SNPs) and 2 strains shared close relationships as well (127 SNPs). The S. aureus isolates that caused the outbreak were introduced by a mutant isolate from the milk supply station. Conclusions: This foodborne outbreak was mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus contamination.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of candidate genes involved in chlorogenic acid biosynthesis during fruit development in three pear varieties of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Pear is one of the main fruits with thousands of years of cultivation history in China. There are more than 2000 varieties of pear cultivars around the world, including more than 1200 varieties or cultivars in China (Legrand et al., 2016). Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is an important pear production region in China with 30 of varieties or cultivars. Pyrus sinkiangensis is the most popular variety, which is mainly distributed in Xinjiang (Zhou et al., 2018). Chlorogenic acid (CGA), p-coumaric acid, and arbutin are the main polyphenols in pear fruit, and their levels show great differences among different varieties (Li et al., 2014). CGA is a potential chemo-preventive agent, which possesses many important bioactivities including antioxidant, diabetes attenuating, and anti-obesity (Wang et al., 2021). Therefore, the specific CGA content of a variety is considered the embodiment of the functional nutritional value of pears.

[ß-Thalassemia among Newborns in Wuhan Region and Its Influence Factors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the screening of ß-thalassemia among newborns in Wuhan region, so as to explore the influencing factors of Hb A in dried blood spot. METHODS: Concentrations of Hb A,Hb A2,Hb F in the dried blood spots collected from 99 275 neonates in Wuhan region were analyzed by Sebia capillary electrophoresis. The screening result of ß-thalassemia was interpretated accroding to the ratio of each group, the suspicious ß-thalassemia newborns were recalled and the gene of thalassemia in those newborns was checked. RESULTS: Among 99 275 newborns, 1 408 positive patients were found, and the positive rate of screening was 1.41%. A total of 350 patients with gene mutation were found among 709 ß-thalassemia suspicious patients. There were significantly statistical differences of positive predictive value among Hb A levels in different groups and there were also significantly statistical differences of positive predictive values among gestational weeks in different groups. No significantly statistical differences were observed among different genetic defects and phenotypes of heterozygous ß-thalassemia in Hb A concentrations. Postnatal day and gestational age were significantly and positively associated with Hb A concentrations. CONCLUSION: The capillary electrophoresis is an effective screening method for ß-thalassemia of full-term neonate. Postnatal day and gestational age is associated with the pencentage of Hb A.

Feasibility and safety of intracardiac ultrasound-assisted atrial septal puncture during radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of intracardiac ultrasound-assisted atrial septal puncture (ASP) during radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Methods: We enrolled 241 consecutive patients scheduled to radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from July to September 2020. Inclusion criteria: patients aged over 18 years with a clear electrocardiogram record of atrial fibrillation. Patients were divided into 2 groups: ASP with ultrasound-assisted X-ray (ultrasound group, n=123), ASP under X-ray alone (X-ray group, n=118). Clinical features of patients including age, sex, percent of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and repeat ablation, CHA2DS2-VASc score and past history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), valve diseases) and echocardiographic parameters (left atrial dimension, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension) were obtained and compared. The first-pass rate, radiation exposure time, duration of ASP, and complications of ASP were also compared between the two groups. Results: The age of patients in this cohort was (62.5±8.0) years, and the proportion of males was 57.0% (n=138). Among them, the proportion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was 56.0% (n=135), and the ratio of repeat ablation was 17.8% (n=43). Age, sex, percent of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus were similar between the two groups. The first-pass rate was significantly higher in the ultrasound group than in the X-ray group (94.3% (116/123) vs. 79.7% (94/118), P=0.001); the exposure time of X-ray was significantly shorter in the ultrasound group than in the X-ray group ((31.3±7.9) s vs. (124.8±35.7) s, P<0.001), while the duration of ASP was longer in the ultrasound group ((10.1±1.8) minutes vs. (8.2±1.3) minutes, P<0.001). In terms of complications, the incidence of puncture into the pericardium was lower in the ultrasound group (0 vs.3.4% (4/118), P=0.039); the rate of transient ST-segment elevation post ASP was similar between the ultrasound group and X-ray group (2.4% (3/123) vs. 1.7% (2/118), P=0.999). Conclusion: Intracardiac ultrasound-assisted atrial septal puncture can effectively improve the accuracy of atrial septal puncture, shorten the radiation exposure time, and reduce the complications related to atrial septal puncture.

Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation in patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma. Methods: Nine patients with new onset atrial arrhythmia and a prior history of left atrial myxoma, who received surgical myxoma excision and catheter ablation between September 2014 and November 2019, were included in the present study. Baseline characteristics, procedural parameters during catheter ablation, severe perioperative adverse events, recurrence rate of arrhythmia and clinical prognosis were analyzed. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used to define the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation in this patient cohort. Results: Nine patients were included. The average age was (55.8 ± 9.1) years old (3 male), there were 3 patients (3/9) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and 6 patients (6/9) with atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia (AFL or AT). Ablation was successful in all patients, there were no perioperative complications such as stroke, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, vascular complications or massive hemorrhage. During a mean follow-up time of 40.0 (27.5, 55.5) months, sinus rhythm was maintained in six patients (6/9) after the initial catheter ablation. The overall sinus rhythm maintenance rate was 2/3. In addition, 1 out of the 3 AF patients (1/3) developed recurrence of AF at 3 month after ablation, and 2 out of the 6 AFL or AT patients (2/6) developed late recurrence of AF or AFL (19 months and 29 months after ablation), two out of three patients with recurrent AFs or AFL received repeated catheter ablation and one patient remained sinus rhythm post repeat ablation. Meanwhile, there was no recurrence of atrial myxoma, no death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and other events during the entire follow-up period. Conclusions: Catheter ablation is a safe and feasible therapeutic option for patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma.

Analysis of microRNAs and target genes associated with immune response to EVA71 and CVA16 infection in human respiratory epithelial cells / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and target genes in human respiratory epithelial cells (16HBE) after enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) infection using high-throughput sequencing.Methods:TargetScan and miRDB databases were used to predict the target genes of miRNAs that were both up-regulated or down-regulated after EV71 and CVA16 infection. The genes that were both up-regulated and down-regulated were screened out. GO and pathway analysis of the target genes were conducted to screen immune-related target genes and their corresponding miRNAs. The target genes and their corresponding miRNAs that were up-regulated or down-regulated in both immune-related GO and pathway were further screened. Some miRNAs and their target genes were selected for qRT-PCR verification.Results:There were 598 target genes of up-regulated miRNAs and 1 311 target genes of down-regulated miRNAs and 62 target genes that might be up-regulated or down-regulated simultaneously were screened out. The number of up-regulated target genes involved in immune-related GO and pathway were 17 and 13, respectively, and the number of corresponding miRNAs were 15 and 17, respectively. There were 58 and 47 down-regulated target genes involved in immune-related GO and pathway, respectively, and the number of corresponding miRNAs were 30 and 42, respectively. Three up-regulated target genes were involved in both immune-related GO and pathway and regulated by four miRNAs. Nine down-regulated target genes were involved in both immune-related GO and pathway and regulated by 13 miRNAs.Conclusions:This study was conducive to elucidate the host-pathogen interaction after EV71 and CVA16 infection, and provided reference for studying the pathogenesis of hand, foot and mouth disease.

Progression on Multifunctional Nanoparticles Interfering with Cell Membrane Transporters-associated Drug Resistance / 中国医学科学院学报

Multi-drug resistance(MDR)refers to the loss of sensitivity of tumor cells to traditional chemotherapeutics agents under the mediation of various mechanisms,resulting in the reduction of chemotherapy efficacy.Current studies suggest that a variety of factors,including cell membrane transporter-mediated efflux of anti-tumor drugs,special microenvironment in tumor tissue,DNA self-repair and anti-apoptotic process,and epithelial-mesenchymal cell transformation,may contribute to the formation of MDR.Cell membrane transporter-mediated drug efflux refers to an increase in the amount of anti-tumor drug pumped out of the cell through the up-regulation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter on tumor cell membrane,which reduces the concentration of the drug in the cell,thus forming MDR.An effective method to inhibit the efflux pump caused by overexpression of membrane transporters plays an important role in overcoming MDR.As a promising drug delivery system,multifunctional nanoparticles have demonstrated many advantages in antitumor therapy.Meanwhile,nanoparticles with tailored design are capable of overcoming MDR when combined with a variety of strategies.This paper described in detail the studies relevant to the use of multifunctional nano-sized drug delivery system combined with different strategies,such as co-delivery of agents,external responsiveness or target modification for intervention with efflux pump in order to reverse MDR.This paper provides reference for the development of nano-sized drug delivery system and the formulation of reversal strategy in the future.

Spatiotemporal distribution of oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River / 公共卫生与预防医学

Schistosomiasis is one of the major communicable diseases, which seriously impacts human health, Oncomelania hupensis snail is unique intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum as well as posts significant influence on schistosomiasis transmission. The long-term serial data of oncomelania snail area in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River in the Schistosomiasis situation in People's Republic of China ,were collected from 1999 to 2018. The spatial and temporal variation characteristics of oncomelania hupensis area in five provinces were analyzed by Manner-Kendall test. In the spatial change, the area composition ratio of lake-and-marshland regions in Hunan increased, while that in Hubei and Jiangxi showed a slight decline. The lake-and-marshland snails in Anhui showed a significant downward trend, while Jiangsu showed no stable trend. In the spatial change, the area of lake-and-marshland snails in Jiangsu, Anhui, and Hubei showed a downward trend, among which the downward trend in Hubei was not obvious, while the upward trend in Jiangxi and Hunan had an upward trend but the trend was not obvious. the year of the sudden change in the area of the lake and marshes in in Jiangsu and Hubei were 2010 and 2017 ; There was no significant mutation in Anhui Province; the mutation point of the lake-and-marshland snails in Hunan was between 2001 and 2002; the mutation year of the lake-and-marshland snails in Jiangxi was 2002.This paper studies the temporal and spatial changes of the snail breeding area in the middle and lower Yangtze River, and the results can provide a basis for the elimination of snails in different types of distribution areas.

β-Thalassemia among Newborns in Wuhan Region and Its Influence Factors / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the screening of β-thalassemia among newborns in Wuhan region, so as to explore the influencing factors of Hb A in dried blood spot.@*METHODS@#Concentrations of Hb A,Hb A2,Hb F in the dried blood spots collected from 99 275 neonates in Wuhan region were analyzed by Sebia capillary electrophoresis. The screening result of β-thalassemia was interpretated accroding to the ratio of each group, the suspicious β-thalassemia newborns were recalled and the gene of thalassemia in those newborns was checked.@*RESULTS@#Among 99 275 newborns, 1 408 positive patients were found, and the positive rate of screening was 1.41%. A total of 350 patients with gene mutation were found among 709 β-thalassemia suspicious patients. There were significantly statistical differences of positive predictive value among Hb A levels in different groups and there were also significantly statistical differences of positive predictive values among gestational weeks in different groups. No significantly statistical differences were observed among different genetic defects and phenotypes of heterozygous β-thalassemia in Hb A concentrations. Postnatal day and gestational age were significantly and positively associated with Hb A concentrations.@*CONCLUSION@#The capillary electrophoresis is an effective screening method for β-thalassemia of full-term neonate. Postnatal day and gestational age is associated with the pencentage of Hb A.

Human Microfibrillar-Associated Protein 4 (MFAP4) Gene Promoter: A TATA-Less Promoter That Is Regulated by Retinol and Coenzyme Q10 in Human Fibroblast Cells.

Elastic fibers are one of the major structural components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in human connective tissues. Among these fibers, microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is one of the most important microfibril-associated glycoproteins. MFAP4 has been found to bind with elastin microfibrils and interact directly with fibrillin-1, and then aid in elastic fiber formation. However, the regulations of the human MFAP4 gene are not so clear. Therefore, in this study, we firstly aimed to analyze and identify the promoter region of the human MFAP4 gene. The results indicate that the human MFAP4 promoter is a TATA-less promoter with tissue- and species-specific properties. Moreover, the promoter can be up-regulated by retinol and coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) in Detroit 551 cells.

Effect of Gestational Weight Gain on Associations Between Maternal Thyroid Hormones and Birth Outcomes.

Purpose: The aim was to investigate the associations between maternal thyroid parameters within the normal ranges during early pregnancy and birth outcomes, and further to examine whether the associations were modified by gestational weight gain (GWG). Methods: Maternal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) concentrations within the normal ranges during early pregnancy were measured from 8,107 pregnant women in Wuhan, China. The associations between maternal thyroid parameters and birth outcomes (birth weight, birth length, and low birth weight) were analyzed using multivariable adjusted regression models, and effect modification by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) category and GWG were further evaluated. Results: Maternal TSH and FT4 concentrations were negatively associated with birth weight, and the latter only occurred in normal weigh women with inadequate and excessive GWG, as well as in both underweight and overweight women with excessive GWG (e.g., ß = -359.33 g, 95% CI: -700.95, -17.72 in underweight women with excessive GWG for per unit increase of FT4 concentrations). Moreover, maternal FT4 and FT3 concentrations were associated with increased risk for low birth weight, and the latter only occurred in normal weigh women with inadequate GWG (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.00, 6.36 for per unit increase of FT3 concentrations). These associations still persist when maternal thyroid parameters were modeled as quintiles. Main conclusion: Maternal normal thyroid function during early pregnancy with excessive and inadequate GWG may adversely influence fetal growth.