Clinical effectiveness of semaglutide on weight loss, body composition, and muscle strength in Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness of semaglutide on weight loss, body composition and muscle strength in the Chinese population with obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively analyzed for participants prescribed semaglutide in 2021 and 2022 from a Chinese weight management clinic. Changes in weight, body composition, biochemical indicators, calf circumference and handgrip strength were collected. Body fat and skeletal muscle were also measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Paired t-test was used to compare the values after 6 months of treatment with the baseline values. RESULTS: A total of 53 obese patients received 24 weeks of lifestyle intervention plus semaglutide treatment. 10 patients who failed to adhere to the follow-up were excluded, and 43 patients were studied. The average baseline body mass index (BMI) was 33.0 kg/m2, and the average body weight was 90.0 kg. After 6 months of treatment, the patient's weight was significantly reduced by 9.9 ± 3.9 kg (p < 0.001), and the weight loss percentage was 11.2 ± 4.5% (p< 0.001). The proportion of patients with weight loss ≥ 5% and ≥ 10% was 93% and 54%, respectively. Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index, blood uric acid and blood lipid levels also decreased after treatment. Body composition analysis showed that the loss of skeletal muscle mass was 1.4 ± 1.3 kg (p < 0.001), which was significantly less than the loss of fat mass of 5.6 ± 3.7 kg (p < 0.001). By percentage, the fat mass loss was 15.6 ± 10.1%, and the muscle mass loss was 4.8 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001). The visceral fat area was significantly reduced by 24.4 ± 17.7 cm (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in skeletal muscle index (8.1 ± 1.0 kg/m2 at baseline and 7.9 ± 1.0 kg/m2 at 24 weeks). The calf circumference (42.6 ± 3.6 cm at baseline, 41.2 ± 3.8 cm at 24 weeks) and grip strength (33.3 ± 9.5 kg at baseline, 32.3 ± 9.0 kg at 24 weeks) did not decrease significantly. The main adverse reactions were mild gastrointestinal dysfunction (nausea, diarrhea and vomiting), without ketoacidosis. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world setting, semaglutide can reduce the weight and fat of obese patients while effectively maintaining muscle mass and muscle strength.

[Prophylactic vaccines for hepatitis type E].

Over the past few years, hepatitis type E has been increasingly recognized as an underestimated global disease burden. Populations with severe infection-related injuries or deaths include pregnant women, patients with underlying liver disease, and the elderly. Vaccines are the most effective means to prevent hepatitis type E virus (HEV) infection. However, the development of inactivated or attenuated vaccines is not feasible due to the lack of an efficient HEV cell culture system, so researchers have conducted in-depth research on recombinant vaccines. The capsid protein (pORF2), which the virion's open reading frame 2 encodes, contains almost exclusively the HEV neutralization site. Several candidate vaccines based on pORF2 have demonstrated potential for primate protection, with two being well tolerated and highly effective in preventing hepatitis type E in adults. Hecolin® (HEV 239 vaccine), the world's first hepatitis type E vaccine, was approved for marketing in China in 2012.

[Immune-related genes and their determined immune cell microenvironment to predict the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma].

Objective: Through bioinformatics analysis to screen key immune-related genes (IRGs) and cancer-related pathways in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) therapy, combining immune cell microenvironment to predict the prognosis of GAC. Methods: RNA sequencing and clinical data were obtained from public databases. Differentially expressed IRGs between GAC and normal tissues were identified by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to screen survival-associated IRGs. Then, we established the risk signature model and found another database for external validation. In addition, we explored the relationship with the immune cell microenvironment in each GAC sample using CIBERSORT algorithms. Results: A total of 78 differentially expressed IRGs were screened, including 47 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated genes. Subsequently, a five-IRGs signature (BMP8A、MMP12、NRG4、S100A9 and TUBB3) was significantly associated with the overall survival of GAC patients. Survival analysis indicated that patients in the high-risk group have a poor prognosis. The results of the multivariate analysis revealed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. Further analysis showed that the prognostic model had excellent predictive performance in both TCGA and GEO validated cohorts. Besides, the results of tumor-infiltrating immune cell analysis indicated that the risk score could reflect the status of the tumor immune microenvironment. Conclusion: BMP8A, MMP12, NRG4, S100A9 and TUBB3 with the risk signature model are associated with prognosis in patients with GAC, combined with tumor-infiltrating immune cells to provide new markers for immunotherapy in GAC.

[Transoral endoscopic resection of benign tumors in parapharyngeal space via medial pterygomandibular raphe approach].

Objective: To explore the surgical methods and effects of transoral endoscopic resection of benign tumors in parapharyngeal space via medial pterygomandibular raphe approach. Methods: The clinical data of 23 patients who underwent resection of benign tumors in parapharyngeal space by endoscopic medial pterygomandibular raphe approach from January 2016 to July 2020 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were analyzed retrospectively. There were 14 males and 9 females with a median age of 43 years. The tumors were located in the anterior space of the styloid process in 13 cases and in the posterior space in 10 cases. The smallest tumor volume was 7.3 ml and the largest was 80.2 ml. The preoperative imaging features, the characteristics and risks of this approach in the operation were analyzed, and the feasible mode of operation was explored. Results: All patients completed the operation successfully. The intraoperative blood loss was 20 to 50 ml, with an average of 28.3 ml. The operation time was 40 to 110 min, with an average of 75.4 min. The incision length was 2 to 4 cm, with an average of 3.0 cm. The postoperative pain score was 2 to 4, with an average of 3.2. The postoperative hospital stay was 4 to 9 d, with an average of 6.7 d. Postoperative pathological diagnosis included pleomorphic adenoma (n=12), neurilemmoma (n=10) and basal cell adenoma (n=1). The patients were followed up for 6 to 60 months. There was no postoperative complication such as infection or serious bleeding, and there was no tumor recurrence after operation. Conclusion: Endoscopic resection of benign tumor in parapharyngeal space via medial pterygomandibular raphe approach is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of tumors in parapharyngeal space.

Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network in papillary thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is one type of thyroid cancer. Although it has a good prognosis, the recurrence and metastasis rates remain high. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microarray dataset GSE66783 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). With the R package, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs between normal adjacent tissues and cancer tissues of PTC were identified. The miRNAs that were targeted by DElncRNAs and the mRNAs that were targeted by miRNAs were discovered through miRcode and through miRTarBase, TargetScan, and miRDB, respectively. Furthermore, the ceRNA network was constructed. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. The PPI network of the DEGs was obtained from the STRING database, and the top 5 hub genes that had a tight correlation with the disease were obtained by using Cytoscape. Finally, the study used the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze PTC patient survival time, and the Human Protein Atlas database was used to retrieve the expression of the hub genes in normal and PTC patient tissues. RESULTS: Five hub genes showed significant differences in expression in the PPI network, and 12 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA pathways might participate in the potential pathophysiological process of PTC. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that these ceRNAs might contribute to future therapies for PTC.

Potential effects of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 polymorphisms on susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese population: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to clarify the effect of IL-17 polymorphisms on the susceptibility to GCa in the Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant pieces of literature were searched in PubMed, Web of School, VIP, and CNKI using the key words as "IL-17, gastric/stomach cancer" or "IL-17 polymorphisms, gastric/stomach cancer susceptibility". The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the selected studies were calculated using RevMan5.3 and STATA12.0. RESULTS: A total of 12 investigations reporting mutations in IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 were enrolled. There were 11 studies reporting rs2275913 G>A, involving 3299 cases of GCa patients and 3339 cases of healthy controls. The random-effects model was performed since the heterogeneity test results of the recessive genetic model (GG&GA vs. AA) and the allelic model (G vs. A) of IL-17A rs2275913 G>A were I2>66%/p=0.001. Meanwhile, the dominant genetic model (GG vs. GA&AA) and the super-dominant genetic model (GA vs. GG&AA) of IL-17A rs2275913 G>A were I2< 50%/p>0.05, and the fixed-effects model was used. The meta-analysis showed that IL-17A rs2275913 G>A was positively correlated with GCa susceptibility under four genetic models (p<0.05). Five studies reporting IL-17F rs763780 T>C were enrolled, including 2535 cases of GCa patients and 2402 cases of healthy controls. The heterogeneity test showed that, except for the super-dominant genetic model, the p-value was <0.00001 in the dominant, recessive, and allelic models, and their I2 values were 87%, 88%, and 93%, respectively. Hence, a random-effects model was selected. IL-17F rs763780 T>C was positively correlated with GCa susceptibility under the super-dominant genetic model (p=0.003), rather than the other three models (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-17A rs2275913 G>A polymorphism contributes to susceptibility to GCa in the dominant, recessive, allelic, and super-dominant models. Meanwhile, IL-17F rs763780 T>C polymorphism is positively correlated with GCa susceptibility in the super-dominant model.

Application of Virtual Anatomy Technology in Postmortem Examination of Medical Dispute Cases.

ABSTRACT: Objective To discuss the application value of CT scanning technology in cause of death determination of medical dispute cases. Methods From July 2017 to December 2018, postmortem CT imaging data of 12 medical dispute cases were collected. CT imaging diagnosis results and anatomy findings as well as differences between antemortem and postmortem CT diagnosis were compared. The advantages and disadvantages of CT routine tests of the cadavers in terms of the diagnosis of disease and damage were analyzed. Results The comparison between CT imaging diagnosis and anatomical findings showed that CT scans had advantages in the diagnosis of disease and damage with large differences in density changes, such as atelectasis, pneumonia, calcification, fracture and hemorrhage, etc. The comparison of CT diagnosis in antemortem and postmortem examination showed that the cadavers of medical dispute cases were well preserved and that postmortem CT scan was meaningful for the diagnosis of antemortem diseases. Conclusion Virtual anatomy technology has a relatively high application value in postmortem examination of medical dispute cases. It can provide effective information for the appraisers before the autopsy and can also provide a reference for cause of death analysis when the anatomy cannot be performed.

Amount of Eurotium sp. in Chinese Liupao tea and its relationship with tea quality.

OBJECTIVE: Eurotium sp. are the sexual states of the genus Aspergillus, and their ascospore is a spherical closed capsule with a golden colour. The growth of Eurotium sp. during tea production is a key step in achieving the unique quality of dark tea. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Eurotium sp. amount and Liupao tea quality. METHODS AND RESULTS: The amounts of Eurotium sp. in 26 differently aged Liupao tea samples from several factories were studied. Indicators related to the quality of Liupao tea were investigated. The amounts of Eurotium sp. were divided into 0, 105 and 106 levels, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed. Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, the amounts of emodin and physcion were determined to be closely related to the amount of Eurotium sp. Emodin was not found or occurred in minimal amounts in all raw Liupao tea samples. By contrast, physcion was found in Liupao tea at the 106 level of Eurotium sp. Liupao tea samples with varying levels of Eurotium sp. also exhibited evident differences in aroma and chromaticity. Result of the Pearson correlation test showed that the amount of Eurotium sp. plays a key role in creating the unique quality of Liupao tea. CONCLUSION: The amount of Eurotium sp. in dark tea detected via qPCR can be used as a quantitative quality indicator for evaluating dark tea. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study provides an efficient method for identifying the different qualities of dark tea and addressing quality control issues in fermenting dark tea.

Age distribution of human papillomavirus infection and neutralizing antibodies in healthy Chinese women aged 18-45 years enrolled in a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Data from clinical trials of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines showed that women naïve (negative for both type-specific antibodies and DNA) to vaccine types would derive benefit from vaccination; therefore, an understanding of the proportion of naïve women in different age groups is important for developing HPV vaccination strategies. METHODS: From November 2012 to April 2013, a total of 7372 healthy women aged 18-45 years were recruited in five provinces in China. Cervical specimens and serum samples were collected for each woman at entry. Cervical specimens were first tested by the HPV DNA enzyme immunoassay method; if positive, the specimens were then tested by reverse hybridization line probe assay and HPV-16 and HPV-18 specific polymerase chain reactions. Neutralizing antibodies against HPV-16 or HPV-18 were tested with a pseudovirion-based neutralization assay. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of high-risk HPV DNA was 14.8% (1088/7367, 95% CI 14.0-15.6), and the seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies against HPV-16 and HPV-18 was 12.6% (925/7367) and 4.9% (364/7367), respectively. In younger women (18-26 years) and middle-aged women (27-45 years), 83.8% (3116/3719) and 81.4% (2968/3648) were naïve to both HPV-16 and HPV-18 (both neutralizing antibodies and DNA were negative), respectively. In addition, 98.5% (3664/3719) and 98.0% (3575/3648) of the younger or middle-aged women were naïve to at least one HPV type (HPV-16 or HPV-18). DISCUSSION: This study revealed that the majority of Chinese women aged 18-26 years and 27-45 years were naïve to both HPV-16 and HPV-18 and would thus derive full benefit from bivalent HPV vaccination.

Genotyping and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strain isolated from pigs in Hubei province, central China.

Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous pathogen that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, can cause severe complications to the infected people and animals as well as serious economic losses and social problems. Here, one local strain (TgPIG-WH1) was isolated from an aborted pig fetus, and the genotype of this strain was identified as ToxoDB #3 by the PCR RFLP typing method using 10 molecular markers (SAG1, SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, C22-8, C29-2 and Apico). A comparison of the virulence of this isolate with other strains in both mice and piglets showed that TgPIG-WH1 was less virulent than type 1 strain RH and type 2 strain ME49 in mice, and caused similar symptoms to those of ME49 such as fever in piglets. Additionally, in piglet infection with both strains, the TgPIG-WH1 caused a higher IgG response and more severe pathological damages than ME49. Furthermore, TgPIG-WH1 caused one death in the 5 infected piglets, whereas ME49 did not, suggesting the higher virulence of TgPIG-WH1 than ME49 during piglet infection. Experimental infections indicate that the virulence of TgPIG-WH1 relative to ME49 is weaker in mice, but higher in pigs. This is probably the first report regarding a ToxoDB #3 strain from pigs in Hubei, China. These data will facilitate the understanding of genetic diversity of Toxoplasma strains in China as well as the prevention and control of porcine toxoplasmosis in the local region.

Genotyping and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strain isolated from pigs in Hubei province, central China

@#Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous pathogen that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, can cause severe complications to the infected people and animals as well as serious economic losses and social problems. Here, one local strain (TgPIG-WH1) was isolated from an aborted pig fetus, and the genotype of this strain was identified as ToxoDB #3 by the PCR RFLP typing method using 10 molecular markers (SAG1, SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, PK1, C22-8, C29-2 and Apico). A comparison of the virulence of this isolate with other strains in both mice and piglets showed that TgPIG-WH1 was less virulent than type 1 strain RH and type 2 strain ME49 in mice, and caused similar symptoms to those of ME49 such as fever in piglets. Additionally, in piglet infection with both strains, the TgPIG-WH1 caused a higher IgG response and more severe pathological damages than ME49. Furthermore, TgPIG-WH1 caused one death in the 5 infected piglets, whereas ME49 did not, suggesting the higher virulence of TgPIG-WH1 than ME49 during piglet infection. Experimental infections indicate that the virulence of TgPIG-WH1 relative to ME49 is weaker in mice, but higher in pigs. This is probably the first report regarding a ToxoDB #3 strain from pigs in Hubei, China. These data will facilitate the understanding of genetic diversity of Toxoplasma strains in China as well as the prevention and control of porcine toxoplasmosis in the local region.

Incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: interim analysis of a cluster randomized controlled screening trial (PRO-NPC-001) in southern China.

BACKGROUND: Previous mass screening studies have shown that IgA antibodies against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) can facilitate early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the impact of EBV-antibody screening for NPC-specific mortality remains unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, cluster randomized, controlled trial for NPC screening (PRO-NPC-001) was conducted in 3 selected towns of Zhongshan City and 13 selected towns of Sihui City in southern China beginning in 2008. Serum samples of the screening group were tested for two previously selected anti-EBV antibodies. Subjects with serological medium risk were subsequently retested annually for 3 years, and those with serological high risk were referred to otorhinolaryngologists for diagnostic check-up. An interim analysis was carried out to evaluate the primary end points of the NPC-specific mortality and the early diagnostic rate, and the secondary end point of the NPC incidence, through linkage with the database of Zhongshan City. RESULTS: Among 70 296 total subjects, 29 413 screened participants (41.8% of the total subjects) in the screening group and 50 636 in the control group, 153 (43.3 per 100 000 person-year), 62 (55.3 per 100 000 person-year) and 99 (33.1 per 100 000 person-year) NPC cases were identified. The early diagnostic rates of NPC were significantly higher in the participants (79.0%, P < 0.0001) and the screening group (45.9%, P < 0.0001) compared with the control group (20.6%). Although no differences were found between NPC-specific mortality of the screening group and the control group [relative risk (RR)= 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-1.79], lower NPC-specific mortality was noticed among participants from the screening group versus the control group (RR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.09-0.49). CONCLUSION: IgA antibodies against EBV can identify high-risk population and was effective in screening for early asymptomatic NPC. Although the mortality reduction was not significant in the primary end point, we noted encouraging evidence of a mortality reduction in screening participants in this interim analysis. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT00941538.

MiR-374b reduces cell proliferation and cell invasion of cervical cancer through regulating FOXM1.

OBJECTIVE: Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been identified as critical event in tumor initiation and progression. We aimed to explore the role of miR-374b in cervical cancer progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MiR-374b expression was detected using qRT-PCR in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal counterparts. Cell proliferation and invasion ability were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) cell proliferation and transwell invasion assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis were used to demonstrate that FOXM1 was a target of miR-374b. RESULTS: We demonstrated that downregulation of miR-374b was frequently examined in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal counterparts. Furthermore, we showed the lower miR-374b expression associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced FIGO stage in patients with cervical cancer. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-374b could significantly decrease cell proliferation and invasion ability. However, inhibition of miR-374b had opposite effects. Dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis revealed that miR-374b overexpression suppressed cell proliferation and invasion ability via affecting FOXM1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that miR-374b acted as tumor suppressor and may serve as a potential target for cervical cancer treatment.

[Establishment and evaluation of a triple-color human papillomavirus pseudovirion neutralization assay].

Objective: To establish a triple-color pseudovirion-based neutralization assay (PBNA) and evaluate its capability of detecting immunogenicity of the sera generated by the immunization of HPV 9-valent vaccine. Methods: HPV pseudovirus (PsVs) 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 with the encapsidated fluorescence expressing red fluorescent plasmid N31-MCHREEY, green fluorescent N31-EGFP or blue fluorescent N31-mTagBFP were generated. The concentration of HPV PsVs and the infection titers of HPV PsVs were detected by double-antibody sandwich ELISA and TCID(50), respectively. The single- and triple color HPV 16/33/45 PsVs were used to detect the neutralization titers of mice sera immunized with HPV 9-valent vaccine and confirmed the accuracy and specificity of the triple-color PBNAs. Then, the single- and triple color HPV 6/11/18/31/33/45/52/58 PsVs were employed to detect the neutralization titers of cynomolgus macaques sera immunized with HPV 9-valent vaccine and determined whether the triple-color PBNAs could be applied to evaluate the immunogenicity of the sera generated by the immunization of HPV9-valent vaccine. Results: The concentration of HPV16 PsVs encapsulating green, red or blue fluorescent plasmid was 5.0 to 6.0 µg/ml and HPV6/11/18/31/33/45/52/59 triple-color HPV PsVs was about 1.0 to 3.0 µg/ml. 9 types HPV PsVs containing EGFP, Mcherry or mTagBFP reporter plasmid were obtained and the concentration can meet the need of neutralization detection. 9 types single-color fluorescent HPV PsVs had similar infectivity against 293FT cells with the infection titer values between 1×10(4) and 1×10(5). The results of PBNAs showed that there was no significant difference in the anti-HPV neutralization titers of mice sera induced by HPV 9-valent vaccine between single-color and triple-color HPV16/33/45 PsVs (P>0.05). Similarly, there was also no significant difference in the anti-HPV neutralization titers of cynomolgus macaques sera induced by HPV 9-valent vaccine between single-color and triple-color HPV6/11/18/31/33/45/52/58 PsVs (P>0.05). Conclusion: We successfully established the triple-color PBNAs and verified the accuracy and specificity of triple-color PBNAs consistent with single-color PBNAs. The triple-color PBNAs can be applied to evaluate the immunogenicity of HPV 9-valent vaccine's immune serum.

Quantification of serum markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta virus (HDV) infections in patients with chronic HDV infection.

The interplay between hepatitis B (HBV) and delta (HDV) viruses is complex and not always characterized during chronic HDV infection. We assessed the clinical usefulness of new quantitative assays for HBV and HDV serum markers in a retrospective cross-sectional study. Sera obtained from 122 HDV genotype 1 and HBV genotype D coinfected, anti-HIV-negative patients (71 males; median age 49.8 [21.7-66.9] years), recruited consecutively in two geographical areas (Italy 69 patients, Romania 53 patients) with different HBV and HDV epidemiology, were tested for HBsAg, HBV-DNA, HBcrAg, total anti-HBc, HDV-RNA, IgM and total anti-HDV using quantitative assays. Cirrhosis, which showed comparable prevalence in the two cohorts, was diagnosed in 97 of 122 (79.5%) patients. At multivariate analysis, cirrhosis was associated with lower total anti-HBc/IgM anti-HDV ratio (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.981-0.999, P = .038), whereas disease activity was associated with higher total anti-HDV (OR 10.105, 95% CI 1.671-61.107, P = .012) and HDV-RNA levels (OR 2.366, 95% CI 1.456-3.844, P = .001). HDV-RNA serum levels showed a positive correlation with HBV-DNA (ρ = 0.276, P = .005), HBsAg (ρ = 0.404, P < .001) and HBcrAg (ρ = 0.332, P < .001). The combined quantitative profiling of HBV and HDV serum markers identifies specific patterns associated with activity and stage of chronic hepatitis D (CHD). HDV pathogenicity depends on the underlying active HBV infection in spite of the inhibition of its replication. HDV-RNA, IgM anti-HDV, total anti-HDV, total anti-HBc, HBsAg and HBcrAg serum levels qualify for prospective studies to predict progressive CHD and identify candidates to antiviral therapy.

[The role and significance of digital reconstruction technique in liver segments based on portal vein structure].

Objective: To study the segment of liver according to the large amount of three-dimensional(3D) reconstructive images of normal human livers and the vascular system, and to recognize the basic functional liver unit based on the anatomic features of the intrahepatic portal veins. Methods: The enhanced CT primitive DICOM files of 1 260 normal human livers from different age groups who treated from October 2013 to February 2017 provided by 16 hospitals were analyzed using the computer-aided surgery system.The 3D liver and liver vascular system were reconstructed, and the digital liver 3D model was established.The vascular morphology, anatomical features, and anatomical distributions of intrahepatic portal veins were statistically analyzed. Results: The digital liver model obtained from the 3D reconstruction of CAS displayed clear intrahepatic portal vein vessels of level four.Perform a digital liver segments study based on the analysis of level four vascular distribution areas.As the less anatomical variation of left hepatic portal vein, the liver was classified into four types of liver segmentation mainly based on right hepatic portal vein.Type A was similar to Couinaud or Cho's segmentation, containing 8 segments(537 cases, 42.62%). Type B contained 9 segments as there are three ramifications of right-anterior portal vein(464 cases, 36.82%). The main difference for Type C was the variation of right-posterior portal vein which was sector shape(102 cases, 8.10%). Type D contained the cases with special portal vein variations, which needs three-dimensional simulation to design individualized liver resection plan(157 cases, 12.46%). These results showed that there was no significant difference in liver segmental typing between genders(χ(2)=2.179, P=0.536) and did not reveal any significant difference in liver segmental typing among the different age groups(χ(2)=0.357, P=0.949). Conclusions: The 3D digital liver model can demonstrate the true 3D anatomical structures, and its spatial vascular variations.The observation of anatomic features, distribution areas of intrahepatic portal veins and individualized liver segmentation achieved via digital medical 3D visualization technology is of great value for understand the complexity of liver anatomy and to guide the precise hepatectomy.

Rapid identification of imported influenza viruses at Xiamen International Airport via an active surveillance program.

OBJECTIVES: The cross-border transmission of infectious diseases is a worldwide public health issue. Current border screening measures are insufficiently sensitive. The study objectives were to describe the epidemiologic pattern of influenza infection among incoming travellers at Xiamen International Airport during nonpandemic periods and to assess the performance of a rapid influenza diagnostic test in border screening. METHODS: Between May 2015 and May 2016, travellers with influenza-like illnesses entering China at Xiamen International Airport were screened with a rapid test, Flu Dot-ELISA, and the collected specimens were further subjected to virus isolation and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1 540 076 incoming travellers, 1224 cases of influenza-like illness were identified; 261 tested positive in the rapid test, and 176 were confirmed to be influenza through virus culture. The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test were demonstrated to be 96.6% (170/176) and 91.3% (957/1048), respectively, and the positive predictive and negative predictive values were 65.1% (170/261) and 99.4% (957/963), respectively. The epidemiologic study indicated that H3N2 and (H1N1)pdm09 were dominant in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In 2016, an increased number of influenza B isolates and cocirculation of both Victoria and Yamagata lineage influenza B viruses were observed, and mismatches between circulating influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B Victoria lineage strains and vaccine strains also occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the suitability and value of a high-sensitivity rapid influenza test in border screening and highlighted the importance of incoming travellers as a source of imported infectious diseases.

Mode instability in ytterbium-doped non-circular fibers.

We present a theoretical study of transverse mode instability (TMI) in non-circular ytterbium-doped fibers including the rectangular core in a circular or D-shaped cladding. The D-shaped cladding is found efficient to suppress the TMI thanks to better heat dissipation, as compared to the circular cladding. However, the rectangular core does not suppress the TMI despite its better heat dissipation than a circular core counterpart. Although the temperature built in the rectangular core decreases with an increasing aspect ratio of the rectangular core, the low temperature does not benefit the TMI suppression. Instead, the TMI becomes stronger than its circular core counterpart. Our study reveals that the power coupling between two involved modes and gain saturation effect play a significant role in influencing the TMI. The power coupling strength is associated with the frequency offset between two modes, and it grows with an increasing aspect ratio of rectangular cores, suggesting the longer axis of rectangular core promotes the TMI.

Liraglutide reduces body weight by upregulation of adenylate cyclase 3.

OBJECTIVE: According to recent studies, adenylate cyclase 3 (AC3) is associated with obesity. Liraglutide reduces blood glucose levels and body weight (BW). We performed a 2 × 2 factorial experiment to study the relationships among AC3, liraglutide and obesity and to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the physiological effects of liraglutide on obesity. METHODS: A high-fat diet was used to induce obesity in C57BL/6J mice. Both the normal and obese mice were treated with liraglutide (1 mg kg-1) or saline twice daily for 8 weeks. The hepatic levels of the AC3 and glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1R) mRNAs and proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. The serum AC3 levels were detected using a rat/mouse AC3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: The administration of liraglutide significantly decreased the BW in obese mice and normal control mice. The BW of obese mice exhibited a more obvious decrease. Hepatic AC3 mRNA and protein levels and serum AC3 levels were significantly reduced in obese mice compared with those in normal control mice. The administration of liraglutide significantly increased the hepatic expression of the AC3 and GLP-1R mRNAs and proteins and serum AC3 levels. The hepatic expression of the AC3 mRNA and protein and serum AC3 levels were negatively correlated with BW loss in the liraglutide-treated group. Pearson's correlation coefficients for these comparisons are r=-0.448, P=0.048; r=-0.478, P=0.046; and r=-0.909, P=0.000, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our research, liraglutide reduces BW, possibly by increasing the expression of AC3.