Dietary sodium sulphate supplementation during mid-to-late gestation improves placental angiogenesis, bile acid metabolism, and serum amino acid concentrations of sows.

Sulphate plays a vital role in the growth and development of the foetus. Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) is utilised as a dietary protein nutrient factor and helps replenish sulphur elements in livestock and poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Na2SO4 supplementation in mid to late pregnancy on bile acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, placental vascular development and antioxidant capacity of sows. At day 1 of gestation (G1), a total of twenty-six primiparous sows were carefully chosen and randomised into two groups: (1) control group, (2) Na2SO4 group (1.40 g/kg). Blood samples and placentas from sows were collected to measure biochemistry parameters, antioxidant indexes, placental vascular density, and indicators related to bile acid metabolism and amino acid concentrations, respectively. We found that dietary supplementation with Na2SO4 had a tendency for a reduction of incidence of stillborn at farrowing. Further observation showed that sows supplemented with Na2SO4 had decreased total bile acid level in cord blood, and increased placental gene expression of sulphotransferase and organic anion transport peptide. Na2SO4 supplementation increased catalase and total superoxide dismutase activity in cord blood, decreased placental malondialdehyde content, and enhanced placental protein expression of Sirtuin 1. Moreover, Na2SO4 consumption resulted in increased vascular density of placental stroma and elevated amino acid levels in sows and cord blood. Furthermore, maternal Na2SO4 consumption reduced serum urea concentrations of sows and umbilical cord blood at G114. In addition, dietary supplementation with Na2SO4 activated the protein expression of the placental mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1. Collectively, these findings indicated that maternal supplementation with Na2SO4 during mid-to-late gestation elevated foetal survival via improving placental angiogenesis, bile acid metabolism and amino acid utilisation.

[Study on the application value of portable pulse oximeter in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

Objective: To evaluate the application value of portable pulse oximeter in adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: This study prospectively enrolled adult patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG) due to snoring at the Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Department of Peking University People's Hospital from July 2022 to July 2023. During PSG monitoring, CS-WOxi was continuously used to monitor blood oxygen levels. The consistency between 3% oxygen desaturation index (ODI3) measured by portable pulse oximeter and ODI3 of polysomnography was evaluated using difference test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Bland-altman method. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal threshold for diagnosing OSA. Results: A total of 184 subjects were included, including 121 males (65.8%) and 63 females (34.2%). The mean age was 46.0 (34.3, 59.0) years, body mass index was 26.0 (23.3, 29.6) kg/m², and the apnea-hypopnea index was 18.2 (5.8, 40.8) events/h. There was a significant difference between CS-ODI3 and PSG-ODI3 [17.1(6.2, 42.7) vs. 14.0(2.9, 32.6), P<0.001], and the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.93 (P<0.001). There was a good correlation between CS-ODI3 and PSG-AHI (r=0.92, P<0.001). Bland-Altman consistency test showed that the average difference between the two was 0.7 events/h, and the 95% consistency limit was (-17.9, 19.3 events/h). When the CS-ODI3≥5 events/h was used to identify OSA, the sensitivity was 94.4%, the specificity was 80.0%, and the accuracy was 91.3%. When PSG-AHI≥5 events/h was used as the diagnostic criteria, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.933. Conclusion: Portable pulse oximeter can monitor pulse oxygen saturation accurately and has good sensitivity and specificity for OSA high-risk patients, and is a reliable tool for OSA screening.

[Standardized diagnosis and treatment of colorectal polyps].

This article explores the standardized management of colorectal polyps, including classification, treatment, follow-up, and preventive control. Corresponding treatment strategies, including endoscopic resection and surgical intervention, are employed for different types of polyps. Currently, there is debate over whether to choose endoscopic resection or surgical intervention for malignant polyps at pT1 stage. Drawing on the latest literature and guidelines, the article elaborates on polyp classification, treatment modalities, follow-up, and preventive measures. Standardized management of colorectal polyps is important for reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer and improving the cure rate of early-stage colorectal cancer.

[Interpretation of global lung cancer statistics].

Lung cancer remains one of the leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, posing a significant burden of disease. Tobacco exposure stands as the foremost risk factor for lung cancer. Since the 1960, global efforts have gradually been implemented to control tobacco exposure, consequently reducing tobacco exposure levels within populations. This shift in exposure levels may have altered the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer globally. This study aims to describe global lung cancer incidence data across five dimensions: age, gender, region, stage at diagnosis, and survival status, using global cancer registry data and relevant research findings. The objective is to elucidate the current epidemiological features of lung cancer worldwide, providing a scientific basis for lung cancer prevention and control. Furthermore, this study offers corresponding measures and recommendations for lung cancer prevention and control, aligning with the three-tiered cancer prevention strategy. Findings indicate that the incidence and mortality burden of lung cancer is significantly higher among the elderly population (aged 65 years and above) compared to the working-age population (aged 15-64 years). The aged-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer remains higher in males than in females, but the overall aged-standardized incidence rate of lung cancer in males shows a declining trend, while that in females shows an increasing trend. Regions with high and very high human development index (HDI) exhibit a substantially higher incidence and mortality burden of lung cancer compared to regions with low and very low HDI. Japan ranks highest in the diagnosis of stage Ⅰ lung cancer, with a diagnosis rate of 38.6%. Its age-standardized 5-year net survival rate is relatively high at 32.9%. Despite improvements in the survival status of lung cancer in certain countries like China and Japan, the overall prognosis for lung cancer remains pessimistic. Given the current epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer, reinforcing tobacco control measures and reducing female-specific lung cancer risk factors stand as significant goals for primary prevention. Promoting low-dose computed tomography screening for high-risk population, minimizing false-positive rates in lung cancer screening, and promoting medical system reforms and standardized treatment constitute principal measures for secondary and tertiary lung cancer prevention, respectively.

[Genetic characteristics and clinical analysis of 20 patients with Gaucher's disease].

Gaucher Disease (GD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by high heterogeneity. This study aimed to further understand the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes in GD patients through a retrospective analysis of 20 cases in Shanxi Bethune Hospital, including their clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, enzyme studies, and genetic results. Among the 20 GD patients, 16 were classified as Type Ⅰ GD with a median age of diagnosis of 24 years, and 4 were classified as Type Ⅲ GD with a median age of diagnosis of 19 years. All patients exhibited splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia, with 16 patients showing skeletal imaging changes, and 5 of them presenting with bone pain symptoms. Genetic analysis revealed 15 distinct mutations, predominantly missense mutations, with L483P being the most prevalent (35.7%), followed by V414L, L303I, and F252I. Mutation sites were predominantly located in exon 7. Noteworthy findings included the first report of the S310G mutation by our research group and the first occurrence of the K196R mutation in the Chinese population. Additionally, the N227S mutation was implicated in a potential association with neuropathy. Despite advancements, Uncertainties still exist in the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes in GD patients.

[Gastrointestinal tumors with SWI/SNF complex deficiency: a clinicopathological analysis of 36 cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of gastrointestinal tumors with SWI/SNF complex deficiency and to perform a prognostic analysis of the patients. Methods: Gastrointestinal tumor cases with SWI/SNF complex deficiency expression diagnosed at the Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China from August 2021 to May 2023 were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained slides were reviewed, and immunohistochemical results were analyzed. Clinical and pathological information was recorded, and relevant literature was reviewed. Results: A total of 36 cases of gastrointestinal tumor with loss of SWI/SNF complex expression were identified, including 28 males (77.8%) and 8 females (22.2%). The average age at diagnosis was 70 years (range 48-85 years). Clinical staging showed 3 cases in stage Ⅰ (8.3%), 12 cases in stage Ⅱ (33.3%), 19 cases in stage Ⅲ (52.8%), and 2 cases in stage Ⅳ (5.6%). Complete or partial loss of ARID1A expression was observed in 20 cases (55.6%); complete or partial loss of SMARCA2 expression was observed in 24 cases (66.7%). SMARCA4 exhibited complete loss of expression in 4 cases (11.1%). Eleven cases (30.6%) showed concurrent complete or partial losses of both ARID1A and SMARCA2 expression. Twelve cases (33.3%) had mismatch repair protein deficiency, all of which were characterized by MLH1/PMS2 absence. Mismatch repair protein deficiency was associated with loss of ARID1A expression (P<0.01). Patients with mismatch repair protein deficiency were also associated with earlier clinical stage and a lower risk of lymph node metastasis compared to the ones with intact mismatch repair proteins (P<0.05). Conclusions: SWI/SNF complex deficiency in gastrointestinal tumors is associated with dedifferentiation and often accompanied by mismatch repair protein deficiency. Compared to the cases with intact mismatch repair proteins, the cases with defective mismatch repair protein have an earlier clinical stage and a lower risk of lymph node metastasis.

[Clinical and genetic spectrum of 6 cases with asparagine synthetase deficiency].

Objective: To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of asparagine synthase deficiency. Methods: Case series studies. Retrospective analysis and summary of the clinical data of 6 cases with asparagine synthase deficiency who were diagnosed by genetic testing and admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2017 to April 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. The main clinical features, laboratory and imaging examination characteristics of the 6 cases were summarized, and the gene variation sites of them were analyzed. Results: All of the 6 cases were male, with onset ages ranging from 1 month to 1 year and 4 months. All of the 6 cases had cognitive and motor developmental delay, with 3 cases starting with developmental delay, 3 cases starting with convulsions and later experiencing developmental arrest or even regression. All of 6 cases had epilepsy, in whom 2 cases with severe microcephaly developed epileptic encephalopathy in the early stages of infancy with spasms as the main form of convulsions, 4 cases with mild or no microcephaly gradually evolved into convulsions with no fever after multiple febrile convulsions with focal seizures, tonic clonic seizures and tonic seizure as the main forms of convulsions. Three cases of 4 gradually developed into stagnation or even regression of development and ataxia after multiple convulsions with no fever. There were normal cranial imaging in 2 cases, dysplasia of the brains in 1 cases, frontal lobe apex accompanied by abnormal white matter signal in the frontal lobe and thin corpus callosum in 1 case, thin corpus callosum and abnormal lateral ventricular morphology in 1 case, and normal in early stage, but gradually developing into cerebellar atrophy at the age of 5 years and 9 months in 1 case. Two cases underwent visual evoked potential tests, the results of which were both abnormal. Three cases underwent auditory evoked potential examination, with 1 being normal and 2 being abnormal. All of 6 cases had variations in the asparagine synthase gene, with 2 deletion variations and 7 missense variations. The variations of 2 cases had not been reported so far, including c.1341_1343del and c.1283A>G, c.1165_1167del and c.1075G>A. The follow-up time ranged from 3 months to 53 months. Two cases who had severe microcephaly died in infancy, while the other 4 cases with mild or no microcephaly were in survival states until the follow-up days but the control of epilepsy was poor. Conclusions: Asparagine synthase deficiency has a certain degree of heterogeneity in clinical phenotype. Children with obvious microcephaly often present as severe cases, while children with mild or no microcephaly have relatively mild clinical manifestations. The variation of asparagine synthetase gene is mainly missense variation.

[Marked improvement in rheumatoid lung nodules after treatment with tocilizumab combined with glucocorticoids and leflunomide: a case report and literature review].

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disorder, is characterized by erosive inflammation of bone and cartilage, leading to progressive joint destruction. Pulmonary involvement occurs in approximately 60% of RA patients, manifests most commonly as interstitial lung disease and, less commonly, as rheumatoid lung nodules. Here, we report a 50-year-old woman, non-smoker, with recurrent cough and sputum of 7 years' duration, accompanied by a chest CT showing multiple cavitary nodules in both lungs. She had been treated empirically at several medical centers and was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid lung nodules. Marked improvement in rheumatoid lung nodules was observed after treatment with tocilizumab in combination with glucocorticoids and leflunomide. The aim of this study was to improve clinicians' understanding of rheumatoid lung nodules by analyzing the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of this case, and reviewing the relevant medical literature.

[Lower urinary tract injury in transvaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery].

Objective: To explore the characteristics, prevention and treatment strategies of lower urinary tract injury in transvaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery (vRPS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients who suffered lower urinary tract injuries occuring in vRPS from January 2005 to June 2021, among which 4 cases were referred to our hospital from other hospitals. Results: (1) In our hospital, 1 952 patients underwent vRPS for anterior and (or) middle pelvic organ prolapse during that study period, with a 1.0% (20/1 952) incidence of lower urinary tract injuries occurring in 20 cases. (2) Ureteral injuries were observed in 14 cases who underwent transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension (1.4%, 14/966). The symptoms were relieved after the removal of sutures. (3) Bladder injuries occurred in 6 cases in our hospital, with 4 cases (0.7%, 4/576) in anterior transvaginal mesh surgery (aTVM), one (0.4%, 1/260) in colpocleisis, and one (0.7%, 1/150) in apical suspension for fornix prolapse. An additional 4 cases of bladder injury were referred to our hospital after aTVM. Among the 8 cases of bladder injury during aTVM, 2 cases were intraoperative incidents. Cystoscopy confirmed that the superficial branch or puncture rod of anterior vaginal mesh had penetrated into the bladder. Re-puncturing and placement of the mesh were successfully performed. No abnormalities were observed during a follow-up period of 4-5 years. Postoperative bladder injuries were identified in 6 cases, characterized by mesh erosion into the bladder and formation of calculi. These injuries were confirmed between 6 months to 2 years after vRPS. The exposed mesh and calculi in the bladder were removed through laparotomy or cystoscopy, followed up for 2-12 years. One case experienced slight re-erosion of mesh to the bladder. Conclusions: Lower urinary tract injuries are difficult to avoid in vRPS, particularly in transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension and aTVM. However, the incidence is low. Lower urinary tract injuries during vRPS could be easily detected and managed intraoperatively because of the use of cystoscopy. As long-term postoperative complications, erosion of transvaginal mesh to lower urinary tract postoperatively could be treated correctly, seldom with severe sequelae.

[A case of acute poisoning of typhonium giganteum engler].

Unicorn lotus is a plant tuber in the araceae family, which has therapeutic effects such as dispelling cold and dampness, dispelling wind and phlegm, and treating stroke. However, acute poisoning of fresh Unicorn lotus has been rarely reported domestically and internationally. This article reports a case of poisoning caused by chewing unicorn lotus. The patient experienced numbness in the lips, swelling and rupture of the oral cavity, continuous salivation, difficulty swallowing and obvious burning sensation in the throat, accompanied by shortness of breath and mild hypoxemia. After receiving comprehensive treatments such as oxygen therapy, electrocardiographic monitoring, cleaning of necrotic oral mucosa, anti infection, inhibition of oral salivary secretion, and nutritional support, the patient finally recovered and was discharged.

[Current status of global colorectal cancer prevalence, prevention and control].

Objective: This paper provides a brief overview of the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in China and around the world, and discusses how to prevent colorectal cancer to reduce its disease burden. Method: Using the official database of GLOBOCAN 2020, the China Cancer Registry Annual Report compiled by the National Cancer Center, and data from CONCORD-3.Data management was performed by Microsoft Excel 2016 and R 4.2.1 Relevant graphs were generated using the ggplot2 package for result visualization. Result: An estimated 1 931 590 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer worldwide in 2020 with an age-standardized incidence rate of 19.5 per 100 000. There were about 935 173 deaths caused by colorectal cancer internationally, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 9.0 per 100 000. Overall, colorectal cancer was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. In China, the age-standardized incidence rate and mortality rate of colorectal cancer was 17.3 per 100 000 and 7.8 per 100 000, respectively. Gender differences in trends were observed, with a decreasing trend in incidence and mortality among females and an increasing trend in incidence and mortality among males. The primary risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, genetic factors, gastrointestinal disorders, dietary habits, and lifestyle et al. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer poses a significant burden globally and in China. The occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to physiology, genetics, behavioral habits, lifestyle, and disease factors. To better control the colorectal cancer burden with the lowest cost, specific measures should be taken to reduce exposure to established risk factors. By combining the disease prevention and control strategies of tertiary prevention in China with the characteristic factors of colorectal cancer, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer may be effectively controlled.

[A study on the first-order interaction of diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography-derived fractional flow reserve].

Objective: To investigate the effect of image quality, degree of stenosis, calcification, and their first-order interactions on diagnostic performance of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR). Methods: This is a reanalysis of data from a multi-center retrospective cross-sectional study of CT-FFR in China. A total of 522 patients with suspected or known coronary heart disease [mean age: 61.6 (34.0-83.0) years, 71.8% (354/493) were male] from 11 medical centers including the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from May 2015 to October 2019 were enrolled. All patients underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA), CT-FFR, and invasive FFR examination. Subjective image quality scores of target vessels were recorded on CCTA images, and stenosis was visually assessed at the lesion level. Calcification arc and calcification remodeling index (CRI) were recorded for each lesion. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were compared. Two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the first-order interaction effects of image quality, degree of stenosis, and calcification. Results: A total of 493 patients with 629 lesions with invasive FFR as a reference were included in the study. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT-FFR were 80.4%, 93.8%, and 88.6%, respectively. The specificity (95.0% vs. 87.3%, χ2=4.11, P=0.043); accuracy (90.1% vs. 81.9%, χ2=6.22, P=0.013); and NPV (89.7% vs. 80.9%, χ2=4.25, P=0.039) of the group with image quality ≥3 was higher than the group with image quality <3. The degree of stenosis affected the sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of CT-FFR and the calcification arc affected the specificity of CT-FFR (all P>0.05). The specificity (95.8% vs. 90.5%, χ2=4.23, P=0.040); accuracy (91.0% vs. 86.1%, χ2=4.01, P=0.045); and NPV (91.1% vs. 83.8%, χ2=5.10, P=0.024) of the group with CRI<1 were higher than that of the group with CRI≥1. In the subgroup of mild and severe stenosis, no calcification, and CRI<1, the accuracy of CT-FFR with image quality ≥3 points were higher than that with image quality <3 points. The accuracy of CT-FFR in the moderate stenosis group was mainly affected by CRI; the accuracy of CT-FFR in the group with CRI<1 was higher than that in the group with CRI≥1 (after Bonferroni correction, P values between groups were statistically significant). Conclusion: Subjective image quality, degree of stenosis, calcification of lesions, and their first-order interactions can all negatively affect the diagnostic performance of CT-FFR.

[Application value of questionnaires in the screening obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in pregnancy across trimesters].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility value of questionnaires of Berlin, STOP, STOP-Bang (SBQ), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in screening obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in pregnant women of different trimesters. Methods: Consecutive pregnant women at high risk for OSAS were enrolled from January, 2021 to April, 2022 at the obstetric clinic of Peking University People's Hospital. They completed questionnaires of Berlin, STOP, SBQ, ESS and also underwent an overnight polysomnography (PSG). To evaluate the accuracy of questionnaires of Berlin, STOP, SBQ, ESS, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values and the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of these questionnaires in pregnancy across trimesters (Pregnancy 1-15 weeks was the first stage, pregnancy 16-27 weeks was the second stage, and pregnancy 28-40 weeks was the third stage) were calculated. Results: A total of 100 pregnant women [(34.5±4.3) years old (26-46 years old)] were included in this study, including 20, 35 and 45 pregnant women in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, respectively. Based on PSG results, 45 (45%) of 100 pregnant women were diagnosed with OSAS. The overall predictive values of the four questionnaires were not good, area under[AUC(95%CI)] the ROC curve ESS, Berlin questionnaire STOP and SBQ were 0.54(0.43, 0.66), 0.59 (0.47, 0.70), 0.62(0.51, 0.73) and 0.61 (0.49, 0.72), respectively, sensitivity was 35.6%, 65.9%, 48.9%, 28.9%, specificity was 71.7%, 52.5%, 73.6%, 92.5%. When categorized according to trimesters, the predicted values of the four questionnaires increased in the first trimester, the AUC (95%CI) of STOP questionnaire was 0.81 (0.61, 1.00), sensitivity was 75.0%, specificity was 87.5%. Conclusion: The overall predictive power of the four screening questionnaires is limited in pregnant women. But predictive value of STOP questionnaire is acceptable in the first trimester.

A Model of Type II Collagen-Induced Spondylitis and Arthritis in F1 Hybrid Male Mice.

In this study, we tested a new model of ankylosing spondylitis in order to determine its histological and radiological features needed to investigate peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, and formation of the new bone tissues. F1 hybrid male mice (BALB/c×DBA/1), a progeny of spondylitis-susceptible BALB/c male mice and rheumatoid arthritis-susceptible DBA/1 female mice, were immunized intraperitoneally with bovine type II collagen (CII) mixed with adjuvant dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide. Radiological and histological studies were performed at the peak of swelling, redness, and stiffness. The incidence of peripheral arthritis and spondylitis induced by CII in F1 hybrid mice were 66 and 62%, respectively. X-ray examination revealed bone erosion and spondylitis in the peripheral joints, as well as the formation of new bone tissues in the coccygeal vertebrae and between LIII and LIV vertebrae. The histological study showed lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, capillary dilation, congestion, and endochondral ossification of the lumbar vertebrae. This novel model of CII-induced spondylitis in F1 hybrid mice provoked axial and peripheral arthritides inducing chronic inflammation. In this model, the formation of new bone tissue in the stiff spine is characterized by endochondral ossification. The advanced model is an additional and valuable tool for investigation of the autoimmune reactions in spondylitis.

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation from different sources on growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts.

Methionine is indispensable for growth and meat formation in pigs. However, it is still unclear that increasing dietary sulphur-containing amino acid (SAA) levels using different methionine sources affects the growth performance and meat quality of barrows and gilts. To investigate this, 144 pigs (half barrows and half gilts) were fed the control (100% SAA, CON), DL-Methionine (125% SAA, DL-Met)-supplemented, or OH-Methionine (125% SAA, OH-Met)-supplemented diets during the 11-110 kg period. The results showed that plasma methionine levels varied among treatments during the experimental phase, with increased plasma methionine levels observed following increased SAA consumption during the 25-45 kg period. In contrast, pigs fed the DL-Met diet had lower plasma methionine levels than those fed the CON diet (95-110 kg). Additionally, gilts fed the DL-Met or OH-Met diets showed decreased drip loss in longissimus lumborum muscle (LM) compared to CON-fed gilts. OH-Met-fed gilts had higher pH45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets, whereas OH-Met-fed barrows had higher L45min values than those fed the CON or DL-Met diets. Moreover, increased consumption of SAA, regardless of the methionine source, tended to decrease the shear force of the LM in pigs. In conclusion, this study indicates that increasing dietary levels of SAA (+25%) appeared to improve the meat quality of gilts by decreasing drip loss and increasing meat tenderness.

[The consistency of skeletal muscle mass measured by CT at L1 and L3 levels and the correlation of skeletal muscle density at L1 level with prognosis in dialysis patients].

Objective: To investigate the consistency of skeletal muscle mass by CT at 1st lumbar vertebrae (L1) and 3rd lumbar vertebrae (L3) levels and the correlation of skeletal muscle density (SMD) at L1 level with prognosis in dialysis patients. Methods: A total of 1 020 patients who underwent initial dialysis and had CT examination data in four centers (Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University and the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University) from January 2014 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) and SMD at L1 and L3 CT images were measured and calculated in patients with both L1 and L3 level CT images. The consistency of SMI and SMD at L1 and L3 levels was analyzed, and the cut-off value of SMI and SMD at L1 level for predicting all-cause mortality and their correlation with the prognosis of dialysis patients were studied. Cox regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for all-cause death and cardiac death. Results: A total of 383 patients had both L1 and L3 level images, including 233 males and 150 females. The average SMD value of 16 samples (4.2%) exceeded the 95% consistency limit range (-8.71 to 7.75 HU), and the average SMI value of 15 samples (3.9%) exceeded the 95% consistency limit range (-20.45 to 9.53 HU). The optimal cut-off value of SMD at L1 level for predicting all-cause mortality was 36.46 HU and the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.658 (95%CI: 0.596-0.721, P<0.001), with the sensitivity and specificity of 83.8% and 57.5%, respectively. SMI at L1 level was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality (P=0.299). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low SMD at L1 level was associated with all-cause mortality (HR=2.861, 95%CI: 1.576-5.193, P=0.001) and cardiac death (HR=3.771, 95%CI:1.462-9.724, P=0.006). Conclusions: SMD at L1 levelis consistent with SMD at L3 level and can be used to evaluate muscle mass. Low SMD is a risk factor for mortality in dialysis patients.

[Efficacy of decitabine in patients with glucocorticoid-resistant primary immune thrombocytopenia: factors influencing treatment responses].

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of decitabine (DAC) and identify factors influencing treatment responses in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who had failed glucocorticoid therapy. Methods: Clinical data of 61 patients with glucocorticoid-resistant ITP who received DAC therapy (5 mg·m(-2)·d(-1)×3 d via intravenous infusion) for at least three cycles with 3-4-week intervals at the Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, from November 2015 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The 61 patients comprised 20 males and 41 females, with a median age of 45 years (range: 15-81 years). Among them, 43 patients were glucocorticoid-dependent (glucocorticoid-dependent group), while 18 patients were glucocorticoid-resistant (glucocorticoid-resistant group). Following DAC treatment, 12 patients (19.67% ) achieved complete response (CR), and 16 patients (26.23% ) exhibited response (R), resulting in an overall response (OR) rate of 45.90% (28/61). Comparison between the OR group (n=28) and the non-response (NR) group (n=33) revealed significant differences in responses to glucocorticoids (dependent or resistant) and platelet counts before treatment (χ(2)=8.789, P=0.003; z=-2.416, P=0.016). The glucocorticoid-dependent group showed higher platelet counts than the glucocorticoid-resistant group after the second and third cycles of DAC treatment (P=0.032, 0.024). Moreover, the OR rates after the first, second, and third cycles of DAC treatment in the glucocorticoid-dependent group were all higher than those in the glucocorticoid-resistant group (P=0.042, P=0.012, P=0.029). A significant correlation was observed between glucocorticoid dependence and responses to DAC treatment (OR=9.213, 95% CI 1.937-43.820, P=0.005) . Conclusion: DAC demonstrates definitive efficacy with mild adverse effects in a subset of patients with glucocorticoid-resistant primary ITP. Glucocorticoid dependence and higher platelet counts before treatment are associated with a favorable response to DAC therapy.