Perioperative outcomes of transvaginal specimen extraction laparoscopic total gastrectomy and conventional laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has emerged as a promising alternative compared to conventional laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) for treating gastric cancer (GC). However, evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of NOSES for GC surgery is limited. This study aimed to compare the safety and feasibility, in addition to postoperative complications of NOSES and LATG. AIM: To discuss the postoperative effects of two different surgical methods in patients with GC. METHODS: Dual circular staplers were used in Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction for transvaginal specimen extraction LATG, and its outcomes were compared with LATG in a cohort of 51 GC patients with tumor size ≤ 5 cm. The study was conducted from May 2018 to September 2020, and patients were categorized into the NOSES group (n = 22) and LATG group (n = 29). Perioperative parameters were compared and analyzed, including patient and tumor characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and anastomosis-related complications, postoperative hospital stay, the length of abdominal incision, difference in tumor type, postoperative complications, and postoperative survival. RESULTS: Postoperative exhaust time, operation duration, mean postoperative hospital stay, length of abdominal incision, number of specific staplers used, and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire score were significant in both groups (P < 0.01). In the NOSES group, the postoperative time to first flatus, mean postoperative hospital stay, and length of abdominal incision were significantly shorter than those in the LATG group. Patients in the NOSES group had faster postoperative recovery, and achieved abdominal minimally invasive incision that met aesthetic requirements. There were no significant differences in gender, age, tumor type, postoperative complications, and postoperative survival between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The application of dual circular staplers in Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction combined with NOSES gastrectomy is safe and convenient. This approach offers better short-term outcomes compared to LATG, while long-term survival rates are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Cohort study on the change trend of astigmatism among preschool children in Baiyun district, Guangzhou from 2018 to 2021 / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the characteristics of astigmatism in preschool children before, during and after the COVID-19 epidemic, so as to provide a reference for further prevention and control of children's vision.METHODS: In the consecutive four years from January 2018 to December 2021, a retrospective analysis of vision data was conducted on 2 273 preschool children(4 546 eyes)younger than 4 years old who participated in children's vision screening test in Baiyun district, Guangzhou. They were divided into 1-year old group(ages&#x003C;1-year old, 420 cases), 2-year old group(1-year ≤ ages &#x003C;2-year, 543 cases), 3-year old group(2-year ≤ages &#x003C;3-year, 614 cases), and 4-year old group(3-year ≤ ages&#x003C;4-year, 696 cases)according to ages. The analysis included astigmatic degrees of children's eyes as well as their conditions of astigmatism.RESULTS: In 2018, the astigmatic degrees of the both eyes of 1-year-old group were higher than those of other groups(P&#x003C;0.05). The binocular astigmatic degrees of the preschool children in four groups were obviously higher in 2020 than 2019(P&#x003C;0.05), while they were significantly decreased in 2021 when compared with 2020(P&#x003C;0.05). From 2019 to 2020, the increase of astigmatic degrees of the right eye is more considerable than the left eye of preschool children in those four groups(P&#x003C;0.001). Furthermore, the morbidity of astigmatism basically echoes with the changing tendency of astigmatic degrees from 2018 to 2021.CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children in Baiyun district, Guangzhou, have the highest degree of astigmatism and the fastest progression rate within 1 year old. Before COVID-19 epidemic, the changes in astigmatism and prevalence were relatively stable; during COVID-19 epidemic, the astigmatism and prevalence increased significantly and the astigmatic degrees of right eye increased more than that of the left eye; after the normalization of epidemic prevention and control, the astigmatism and prevalence decreased significantly.

Development and future perspectives of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for gastric cancer.

In recent years, natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES), a novel minimally invasive surgical technique, has become a focus in the surgical field, and has been initially applied in gastric surgery in many national medical centers worldwide. In addition, this new surgical technique was launched in major hospitals in China. With an increasing number of patients who have accepted this new surgical technique, NOSES has provided new prospects for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC), which may achieve a better outcome for both patients and surgeons. More and more experts and scholars from different countries and regions are currently paying close attention to NOSES for the treatment of GC. However, there are only a few reports of its use in GC. This review focuses on the research progress in NOSES for radical gastrectomy in recent years. We also discuss the challenges and prospects of NOSES in clinical practice.

Endoscopic extraction of a submucosal esophageal foreign body piercing into the thoracic aorta: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Aorto-esophageal injury is a rare but life-threatening complication of esophageal foreign bodies, which typically requires open surgery. The best way to treat patients with this condition remains unclear. To date, few reports have described an aortic wall directly penetrated by a sharp foreign body. Here, we present a rare case of a fishbone completely embedded in the esophageal muscularis propria and directly piercing the aorta, which was successfully treated by endoscopy and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). CASE SUMMARY: We report the case of a 71-year-old man with a 1-d history of retrosternal pain after eating fish. No abnormal findings were observed by the emergency esophagoscopy. Computed tomography showed a fishbone that had completely pierced through the esophageal mucosa and into the aorta. The patient refused to undergo surgery for personal reasons and was discharged. Five days after the onset of illness, he was readmitted to our hospital. Endoscopy examination showed a nodule with a smooth surface in the middle of the esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasonography confirmed a fishbone under the nodule. After performing TEVAR, we incised the esophageal mucosa under an endoscope and successfully removed the fishbone. The patient has remained in good condition for 1 year. CONCLUSION: Incising the esophageal wall under endoscope and extracting a foreign body after TEVAR may be a feasible option for cases such as ours.

An engineered abcb4 expression model reveals the central role of NF-κB in the regulation of drug resistance in zebrafish.

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon that tumor cells are exposed to a chemotherapeutic drug for a long time and then develop resistance to a variety of other anticancer drugs with different structures and different mechanisms. The in vitro studies of tumor cell lines cannot systematically reflect the role of MDR gene in vivo, and the cost of in vivo studies of transgenic mice as animal models is high. Given the myriad merits of zebrafish relative to other animal models, we aimed to establish a screening system using zebrafish stably expressing ATP-binding cassette (ATP-cassette) superfamily transporters and unveil the potential regulatory mechanism. We first used the Tol2-mediated approach to construct a Tg (abcb4:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish line with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) subfamily B member 4 (abcb4) gene promoter to drive EGFP expression. The expression levels of abcb4 and EGFP were significantly increased when Tg(abcb4:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish embryos were exposed to doxorubicin (DOX) or vincristine (VCR), and the increases were accompanied by a marked decreased accumulation of rhodamine B (RhB) in embryos, indicating a remarkable increase in DOX or VCR efflux. Mechanistically, Akt and Erk signalings were activated upon the treatment with DOX or VCR. With the application of Akt and Erk inhibitors, drug resistance was reversed with differing responsive effects. Notably, downstream NF-κB played a central role in the regulation of abcb4-mediated drug resistance. Taken together, the data indicate that the engineered Tg(abcb4:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish model is a new platform for screening drug resistance in vivo, which may facilitate and accelerate the process of drug development.

Effect of Paper and Aluminum Bagging on Fruit Quality of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.).

Bagging regulates the fruit microenvironment and improves the quality and market value of fruits. It is a safe and ecofriendly technique to protect fruits from insect/pest infestation and multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. In the current study, the influence of fruit bagging was evaluated on the development and quality of loquat fruits. Fruits from a healthy loquat orchard (Cv. Zaozhong No.6), located in Fujian, China, were enveloped in paper (T1), aluminum (T2), and aluminum-polyethylene bags (T3), while unbagged fruits were maintained as control (T0). In general, fruit bagging improved fruit quality in terms of fruit physiological and biochemical attributes and protected fruits from physical damage. In particular, aluminum-polyethylene bagging enhanced fruit weight, length, and width by 1.37-, 1.18-, and 1.13-fold, respectively. Loquat fruits bagged with paper bags exhibited the maximum soluble sugar and lowest titratable acid content. Fruits treated with paper and aluminum-ethylene bags showed twofold higher sugar-acid ratio as compared to control. Aluminum-polyethylene bagging caused 66.67%, 55.56%, and 33.33% reductions in skin burn, fruit rotting, and black spot of loquat. The fruits bagged in aluminum and aluminum-polyethylene did not show insect or bird damage, while unbagged fruits had 14.70% and 17.65% insect and bird damage, respectively. Overall, the results suggest that paper, aluminum, and aluminum-polyethylene bagging improved fruit health by 75%, 131%, and 144%, respectively, as compared to control. To delineate bagging type-dependent effects, principal component analysis was performed. Paper bagging was positively correlated with fruit firmness, rotting, soluble sugars, sugar-acid ratio, and proline content. Aluminum bagging was highly associated with improvements in titratable acids, cystine, and methionine. Aluminum-polyethylene bags were correlated with fruit weight, size, peel thickness, edible rate, and certain amino acids.

Towards the progress of ecological restoration and economic development in China's Loess Plateau and strategy for more sustainable development.

China's Loess Plateau (LP) is one of the most typical regions with serious soil erosion. Its ecological restoration, economic development, and social progress are directly related to realizing China's national sustainable development goals (SDGs). With intensive field investigations, comprehensive analyses of statistical data, remote sensing data, and local monitoring data, this current research explored the achievements in local ecological restoration and economic development, discussed the main problems faced by the LP, and assessed the sustainable development status of the LP. Moreover, drawing from a 3C system approach (classification-coordination-collaboration), this research proposed the sustainable development strategies for more sustainable LP. We found that the LP's ecological restoration and economic development made remarkable achievements since 2000. However, the environment was still fragile and regional development was still lagging behind. In realizing SDGs, further improvements on clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, and climate action are needed. Coordinated and collaborated efforts are expected from multiple hierarchical levels including household, watershed, region, and nation in developing LP. Specifically, human-environment interactions should be highlighted at the household level, upstream-downstream interactions that are catering to the particular characteristics of the LP is encouraged at the watershed level, and regional and urban-rural interactions shall play an increasingly important role at the regional level. While at the national level, the central government should carry out a systematic overarching design. To better realize the goal of more sustainable LP, this research calls for (1) forming an actor-network consists of multi stakeholders, including the central government, local government, watershed, families, ecosystem and environment, enterprises, NGOs, and scientists, and (2) paying attention to ecosystem management, ecological restoration, industrial structure optimization, ecological agriculture, rural infrastructure, and ecological civilization construction in the future development.

Application of enhanced recovery after surgery concept in laparoscopic radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion under modular operation / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in laparoscopic radical resection of bladder cancer and ileal bladder surgery under modular operation procedures.Methods:A retrospective selection of 42 cases of laparoscopic radical radical resection of bladder cancer and ileal bladder surgery performed by the Department of Urology, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from January 2017 to December 2019 were divided into two groups according to the different management methods adopted during the perioperative period: ERAS management group and conventional management group, each with 21 cases. Among them, patients in the ERAS management group were managed by ERAS during the perioperative period, and patients in the conventional management group were managed by conventional management during the perioperative period. The postoperative hospital stay, first exhaust time, first defecation time, first time to get out of bed, first liquid food time, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, as well as transferrin, upper arm circumference, body mass index, plasma albumin, total protein, and total protein were compared between the two groups of patients after surgery. The measurement data conforming to the normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( Mean± SD), and the in dependent t-test was used for comparison between groups; the measurement data of non-normal distribution were expressed as the median (interquartile range) [ M( P25, P75)], the independent sample Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups; the Chi-square test was used for comparison of enumeration data between groups. Results:The postoperative hospital stay in the ERAS group was (8.9±1.8) d, the first exhaust time was (33.4±3.2) h, the first defecation time was (60.3±7.8) h, the first time to get out of bed was (23.1±6.7) h, the first liquid food time was (82.7±18.5) h and postoperative VAS was (1.3±0.6), that were significantly reduced compared with the conventional treatment group [(12.3±2.3) d, (51.4±5.2) h, (73.0±8.1) h, (34.7±8.2) h, (109.7±21.6) h, (3.6±0.8)], the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05). In the ERAS group, the decreased value of transferrin was [0.8 (-0.4, 2.2) g/L], the decreased value of body mass index was[1.61±0.73], the decreased value of plasma albumin was [3.5±1.5 g/L], the decrease value of total protein was[10.1±5.6 g/L] and the decrease value of prealbumin was [90.5±11.3 mg/L] were significantly lower than those of the conventional management group[(1.9(0.9, 3.6) g/L, (2.32±1.05) kg/m 2, (9.6±2.0) g/L, (16.3±4.9) g/L, (131.3±7.4) g/L], and the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Modular laparoscopic precision resection of bladder cancer and ERAS concept after ileal bladder surgery is beneficial to shorten the hospital stay, reduce postoperative pain, have less impact on the patient′s body loss and immune function, and can speed up the patient′s postoperative recovery.

Graeb score predicts the outcome of high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with intraventricular hemorrhage / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of Graeb score for the outcome of high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).Methods:Consecutive high-grade aSAH patients with IVH admitted to the No. 1 People's Hospital of Jiujiang from January 2012 to March 2020 were enrolled retrospectively. High-grade aSAH was defined as grade Ⅳ to Ⅴ according to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale. The outcome of patients was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months after discharge. A score of ≤2 was defined as a good outcome and a score of >2 were defined as a poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between Graeb score and clinical outcome, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the predictive value of Graeb score for clinical outcome. Results:A total of 86 high-grade aSAH patients with IVH were enrolled. Aneurysm treatment: craniotomy clipping in 42 patients (48.8%), intravascular embolization in 21 (24.4%), and conservative treatment in 23 (26.7%). Twenty-nine patients (33.7%) had a good outcome and 57 (66.3%) had a poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the Graeb score >6 (odds ratio [ OR] 26.360, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 4.106-169.235; P<0.001), the modified Fisher grade 3-4 ( OR 11.674, 95% CI 1.540-88.512; P=0.017) and complicated with chronic hydrocephalus ( OR 21.236, 95% CI 2.883-156.431; P=0.003) were the independent risk factors for the poor outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the Graeb score predicting for poor outcome was 0.843 (95% CI 0.760-0.926; P<0.001), the best cut-off value was 6.5, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 71.9% and 86.2%, respectively. Conclusion:The Graeb score is an independent influencing factor affecting the clinical outcome of high-grade aSAH patients with IVH. Graeb score >6.5 had higher predictive value for the poor outcome in such patients.

Mutational analysis of the / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

As a crucial transcription factor for spermatogenesis, GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4) plays important roles in the functioning of Sertoli and Leydig cells. Conditional knockout of GATA4 in mice results in age-dependent testicular atrophy and loss of fertility. However, whether GATA4 is associated with human azoospermia has not been reported. Herein, we analyzed the GATA4 gene by direct sequencing of samples obtained from 184 Chinese men with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). We identified a missense mutation (c.191G>A, p.G64E), nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and one rare variant (c.

Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation of suspected COVID-19 and prevention of medical personnel in the primary general hospital / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the curative effect of TCM treatment based on syndrome differentiation for suspected COVID-19 patients and the preventive effect of TCM prescription for medical personnel.Methods:A total of 62 suspected COVID-19 suspected patients, who were included into the hospital from Jan 23rd to Feb 9th 2020, were treated by TCM methods according to their syndromes; the medical personnel were also treated with No.1-4 hospital-made prescription.Results:After taking traditional Chinese medicine priscription, 16 out of 25 COVID-19 suspected patients with phlegm heat stagnating lung syndrome were discharged, back home for isolated observation, 4 patients were hospitalized for observation, and 5 patients confirmed with COVID-19; Among the 15 patients with phlegm dampness accumulating lung syndrome, 7 patients were discharged back home for isolated observation, 3 patients were hospitalized for observation and 5 patients have been confirmed. Among 18 patients with spleen stomach disharmony syndrome, 15 patients were discharged back home for isolated observation, 1 patient was hospitalized for observation and 2 patients were confirmed. Among 4 patients with Qi deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome, 1 were discharged back home for isolated observation, 1 patient was hospitalized for observation, and two have been confirmed. The time-span from admission to be discharged of taking prescription was 1 to 20 days and there waw no case of infection for medical personnel who took the prescription for 12 to 15 days.Conclusions:The clinical and preventive effec of TCM syndrome differentiation for suspected COVID-19 have been proved to be satisfactory. TCM prescription could be used in the primary hospital for preventing and treating COVID-19 patients.

Evolution of blood lipids and risk factors of dyslipidemia among people living with human immunodeficiency virus who had received first-line antiretroviral regimens for 3 years in Shenzhen / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Lipid abnormalities are prevalent among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) and contribute to increasing risk of cardiovascular events. This study aims to investigate the incidence of dyslipidemia and its risk factors in PLWH after receiving different first-line free antiretroviral regimens.@*METHODS@#PLWH who sought care at the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen from January 2014 to December 2018 were included, and the baseline characteristics and clinical data during the follow-up were collected, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The risk factors of dyslipidemia after antiretroviral therapy were analyzed with the generalized estimating equation model.@*RESULTS@#Among the 7623 PLWH included, the mean levels of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C were 4.23 ± 0.85 mmol/L, 1.27 ± 0.29 mmol/L and 2.54 ± 0.65 mmol/L, respectively, and the median TG was 1.17 (IQR: 0.85-1.68) mmol/L. Compared with that in PLWH receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) + lamivudine (3TC) + ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r), zidovudine (AZT) + 3TC + efavirenz (EFV), and AZT + 3TC + LPV/r, the incidence of dyslipidemia was lower in PLWH receiving TDF + 3TC + EFV. In multivariate analysis, we found that the risks of elevations of TG, TC, and LDL-C were higher with TDF + 3TC + LPV/r (TG: odds ratio [OR] = 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.55-3.11, P < 0.001; TC: OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14-1.35, P < 0.001; LDL: OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00-1.12, P = 0.041), AZT + 3TC + EFV (TG: OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.28-1.55, P < 0.001; TC: OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.31-1.56, P < 0.001; LDL: OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12-1.25, P < 0.001), and AZT + 3TC + LPV/r (TG: OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.65-3.59, P < 0.001; TC: OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.96-2.94, P < 0.001; LDL: OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.37-1.69, P < 0.001) than with TDF + 3TC + EFV, while treatment with TDF + 3TC + LPV/r was less likely to restore HDL-C levels compared with TDF + 3TC + EFV (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.97, P < 0.001). In addition to antiretroviral regimens, antiretroviral therapy duration, older age, overweight, obesity and other traditional factors were also important risk factors for dyslipidemia.@*CONCLUSION@#The incidence of dyslipidemia varies with different antiretroviral regimens, with TDF + 3TC + EFV having lower risk for dyslipidemia than the other first-line free antiretroviral regimens in China.

Novel coronavirus pneumonia in the primary general hospital of treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and prevention / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To observe the curative effect of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for novel coronavirus pneumonia (novel coronavirus pneumonia, NCP) patients and the preventive effect for Chinese medical staff.@*Methods@#A total of 62 NCP suspected patients admitted in 2020 were treated with TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, as well as our hospital medical staff with No.1-4 hospital prescription.@*Results@#After taking traditional Chinese medicine, 16 out of 25 NCP suspected patients with phlegm heat stagnating lung syndrome were discharged to home for isolation observation, 4 patients hospitalized for observation, and 5 patients confirmed with NCP. For 15 patients with phlegm dampness accumulating lung syndrome, 7 patients were discharged to home for isolation observation, 3 patients were hospitalized for observation and 5 patients have been confirmed. For 18 patients with spleen stomach disharmony syndrome, 15 patients were discharged to home for isolation observation, 1 patient was hospitalized for observation and 2 patients have been confirmed. For 4 patients with Qi deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome were discharged to home for isolation observation, 1 patient was hospitalized for observation, and two have been confirmed. The duration of taking traditional Chinese medicine was 1 to 20 days from admission to be discharged. The doctors and nurses who took the prescription of TCM for 12 to 15 days have been prevented from NCP infection.@*Conclusions@#The clinical effect and the preventive effect of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for NCP have been proved to be satisfactory. TCM can go into the primary hospital for treatment and prevention on NCP.

Novel coronavirus pneumonia in the primary general hospital of treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and prevention / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To observe the curative effect of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for novel coronavirus pneumonia (novel coronavirus pneumonia, NCP) patients and the preventive effect for Chinese medical staff.@*Methods@#A total of 62 NCP suspected patients admitted in 2020 were treated with TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, as well as our hospital medical staff with No.1-4 hospital prescription.@*Results@#After taking traditional Chinese medicine, 16 out of 25 NCP suspected patients with phlegm heat stagnating lung syndrome were discharged to home for isolation observation, 4 patients hospitalized for observation, and 5 patients confirmed with NCP. For 15 patients with phlegm dampness accumulating lung syndrome, 7 patients were discharged to home for isolation observation, 3 patients were hospitalized for observation and 5 patients have been confirmed. For 18 patients with spleen stomach disharmony syndrome, 15 patients were discharged to home for isolation observation, 1 patient was hospitalized for observation and 2 patients have been confirmed. For 4 patients with Qi deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome were discharged to home for isolation observation, 1 patient was hospitalized for observation, and two have been confirmed. The duration of taking traditional Chinese medicine was 1 to 20 days from admission to be discharged. The doctors and nurses who took the prescription of TCM for 12 to 15 days have been prevented from NCP infection.@*Conclusions@#The clinical effect and the preventive effect of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for NCP have been proved to be satisfactory. TCM can go into the primary hospital for treatment and prevention on NCP.

MAGI-2 downregulation: A potential predictor of tumor progression and early recurrence in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family protein MAGUK invert 2 (MAGI-2) has been demonstrated to be involved in the tumorigenic mechanism of prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of MAGI-2 at mRNA and protein levels. The prognostic value of MAGI-2 in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer was also investigated. The expression data of MAGI-2 were assessed through database retrieval, analysis of sequencing data from our group, and tissue immunohistochemistry using digital scoring system (H-score). The clinical, pathological, and follow-up data were collected. The expression of MAGI-2 in prostate tumor tissues and prostate normal tissues was evaluated and compared. MAGI-2 expression was associated with clinical parameters including tumor stage, lymph node status, Gleason score, PSA level, and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. The relative expression of MAGI-2 mRNA was lower in the tumor tissue in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and sequencing data (P < 0.001). There was no difference in MAGI-2 protein expression between tumor and normal tissues in tissue microarray (TMA) results. MAGI-2 expression was associated with pathological tumor stage (P = 0.02), Gleason score (P = 0.05), and preoperation prostate-specific antigen (PSA; P = 0.04). A positive correlation was identified between MAGI-2 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) expressions through the analysis of TCGA and TMA data (P < 0.0001). Patients with higher MAGI-2 expression had longer biochemical recurrence-free survival in the univariate analysis (P = 0.005), which indicates an optimal prognostic value of MAGI-2 in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer. In conclusion, MAGI-2 expression gradually decreases with tumor progression, and can be used as a predictor of tumor recurrence in Chinese patients.

MAGI-2 downregulation: a potential predictor of tumor progression and early recurrence in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family protein MAGUK invert 2 (MAGI-2) has been demonstrated to be involved in the tumorigenic mechanism of prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of MAGI-2 at mRNA and protein levels. The prognostic value of MAGI-2 in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer was also investigated. The expression data of MAGI-2 were assessed through database retrieval, analysis of sequencing data from our group, and tissue immunohistochemistry using digital scoring system (H-score). The clinical, pathological, and follow-up data were collected. The expression of MAGI-2 in prostate tumor tissues and prostate normal tissues was evaluated and compared. MAGI-2 expression was associated with clinical parameters including tumor stage, lymph node status, Gleason score, PSA level, and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. The relative expression of MAGI-2 mRNA was lower in the tumor tissue in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and sequencing data (P < 0.001). There was no difference in MAGI-2 protein expression between tumor and normal tissues in tissue microarray (TMA) results. MAGI-2 expression was associated with pathological tumor stage (P = 0.02), Gleason score (P = 0.05), and preoperation prostate-specific antigen (PSA; P = 0.04). A positive correlation was identified between MAGI-2 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) expressions through the analysis of TCGA and TMA data (P < 0.0001). Patients with higher MAGI-2 expression had longer biochemical recurrence-free survival in the univariate analysis (P = 0.005), which indicates an optimal prognostic value of MAGI-2 in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer. In conclusion, MAGI-2 expression gradually decreases with tumor progression, and can be used as a predictor of tumor recurrence in Chinese patients.

Ecological benefits of Gastrodia elata-Phallus impudicus sequential planting pattern / 中国中药杂志

Gastrodia elata is a kind of precious traditional Chinese medicine. In the process of cultivation of G. elata, due to the influence of continuous cropping obstacles and other factors, the fungus materials and land that have been planted with G. elata are often abandoned, resulting in a great waste of resources. Based on the planting characteristics of G. elata and Phallus impudicus and the previous research experience in ecological agriculture, this paper analyzed the ecological adaptability characteristics of G. elata and P. impudicus, and summarized the key techniques of the G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern. Keeping track of the planting area, fungus-growing materials consumption and market sales of G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern, the ecological benefits of G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern from the aspects of utilization rate of fungus-growing materials were analyzed, the value of land resources per unit area, ecological environmental protection, labor cost and economic benefits were consi-dered. The technical principle of G. elata-P. impudicus sequential planting pattern was expounded according to their ecological habit, the season of harvest and planting, the difference of composition of fungus-growing materials, and the microbial ecology. The sequential planting pattern of G. elata-P. impudicus not only realized the double production of medicinal materials and edible fungi, reduced the waste of old fungus-growing materials, but also transformed the energy from nutrition-supplied fungi to edible and medicinal fungi, which guaranteed the ecological recycling and utilization of G. elata in the process of cultivation.

Knockdown on aPKC-ι inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells through Rac1-JNK pathway.

BACKGROUND: Atypical protein kinase C-ι (aPKC-ι) is an oncogenic factor, and required for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of different types of cancer. Our study aimed to investigate the role of aPKC-ι in the EMT, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. METHODS: Expression of aPKC-ι was evaluated in CRC cell lines treated with TGF-ß1 using qPCR and western blot. After aPKC-ι was knocked down using shRNA, migration and invasion abilities of CRC cell lines were evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Activation status of downstream signaling factors of aPKC-ι, including Rac1, JNK, STAT3 and ß-catenin, was measured using western blot. Furthermore, auranofin, an aPKC-ι inhibitor, was used to treat CRC cell lines to investigate its possible inhibition on the EMT of CRC cell lines, as well as on the expression of aPKC-ι and its downstream signaling factors. RESULTS: TGF-ß1 induced the expression of aPKC-ι in CRC cells, and knockdown on aPKC-ι inhibited the TGF-ß1-induced EMT, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Interestingly, Rac1 GTPase level was decreased when aPKC-ι was knocked down, and overexpression of Rac1G12V rescued the cell EMT, migration and invasion in CRC cells as inhibited by sh-aPKC-ι. Moreover, knockdown on aPKC-ι suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and STAT3, and nuclear translocation of ß-catenin. The aPKC- ι inhibitor, Auranofin, showed similar inhibitory effects as aPKC-ι knockdown. CONCLUSION: Knockdown on aPKC-ι inhibited the EMT, migration and invasion of CRC cells through suppressing of Rac1-JNK pathway. Those findings indicate that aPKC-ι may serve as a novel therapeutic target for CRC.

Investigation and association analysis of multimorbidity in middle-aged and elderly population in China / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To characterize the multimorbidity patterns of chronic diseases in middle-aged and elderly people in China，and explore the correlation and intensity among chronic diseases by using association rules. Methods A total of 17 796 people over 45 years old from 9 provinces and cities in China were sampled and surveyed. The data were analyzed by Apriori algorithm in R3.4.3 software to investigate the multimorbidity of chronic diseases. Results Among total 17 796 respondents, the number of patients with at least one chronic disease was 12 245 (68.81%), and the number of patients with two or more chronic diseases was 7 321 (41.15%). Among the selected association rules, according to the ranking of support degree, the most common three chronic disease multimorbidities were dyslipidemia and heart disease, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, asthma and chronic lung disease. The rule support was 6.77%, 5.27%, 4.28%, and the rule confidence was 34.38%, 43.14%, and 70.81%, respectively. Multiple results of association rules pointed to heart disease. After screening, the greatest association rules were found in the age group over 75 years old. Conclusions Heart disease exists in a variety of chronic disease multimorbidity patterns. Screening and prevention measures should be strengthened. Dyslipidemia is strongly associated with diabetes and hypertension, and male patients are more vulnerable to suffer from dyslipidemia. Chronic diseases intend to be more common and complicated along with age increase.

Analysis on the Catastrophic Expenditure on Health and Its Influence Factors of Worker Households in Heilongjiang National Forest Areas / 中国卫生经济

Objective:To analyze the situation and influence factors of catastrophic health expenditure in national forest areas of Heilongjiang in 2015,and propose some measures to reduce the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure.Methods:The calculating method for international catastrophic health expenditure was used to estimate the catastrophic health expenditure rate,average gap and relative gap calculation method were estimated based on logistic regression analysis method.Results:In the standard definition of 15％,25％,30％ and 40％,the catastrophic health expenditure rates of Heilongjiang national forest areas in 2015 were 27.29％,14.79％,11.80％ and 8.27％;the average gap were 5.29％,3.25％,2.59％ and 1.61％;the relative gap were 19.38％,21.97％,21.95％and 19.47％.Family economic income and household cultural degree were the protective factors for catastrophic health expenditure.Low-insurance family,family with the elderly above 65 years old and family member hospitalization were risk factors for catastrophic health expenditure.Conclusion:The government should pay more attention to the poor,increase the family income in multi-channel;focus on prevention and timely medical treatment so as to reduce the risk of serious illness;increase investment in education,improve the education level of residents;pay attention to the elderly population and improve the medical security system.