Effectiveness of different intrusion modes of maxillary anterior teeth with mini-implants in clear aligner treatment: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: The intrusion of maxillary anterior teeth is often required and there are various intrusion modes with mini-implants in clear aligner treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of maxillary anterior teeth intrusion with different intrusion modes, aiming to provide references for precise and safe intrusion movements in clinical practice. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral optical scanning data of a patient were collected. Finite element models of the maxilla, maxillary dentition, periodontal ligaments (PDLs), clear aligner (CA), attachments, and mini-implants were established. Different intrusion modes of the maxillary anterior teeth were simulated by changing the mini-implant site (between central incisors, between central and lateral incisor, between lateral incisor and canine), loading site (between central incisors, on central incisor, between central and lateral incisor, between lateral incisor and canine), and loading mode (labial loading and labiolingual loading). Ten conditions were generated and intrusive forces of 100 g were applied totally. Then displacement tendency of the maxillary anterior teeth and CA, and stress of the PDLs were analyzed. RESULTS: For the central incisor under condition L14 and for the canine under conditions L11, L13, L23, and L33, the intrusion amount was negative. Under other conditions, the intrusion amount was positive. The labiolingual angulation of maxillary anterior teeth exhibited positive changes under all conditions, with greater changes under linguoincisal loading. The mesiodistal angulation of canine exhibited positive changes under labial loading, while negative changes under linguoincisal loading except for condition L14. CONCLUSIONS: The intrusion amount, labiolingual and mesiodistal angulations of the maxillary anterior teeth were affected by the mini-implant site, loading site, and loading mode. Labial and linguoincisal loading may have opposite effects on the intrusion amount of maxillary anterior teeth and the mesiodistal angulation of canine. The labiolingual angulation of the maxillary incisors would increase under all intrusion modes, with greater increases under linguoincisal loading.

Synergistic Effects of Shed-Derived Exosomes, Cu2+, and an Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel on Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, and Osteogenic Activity for Periodontal Bone Regeneration.

The primary pathology of periodontitis involves the gradual deterioration of periodontal tissues resulting from the inflammatory reaction triggered by bacterial infection. In this study, a novel drug for periodontal pocket injection, known as the Shed-Cu-HA hydrogel, was developed by incorporating copper ions (Cu2+) and Shed-derived exosomes (Shed-exo) inside the hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel. Suitable concentrations of Cu2+ and Shed-exo released from Shed-Cu-HA enhanced cell viability and cell proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells. Additionally, the Shed-Cu-HA demonstrated remarkable antibacterial effects against the key periodontal pathogen (Aa) owing to the synergistic effect of Cu2+ and HA. Furthermore, the material effectively suppressed macrophage inflammatory response via the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Moreover, the Shed-Cu-HA, combining the inflammation-regulating properties of HA with the synergistic osteogenic activity of Shed-exo and Cu2+, effectively upregulated the expression of genes and proteins associated with osteogenic differentiation. The experimental findings from a mouse periodontitis model demonstrated that the administration of Shed-Cu-HA effectively reduced the extent of inflammatory cell infiltration and bacterial infections in gingival tissues and facilitated the regeneration of periodontal bone tissues and collagen after 2 and 4 weeks of injection. Consequently, it holds significant prospects for future applications in periodontitis treatment.

Exosome-derived circUPF2 enhances resistance to targeted therapy by redeploying ferroptosis sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be treated with sorafenib, which is the primary choice for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of sorafenib is greatly restricted due to resistance. Research has shown that exosomes and circular RNAs play a vital role in the cancer's malignant advancement. However, the significance of exosomal circular RNAs in the development of resistance to sorafenib in HCC remains uncertain. METHODS: Ultracentrifugation was utilized to isolate exosomes (Exo-SR) from the sorafenib-resistant HCC cells' culture medium. Transcriptome sequencing and differential expression gene analysis were used to identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells. To identify the targets of Exo-SR action in HCC cells, transcriptome sequencing and analysis of differential expression genes were employed. To evaluate the impact of exosomal circUPF2 on resistance to sorafenib in HCC, experiments involving gain-of-function and loss-of-function were conducted. RNA pull-down assays and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify the RNA-binding proteins interacting with circUPF2. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunofluorescence (IF) -fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and rescue assays were used to validate the interactions among circUPF2, IGF2BP2 and SLC7A11. Finally, a tumor xenograft assay was used to examine the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of Exo-SR and circUPF2 in vivo. RESULTS: A novel exosomal circRNA, circUPF2, was identified and revealed to be significantly enriched in Exo-SR. Exosomes with enriched circUPF2 enhanced sorafenib resistance by promoting SLC7A11 expression and suppressing ferroptosis in HCC cells. Mechanistically, circUPF2 acts as a framework to enhance the creation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex contributing to the stabilization of SLC7A11 mRNA. Consequently, exosomal circUPF2 promotes SLC7A11 expression and enhances the function of system Xc- in HCC cells, leading to decreased sensitivity to ferroptosis and resistance to sorafenib. CONCLUSIONS: The resistance to sorafenib in HCC is facilitated by the exosomal circUPF2, which promotes the formation of the circUPF2-IGF2BP2-SLC7A11 ternary complex and increases the stability of SLC7A11 mRNA. Focusing on exosomal circUPF2 could potentially be an innovative approach for HCC treatment.

Effects of integrated nursing and psychological intervention on pain relief and patient satisfaction in urinary calculi patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the impact of integrated nursing and psychological intervention on pain intensity and patient satisfaction in individuals with urinary calculi. METHODS: This retrospective study included 94 urological patients from the Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, between January 2020 and June 2022. Participants were divided into a control group (n=48), receiving routine nursing and psychological intervention, and a study group (n=46), receiving integrated nursing and psychological intervention. We compared pain intensity, pain relief rate, patient satisfaction, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) score, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score, and quality of life scores between the groups. RESULTS: The study group had shorter hospital stays and lower hospitalization costs than the control group (both P < 0.05). Pain relief and satisfaction rates were higher in the study group (both P < 0.05). Post-intervention, both groups showed significant reductions in NRS, PSQI, SDS, and SAS scores, with greater reductions in the study group (all P < 0.05). Quality of life scores increased in both groups, more so in the SG (P < 0.05). The study group also had fewer adverse events (P < 0.05). Both groups showed decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels post-intervention, with a more significant decline in the study group (P < 0.05). Education, marital status, and occupation were major factors influencing outcomes in urinary calculi patients. CONCLUSION: Integrated nursing and psychological intervention significantly alleviates pain, improves emotional well-being, enhances sleep quality, increases overall life quality, and contributes to high patient satisfaction among urinary calculi patients.

Verteporfin fluorescence in antineoplastic-treated pancreatic cancer cells found concentrated in mitochondria.

BACKGROUND: Traditional treatments for pancreatic cancer (PC) are inadequate. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is non-invasive, and proven safe to kill cancer cells, including PC. However, the mitochondrial concentration of the photosensitizer, such as verteporfin, is key. AIM: To investigate the distribution of fluorescence of verteporfin in PC cells treated with antitumor drugs, post-PDT. METHODS: Workable survival rates of PC cells (AsPC-1, BxPC-3) were determined with chemotherapy [doxorubicin (DOX) and gemcitabine (GEM)] and non-chemotherapy [sirolimus (SRL) and cetuximab (CTX)] drugs in vitro, with or without verteporfin, as measured via MTT, flow cytometry, and laser confocal microscopy. Reduced cell proliferation was associated with GEM that was more enduring compared with DOX. Confocal laser microscopy allowed observation of GEM- and verteporfin-treated PC cells co-stained with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and MitoTracker Green to differentiate living and dead cells and subcellular localization of verteporfin, respectively. RESULTS: Cell survival significantly dropped upon exposure to either chemotherapy drug, but not to SRL or CTX. Both cell lines responded similarly to GEM. The intensity of fluorescence was associated with the concentration of verteporfin. Additional experiments using GEM showed that survival rates of the PC cells treated with 10 µmol/L verteporfin (but not less) were significantly lower relative to nil verteporfin. Living and dead stained cells treated with GEM were distinguishable. After GEM treatment, verteporfin was observed primarily in the mitochondria. CONCLUSION: Verteporfin was observed in living cells. In GEM -treated human PC cells, verteporfin was particularly prevalent in the mitochondria. This study supports further study of PDT for the treatment of PC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Radical nephrectomy for a giant chromophobe renal cell carcinoma diagnosed > 17 years previously: a case report and literature review.

Early diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma relies on imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Since surgery is associated with a favorable prognosis, the standard treatment for clinically limited renal cell carcinoma remains surgical resection. Among asymptomatic patients with localized renal cell carcinoma, a small number refuse surgical treatment and survive. We report a case involving a 59-year-old female who underwent a difficult radical nephrectomy 17 years after being diagnosed with malignant tumors due to primary renal cell carcinoma.

Parasitoid-induced changes in metabolic rate and feeding activity of the emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): implications for biological control.

Parasitoid-host interactions form the foundation of biological control strategies against many agriculture and forest insect pests. The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a serious invasive pest of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees in North America. Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious, koinobiont endoparasitoid, attacking late (3rd to 4th) instars of EAB larvae, which feed in the live phloem of ash trunks or branches, making serpentine-like galleries filled with larval frass. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that T. planipennisi regulates the host metabolism and feeding activity to optimize its offspring development and fitness. We first compared the respiration rate of parasitized and unparasitized host larvae at different times after parasitism, and then measured feeding activity of both parasitized and unparasitized host larvae inside their feeding galleries. Although parasitized host larvae increased metabolic rate and feeding activity in the first few days of parasitism, T. planipennisi parasitism induced an overall reduction of the metabolic rate and decrease in feeding activity of parasitized host larvae over their development period. In addition, there was a negative relationship between feeding activity of parasitized hosts and brood sizes of the parasitoid progeny-i.e., the more parasitoid progeny a host larva received, the less feeding activity the host had. These findings suggest that T. planipennisi has limited ability to optimize its offspring development and fitness through regulations of the host metabolism and feeding activity and its parasitism reduces feeding damage of parasitized EAB larvae to infested ash trees.

Multi-functional device: manipulating linear and circular-polarization conversion in a terahertz chiral metamaterial.

We propose a terahertz chiral metamaterial as a multi-functional device to manipulate asymmetry transmission of linear polarized waves, linear-to-elliptical polarization conversion and circular dichroism in transmission mode while asymmetry reflection of circular polarized waves. For incidence of linear polarized waves, dual-band asymmetry transmission is shown around 0.42 THz and 1.04 THz where asymmetry transmission factors reach up to two peak values: ∼0.51 and ∼0.55, respectively. Intense linear-to-elliptical polarization conversion occurs at 0.81 THz and 0.97 THz, respectively. For incidence of circular polarized waves, a strong circular dichroism appears at 0.36 THz where circular dichroism parameter reaches to ∼0.64 and asymmetry reflection is displayed around 0.36 THz with the maximum of asymmetry reflection factors approaching to 0.55.

Exosomal circTGFBR2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via enhancing ATG5 mediated protective autophagy.

Exosomes contribute substantially to the communication between tumor cells and normal cells. Benefiting from the stable structure, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are believed to serve an important function in exosome-mediated intercellular communication. Here, we focused on circRNAs enriched in starvation-stressed hepatocytic exosomes and further investigated their function and mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Differentially expressed circRNAs in exosomes were identified by RNA sequencing, and circTGFBR2 was identified and chosen for further study. The molecular mechanism of circTGFBR2 in HCC was demonstrated by RNA pulldown, RIP, dual-luciferase reporter assays, rescue experiments and tumor xenograft assay both in vitro and vivo. We confirmed exosomes with enriched circTGFBR2 led to an upregulated resistance of HCC cells to starvation stress. Mechanistically, circTGFBR2 delivered into HCC cells via exosomes serves as a competing endogenous RNA by binding miR-205-5p to facilitate ATG5 expression and enhance autophagy in HCC cells, resulting in resistance to starvation. Thus, we revealed that circTGFBR2 is a novel tumor promoter circRNA in hepatocytic exosomes and promotes HCC progression by enhancing ATG5-mediated protective autophagy via the circTGFBR2/miR-205-5p/ATG5 axis, which may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Efficacy of Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation on the restoration of postpartum pelvic floor muscle function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation on the restoration of postpartum pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. METHODS: Data of 120 parturients with full-term singleton pregnancy who delivered vaginally in the Guang'an People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the study subjects were grouped into a Kegel exercise group (n=40, receiving Kegel exercise alone), an electrical stimulation group (n=40, receiving electrical stimulation alone) and a combined group (n=40, receiving Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation) according to the treatments received. All three groups received intervention for 3 months. The overall response rates (ORRs) at 3 months, changes in PFM strength and vaginal pressure during treatment, the scores of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), and the incidence rates of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) were evaluated in the three groups. RESULTS: ORR in the combined group (100.00%) was higher than that of the Kegel exercises group (87.50%) and the electrical stimulation group (85.00%) (P < 0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention, the combined group was superior to the Kegel exercises and the electrical stimulation groups in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of pelvic floor, and the continuous SBP of type I and II muscle fibers (P < 0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, the scores of ICIQ-UI SF and I-QOL in the combined group were higher than those in the Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation groups (P < 0.05). The score of satisfaction in the combined group was higher than in Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation have a good therapeutic effect on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, which can markedly improve PFM strength and vaginal pressure.

Novel SLC12A3 gene mutations and clinical characteristics in two pedigrees with Gitelman syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive tubulopathy resulting from inactivating mutations in the SLC12A3 gene that encodes the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC). To date, more than 500 mutations have been identified in the SLC12A3 gene. In this study, we identified two new mutations in the SLC12A3 gene in two Chinese GS pedigrees. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: The clinical characteristics and laboratory examination of two suspected GS patients in our hospital were analyzed. In addition, two pedigrees including 11 members and 2 patients underwent SLC12A3 gene analysis. RESULTS: Both patients were middle-aged women with characteristics of hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, low level of urinary calcium and the elevated levels of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. So, they were clinically diagnosed as GS. Patient 2 also had type 2 diabetes and Graves' disease. Both patients were found to carry two mutations of SLC12A3 gene by Sanger direct sequencing, which were all compound heterozygous mutations. We identified three mutations in these two Chinese GS pedigrees, one of which was c.179C>T (Thr60Met). The novel c.2159G>T (p. Gly720Val) and c.2675T>C (p. Leu892Pro) mutations were strongly predicted to be pathogenic using four network programs-Polyphen-2, SIFT, Mutation Taster and LRT. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two novel SLC12A3 genetic variant [c.2159G>T (p.Gly720Val) and c.2675T>C (p.Leu892Pro)] in two Chinese GS pedigrees. The discovery of new mutations has enriched the spectrum of SLC12A3 genotypes.

LncRNA AATBC indicates development and facilitates cell growth and metastasis of cervical cancer as a sponge of miR-1245b-5p.

With the increasing incidence and mortality rate, cervical cancer has been considered one of the most frequent malignant tumors in females. Exploration of tumor progression-related biomarkers could facilitate the identification of novel and targeted therapy strategies. To assess the significance of lncRNA AATBC (AATBC) and its potential regulatory mechanism in cervical cancer, and to identify a potential biomarker, this study enrolled 123 patients with cervical cancer. Paired tissue samples were collected. The expression levels of AATBC and miR-1245b-5p were analyzed by RT-qPCR and their significance in the development and prognosis of cervical cancer was evaluated using chi-square and Cox analyses. In vitro, the regulatory effect of AATBC on the cellular processes of cervical cancer was estimated by CCK8 and Transwell assay. The interaction between ATTBC and miR-1245b-5p was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. Significant upregulation of AATBC and reduced miR-1245b-5p level in cervical cancer were observed, which showed a negative correlation between their expression levels. Close relationships of AATBC and miR-1245b-5p with the FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis were revealed. AATBC showed a significant prognostic value and miR-1245b-5p was found to mediate the tumor inhibitory effect of AATBC knockdown, which is speculated to be the underlying molecular mechanism of AATBC in cervical cancer development. Upregulation of AATBC indicted the malignant development and adverse prognosis of cervical cancer. AATBC served as a tumor promoter of cervical cancer by modulating miR-1245b-5p.

Development and validation of risk prediction model for new-onset cardiovascular diseases among breast cancer patients: Based on regional medical data of Inner Mongolia / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To develop and validate a three-year risk prediction model for new-onset cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among female patients with breast cancer.@*METHODS@#Based on the data from Inner Mongolia Regional Healthcare Information Platform, female breast cancer patients over 18 years old who had received anti-tumor treatments were included. The candidate predictors were selected by Lasso regression after being included according to the results of the multivariate Fine & Gray model. Cox proportional hazard model, Logistic regression model, Fine & Gray model, random forest model, and XGBoost model were trained on the training set, and the model performance was evaluated on the testing set. The discrimination was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC), and the calibration was evaluated by the calibration curve.@*RESULTS@#A total of 19 325 breast cancer patients were identified, with an average age of (52.76±10.44) years. The median follow-up was 1.18 [interquartile range (IQR): 2.71] years. In the study, 7 856 patients (40.65%) developed CVD within 3 years after the diagnosis of breast cancer. The final selected variables included age at diagnosis of breast cancer, gross domestic product (GDP) of residence, tumor stage, history of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease, type of surgery, type of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In terms of model discrimination, when not considering survival time, the AUC of the XGBoost model was significantly higher than that of the random forest model [0.660 (95%CI: 0.644-0.675) vs. 0.608 (95%CI: 0.591-0.624), P < 0.001] and Logistic regression model [0.609 (95%CI: 0.593-0.625), P < 0.001]. The Logistic regression model and the XGBoost model showed better calibration. When considering survival time, Cox proportional hazard model and Fine & Gray model showed no significant difference for AUC [0.600 (95%CI: 0.584-0.616) vs. 0.615 (95%CI: 0.599-0.631), P=0.188], but Fine & Gray model showed better calibration.@*CONCLUSION@#It is feasible to develop a risk prediction model for new-onset CVD of breast cancer based on regional medical data in China. When not considering survival time, the XGBoost model and the Logistic regression model both showed better performance; Fine & Gray model showed better performance in consideration of survival time.

Related factors of relapse based on positive and negative syndrome scale among schizophrenics in Shanghai communities / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo explore the relapse status based on the positive and negative syndrome scale （PANSS Scale） and related factors of schizophrenics in Shanghai communities， and to analyze the association between socio demographic characteristics， lifestyles， clinical characteristics and relapse. MethodsA dynamic cohort prospective study design was used in this study. From March 2018 to February 2019， a total of 189 schizophrenics in Xuhui， Hongkou， Changning， Jiading， Songjiang and Baoshan districts were enrolled successively. Baseline questionnaires were conducted through face-to-face interviews at baseline， which contained social demographic information， lifestyle information and clinical information. A follow-up was conducted every 2 weeks for a measurement of PANSS Scale for a total of 6 months. Relapse was assessed by a PANSS score increase of ≥25% from baseline （or an increase of 10 points or more if the baseline score was ≤40 points）. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the associations between relapse status （assessed by PANSS Scale） and socio demographic characteristics， lifestyles， and clinical characteristics， respectively. ResultsA total of 165 community schizophrenics completed baseline and follow-up surveys， with a loss to follow-up rate of about 12.7%. After exclusion of sociodemographic and clinical information deficits， 132 patients were included in the analysis totally， with an average age of 48.18±12.67 years， among whom 41.67% were male. Totally 33 patients relapsed during the 6-month follow-up period， with a relapse rate of 25.0%. After adjusting for gender， family history， age， employment， education， marital status， smoking， drinking， exercise frequency， medication compliance， insight， social function， violence history， stress recent events， adverse drug reactions and baseline scores of PANSS Scale， risk factors of relapse included the following four factors： age below 40 years （HR=4.47， 95%CI： 1.15-17.40）， primary school or below （HR=7.11， 95%CI： 1.54-32.83）， unemployed （HR=8.34， 95%CI： 1.78-38.98）， and adverse drug reactions （HR=5.02， 95%CI： 1.75-14.37）. ConclusionWe should pay attention to the risk factors such as age， education， employment and adverse drug reactions， in order to identify high-risk patients and to conduct timely interventions during the relapse management of schizophrenics in Shanghai community.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) gene polymorphism with susceptibility to prostate cancer: an updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: We searched studies related to ACE I/D polymorphism and susceptibility to PCa through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception to June 1, 2022. Five gene models, including allelic, dominant, recessive, homozygote, and heterozygote models, were analyzed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated using Stata 15.0 software. Publication bias was judged by the funnel plot and Egger's test, with the robustness of the findings verified by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Eight published articles (including ten studies) were identified. The pooled results showed that ACE I/D locus polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of PCa under all gene models except for the heterozygous model (D vs. I: OR= 1.58, 95% CI: 1.14-2.21; DD vs. DI+II: OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.11-2.54; DD+DI vs. II: OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.11-2.80; DI vs. II: OR= 1.44, 95% CI: 0.99-2.10; DD vs. II: OR= 2.12, 95% CI: 1.15-3.93). Subgroup analysis based on genotype frequencies in the control group meeting Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed statistically significant differences in all gene models. The funnel plot and Egger's test indicated no publication bias. The sensitivity analysis verified the robustness of the conclusions obtained in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: ACE I/D locus polymorphism correlates to PCa risk. Allele D, genotype DD+DI, and DD at the ACE I/D locus increase susceptibility to PCa and can therefore serve as a potential diagnostic and screening molecular marker for PCa patients.

[Influencing factors for natural populations of Lycorma delicatula in different habitats]. / ä¸åŒæ –å¢ƒæ¡ä»¶ä¸‹æ–‘è¡£èœ¡è‰è‡ªç„¶ç§ç¾¤çš„å½±å“å› å­.

To explore the differences between growth and population dynamics of natural Lycorma delicatula in the plantations and semi-natural forests, the susceptible stages and major suppression factors were determined to provide basis for the prediction and controlling the pest. The development duration and life table of L. delicatula in different habitats were established by using tracking method. The index of exclusion effect for lethal factors and the K-value in each development stage were calculated. The population trends were analyzed through the survival curve and key drivers of population change. The results showed that the development duration of L. delicatula in the plantation habitat and semi-natural habitat was significantly different, with thelatter being 25.7 d longer than the former. There were significant differences in the development duration of 1st-3rd-instars nymphs and pre-oviposition period of adults between these two habitats, but no significant difference in the 4th-instar nymphs. The total mortality rate in the plantation habitat and semi-natural habitat was 83.6% and 98.6%, respectively. The index of population trend in the plantation habitat was significantly higher than that in the semi-natural habitat. The population of L. delicatula increased sharply in the plantation habitat, but showed a decline trend in the semi-natural habitat. All of the survival curves of L. delicatula were Deevey-Ⅲ type, and the EIPCs of the "parasitic natural enemies" in egg stage were the highest in both habitats as 1.3 and 1.6, and the total K values were 0.2 and 0.3, respectively. The regression slopes of K-value of natural enemies were the highest (both 0.6). These findings revealed that the semi-natural habitat played an important role in the natural regulation of L. delicatula.

The rs13347 Polymorphism of the CD44 Gene Is Associated with the Risk of Kidney Stones Disease in the Chinese Han Population of Northeast Sichuan, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the rs13347 polymorphism of the CD44 gene and the risk of kidney stone disease (KSD) in the Han population of northeast Sichuan, China, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of KSD. METHODS: We used PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique to perform genotyping at rs13347 locus of the CD44 gene in the KSD group and the gontrol group. SNP Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) testing was used to confirm the balance of genetic inheritance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for the assessment of rs13347 polymorphism and the risk of developing KSD and to compare the relationship between the polymorphism of rs13347 and clinical characteristics of patients with KSD. RESULTS: Genotypic results of rs13347 locus of the CD44 gene in the two groups were consistent with the SNP-HWE test, indicating the genetic balance. At the same time, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that subjects with CT and TT genotypes at rs13347 in the CD44 gene were more likely to have KSD, and there was a higher prevalence rate in males. Furthermore, carrying allele T at rs13347 was also a risk factor for KSD. In addition, people carrying CT and TT genotypes at rs13347 also have a significantly increased risk of relapsing KSD. CONCLUSION: The rs13347 polymorphism of the CD44 gene may be associated with the risk of KSD in the Han population of northeast Sichuan in China, and the recurrence rate of KSD in the carriers of CT and TT genotypes is higher.

Treatment mode and prognosis of esophageal perforation after radiotherapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Objective: Retrospectively analyzed the esophageal carcinoma (EC) patients with esophageal perforation (EP) after radiotherapy to discuss the treatment and prognosis. Methods: Data of patients with EC who had EP after radiotherapy in Hebei Cancer Hospital were collected from 2001 to 2020 and retrospectively analyzed. All analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 18. 0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA). P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 94 patients with EC were enrolled, among which 72 were males and 22 were females, with a median age of 62 (38-82) years. The tumor was located in the upper thoracic in 45 patients, middle thoracic in 45 patients, and lower thoracic in 4 patients. There were 30 cases of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and 64 cases of esophagomediastinal fistula (EMF). All patients died within 11 months (median: two months) after EP. After EP, 48 patients were treated by tube feeding (include nasal feeding and gastrostomy), 26 patients by esophageal stenting, and 20 patients by fluid infusion therapy, and their one, three, and six months survival rates after EP were 81.3%, 31.3%, and 12.5% (P = 0.000). In the TEF group, the one, three, and six month survival rates after EP of tube feeding, esophageal stenting and fluid infusion groups were 88.2%, 17.6%, 11.8%; 45.5%, 27.3%, 0%; and 50.0%, 50.0%, 0% (P = 0.345). In the EMF group, the one, three, and six months survival rates after EP of this three groups were 77.4%, 38.7%, 12.9%; 26.7%, 20.0%, 6.7%; and 22.2%, 11.1%, 0% (P=0.002), respectively. Conclusion: Most patients with EP after radiotherapy died within six months, with low survival and poor prognosis. Tube feeding therapy can achieve relatively good survival, especially for patients with EMF. The survival of patients treated by tube feeding therapy is significantly better than the survival of those treated by other methods.

A study of the development path of key disciplines in the Guang'an hospital based on construction of west China's compact medical consortium hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the development path of key disciplines in Guang'an Hospital based on the construction of West China's compact medical consortium hospitals. METHODS: The urological medical staff and facilities in Guang'an Hospital were selected as the study subjects. The urological medical staff were interviewed, and a detailed investigation and analysis of the current development of urology and the allocation of experts and medical equipment and resources were performed, so as to promote the development of key disciplines in Guang'an Hospital. RESULTS: We aim to focus on the operational targets of the compact medical consortium while remaining committed to the construction of disciplines of urology. Meanwhile, the relationship between patients and health care providers was coordinated in regard to health care services. The mean of compactness of the dimensions involved in the targets of the operational body of patients was 4.71, while that of the improvement of the medical and health environment was 4.88. The allocated proportion of healthcare resources was optimized, and the operational efficiency was improved. If an excellent medical service experience was provided, the obtained data are statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Based on the medical consortium, the assessment model of scientific experimental methods, and with the goal of improving the quality of medical treatment regarding urology, the responsibilities of urologists are further defined. A standardized training plan was conducted, with assessment systems of disciplines and better access systems of urologists are formulated and improved, and therefore the construction of key disciplines is promoted, thereby providing more references for the construction and development of key disciplines of urology.

Efficiency of C-reactive protein in prognosis evaluation of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor markers can be diagnostically suggestive and are sometimes even related to prognostic prediction certain diseases. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness in the prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) by the use of C-reactive protein (CRP). This meta-analysis was conducted to facilitate a conclusion regarding the values of CRP in the prediction of survival rate in patients with PCa. METHODS: Manuscripts were searched, identified, and collected from different databases; quality evaluation was performed according to the different search strategies involved. Information including the comparison between overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate were retained from different studies in patients with evaluated or lowered CRP levels. Progression-free survival (PFS) was also recorded in relation to the log of CRP. Level of relevance was assessed using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogenicity testing was performed by using Cochran's Q test and Higgins I2 statistics. When P value <0.05, the outcome was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total 12 of manuscripts were included and evaluated from the 1,523 initially identified studies. The results of OS and PFS were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.34 to 1.85) and 1.50 (95% CI: 1.25 to 1.81), respectively. For CSS, the combined HR and 95% CI was 1.92 (95% CI: 1.36 to 2.70), which revealed a significant correlation between increased level of CRP and CSS in PCa patients. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that CRP value could be one of the critical indicators to predict the survival rate of PCa patients.