Objective Effect of provenance on seed biological characteristics and seedling growth in Glycyrrhiza uralensis was studied to indicate the important role of provenance in standardization production of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.Methods Indexes such as 1 000-seed weight,water content,seed capsule penetration,germination percentage,and germination potency of the seeds from various resources were determined by general ways.Growth indexes of young seedling and one-year seedling were determined.Results Between Shanghaimiao provenance and Bayinwusu provenance,1 000-seed weight of G.uralensis in Shanghaimiao was bigger,which was 12.3 mg for the former and 11.7 mg for the latter;water penetration of seed capsule was stronger in Bayinwusu and conductance rate was twice as much as it in Shanghaimiao.Shanghaimiao seed bearing storage and seed vigor were stronger and hard seed rate was higher.Germination percentage and germination potency of untreated seed in Bayinwusu was higher than that of Shanghaimiao,but lower after treatment.Germination percentage and germination potency of smaller seeds was the highest between the two different provenances in both the untreated and treated seeds.In growth indexes of two provenances,young seedling got a significant and the most significant difference.Growth index in Shanghaimiao was higher a little,which didn't get to an obvious level.Conclusion The provenances have an effect on physical characteristics,seed capsule penetration,and germination properties;provenance and seed size have an obvious effect on young seedling growth but have not any effect on one-year seedling growth and biomass.

Objective To describe the CT manifestations of thymic epithelial tumor and explore the correlation between CT findings and post-operative tumor-related survival time. Methods Ninety-one patients who underwent CT scan before operation were reviewed retrospectively. All cases had operation and were classified according to the WHO classification. The size, contour, shape, density and enhancement of the tumors on CT were assessed. Presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, great vessel invasion, metastasis to the lung or plural, myasthenia gravis (MG) were also analyzed. The survival rate was obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox model was applied to determine the factors affecting the tumor-related survivals. Chi square test was used to analyze the relationship between CT findings and WHO classification. Results Two patients were excluded because of dying of myocardial infarction and colon cancer. The total 5-year survival rate was 84.3%(n=75). Eighty-nine patients had total 91 tumors. Tumors with diameter larger than 5 cm, lobular contour, heterogenous density, and presence of great vessel invasion, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and metastasis were adverse factors which could significantly affect the survival time. Five-year survival rates of these factors were 72.7%, 77.3%, 76.7%, 73.8%, 30.0%, and 68.8%, respectively. Presence of MG was a favorable factor which also significantly affected the survival time (P＜0.05). While the shape and enhancement of the tumors and the age, gender of the patients did not significantly affect the survival time (P＞0.05). The result of the Cox multivariate analysis was consistent with that of the Log-rank test. For different WHO classification, there were significant different among the size or contour of the tumors, presence of great vessel invasion, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and metastasis (x2 value were 6.598, 5.737, 18.307, 8.465, and 15.608, respectively P＜0.05). Conclusions CT findings may be served as predictors of clinical prognosis of the thymic epithelial tumors. Adverse factors for survival time are the size of the tumors and presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy, while MG is a favorable factor for survival time.

Aim To explore the method of transfering oncoprotein bcr/abl, mediated by protein transduction domain (PTD), in order to provide the experimental basis for immune therapy. Methods DNA fragment encoding PTD was synthesized and fused with PCR-amplified bcr/abl gene fragment. The fusion protein was expressed in E.coli as His-tagged protein. The purified fusion protein was loaded to cultured HL-60 cells. Whether the fusion protein entered into HL-60 cells was determined by Western blot. Results It is shown that PTD could mediate transportation of bcr/abl protein to enter into cells. Conclusion These results may provide a new approach for loading exogenous proteins to antigen presenting cells.

ObjectiveTo investigate the CT findings of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs).Methods The CT images of 133 cases with TETs confirmed pathologically were reviewed retrospectively.The TETs were reclassified according to WHO 2004 Classification System.The CT features of different histopathological types of TETs were analyzed.The frequencies of demonstrating these CT features were compared between different types using Chi-square exact test.ResultsType A(9/10,90.0％),AB(15/17,88.2％),B1 (10/13,76.9％ ),and B2( 31/46,67.4％ ) tumors were more likely to have spherical or oval shapes and smooth contours on CT.TETs with irregular or lobular contours were mostly seen in type B3 (21/30,70.0％ )and thymic carcinoma (15/17,88.2％ ).TETs with cyst and necrosis formation were common in type A(6/10,60％ ),B3 ( 19/30,63.3％ ) and thymic carcinoma ( 15/17,88.2％ ).Calcification was more frequently seen in type B2 and B3 (32/76,42.1％ ) than any other type ofTETs (8/57,14.0％ ;x2 =12.20,P ＜ 0.01 ).Type A,AB,B3 and thymic carcinoma had higher prevalence of significant enhancement (39/74,52.7％) than type B1 and B2 (8/57,13.6％;x2=22.01,P＜0.01).ConclusionAccording to WHO 2004 histologic classification system,different types of TET have corresponding CT features.CT has showed the potentiality in differentiating histological subtypes of TETs.

Objective:To analyze clinical, immunopathological, therapeutic, and prognostic features of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) .Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed EBA at the Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 1, 2015 to July 30, 2022. Their clinical, immunopathological, therapeutic and prognostic features were analyzed. The autoimmune bullous skin disorder intensity score (ABSIS) was used to assess the severity of lesions in patients with EBA, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess itch intensity. Descriptive statistical analysis was primarily carried out, and the correlation between disease severity scores and itch scores was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.Results:A total of 13 patients with EBA were included, including 9 males and 4 females, with the age at the clinic visit being 49.0 ± 20.6 years and ABSIS scores being 24.2 ± 10.7 points. One patient was diagnosed with classical EBA, while the remaining 12 patients with inflammatory EBA. Mucosal involvement was observed in 6 cases, whose oral mucosae were all affected. All patients had itching to varying degrees, with VAS scores of 5.6 ± 2.2 points; 9 of the 12 inflammatory EBA patients had VAS scores of ≥ 5 points, whereas 1 classical EBA patient had a VAS score of 2 points; there was no significant correlation between the ABSIS scores and VAS scores ( r = -0.02, P > 0.05). Histopathological examination showed subepidermal cleavages or blister formation and varying degrees of perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration in the superficial dermis of patients with inflammatory EBA. Direct immunofluorescence assay demonstrated linear IgG deposits along the basement membrane zone in all 13 patients, including 12 with concomitant linear C3 deposits in the basement membrane zone, 5 with linear IgA deposits, and 2 with IgM deposits. Indirect immunofluorescence on salt-split skin showed IgG deposition on the dermal side of the salt-split skin in the 13 patients. An elevated eosinophil count in the peripheral blood was observed in 1 out of 11 patients, while increased total IgE levels were noted in 3 out of 9 patients. Among the 13 EBA patients, 11 were treated with systemic glucocorticoids (equivalent to 10 - 100 mg/d of prednisone), and the other 2 were treated with compound glycyrrhizin tablets, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, and minocycline hydrochloride alone or in combination. During the follow-up period of 34.0 (27.5, 66.0) months in the 13 patients, 8 achieved complete remission after drug withdrawal, 2 achieved complete remission on therapy, 1 achieved partial remission on minimal therapy, and 2 presented with uncontrolled condition. The time to complete remission off/on therapy was 6.0 (3.8, 17.5) months. Conclusions:The inflammatory phenotype seems to be relatively common in EBA patients, with itching to varying degrees, and oral mucosa was the most commonly involved mucosa in those with mucosal damage. After treatment with systemic glucocorticoids alone or in combination with immunomodulators, most patients could achieve complete remission.

Highly contagious classical swine fever (CSF) remains a major trade and health problem in the pig industry, resulting in large economic losses worldwide. In CSF-endemic countries, attenuated CSF virus (CSFV) vaccines have been routinely used to control the disease. However, eradication of CSFV in a geographical area would require permanent reduction to zero presence of the virus. It is therefore of paramount importance to develop a safe, potent, and non-infectious CSF vaccine. We have previously reported on a cost-effective CSF E2 subunit vaccine, KNB-E2, which can protect against CSF symptoms in a single dose containing 75 µg of recombinant CSFV glycoprotein E2. In this study, we report on a series of animal studies undertaken to elucidate further the efficacy of KNB-E2. We found that pigs vaccinated with a single KNB-E2 dose containing 25 µg of recombinant CSFV glycoprotein E2 were protected from clinical symptoms of CSF. In addition, KNB-E2-mediated reduction of CSF symptoms was observed at two weeks post-vaccination and the vaccinated pigs continued to exhibit reduced CSF clinical signs when virus challenged at two months and four months post-vaccination. These results suggest that KNB-E2 effectively reduces CSF clinical signs, indicating the potential of this vaccine for safely minimizing CSF-related losses.
Animals ; Classical Swine Fever ; Glycoproteins ; Swine ; Vaccines

Objective:To explore the application effect of progressive case teaching method based on core competency in standardized nursing training.Methods:A total of 63 nursing students rotated in department of neurosurgery from June 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the research objects and randomized into experimental group ( n=31) and control group ( n=32). The experimental group adopted the progressive case teaching method based on core competency, and the control group adopted the conventional teaching mode. The data was analyzed using SPSS 26.0 to conduct t-test or non-parametric test based on the data normality for comparing the theory results, objective structure clinical examination (OSCE) scores, core competency, self-directed learning ability scores, teaching satisfaction and nursing satisfaction of patients in two wards between the two groups. Results:The theoretical results ( t=4.74, P<0.001) and OSCE scores ( t=3.81, P<0.001) of the experimental group were better than those of the control group. The scores of core competency and autonomous learning ability ( t=4.32, P<0.001) of the experimental group were better than those of the control group. The teaching satisfaction score ( t=2.21, P=0.044) and patient satisfaction score ( t=2.92, P=0.011) of the observation group were better than those of the control group. Conclusion:The progressive case teaching method based on core competency can improve the post competency of nurses, and also improve the teaching satisfaction rate and patient satisfaction rate, which is worthy of being carried out in the subsequent teaching activities.

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of modified objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for evaluating the core competencies of new nurses on standardized training in neurosurgery.Methods:Thirty-seven new nurses on standardized training in neurosurgery were evaluated using a modified OSCE protocol that was focused on core competencies required for clinical nursing practice on the basis of a clinical case library, which consisted of diagnostic assessment upon entrance, process teaching evaluation during training, and outcome assessment upon exit, at five OSCE stations (nursing assessment, skill practice, clinical thinking, health education, and humanistic care). SPSS 26.0 was used to perform the t-test and rank sum test. Results:The nurses highly recognized the effectiveness of modified OSCE and were largely satisfied with teaching. There were significant differences at entrance and exit in terms of the mean OSCE score ( t=24.21, P<0.001), independent learning ability ( t=10.29, P<0.001), and the scores of core competencies—good personal traits ( Z=5.24, P<0.001), clinical nursing ability ( Z=5.07, P<0.001), support and interpersonal communication ability ( Z=5.12, P<0.001), critical clinical thinking ability ( Z=5.17, P<0.001), professional construction and self-development ( Z=5.05, P<0.001), and the total score ( Z=5.27, P<0.001). Conclusions:The modified OSCE can comprehensively evaluate the core competencies of new nurses in neurosurgery standardized training, with good feasibility and effectiveness, which provides a reference for teaching management of standardized training programs.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.