Objective:To analyze the association between air pollution, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods:AF patients aged between 40-69 years old registered in the United Kingdom Biobank from 2006 to 2010 were included. After excluding those lost to follow-up or with incomplete data during follow-up, 5 814 subjects were analyzed. Long-term exposure to air pollution was estimated at the geocoded residential address of each participant. Genetic risk scores for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke were constructed separately for each object to assess the corresponding genetic susceptibility. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the association between air pollution, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients.Results:During a median follow-up of 12.4 years, there were 929 of all-cause mortality (15.98%) and 1 772 of cardiovascular events (30.48%). Multivariable-adjusted analyses revealed that higher exposure to PM 2.5, PM 10, NO x, and NO 2 was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke, with hazard ratios ( HRs) ranging from 1.26 to 1.48. Specifically, for each interquartile range ( IQR) increase in PM 2.5 exposure, the HRs for the outcomes mentioned above were 1.33 (95% CI: 1.14-1.54), 1.42 (95% CI: 1.31-1.54), 1.46 (95% CI: 1.30-1.64), and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.27-1.61), respectively. Both NO x and NO 2 exposures were associated with a 9% increased risk of all-cause mortality per IQR increment, with corresponding HRs of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02-1.17) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.01-1.17), respectively. Individuals with high genetic susceptibility to AF had a higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke compared to those with low genetic susceptibility, with corresponding HRs of 1.39 (95% CI: 1.04-1.87) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.09-1.95), respectively. Compared to AF patients with low air pollution exposure, those with high air pollution exposure have adjusted population attributable fractions of up to 33.57% (95% CI: 17.87%-46.26%) for cardiovascular mortality, 28.61% (95% CI: 20.67%-35.75%) for heart failure, 33.35% (95% CI: 20.97%-43.79%) for myocardial infarction, and 42.29% (95% CI: 30.05%-52.71%) for stroke. Furthermore, there was an additive interaction between PM 2.5, NO x, and NO 2 exposure and high genetic susceptibility on the incidence of myocardial infarction. An additive interaction was also observed between NO x, NO 2 exposure, and high genetic susceptibility on the incidence of heart failure (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Both air pollution and genetic susceptibility increase the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients.

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a common complication after lung transplantation, which is mainly caused by the immune response of T lymphocytes recognizing the major histocompatibility complex on the cellular surface of grafts. It is currently considered as the main pattern of acute rejection. ACR is not only a direct cause of death of recipients, but also a high-risk factor for chronic rejection after lung transplantation. Nevertheless, it is a challenging task to deliver the diagnosis and treatment of ACR following lung transplantation. In this article, new progresses on the risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ACR in lung transplant recipients were summarized, aiming to improve the diagnostic and treatment efficiency of ACR and prolong the survival of recipients.

Objective To analyze the risk factors and clinical prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) early after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 155 recipients undergoing lung transplantation or combined heart-lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into the AKI group (n=104) and non-AKI group (n=51) according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Clinical Practice Guideline. The incidence of AKI early after lung transplantation was summarized. The main indexes of recipients were collected. The risk factors of the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis. The clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients was evaluated and the survival curve was delineated. Results The incidence of AKI early after lung transplantation was 67.1%(104/155), including 47 recipients with stage 1 AKI, 34 recipients with stage2 AKI and 23 recipients with stage 3 AKI, respectively. Sixteen recipients required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) early after lung transplantation. Preoperative complication with diabetes mellitus, preoperative complication with pulmonary hypertension, intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg, intraoperative massive blood transfusion, and treatment with excessive therapeutic concentration of tacrolimus (Tac) within postoperative 1 week were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation. Up to the end of follow-up, 66 recipients (42.6%) died, including 50 recipients in the AKI group and 16 recipients in the non-AKI group. The cumulative survival rate in the AKI group was significantly lower than that in the non-AKI group (40% vs. 66%, P < 0.05). With the increase of AKI severity, the cumulative survival rate of lung transplant recipients was decreased. Conclusions AKI develops early after lung transplantation with high incidence and poor clinical prognosis. Preoperative complication with diabetes mellitus and pulmonary hypertension, intraoperative MAP < 60 mmHg and massive blood transfusion, and treatment with excessive therapeutic concentration of Tac within postoperative 1 week are the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common early complications after lung transplantation, which not only increases the short-term and long-term fatality of lung transplant recipients, but also significantly increases the incidence of long-term chronic renal insufficiency after surgery. In recent years, early AKI after lung transplantation has attracted high attention along with the rapid development of lung transplantation in China. In this article, research progresses on diagnosis, incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment of early AKI after lung transplantation around the globe were reviewed, aiming to better identify the risk factors and poor prognosis of early AKI after lung transplantation, and provide theoretical and practical guidance for early clinical interventions.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognosis of lung transplantation in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods Clinical data of one patient with end-stage CF undergoing allogeneic bilateral lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods and treatment strategies of the CF recipient were summarized. Results The recipient had suffered from relevant symptoms since childhood including repeated cough and purulent sputum for 30 years, complicated with recurrent pulmonary infection combined with acute exacerbation, chronic sinusitis and extremely severe malnutrition. Prior to lung transplantation, the patient had to depend upon the invasive ventilator due to respiratory muscle weakness, and admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for a long time. Imaging examination revealed multiple cystic columnar bronchiectasis accompanied with infection in bilateral lungs. The diagnosis of CF was further confirmed by sweat test and gene detection. The recipient underwent bilateral lung transplantation on August 17, 2017 and received rehabilitation treatment. The lung function was gradually restored to normal. The recipient had obtained the same quality of life to the healthy counterparts since the date of manuscript submission (over 2 years). Conclusions Lung transplantation is an efficacious treatment for end-stage CF, which can not only save patients' lives, but also significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation is the most commonly used minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF).The efficacy and safety have been widely recognized,however,there are still some complications of percutaneous vertebral augmentation.And the most common complication is bone cement leakage,which can lead to nerve root and spinal cord injury,increase the risk of secondary fractures of adjacent vertebral,and even cause serious complications such as pulmonary embolism.The diagnosis,classification,hazard,influence factors and preventive measures of bone cement leakage in vertebral augmentation for OCVF are reviewed in this paper,which will provide reference for prevention and treatment of bone cement leakage in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the effects of angle and length of lightwand in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using three-dimensional reconstruction based on computed tomography.Methods The head and neck helical computed tomography data of 53 patients with AS(AS group)and 60 common patients without cervical spine deformity (control group) were retrospectively analyzed.Reconstructed images, obtained by three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction technique, were printed out by the ratio of 1:1.The endotracheal tube was used to simulate tracheal intubation in patient's computed tomography images.The length of tracheal tube from midpoint of glottis to upper central incisor(L),bend angle of tracheal tube(α),distance between the upper central incisor and root of epiglottis (D1) and distance between the root of epiglottis and midpoint of glottis (D2) were recorded.Results The α and D1in AS group were significantly bigger than those in control group:(89.57 ± 15.22)°vs.(67.65 ± 13.32)°and(8.11 ± 0.69)cm vs.(7.39 ± 0.58)cm,and there were statistical differences(P<0.05).There were no statistical differences in L and D2between 2 group(P>0.05).The α, L, D1and D2in male AS patients were significantly bigger than those in female AS patients:(90.78 ± 14.51)° vs.(81.57 ± 15.01)°, (12.84 ± 0.88)cm vs.(11.56 ± 1.17)cm, (8.18 ± 0.59)cm vs.(7.69 ± 0.64)cm and(3.22 ± 0.38)cm vs.(2.30 ± 0.29)cm,and there were statistical differences(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with that of common patients, the bent angle on lightwand with AS patients is increased,which also can be affected by patients'gender.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with thoracolumbar fractures.Methods A retrospective case-series study was performed on 12 AS patients with thoracolumbar fractures admitted from January 2013 to January 2016.There were 9 males and 3 females,aged (42.7 ± 13.0) years (range,24-63 years).All patients received percutaneous minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation.The operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,length of incision,ambulation time,and time to basic life were recorded.Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated before and after operation.Postoperative complications and bone fracture union were observed during the followup period.Results All patients were followed up for average 22 months (range,14-36 months).All patients underwent successful surgery,with operation duration and intraoperative blood loss of (178.0 ± 60.2) min and (116.7 ± 44.2) ml respectively.No serious complications such as blood vessel or nerve injury occurred during the operation.The incision length was 1.2-1.5 cm.All the patients were able to do exercise with the help of brace 2-3 days after the operation and returned to basic life after (23.4 ± 7.3)days postoperatively.At 1,3,6 and 12 months after operation,VAS and ODI differed significantly from the preoperative detections (P ＜ 0.05).During the follow-up,bone fracture union was observed in all patients,with no nail breakage or nail loosening occurred after operation.Conclusion For AS combined with thoracolumbar fractures,minimally invasive fixation can attain satisfactory curative effect,with advantages of minor lesion,little bleeding,fast recovery and sound bone union.

Objective To investigate the effects of angle and length of lightwand in three-dimensional reconstruction images of the upper airway based on computed tomography.Methods A total of 245 patients,aged 18-86 years,were scanned by helical computed tomography in the head and neck.Reconstructed images,obtained by Aw4.4 Workstation,were printed out by the ratio of 1 ∶ 1.The tracheal tube was used to investigate the anatomic structure of the upper airway.The length L and angle α of the tracheal tube were recorded.And two distances (D1,D2) and one angle (β) were recorded:D1,the distance between the upper central incisor and root of epiglottis;D2,the distance between the root of epiglottis and midpoint of glottis;angle β,the angle of line D1 and D2.Results The oα value in male patients was significant higher than that in female patients:(70.02 ± 15.49)° vs.(55.84 ± 14.70)°.The β value in male patients was significant higher than that in female patients:(129.74 ± 14.82)° vs.(120.40 ± 14.19)°.The L value in male patients was significant higher than that in female patients:(12.80 ± 0.85) cm vs.(11.50 ± 0.65) cm.The D1 and D2value in male patients were significant higher than those in female patients:(7.53 ± 0.66) cm vs.(6.76 ± 0.53) cm,(3.13 ± 0.52) cm vs.(2.45 ± 0.32) cm.There were significant differences (P ＜ 0.05).The 245 patients were classified to 2 groups by using the function of hierarchical cluster analysis in the statistical software.The α value in group 2 was significant higher than that in group 1:(75.45 ± 9.53)° vs.(48.17 ± 9.29)°.The 3 value in group 2 was significant higher than that in group 1:(136.27 ± 9.86)° vs.(112.31 ± 8.64)°.The age in group 2 was significant higher than that in group 1:(53.92 ± 19.64) years vs.(36.93 ± 17.21) years.Correlation analysis showed that in 245 patients,angle α was positively correlated to angle β and age (P ＜ 0.05),and angle β was positively correlated to age (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The bent length and angle on lightwand can be affected by both the patients' gender and ages.

Objective To study the effects of IL-4 in prostate cancer cells glycometabolism and proliferation. Methods We used IL-4 to treat PC3 cells, then tested the changes of LDH-A expression by RT-qPCR, Western Blot, CCK-8 and lactate production assay. Results Our data showed that IL-4 induced LDH-A up-expression in PC3 cells at mRNA and protein levels. Also, IL-4 promoted the proliferation activation and increased lactate production in PC3 cells. Conclusion IL-4 can strengthen the proliferation activation in PC3 cells by up-regulating LDH-A expression.