Objective To evaluate the mechanism of external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) injury during thyroid surgery as showed by intraoperative neuromonitoring.Methods 70 patients with 109 nerves at risk were enrolled in this study from March 2011 to October 2011.A positive signal is determined by observing contractions of the cricothyroid muscle.The relationship between EBSLN and the upper pole of the thyroid or the inferior constrictor muscle was studied.Results 108 nerves (99.1％) were located successfully,42 of which were visualized (38.9％).55 nerves (50.9％) crossed the superior thyroid artery more than 1 cm apart,while the other 53 nerves (49.1％) went less than 1 cm including 24 nerves(more than 0.5 cm,less than 1 cm) and 29 nerves (less than 0.5 cm) or coursed below the superior pole of the thyroid.The rate of the latter type was significantly elevated in patients with the top to botton diameter of the gland more than 5 cm.One patient suffered from impairing in the production of high tones postoperatively.Conclusions Intraoperative neuromonitoring is useful and helpful in providing instructive information for operations by locating EBSLN.

Abstract: Objective　To collect and organize malaria case data in Hubei Province from 2017 to 2021, compare and analyze the malaria epidemic characteristics on the before and after malaria elimination, and provide scientific support for Hubei Province to further optimize the comprehensive strategies to prevent re-transmission after the elimination of malaria. Methods The study was conducted by collecting the data of reported malaria cases of Hubei during 2017-2021 from the Infectious Disease Surveillance Reporting and Management System, and conducting the epidemiological characteristics of malaria on pre-elimination (2017-2019) and post-elimination (2020-2021). Results A total of 429 cases of imported malaria were reported in Hubei Province from 2017 to 2021, and the malaria epidemic showed an obvious trend of rising first and then falling. On the pre-malaria elimination, 374 malaria cases were reported, including 262 cases of P.falciparum (70.05%); on the post-malaria elimination, 55 malaria cases were reported, including 25 cases of P.falciparum (45.45%). There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of infections caused by the four types of malaria parasites before and after the elimination of malaria (χ2=14.248, P<0.05). On the pre-malaria elimination, the peak of disease onset mainly occurred in January, July, and November; on the post-malaria elimination, the peak of disease onset mainly occurred in January to February, and December. Both before and after malaria elimination, the reported cases were mainly concentrated in Wuhan, Yichang, Huangshi, Xiangyang, Shiyan and Huanggang, but the range of cases showed a clear trend of narrowing. Before and after malaria elimination, malaria cases in Hubei Province were mainly among young and middle-aged males aged 30-49. The proportions of workers and migrant workers increased from 37.70% and 9.09% before the elimination to 50.91% and 18.18% after the elimination, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=17.839, P<0.05). The percentage of interval from onset of illness to initial diagnosis ≥ 5d decreased from 21.66% before the elimination to 10.91% after the elimination (χ2=6.448, P<0.05). The percentage of definitive diagnosis of malaria at initial diagnosis in town clinic increased from 18.18% before the elimination to 50.00% after the elimination. The proportion of malaria cases diagnosed by county-level medical institutions increased from 22.73% before the elimination to 34.55% after elimination. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of malaria cases diagnosed by medical institutions at all levels before and after the elimination of malaria (χ2=5.630, P>0.05). The proportion of cases with the interval between initial diagnosis and diagnosis within 24h increased from 43.85% before the elimination to 70.91% after the elimination. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of cases with the interval between initial diagnosis and diagnosis before and after the elimination of malaria (χ2=14.006, P<0.05). Before and after malaria elimination, all reported cases were mainly imported from African countries. Conclusions There are imported malaria cases reported every year in Hubei Province before and after the elimination of malaria, which poses a great challenge to the prevention of re-transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the surveillance system, detect and standardize the treatment of imported malaria cases in a timely manner, conduct targeted retransmission risk surveys and assessments, and consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), is heterogeneous on molecular and clinical levels, therefore, its prognosis is difficult to predict. This study aimed to evaluate the value of Blimp-1 protein and Hans classification in predicting the prognosis of DLBCL and their interrelation.

METHODSThe clinical records of 136 patients with DLBCL were reviewed. The patients were followed up for 5-80 months (median, 39 months). Immunohistochemical staining for CD10, MUM1, Bcl-6, and Blimp-1 were performed on paraffin-embedded tumor tissues from the 136 patients. The correlations of Blimp-1 protein and Hans classification in prognosis of DLBCL and their interrelation were analyzed.

RESULTSBlimp-1 was detected in 38 (30.0%) patients, and was associated with a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) (P = 0.030). Using the Hans classification based upon the expression of CD10, Bcl-6, and MUM1, 54 patients had germinal center B-cell (GCB) phenotype and 82 had non-GCB phenotype. The 5-year OS rate was 75% in the GCB group and 52% in the non-GCB group (P = 0.020). The positive rate of Blimp-1 was 22.2% in the GCB group and 31.7% in the non-GCB group (P = 0.329). The Cox regression multivariate analysis showed that international prognosis index (IPI) and Hans classification had independent prognostic significance, whereas Blimp-1 was not an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSIONSThe patients with GCB subtype of DLBCL had better prognosis than the non-GCB subtype. High level of Blimp-1 expression in the patients with DLBCL implies a shorter survival, but it is not associated with Hans classification.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunophenotyping ; Interferon Regulatory Factors ; metabolism ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; classification ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neprilysin ; metabolism ; Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1 ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6 ; Repressor Proteins ; metabolism ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

Objective:To assess the clinical outcome of the novel computer assisted reduction malarplasty using angled double L-shaped osteotomies.Methods:Retrospective analysis of the 35 female patients who received reduction malarplasty surgery during June 2014 to April 2019 was conducted. Patients were divided into the conventional surgery group (9 cases) and the computer assisted surgery group (26 cases) based on their personal will. For the conventional surgery group, the zygomatic arch was repositioned inwardly after L-shaped osteotomy, and was rigidly fixed with miniplates and screws. The computer assisted reduction malarplasty was as follows: computer assisted angled double L-shaped osteotomies with surgical guide was performed intraorally, and the pre-bent titanium was used to setback the resected zygoma bone, which was then fixed with titanium miniplates and screws. Operation time, patients’ satisfaction (3-month follow-up) and postoperative complications (asymmetry and bone nonunion) were recorded and assessed. CT scans were performed to compare the preoperative design and 3-month postoperative follow-up for the computer assisted patient group. For statistical analysis, independent sample t test was used to analyze operation time of the 2 groups and chi-square test was used to analyze the data of patients’ satisfaction and asymmetry occurrence. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results:The mean operation time was (85.1 ± 17.8) min during computer assisted surgery versus (62.2±11.7) min during conventional surgery. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=3.53, P=0.020). Neither group showed noticeable resected bone shifting or soft tissue drooping. One patient in the conventional surgery group had bone nonunion on the right zygoma and partial absorption of the left zygomatic bone. The incidence of asymmetry in the computer-assisted group was 3.8% (1/26, surgical correction was not required), and 33.3% in the conventional surgery group (3/9, one patient required surgical correction). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=6.179, P=0.046). Patients’ satisfaction in the computer-assisted group was 100% (26/26), and 78% (7/9) in the conventional surgery group ( χ2=7.929, P=0.019). Comparisons between the postoperative CT and preoperative simulation CT images showed that the position deviation of the resected bones was (0.21 ± 0.19) mm. Conclusions:In the present study, improved precision of zygomatic bone resection and bone setback was achieved in reduction malarplasty by using the angled double L-shaped osteotomies with computer assistance. Moreover, complication occurrences (asymmetry, bone nonunion etc.) were significantly decreased. Also, patients’ expectation was better achieved with this method.

Objective:To assess the clinical outcome of the novel computer assisted reduction malarplasty using angled double L-shaped osteotomies.Methods:Retrospective analysis of the 35 female patients who received reduction malarplasty surgery during June 2014 to April 2019 was conducted. Patients were divided into the conventional surgery group (9 cases) and the computer assisted surgery group (26 cases) based on their personal will. For the conventional surgery group, the zygomatic arch was repositioned inwardly after L-shaped osteotomy, and was rigidly fixed with miniplates and screws. The computer assisted reduction malarplasty was as follows: computer assisted angled double L-shaped osteotomies with surgical guide was performed intraorally, and the pre-bent titanium was used to setback the resected zygoma bone, which was then fixed with titanium miniplates and screws. Operation time, patients’ satisfaction (3-month follow-up) and postoperative complications (asymmetry and bone nonunion) were recorded and assessed. CT scans were performed to compare the preoperative design and 3-month postoperative follow-up for the computer assisted patient group. For statistical analysis, independent sample t test was used to analyze operation time of the 2 groups and chi-square test was used to analyze the data of patients’ satisfaction and asymmetry occurrence. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results:The mean operation time was (85.1 ± 17.8) min during computer assisted surgery versus (62.2±11.7) min during conventional surgery. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=3.53, P=0.020). Neither group showed noticeable resected bone shifting or soft tissue drooping. One patient in the conventional surgery group had bone nonunion on the right zygoma and partial absorption of the left zygomatic bone. The incidence of asymmetry in the computer-assisted group was 3.8% (1/26, surgical correction was not required), and 33.3% in the conventional surgery group (3/9, one patient required surgical correction). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=6.179, P=0.046). Patients’ satisfaction in the computer-assisted group was 100% (26/26), and 78% (7/9) in the conventional surgery group ( χ2=7.929, P=0.019). Comparisons between the postoperative CT and preoperative simulation CT images showed that the position deviation of the resected bones was (0.21 ± 0.19) mm. Conclusions:In the present study, improved precision of zygomatic bone resection and bone setback was achieved in reduction malarplasty by using the angled double L-shaped osteotomies with computer assistance. Moreover, complication occurrences (asymmetry, bone nonunion etc.) were significantly decreased. Also, patients’ expectation was better achieved with this method.

Structural modifications were performed with natural product of oleanolic acid to search for novel anticancer drugs. Ten oleanolic acid derivatives were designed and obtained by the reaction of oxidation, acylation or hydrolyzation, etc. The cytotoxic activity of derivatives was evaluated against HeLa, HepG2 and BGC-823 cells in vitro by MTT assay, gefitinib and etoposide used as a positive control. The results showed that compound 5a was particularly active to inhibit HepG2 cells growth, and anti-tumor activity of compound 7 on HeLa cells was significantly stronger than oleanolic acid. They are worthy to be studied further.
Antineoplastic Agents ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; HeLa Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Oleanolic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology

The name"Lonicerae Japonicae Flos"was first published in Materia Medica from Steep Mountainsides of the Southern Song Dynasty.After the Song Dynasty,the name was gradually used by later generations and became the proper name of medicinal ma-terials.The origin of the varieties of LJF is complicated in ancient times.Since the 2005 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia has stip-ulated that L.japonica Thunb.is the only source of LJF,and medicinal parts are buds or flowers with initial bloom.It is mostly used for raw products,and the processing accessories are mainly wine.Shandong and Henan are the genuine producing area,and the quality of flower buds harvested at the first crop is better.Based on current research results combined with modern research results and re-source cultivation situation,the application and development of the classic prescriptions containing LJF(Simiao Yong'an Soup,Wuwei Disinfectant Drink and Tuoli Disinfection San)in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Recipes(The First Batch)is suggested to use raw ma-terials from Shandong,Henan,and other genuine producing areas with L.japonica Thunb.being the origin,and the buds harvested from the first crop during the second white to big white period were preferred for medicinal use.Based on the clinical application litera-ture of famous classical prescriptions and bibliometric methods,the common dosage and average dosage of LJF in the three prescriptions were obtained,which could be used as the reference dosage of LJF in the development and utilization of famous classical prescriptions.

BACKGROUNDImmune cells within a tumor microenvironment have shown modulatory effects on tumor angiogenic activity. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a hypervascular tumor that reportedly increases the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in tumor tissues. This study investigated the correlation between Tregs infiltration and angiogenic status in RCC.

METHODSThirty-six patients with RCC were enrolled in the present study, and twenty age-matched healthy donors were included as the control. Tregs were defined as CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(low/-) T cells. The frequency of Tregs in peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in surgical resection specimens were measured with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Microvessel density (MVD) was calculated on slides stained with CD34 antibody. Spearman's rank correlation was performed to evaluate the correlation between the frequencies of Tregs in TILs and VEGF values, as well as between frequencies of Tregs and MVD determinations.

RESULTSCompared to healthy controls, the frequency of peripheral blood Tregs was significantly increased in patients with RCC (P < 0.05). The percentage of tumor-infiltrating Tregs was higher than that of peripheral blood Tregs in patients with RCC (P < 0.01). In addition, the frequency of tumor-infiltrating Tregs was shown to significantly correlate with the pathological stage (P < 0.05) and nuclear grade (P < 0.01). Importantly, a significant positive correlation was observed between the frequency of tumor-infiltrating Tregs and VEGF protein expression (r = 0.51, P < 0.05), as well as between frequencies of Tregs and MVD score (r = 0.39, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThese observations suggest that the high pro-angiogenic status of RCC may be associated with the accumulation of Tregs in the local microenvironment. Angiogenesis networks may be connected with immune tolerance units and cooperate with each other to facilitate tumor growth and progression.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; immunology ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Kidney Neoplasms ; immunology ; metabolism ; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; immunology ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology

The management of postoperative leaks into the mediastinum after esophagectomy remains a challenge. We describe our clinical management of this complication through endoscopic transluminal drainage. Between 2008 and 2011, 4 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent McKeown-type esophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy experienced complicated anastomotic fistulae in the presence of superior mediastinal sepsis. All 4 patients underwent endoscopic transluminal drainage, and all survived. The mean healing period was 50 days (range, 31 to 58 days), the mean stay in the intensive care unit was 7.3 days (range, 1 to 18 days), and the mean hospital stay was 64.5 days (range, 49 to 70 days). Endoscopically guided transluminal drainage should be considered for ESCC patients with superior mediastinal fistulae after esophagectomy.
Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; surgery ; Drainage ; Endoscopy ; Esophageal Fistula ; etiology ; therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Male ; Mediastinum ; Middle Aged ; Sepsis ; etiology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and reliability of cobas 4800 HPV test for cervical cancer screening and cytology referral.

METHODScobas 4800 HPV test and hybrid capture 2 (HC-2) were used to detect high risk HPV DNA in 670 specimens of liquid-based cytology collected from three hospitals. The agreement between cobas and HC-2 tests was assessed. HPV PCR detection (HybriBio) and gene sequencing were used for genotyping, and the agreement of HPV16 and 18 genotyped by cobas and HybriBio was evaluated. Histological diagnosis was considered as a gold standard to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of cobas vs. HC-2 in detecting CIN2(+) in cervical lesions.

RESULTSThe crude agreement between cobas and HC-2 tests was 89.40%, the Kappa value was 0.778, the positive concordance rate was 86.42%, and the negative concordance rate was 91.36%. The crude agreement rates between cobas and HybriBio on HPV16 and 18 were 88.89% and 94.94%, the Kappa values were 0.777 and 0.753, the positive concordance rates were 98.91% and 100.00%, and the negative concordance rates were 78.41% and 94.44%, respectively. HPV PCR detection (HybriBio) and gene sequencing were considered as adjusted standard: the high risk HPV positive concordance rate was 100%, negative coincidence rate was 94.42%, HPV16 and 18 positive concordance rates were both 100%, and negative concordance rates were 82.35% and 94.44%, respectively. Regarding the detection of CIN2(+), the sensitivity and specificity were 91.07% and 70.97% for cobas, and 93.75% and 71.33% for HC-2, with a non-significant difference between the results of the two tests (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONScobas4800 HPV test has good screening sensitivity and specificity in correct detection of HPV16 and 18 and other high-risk HPV virus types.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; diagnosis ; pathology ; virology ; Cytodiagnosis ; methods ; DNA, Viral ; metabolism ; Early Detection of Cancer ; methods ; Female ; Genotype ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; genetics ; Human papillomavirus 18 ; genetics ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Triage ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; virology ; Young Adult