ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 （MTIF2） gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples， including survival curve analysis， methylation signature analysis， the association of tumor signaling pathways， and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups； a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level， and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races， ethnicities， BMI levels， and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation （hazard ratio ［HR］=0.492， P<0.001）， while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels （P>0.05）. The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages， sexes， BMI levels， races， ethnicities， and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age， and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population （P<0.05）； the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ （P<0.05）. Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population （P<0.05）. ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.

AIM: To analyze the current status and influencing factors for insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children from Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, and to provide reference and basis for myopia prevention and control in this district.METHODS: A stratified cluster random sampling strategy was used to select 2 854 preschool children(5 708 eyes)from 29 child-care centers in Changzhi City between January and May 2024. Hyperopia reserve was assessed through measurements and questionnaire surveys. Totally 2 820 cases(5 640 eyes)were finally included, with 34 cases excluded(32 cases of uncooperativeness and 2 cases of distractibility). The univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression were performed to analyze the associated influencing factors of insufficient hyperopia reserve.RESULTS: A total of 580 preschool children with insufficient hyperopia reserve were detected, with an incidence of 20.57%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that male(OR=1.723, 95% CI: 1.419-2.093), maternal myopia(OR=2.210, 95% CI: 1.681-2.906), paternal myopia(OR=1.426, 95% CI: 1.059-1.921), myopia in both parents(OR=2.761, 95% CI: 2.110-3.612), preterm infants(OR=1.740, 95% CI: 1.294-2.342), the mean daily sleep duration <10 h(OR=1.272, 95% CI: 1.024-1.579), and the mean daily outdoor activity time <2 h(OR=1.222, 95% CI: 1.005-1.485)were risk factors for insufficient hyperopia reserve(all P<0.05). Conversely, using blackout curtains during the day and turning off lights at night(OR=0.598, 95% CI: 0.405-0.883)were identified to be protective factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Sex, genetics, gestational age, sleep duration and environmental conditions, and outdoor activity time are potentially associated with insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children. Caregivers should prioritize the management of these risk factors to prevent the occurrence of myopia.

Objective: To understand the association between weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) and cardiopulmonary endurance among middle school students, so as to provide references for the improvement of cardiopulmonary endurance levels in adolescents. Methods: From June 2015 to December 2018 by using the method of purposive sampling, height, weight, waist circumference, and 20 m shuttle-run tests were measured among 44 870 adolescents aged 13-18 from Northeast, North, East, South, Southwest and Northwest of China. The WWI of the adolescents and the maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) were calculated indirectly. The t-test and one way analysis of variance were used for comparison, and the curve regression analysis method was adopted to analyze the relationship between WWI and VO 2max . Results: For Chinese middle school students aged 13-18, the WWI was (9.35±1.02), the number of 20 m shuttle-run was (38.89±18.14) times, and VO 2max was (39.96±5.88) mL/(kg ·min -1 ). The differences of VO 2max between WWI quartile arrays of boys aged 13-18 were statistically significant ( F=15.19, 9.00, 14.97, 20.48, 28.13, 10.13 , P <0.01), girls had the same trend ( F=23.36, 16.61, 33.45, 32.96, 18.23, 19.36, P <0.01). There was an inverted U shaped curve relationship between WWI and cardiopulmonary endurance. When WWI was 8.5, the VO 2max level reached the highest, which was 40.07 mL/(kg ·min -1 ). Compared with girls, WWI in boys had a more significant impact on cardiopulmonary endurance. Conclusion Maintaining optimal WWI levels may enhance adolescents cardiopulmonary endurance.

BACKGROUND: Valvular heart disease (VHD) has become increasingly common with the aging in China. This study aimed to evaluate regional differences in the clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with VHD across different regions in China. METHODS: Data were collected from the China-VHD Study. From April 2018 to June 2018, 12,347 patients who presented with moderate or severe native VHD with a median of 2 years of follow-up from 46 centers at certified tertiary hospitals across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in Chinese mainland were included in this study. According to the locations of the research centers, patients were divided into five regional groups: eastern, southern, western, northern, and central China. The clinical features of VHD patients were compared among the five geographical regions. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the cumulative incidence rate. RESULTS: Among the enrolled patients (mean age, 61.96 years; 6877 [55.70%] male), multiple VHD was the most frequent type (4042, 32.74%), which was mainly found in eastern China, followed by isolated mitral regurgitation (3044, 24.65%), which was mainly found in northern China. The etiology of VHD varied significantly across different regions of China. The overall rate of valve interventions was 32.67% (4008/12,268), with the highest rate in southern China at 48.46% (205/423). In terms of procedure, the proportion of transcatheter valve intervention was relatively low compared to that of surgical treatment. Patients with VHD in western China had the highest incidence of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure. Valve intervention significantly improved the outcome of patients with VHD in all five regions (all P  <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that patients with VHD in China are characterized by significant geographic disparities in clinical features, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Targeted efforts are needed to improve the management and prognosis of patients with VHD in China according to differences in geographical characteristics. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03484806.
Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Heart Valve Diseases/therapy* ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic release of elbow joint assisted by medial small incision ulnar nerve release in the treatment of non-traumatic elbow stiffness. METHODS: The clinical data of 15 patients with non-traumatic elbow stiffness treated with arthroscopic release of elbow joint assisted by medial small incision ulnar nerve release between April 2019 and September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 9 females with an average age of 46 years ranging from 34 to 56 years. The causes included rheumatoid arthritis in 3 cases, gouty arthritis in 2 cases, loose bodies in 3 cases, and elbow osteoarthritis in 7 cases. There were 4 cases with ulnar neuritis and 3 cases with synovial osteochondromatosis. The duration of elbow stiffness ranged from 6 to 18 months, with an average of 10 months. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of elbow motion (maximum flexion, maximum extension, and total flexion and extension), Mayo score, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) elbow score. RESULTS: The operation time was 60-90 minutes, with an average of 65 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 40-100 mL, with an average of 62 mL. All patients were followed up 13-18 months, with an average of 14 months. There was no complication such as vascular and nerve injury, poor wound healing, collateral ligament injury, elbow joint space narrowing, osteophyte proliferation, or loose body formation around the joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion (maximum flexion, maximum extension, and total flexion and extension), VAS score, and Mayo score significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). The HSS elbow score was 85-95, with an average of 92; 12 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic release of elbow joint assisted by medial small incision ulnar nerve release is an effective way to treat non-traumatic elbow stiffness, which has the advantages of small trauma, short operation time, and good effectiveness. It can carry out early elbow rehabilitation training and significantly improve elbow function.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Elbow Joint/physiopathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Treatment Outcome ; Ulnar Nerve/surgery* ; Operative Time

Objective:To analyze the disease characteristics, diagnosis and treatment methods of venous pulsatile tinnitus treated by intervention of sigmoid sinus.Methods:Fifty patients (from Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University between February 2014 and July 2020) with venous pulsatile tinnitus treated by sigmoid sinus surgery were analyzed retrospectively. The tinnitus characteristics, imaging findings, surgical methods, intraoperative findings and postoperative tinnitus changes were recorded. The patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The sign rank sum test was used to analyze the difference in tinnitus grading before and after surgery. There were 50 patients with unilateral venous pulsatile tinnitus, including 49 females and 1 male. The age ranged from 17 to 67 years, with a median age of 44 years. There were 45 cases of right tinnitus and 5 cases of left tinnitus. The degree of tinnitus before operation was grade Ⅱ or above, including 4 cases of gradeⅡ, 11 cases of grade Ⅲ, 22 cases of grade Ⅳ and 13 cases of grade Ⅴ.Results:Thirty-seven cases were cured, 8 cases were ineffective (no change in tinnitus), 3 cases were markedly effective (tinnitus grade decreased by 3 in 2 cases, 4 in 1 case), and 2 cases were effective (tinnitus grade decreased by 1). The difference of tinnitus grade before and after operation was statistically significant ( Z=-5.70, P<0.05). Temporal bone CT showed 36 cases of sigmoid diverticulum (including 17 cases with sigmoid sinus dehiscence), 12 cases of sigmoid sinus dehiscence and 2 cases of absence of the temporal bone cortex abutting to sigmoid sinus. Thirty-five cases were performed with closure of sigmoid sinus diverticulum, 4 cases were performed with resurfacing of the sigmoid plate, 5 cases were performed with narrowing of sigmoid sinus, 4 cases were performed with simple opening of pre sigmoid mastoid air chamber, 1 case of opening was performed with pre sigmoid mastoid air chamber combined with narrowing of sigmoid sinus, and 1 case was performed with opening of pre sigmoid mastoid air chamber combined with closure of sigmoid sinus diverticulum. Conclusions:Venous pulsatile tinnitus is common in women. The common causes may be sigmoid sinus wall abnormalities such as sigmoid sinus diverticulum and perisigmoid bone defect. Imaging examinations are helpful for diagnosis. Venous pulsatile tinnitus can be treated with surgery.

Objective To investigate the impact of type 2 inflammation markers blood eosinophils(EOS)and fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO)on bronchodilator responsiveness(BDR)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods This study was conducted among 389 patients with an established diagnosis of COPD in our hospital from October,2019 to October,2023,who all underwent bronchial dilation test(BDT)of the large and small airways.Based on smoking history,blood EOS,and FeNO,these patients were divided group A(blood EOS<300/μL+FeNO<35 ppb+smoking history<20 pack-years),group B(blood EOS<300/μL+FeNO<35 ppb+smoking history≥20 pack-years),group C(blood EOS≥300/μL or FeNO≥35 ppb+smoking history≥20 pack-years),and group D(blood EOS≥300/μL or FeNO≥35 ppb+smoking history<20 pack-years)for analyzing the relationship between clinical indexes and BDR.Results BDR evaluation based on forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),and maximum mid-expiratory flow(MMEF)yielded consistent results,all showing a younger mean age,higher FeNO levels,and higher blood EOS counts and percentages in patients positive for BDT(P<0.05).The improvement value and improvement rate of FEV1 were significantly lower in group A than in group D.The improvement value and improvement rate of FEV1 as well as the improvement rate of MMEF were significantly lower in group B than in group D.In the overall patients,age and FeNO were significantly correlated with the improvement value and improvement rate of FEV1 and the improvement rate of MMEF(P<0.05).Conclusion Type 2 inflammation markers have different effects on BDR in the large and small airways of COPD patients,and their clinical significance needs further investigation.

Objective To investigate the impact of type 2 inflammation markers blood eosinophils(EOS)and fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO)on bronchodilator responsiveness(BDR)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods This study was conducted among 389 patients with an established diagnosis of COPD in our hospital from October,2019 to October,2023,who all underwent bronchial dilation test(BDT)of the large and small airways.Based on smoking history,blood EOS,and FeNO,these patients were divided group A(blood EOS<300/μL+FeNO<35 ppb+smoking history<20 pack-years),group B(blood EOS<300/μL+FeNO<35 ppb+smoking history≥20 pack-years),group C(blood EOS≥300/μL or FeNO≥35 ppb+smoking history≥20 pack-years),and group D(blood EOS≥300/μL or FeNO≥35 ppb+smoking history<20 pack-years)for analyzing the relationship between clinical indexes and BDR.Results BDR evaluation based on forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),and maximum mid-expiratory flow(MMEF)yielded consistent results,all showing a younger mean age,higher FeNO levels,and higher blood EOS counts and percentages in patients positive for BDT(P<0.05).The improvement value and improvement rate of FEV1 were significantly lower in group A than in group D.The improvement value and improvement rate of FEV1 as well as the improvement rate of MMEF were significantly lower in group B than in group D.In the overall patients,age and FeNO were significantly correlated with the improvement value and improvement rate of FEV1 and the improvement rate of MMEF(P<0.05).Conclusion Type 2 inflammation markers have different effects on BDR in the large and small airways of COPD patients,and their clinical significance needs further investigation.

Objective To investigate the virulence and drug resistance characteristics of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolated from patients with infectious diarrhea in our hospital.Methods The preliminary identification of microbes was carried out by the VITEK-MS microbial mass spectrometry detection system and virulence genes were detected by the multiplex real-time PCR.Five types of diarrhea-genic Escherichia coli(DEC)clinically isolated from patients with infectious diarrhea in our hospital were identified.The drug resist-ance characteristics of DEC strains were detected by the microbroth dilution and E-test.The drug-resistant molecular characteristics were analyzed by the next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.The Fisher exact probability method was used for statistical analy-sis.Results The detection rate of DEC in our hospital was 11.9%,with enteroaggregative E.coli(EAEC)accounting for 37.5%,a-typical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC)accounting for 34.38%,enterotoxigenic E.coli(ETEC)accounting for 25.0%,and enteroinvasive E.coli(EIEC)accounting for 3.12%.None of enterohemorrhagic E.coli(EHEC)strain was detected.The resistance rates of 32 DEC strains to ampicillin,tetracycline,and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were 53.12%,43.75%,and 37.5%,respec-tively.ESBLs(+)strains accounted for 18.75%,and the detection rate of multidrug-resistant strains was 83.83%,significantly higher than that of ESBLs(-)strains(P=0.042).A total of 25 ST genotypes were obtained from 32 DEC strains.The dominant genotypes were ST10(4 strains,12.5%),followed by ST28(2 strains,6.25%),ST31(2 strains,6.25%),ST3153(2 strains,6.25%),and the other 21 genotypes(1 strain,3.13%).One carbapenem resistant strain carrying the blaNDM-1 gene was detected in EAEC.Conclu-sion Four virulence genes such as aggR,pic,astA,and eae,are more common in the DEC of patients with infectious diarrhea in our hospital,with EAEC and EPEC as the main subtypes.The genotypes are highly polymorphic,and multidrug-resistant strains have been detected.