Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of intermittent feeding through an oral to esophageal (IOE) tube for persons with a late-onset swallowing disorder after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods:Fifty-six patients with late-onset swallowing difficulties after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were divided at random into an observation group and a control group, each of 28. In addition to conventional therapy, the controls were fed through an indwelling nasogastric tube (NGT) while an IOE tube was used in the observation group. The nutritional status of the two groups was compared after 20 hours and after 15 days of treatment. Depression, oral feeding ability, leakage and aspiration, and life quality were evaluated using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a functional oral feeding scale (FOIS), a leakage-aspiration scale (PAS), and a swallowing-quality of life (SWAL-QOL) evaluation. From the 3rd day after admission the daily amount fed was recorded.Results:At admission there were no significant differences between the two groups. After 15 days, however, there was significantly greater improvement observed in the average serum albumin, hemoglobin, serum total protein, serum prealbumin level, body mass index(BMI) and SWAL-QOL score of the experimental group compared to the control group, with significantly fewer members suffering from depression. From the 4th day after admission the observation group′s members ate a significantly larger proportion of the target feeding amount.Conclusion:IOE feeding can improve the nutritional status, psychological status, and life quality of persons with a late-onset swallowing disorder more effectively than NGT feeding, with a lower incidence of adverse events.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for aspiration pneumonia (AP) among stroke survivors with dysphagia and construct a prediction model.Methods:The records of one hundred and forty-eight stroke survivors with dysphagia admitted since 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into an AP group ( n=46) and a non-AP group ( n=102). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were evaluated seeking independent risk factors for AP. the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze predictive power. Results:The incidence of AP was 31%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, Barthel index, Kubota′s water drinking test grading, nutritional support methods and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be useful independent predictors of AP. The areas under the ROC curves suggested that Kubota grading, nutritional support methods, the NLR and the Barthel index could be used to prepare a prediction nomogram with good sensitivity and specificity.Conclusions:Age, Barthel index, Kubota water drinking test grades, nutritional support methods and NLR are independent predictors of AP for stroke survivors with dysphagia. Combining them in a nomogram gives better predictive power than using the factors alone.

Objective:To observe any clinical effect of supplementing ultrasound stimulation with balloon-guided injection of botulinum toxin into the upper esophageal sphincter in the treatment of cricopharyngeal achalasia.Methods:Forty patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 20. Both groups were given routine swallowing rehabilitation training, while the observation group additionally had botulinum toxin injected into the upper esophageal sphincter guided by ultrasound and with the aid of balloon dilation. Before the experiment and after 2 weeks, both groups were evaluated videofluoroscopically and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed. Moreover, 2 weeks before the treatment and 2, 4 and 24 weeks afterward, everyone′s eating, leakage and aspiration, and oral and pharyngeal secretions were assessed using the functional oral intake scale (FOIS), the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), the fiberoptic endoscopic dysphagia severity scale (FEDSS) and the Murray secretion scale (MSS).Results:After 2 weeks the average PAS, FEDSS and MSS scores of both groups had improved significantly, but the observation group′s averages[3(2, 5), 3(2, 5) and 2(1, 2)] were significantly better than those of the control group. 2, 4 and 24 weeks after the experiment the average FOIS scores of both groups also showed significant improvement, with the observation group′s average[3(2, 4), 4(2, 6) and 6(3, 7)] again significantly better than that of the control group.Conclusions:A botulinum toxin injection into the upper esophageal sphincter can effectively improve the swallowing of persons with cricopharyngeal achalasia with adequate safety and significant long-term benefits. Therefore, such treatment is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Organoids,recognized as invaluable models in tumor and stem cell research,assume a pivotal role in the meticulous analysis of diverse datasets pertaining to their growth dynamics,drug screening processes and related phenomena.However,the manual scrutiny and conventional statistical methodologies employed in handling organoid data often grapple with challenges such as diminished precision and efficiency,heightened complexity,escalated human resource requirements,and a degree of subjectivity.Acknowledging the remarkable efficacy of artificial intelligence(AI)in the realms of biology and medicine,the incorporation of AI into organoid research stands poised to enhance the objectivity,precision and expediency of analyses.This integration empowers organoids to more effectively fulfill objectives such as disease modeling,drug screening and precision medicine.Notably,significant strides have been made in AI-driven analyses of organoid image data.The amalgamation of deep learning into image analysis facilitates a more meticulous delineation of the microstructural intricacies and nuanced changes within organoids,achieving a level of accuracy akin to that of experts.This not only elevates the precision of organoid morphology and growth recognition,but also contributes to substantial time and cost savings in research endeavors.Furthermore,the infusion of AI technology has yielded breakthroughs in the processing of organoid omics data,resulting in heightened efficiency in data processing and the identification of latent gene expression patterns.This furnishes novel tools for comprehending cellular development and unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying various diseases.In addition to image data,AI techniques applied to diverse organoid datasets,encompassing electrical signals and spectra,have realized an unbiased classification of organoid types and states,embarking on a comprehensive journey towards characterizing organoids holistically.In the pivotal domain of drug screening for organoids,AI emerges as a stalwart companion,providing robust support for real-time process monitoring and result prediction.Leveraging high-content microscopy images and sophisticated deep learning models,researchers can dynamically monitor organoid responses to drugs,effecting non-invasive detection of drug impacts and amplifying the precision and efficiency of drug screening processes.Despite the significant strides made by AI in organoid research,challenges persist,encompassing hurdles in data acquisition,constraints in sample quality and quantity,and quandaries associated with model interpretability.Overcoming these challenges necessitates dedicated future research efforts aimed at enhancing data consistency,fortifying model interpretability,and exploring methodologies for the seamless fusion of multimodal data.Such endeavors are poised to usher in a more comprehensive and dependable application of AI in organoid research.In summation,the integration of AI technology introduces unparalleled opportunities to organoid research,resulting in noteworthy advancements.Nevertheless,interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts remain imperative to navigate challenges and propel the more profound integration of AI into organoid research.The future holds promise for AI to assume an even more prominent role in advancing organoid research toward clinical translation and precision medicine.

Objective:To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test.Methods:This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results:After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea ( Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences ( P < 0.001). Conclusion:The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

OBJECTIVE To prep are Legumain enzyme and mitochondrial double-stage targeted harmine （HM） liposome （KA@HM-LPS）and preliminary evaluate its pharmaceutical properties ，in vitro antitumor effect and biocompatibility. METHODS Firstly，the preparation and homogenization methods of KA@HM-LPS was screened ，and prepared liposomes were characterized. Secondly，the serum stability ，in vitro release rate ，hemolysis percentage of KA@HM-LPS and cell survival rate under KA@BLPS were determines respectively. Finally ，the cell surivival rate ，mitochondrial targeting and inhibitory effects on cell migration and invasion of KA@HM-LPS were determined. RESULTS KA@HM-LPS was prepared by the thin-film dispersion method ，with encapsulation efficiency of （90.50 ± 0.62）％ . The extrusion moulding method was selected as homogenization method of KA@HM-LPS. The particle size ，polydispersity index ，and Zeta potential of KA@HM-LPS were （211.40±11.67）nm，0.316± 0.014 and（－14.20±0.49）mV，respectively. In 37 ℃，10％ FBS，the particle size of KA@HM-LPS kept stable after 12 h. In vitro release curve of KA@HM-LPS in 20％ plasma conformed to Weibull distribution and had the property of sustained release. When HM concentration was 160 μg/mL，the hemolysis percentage of KA@HM-LPS was （4.23±0.19）％，which was much lower than that of free HM ，with safety. When the mass concentration of KA@BLPS reaches 400 μg/mL，the survival rate of LO 2 cells was （94.40 ± 6.12）％ ，and the biocompatibility was good. Cell test results in vitro showed that ，inhibitory effect of KA@HM-LPS on liver cancer cells with overexpression of Legumain enzyme （LGMN -SK-Hep-1） was significantly higher than that of normal liver cancer cells SK-Hep- 1； compared with SK-Hep-1，LGMN +-SK-Hep-1 cells had a higher uptake efficiency of the liposome ；KA@HM-LPS could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of LGMN +- SK-Hep-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS KA@HM-LPS is prepared successfully ，which can effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells with Legumain enzyme overexpression ，and improve the blood compatibility of HM.

To investigate the temporal trend of antibiotic use among children in Shanghai from 2017 to 2020. The stratified cluster sampling method was used to establish a dynamic cohort of healthy children based on primary schools in Changning District, Shanghai. In the cohort, there were 282 children from 2017, 287 children from 2018, 294 from 2019 and 301 from 2020. A total of 700 children aged 7-11 years were included in the study. The basic information and antibiotic use of children were investigated by questionnaire every year, and their height and weight were measured at the same time. Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference of antibiotic use rate in each year and generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the temporal trend of antibiotic use. The results showed that the use rates of all antibiotics, cephalosporins, azithromycin and other antibiotics (including penicillin, lincomycin, quinolones, etc.) of children between 2017 and 2020 were 15.6%, 10.5%, 2.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. In 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, there were significant differences for the use rates of total antibiotics and other antibiotics in children ( P=0.033, P=0.040), and there were no significant differences for the use rates of cephalosporins and azithromycin ( P=0.274, P=0.455). After adjusting for children′s basic characteristics, the generalized estimation equation showed that the annual use rate of all antibiotics, cephalosporins, and other antibiotics decreased over time.

To investigate the temporal trend of antibiotic use among children in Shanghai from 2017 to 2020. The stratified cluster sampling method was used to establish a dynamic cohort of healthy children based on primary schools in Changning District, Shanghai. In the cohort, there were 282 children from 2017, 287 children from 2018, 294 from 2019 and 301 from 2020. A total of 700 children aged 7-11 years were included in the study. The basic information and antibiotic use of children were investigated by questionnaire every year, and their height and weight were measured at the same time. Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference of antibiotic use rate in each year and generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the temporal trend of antibiotic use. The results showed that the use rates of all antibiotics, cephalosporins, azithromycin and other antibiotics (including penicillin, lincomycin, quinolones, etc.) of children between 2017 and 2020 were 15.6%, 10.5%, 2.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. In 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, there were significant differences for the use rates of total antibiotics and other antibiotics in children ( P=0.033, P=0.040), and there were no significant differences for the use rates of cephalosporins and azithromycin ( P=0.274, P=0.455). After adjusting for children′s basic characteristics, the generalized estimation equation showed that the annual use rate of all antibiotics, cephalosporins, and other antibiotics decreased over time.

Objective To learn about the current situation and trends of novel coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-2019) in foreign countries. Methods The data on confirmed COVID-2019 cases were collected between January 20, 2020 and February 18, 2020 and by age, sex, nationality, contact history, region, and country were performed stratified analysis and onset time analysis. Results From January 20th to February 18th, the cumulative number of confirmed cases of COVI D-2019 abroad was 804. Excluding the 454 cases on the 'Diamond Princess' cruise ship in Japan, the daily number of new cases fluctuated, showed a trend of rising first and then maintaining a steady trend. The peak date for new cases was on February 1, with the number of cases reaching 26. The confirmed cases were mainly concentrated in Asian countries, but also distributed in Europe, North America, Oceania and Africa. As of February 15, there was no more increase reported in the number of countries where confirmed cases occurred after reaching 25. Among these countries, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand were with the highest number of cases, with 77, 65, and 35 cases, respectively. In accordamce to available information on confirmed cases, the cases with history of exposure to confirmed cases were more than those with history of living or traveling in Hubei. And more cases were non-Chinese nationalities, 40 years old and above, and males . Conclusion The novel coronavirus has transmitted abroad, and produced second-generation cases. Although the incidence is low abroad , its trend fluctuates greatly, so sufficient attention must be paid to the possibility of further transmission.

Motor timing is an important part of sensorimotor control. Previous studies have shown that beta oscillations embody the process of temporal perception in explicit timing tasks. In contrast, studies focusing on beta oscillations in implicit timing tasks are lacking. In this study, we set up an implicit motor timing task and found a modulation pattern of beta oscillations with temporal perception during movement preparation. We trained two macaques in a repetitive visually-guided reach-to-grasp task with different holding intervals. Spikes and local field potentials were recorded from microelectrode arrays in the primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, and posterior parietal cortex. We analyzed the association between beta oscillations and temporal interval in fixed-duration experiments (500 ms as the Short Group and 1500 ms as the Long Group) and random-duration experiments (500 ms to 1500 ms). The results showed that the peak beta frequencies in both experiments ranged from 15 Hz to 25 Hz. The beta power was higher during the hold period than the movement (reach and grasp) period. Further, in the fixed-duration experiments, the mean power as well as the maximum rate of change of beta power in the first 300 ms were higher in the Short Group than in the Long Group when aligned with the Center Hit event. In contrast, in the random-duration experiments, the corresponding values showed no statistical differences among groups. The peak latency of beta power was shorter in the Short Group than in the Long Group in the fixed-duration experiments, while no consistent modulation pattern was found in the random-duration experiments. These results indicate that beta oscillations can modulate with temporal interval in their power mode. The synchronization period of beta power could reflect the cognitive set maintaining working memory of the temporal structure and attention.