ObjectiveTo explore the syndrome elements and evolving patterns of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure （HBV-ACLF） at different stages. MethodsClinical information of 1,058 hospitalized HBV-ACLF patients， including 618 in the early stage， 355 in the middle stage， and 85 in the late stage， were collected from 18 clinical centers across 12 regions nationwide from January 1， 2012 to February 28， 2015. The “Hepatitis B-related Chronic and Acute Liver Failure Chinese Medicine Clinical Questionnaire” were designed to investigate the basic information of the patients， like the four diagnostic information （including symptoms， tongue， pulse） of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and to count the frequency of the appearance of the four diagnostic information. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were employed to determine and statistically analyze the syndrome elements and patterns of HBV-ACLF patients at different stages. ResultsThere were 76 four diagnostic information from 1058 HBV-ACLF patients， and 53 four diagnostic information with a frequency of occurrence ≥ 5% were used as factor analysis entries， including 36 symptom information， 12 tongue information， and 5 pulse information. Four types of TCM patterns were identified in HBV-ACLF， which were liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern， qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern， liver-kidney yin deficiency pattern， and spleen-kidney yang-deficiency pattern. In the early stage， heat （39.4%， 359/912） and dampness （27.5%， 251/912） were most common， and the pattern of the disease was dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern （74.6%， 461/618）； in the middle stage， dampness （30.2%， 187/619） and blood stasis （20.7%， 128/619） were most common， and the patterns of the disease were dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern （53.2%， 189/355）， and qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern （27.6%， 98/355）； and in the late stage， the pattern of the disease was dominated by qi deficiency （26.3%， 40/152） and yin deficiency （20.4%， 31/152）， and the patterns were dominated by qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern （36.5%， 31/85）， and liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern （25.9%， 22/85）. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the distribution of syndrome elements and patterns at different stages of HBV-ACLF， presenting an overall trend of evolving patterns as "from excess to deficiency， transforming from excess to deficiency"， which is damp-heat → blood stasis → qi-blood yin-yang deficiency.

Objective: To explore the difference in H4 clustered histone 6(H4C6) methylation level and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration between 94 normal group and 122 tumor groups (65 patients with lung cancer，22 patients with gastric cancer，23 patients with colorectal cancer，and 12 patients with liver cancer) ，and the age of total 216 subjects were between 18 and 85 years old．To construct a cancer risk prediction model based on H4C6 methylation level and cfDNA concentration and evaluate the predictive performance of the model． Methods: cfDNA was extracted from blood samples using magnetic beads．Qubit 4. 0 fluorescence quantitative meter was used to detect the concentration of cfDNA. Real-time quantitative PCR( RT-qPCR) technology was used to detect the methylation level of H4C6 in cfDNA．Logistic regression algorithm was used to construct a cancer risk prediction model of H4C6 methylation level combined with cfDNA concentration．The accuracy of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve．The clinical benefit of the model was as- sessed using decision curve analysis (DCA) . Results: The model was constructed by combining H4C6 methylation level and cfDNA concentration to distinguish lung cancer，liver cancer，colorectal cancer，gastric cancer，pancancer from healthy control group had the area under curve (AUC) of 0. 769，0. 988，0. 934，0. 922，0. 830，respectively．The mean absolute error of the calibration curve was less than 0. 05 ; the net benefit of the DCA curve was greater than 0． Conclusion The cancer risk prediction model based on H4C6 methylation level and cfDNA concentration has good predictive performance，which helps to provide reasonable and effective suggestions for preclinical decision-making，and ultimately may provide patients with targeted and personalized cancer detection and diagnosis program.

【Objective】 To analyze the basic characteristics of whole blood donors from blood stations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. 【Methods】 After excluding invalid data, data related to the basic characteristics of whole blood donors collected from 26 blood stations in China during 2018 to 2021 were statistically analyzed, including the trend of total whole blood donors, the number of repeated blood donors, the frequency of blood donation, the average age of donors and the recruitment of first-time blood donors. 【Results】 Affected by the epidemic, 8 out of 14 indicators were with large variations, accounting for 57%. The overall growth rate of total whole blood donors during the epidemic was higher than before the epidemic (P<0.05).The number of repeated blood donors has shown an increased trend, with a higher number during the epidemic than before (P<0.05). The frequency of blood donation was lower during the epidemic than before(P<0.05).Average ages of blood donors and female blood donors fluctuated widely during the epidemic, both higher than those before the epidemic(P<0.05).The donation rate of first-time blood donors <25 years old and ≥25 years old varied widely and irregularly during the epidemic (both P<0.05). The percentage of first-time blood donors fluctuated irregularly during the epidemic, with overall percentage lower than that before the epidemic(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Whole blood donors from 26 blood stations increased after the outbreak of COVID-19, and some indicators in certain areas showed significant fluctuations during the epidemic.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukaemia in adults, with increasing incidence with age and a generally poor prognosis. Almost 20% of AML patients express mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (mIDH2), which leads to the accumulation of the carcinogenic metabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), resulting in poor prognosis. Thus, global institutions have been working to develop mIDH2 inhibitors. SH1573 is a novel mIDH2 inhibitor that we independently designed and synthesised. We have conducted a comprehensive study on its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and safety. First, SH1573 exhibited a strong selective inhibition of mIDH2 R140Q protein, which could effectively reduce the production of 2-HG in cell lines, serum and tumors of an animal model. It could also promote the differentiation of mutant AML cell lines and granulocytes in PDX models. Then, it was confirmed that SH1573 possessed characteristics of high bioavailability, good metabolic stability and wide tissue distribution. Finally, toxicological data showed that SH1573 had no effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system and nervous system, and was genetically safe. This research successfully promoted the approval of SH1573 for clinical trials (CTR20200247). All experiments demonstrated that, as a potential drug against mIDH2 R140Q acute myeloid leukaemia, SH1573 was effective and safe.

Objective To identify the spectrum of sleep disorders in the patients diagnosed with limbic encephalitis associated with anti leucine rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) antibody.Methods Thirteen patients were identified with limbic encephalitis associated with LGI1 antibody in the Department of Neurology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 2012 and August 2017.The characters of the 13 cases were studied from several aspects such as clinical presentation,imaging,polysomnography,cerebrospinal fluid and serum.Results Serum test and/or cerebrospinal fluid test showed LGI1 antibody positive in all the 13 patients.Clinical presentation included:cognitive impairment,seizures,neuropsychiatric features.Sleep disorders presented in all patients,including insomnia,dream enactment behaviors,hypersomnia,involuntary movement.Polysomnogram in the 13 patients revealed that sleep efficiency decreased in 10 patients (＜ 80％),N3 sleep decreased in 10 patients,rapid eye movement sleep decreased in 13 patients;period limb movement disorder was identified in seven patients,period limb movement index was 15.6-224.4/h,four of the seven patients also had frequent irregular motor activity;six patients had frequent faciobrachial dystonic seizures (20-83 times throughout the night);rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) was diagnosed in three patients.Sleep disorder resolved almost completely in 10 of 13 patients who received immunotherapy.Conclusions Sleep disorders are cardinal manifestations of limbic encephalitis associated with LGI1 antibody,including insomnia,RBD,hypersomnia,involuntary movement.They may respond favorably to immunotherapy.

In order to clarify dynamic change of microbial community composition and to identify key functional bacteria in the cellulose degradation consortium, we studied several aspects of the biodegradation of filter papers and rice straws by the microbial consortium, the change of substrate degradation, microbial biomass and pH of fermentation broth. We extracted total DNA of the microbial consortium in different degradation stages for high-throughput sequencing of amplicons of bacterial 16 S rRNA genes. Based on the decomposition characteristics test, we defined the 12th, 72nd and 168th hours after inoculation as the initial stage, peak stage and end stage of degradation, respectively. The microbial consortium was mainly composed of 1 phylum, 2 classes, 2 orders, 7 families and 11 genera. With cellulose degradation, bacteria in the consortium showed different growth trends. The relative abundance of Brevibacillus and Caloramator decreased gradually. The relative abundance of Clostridium, Bacillus, Geobacillus and Cohnella increased gradually. The relative abundance of Ureibacillus, Tissierella, Epulopiscium was the highest in peak stage. The relative abundance of Paenibacillus and Ruminococcus did not change obviously in each stage. Above-mentioned 11 main genera all belonged to Firmicutes, which are thermophilic, broad pH adaptable and cellulose or hemicellulose degradable. During cellulose degradation by the microbial consortium, aerobic bacteria were dominant functional bacteria in the initial stage. However, the relative abundance of anaerobic bacteria increased gradually in middle and end stage, and replaced aerobic bacteria to become main bacteria to degrade cellulose.
Bacteria ; classification ; metabolism ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Cellulose ; metabolism ; DNA, Bacterial ; genetics ; Microbial Consortia ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; genetics

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of mesh and non-mesh techniques in laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias (LRLHH).Methods A retrospective clinical controlled study of mesh and non-mesh techniques in LRLHH form January 2006 to August 2014 was performed.Results A total of 83 and 36 patients were recruited to mesh and non-mesh group respectively.There were no significant differences in operation time,operation bleeding volume,hospitalization time or complications between the two groups.Main symptoms were significantly improved during the postoperative long-term follow-up in both groups.The improvement of dysphagia in mesh group showed no significant difference [22.9％ (19/83) VS 12.0％ (10/83),P=0.066],however,non-mesh group showed significant difference [30.6％ (11/36) VS 5.6％ (2/36),P=0.006].Rate of dysphagia alleviation in non-mesh group was significantly higher than that in mesh group [25.0％ (9/36) VS 10.8％ (9/83),P =0.048].Mesh-related complications of esophageal erosions occurred in 5 patients (6.0％) in mesh group,including esophageal stenosis in 3 patients,esophageal-cardiac stricture in 1 patient.Recurrent hernia occurred in 1 patient (1.2％) in mesh group and 3 patients (8.3％) in non-mesh group (P =0.082).Conclusion LRLHH with mesh should be individualized.The use of mesh in LRLHH reduces the recurrence rate,but may lead to some complications.

Objective To observe the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and apoptosis-related proteins in rat mesenteric artery.Methods Male SD rats of SPF grade were sacrificed and the mesenteric artery was separated under the stereo-microscope.We established an experimental model of vascular injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and randomly divided the injured vessels into dexmedetomidine treatment group and control group.DEX treatment group was divided into 10-8, 10-7, and 10-6 mol/L subgroups according to the different concentrations of DEX.RNA and total protein was extracted in each group.The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and CaSR were detected by RT-PCR and the protein expression of TNF-α, Caspase-3 and AMPK were tested by Western blot.Results DEX (10-8, 10-7, and 10-6mol/L) obviously reduced vascular inflammatory reaction induced by lipopolysaccharide, reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α as well as mRNA expression of IL-1β.Caspase 3 protein expression significantly lowered in blood vessels in DEX group compared with LPS group.DEX had no obvious effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular AMPK and CaSR mRNA or protein expressions.Conclusion DEX obviously deceased the expressions of inflammation-related proteins, suggesting that DEX has anti-inflammatory effects.

Objective To describe the clinical spectrum,especially sleep disorder in three patients diagnosed with Morvan syndrome.Methods Three consecutive patients were identified with Morvan syndrome in the Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 2014 and March 2016.The character in three cases has been studied from several aspects such as clinical presentation, imaging, polysomnography (PSG), cerebrospinal fluid and serum.Results Serum test showed serum contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2)antibodies strongly positive (+++) and leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 antibodies positive (+) in three patients.Neuropsychiatric features, neuromyotonia, neuropathic pain, dysautonomia, agrypnia excitata presented in all three patients.The agrypnia excitata was characterized by severe insomnia, excessive motor activity during the night.Agrypnia excitata was diagnosed in three patients according to their history.PSG was finished in case 2 and case 3.PSG in one patient (case 2) documented severe insomnia (sleep efficiency was 59%), lack of cyclic sleep organization with a predominance of stage 1 non-rapid eye movement sleep episodes intermixed with brief rapid eye movement, and a marked reduction of spindles and delta sleep;PSG in another patient (case 3) revealed complete absence of recognizable sleep.Sleep disorders and other symptoms resolved completely or almost completely in two patients (case 1,case 2) who received immunotherapy.Case 3 died from sudden cardiac death before immunotherapy.Conclusions Morvan syndrome usually is associated with high-titer CASPR2 antibodies in serum.Agrypnia excitata is cardinal manifestation of Morvan syndrome in association with a spectrum of neurologic presentations.Early immunotherapy could provide a favorable outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Encephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is rare but sometimes fatal. Early diagnosis is difficult using routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests, while next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly being used for the detection and characterization of pathogens. METHODS: This study set up and applied unbiased NGS to detect L. monocytogenes in CSF collected from three cases of clinically suspected listeria meningoencephalitis. RESULTS: Three cases of patients with acute/subacute meningoencephalitis are reported. Magnetic resonance imaging and blood cultures led to a suspected diagnosis of L. monocytogenes, while the CSF cultures were negative. Unbiased NGS of CSF identified and sequenced reads corresponding to L. monocytogenes in all three cases. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report highlighting the feasibility of applying NGS of CSF as a diagnostic method for central nervous system (CNS) L. monocytogenes infection. Routine application of this technology in clinical microbiology will significantly improve diagnostic methods for CNS infectious diseases.
Central Nervous System ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Communicable Diseases ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Encephalitis ; Humans ; Listeria monocytogenes* ; Listeria* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Meningitis, Listeria ; Meningoencephalitis* ; Methods