BACKGROUND: Severe stroke has high rates of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the clinical course, causes of worsening, and outcomes of severe ischemic stroke. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter cohort study enrolled adult patients admitted ≤30 days after ischemic stroke from nine hospitals in China between September 2017 and December 2019. Severe stroke was defined as a score of ≥15 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Clinical worsening was defined as an increase of 4 in the NIHSS score from baseline. Unfavorable functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score ≥3 at 3 months and 1 year after stroke onset, respectively. We performed Logistic regression to explore baseline features and reperfusion therapies associated with clinical worsening and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Among 4201 patients enrolled, 854 patients (20.33%) had severe stroke on admission. Of 3347 patients without severe stroke on admission, 142 (4.24%) patients developed severe stroke in hospital. Of 854 patients with severe stroke on admission, 33.95% (290/854) experienced clinical worsening (median time from stroke onset: 43 h, Q1-Q3: 20-88 h), with brain edema (54.83% [159/290]) as the leading cause; 24.59% (210/854) of these patients died by 30 days, and 81.47% (677/831) and 78.44% (633/807) had unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months and 1 year respectively. Reperfusion reduced the risk of worsening (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.49, P  <0.01), 30-day death (adjusted OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.41, P  <0.01), and unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months (adjusted OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.68, P <0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.50, P  <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-fifth of patients with ischemic stroke had severe neurological deficits on admission. Clinical worsening mainly occurred in the first 3 to 4 days after stroke onset, with brain edema as the leading cause of worsening. Reperfusion reduced the risk of clinical worsening and improved functional outcomes. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03222024.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Ischemic Stroke/mortality* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Stroke ; Brain Ischemia

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science that combines the tools of mathematics, computer science, and biology to clarify and explore the biological implications of large amounts of biological data. With the continuous development of genome sequencing technology, a large number of biological data has been generated, and mining of the biological significance contained in big data has become one of the main tasks that need to be solved urgently. This article summarizes the risk prediction models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on feature genes, so as to provide new perspectives for early identification, prognosis, and treatment optimization of HCC.

【Objective】 To explore ways to recruit blood donors effectively, so as to ensure blood supply for hospitals in Shenzhen with good compliance with the requirements concerning COVID-19 prevention and control. 【Methods】 From January 31 to March 31, 2020, a recruiting vanguard lead by Party members aimed at "COVID-19 control, blood supply security" was established. Otherwise, the traditional recruiting (via telephone/SMS) and on-site(on the streets) recruiting were also enhanced. The effects of the above three recruitment methods during this period, relative to the same period in 2019, were counted and analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 19 752 blood donors were recruited, and more were recruited by on-site (15 643, 79.19%) than by telephone and SMS(4 109, 20.81%), as on-site recruitment was more persuasive than the traditional one. The success rates of telephone recruitment and SMS recruitment were 11.66% (2 034 / 17 448) and 3.92% (2 075/52 915), respectively, and both were significantly higher than that in the same period in 2019(7.55% and 2.36%) (P<0.05). And the proportion of donors with local registered residence, aged 30-49 and bachelor degree or above in this period were significantly higher than those in the same period in 2019 (P<0.05), but with no significant differences in gender or first-time/repeated blood donors (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 In times of emergency, efficient recruiting method could be achieved by grouping a vanguard, conducting scientific measures, and carrying out effect evaluation. Besides, preference could be given to donors with local registered residence, middle-age (30~50 years old) and better educated background.

【Objective】 To verify the key performance parameters of Roche Cobas S201 multiplex NAT for blood donors, so as to provide data for the conformation of multiplex NAT performance and establish a scientific and feasible verification scheme. 【Methods】 Comprehensive performance verification on four key parameters of ROCHE COBAS S201 multiplex NAT system, including the 95% detection limit, compliance rate, anti-interference ability and operator comparison were conducted. The data were compared with the specifications provided by the manufacturer to evaluate the performance of laboratory testing system and ensure the quality of blood testing. 【Results】 2 sets of COBAS S201 multiplex NAT system in our laboratory were used to perform 5 times of the 95% detection limit value declared by the manufacturer for individual tests. The experimental results showed that the target NAT can be detected 100% and the lower limit of determination was verified. Single-virus NAT was performed to detect 5 different HBV DNA concentrations (25 ~400 IU/mL), 5 different HCV RNA concentrations (25 ~400 IU/mL), 5 different HIV RNA Concentration (100~1 000 IU/mL), and 5 negative tubes. The experimental results showed that all detected values of 20 tubes were 100% consistent with the true value, and the performance parameter "coincidence rate" was verified. Samples containing lipoemia, hemolysis, with ALT>50 mL/L and syphilis-positive endogenous interfering substances with 3 times of the 95% detection limit value were tested for 3 times, and results showed both response rate (3/3) and yielding rate reached 100%. In the control group (with none or in the normal range of interfering substances), reactivity was detected in samples with extremely low concentration of 3 times of the 95% detection limit, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). Above results fully showed that the existence of interference substances (lipidemia, hemolysis, ALT ≥ 50 and syphilis positive) in the blood of donors had no significant effect on the yielding of HBV/HCV/HIV virus target nucleic acids. Different operators performed the sample loading tests with same instrument, reagent and specimen showed 100% consistency in the results. It could be preliminarily assessed that there was no difference in the operations between the operators in this verification. 【Conclusion】 The verification scheme of the multiplex NAT system for methodology performance index (95% detection limit, coincidence rate, anti-interference ability, and operator comparison) established in this study, showed simple, flexible, scientific and feasible characteristics and could provide reference and data support for domestic blood transfusion services in acid detection.

The incidence of non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing year by year, and the relevant cardiovascular events have become a major problem in chronic diseases management. The activation of innate immunity is closely related to the development of NAFLD. The immune cells include Kupffer cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and natural killer T cells, which acts through the activation of innate immunity-related signals mediated by pattern recognition receptors.
Humans ; Immunity, Innate ; Kupffer Cells ; Liver ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes and correction effects of kyphosis between Zero-profile device (Zero-p) and plate/cage structures (PCC) in treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients with cervical kyphosis.Methods:From August 2016 to July 2018, a total of 54 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients with cervical kyphosis were analyzed retrospectively, including 26 cases treated with Zero-p and 28 cases treated with PCC system. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and operative segment. The operation duration and the blood loss were recorded. The clinical outcomes of the patients were measured by visual analogue score (VAS) for neck pain and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score for neurological function. Moreover, JOA recovery rate was obtained to assess the surgical results. The cervical lordosis (C 2-C 7 Cobb angle), the Cobb angle of the operation segment, the C 2-C 7 vertical axis (C 2 SVA) and the cervical range of motion (ROM) were measured on the lateral and dynamic radiographs of the cervical spine, respectively. Results:In the Zero-p group, the operation duration was 83.0±14.9 (range 60-120) min, intraoperative blood loss was 70.5±27.3 (range 30-150) ml. In PCC group, the operation duration was 100.0±23.9 (range 65-145) min, intraoperative blood loss was 104.2±38.8 (range 30-250) ml. There were significant difference in above parameters between two groups ( t=3.40, 2.06; P=0.00, 0.04). The follow-up duration in Zero-p group was 30.4±5.8 (range 24-36) months and 31.2±4.9 (range 24-36) months in PCC group without significant difference ( t=1.061, P=0.291). The VAS/JOA score of the Zero-p group was improved from (5.9±1.0)/(9.2±1.7) preoperatively to (2.1±0.8)/(14.9±1.0) at 1 month postoperatively, and to (3.4±1.0)/(15.1±0.9) at the last follow-up. The difference between them was statistically significant ( F=130.96, 221.40, P=0.00). The VAS/JOA score of the PCC group was improved from (5.9±1.1)/(8.7±1.6) preoperatively to (2.3±0.9)/(14.9±1.0) at 1 month after surgery, and to (2.6±0.9)/(15.6±1.1) at the last follow-up. The difference between them was statistically significant ( F=303.35, 126.64, P=0.00). However, the VAS score of neck pain in the Zero-p group at the last follow-up was significantly deteriorated, which was significantly higher than that in PCC group ( P<0.05). The cervical lordosis/operative segment Cobb angle in the Zero-p group was improved from preoperative (-6.7°±2.7°)/(-6.5°±3.2°) preoperatively to (14.2°±4.9°)/(12.9°±4.9°) at 1 month postoperatively, and to (5.9°±4.7°)/(5.0°±4.0°) at the last follow-up with statistical significance ( F=196.98, 179.97, P=0.00). The cervical lordosis/operative segment Cobb angle in the PCC group was improved from (-5.7°±3.5°)/(-6.1°±4.0°) preoperatively to (13.9°±6.9°)/(13.0°±6.4°) 1 month after surgery, and to (11.0°±5.5°)/(10.4°±5.6°) at the last follow-up with statistical significance ( F=127.27, 119.98, P=0.00). However, the cervical lordosis and operative segment Cobb angle at the last follow-up in the Zero-p group were significantly lost compared with those at 1 month after surgery, which were significantly smaller than those in the PCC group ( P<0.05). The incidence of dysphagia after operation was 7.7% (2/26) in the Zero-p group and 28.6% (8/28) in the PCC group (χ 2=5.11, P=0.02). Conclusion:For CSM patients with cervical kyphosis, PCC could achieve much better mid-term kyphotic correction and clinical outcomes. However, Zero-p should be avoided as much as possible.

Objective To observe the effects of interfering Twist expression on glycolysis in pancreatic cancer PANC1 cells and explore the potential mechanism.Methods Twist targeting siRNA (siTWIST) was designed and synthesized,and pancreatic cancer PANC1 cells were transfected with siTWIST using liposome,with nonspecific siRNA (siNC) transfected cells as negative control group and untransfected cells as blank control group.RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of Twist mRNA and protein,and Akt and p-Akt protein expression in different groups;cell proliferation was detected by MTT;and glycolysis key enzyme (pyruvate kinase and hexokinase) activity and the content of lactic acid in the supernatant of culture fluid were detected.Results Twist mRNA level in control group,siRNA group and siTwist group expression was 1.00 ± 0.09,1.01 ± 0.08 and 0.36 ± 0.02;Twist protein level was 0.41 ± 0.05,0.42 ± 0.04 and 0.12 ± 0.06;the mRNA and protein expression in siTWIST group was obviously lower than those in control group and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The cell survival rate was (100.02± 9.36)％,(100.01 ± 10.25)％ and (59.32± 7.26)％,which in siTWIST group was obviously lower than that in control group;pyruvate kinase activity was (0.73 ± 0.05)U/mg,(0.72 ± 0.08) U/mg and (0.43 ± 0.05) U/mg;the activities of hexokinase were (4.98 ± 0.48) U/mg,(4.96 ± 0.52) U/mg and (2.54 ± 0.21) U/mg;the content of lactic acid was (20.36 ± 2.61) mmol/L,(20.64 ± 3.05) mmol/L and (9.48 ± 1.09) mmol/L;the ratio of p-Akt/Akt was 0.65 ± 0.04,0.63 ± 0.07,and 0.25 ± 0.04,which in siTWIST group was obviously lower than that in control group.Conclusions Interference with Twist expression could inhibit the proliferation and glycolysis pathway in pancreatic cancer cells,and the mechanism may be related to the Akt signaling pathway.

Objective: Diagnostic efficacy of serum markers is low for heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-pEF) as compared to heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.We sought to explore the diagnostic value of serum levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) combined with interleukin-33 (IL-33) for the diagnosis of HF-pEF in this study. Methods: A total of 376 patients with HF-pEF (HF group), 376 matched-control patients without heart failure who shared similar clinical characteristics (non-HF group) were included in the study.Another 500 healthy individuals were recruited for assessing the normal ranges of IL-33 and sST2.Serum levels of NT-proBNP were measured by chemi-luminescence assay, while IL-33 and sST2 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 were not normally distributed in healthy population.Serum concentrations of IL-33 and sST2 were significantly higher in HF-pEF patients than in patients in non-HF group (median, IL-33: 0.437 μg/L vs. 0.127 μg/L, P<0.01; sST: 0.118 μg/L vs. 0.067 μg/L, P<0.01). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of sST2 for detecting HF-pEF was 0.763 (95%CI 0.729-0.795, P<0.01), with 71.01% sensitivity and 66.75% specificity, the AUC was 0.884 (95%CI 0.859-0.908, P<0.01), with 80.05% sensitivity and 81.91% specificity in patients with serum IL-33 higher than 0.117 μg/L (median level of serum IL-33 in healthy individuals, n=306). The AUC of NT-proBNP for detecting HF-pEF was 0.83, with 74.73% sensitivity and 84.57% specificity.The AUC of sST2 for detecting HF-pEF was significantly higher than NT-proBNP in population with high serum IL-33 (AUC: 0.88 vs. 0.83, P<0.01). Conclusion Serum sST2 could serve as a satisfactory biomarker for HF-pEF diagnosis, especially for patients with high serum IL-33 concentrations.

Disease Progression ; Humans ; Vascular Calcification ; metabolism

Adult ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Brugada Syndrome ; Cardiac Conduction System Disease ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Conduction System ; abnormalities ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Young Adult