Objectives:To report a novel mutation site in the pathogenic gene TTR of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis(ATTR-CA),and to identify family members at risk,and provide suitable clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of the proband with ATTR-CA who visited the Department of Cardiology,the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in March 2021.The proband underwent whole exome sequencing using high-throughput methods to detect mutation genes.Sanger sequencing was used to test candidate pathogenic loci in suspected family members,and relevant literature was reviewed. Results:Among 51 individuals spanning 5 generations in the pedigree,10 family members(including the proband)carried the heterozygous TTR gene c.163A>G mutation,resulting in the amino acid residue at position 55 changing from lysine(Lys)to glutamic acid(Glu).This mutation follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern,with early onset in adulthood,rapid progression,and presenting as a mixed-type ATTR-CA.Five mutation carriers had different clinical manifestations,while the remaining 5 mutation carriers,who are at younger age,have not yet shown symptoms.Within the pedigree,7 individuals died(the proband's uncle[Ⅱ-1]who died from stroke at 65 years old,the rest 6 family members died from heart disease before the age of 50). Conclusions:According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines,TTR gene Lys55Glu mutation is classified as likely pathogenic,this mutation site has not been reported in the literature before.Present study adds clinical evidence that might broaden the spectrum of TTR mutations.

Objective The critical genes associated with exhausted CD8+T cells were screened and validated by mapping the single-cell transcriptome profile of high-grade serous ovarian cancer(HGSOC).Methods The specific subtypes of T cells in the tumor microenvironment were analyzed using the single-cell sequencing data from the early stage of laboratory(SRA database:PRJNA756768)and integrating 5 HGSOC sequencing from the database,and the differentiation trajectory of T cell subsets was ex-plored through pseudotime analysis.Differential gene enrichment was used to determine immunosuppressed CD8+IL-2Low and CD8+IFN-γLow T cell subsets and differential genes,and candidate molecules closely related to exhausted CD8+T cells were screened based on patient prognosis.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of PHLDA1 on CD8+T cells,CD4+T cells and Treg cells dur-ing the activation to exhaustion process of T cells in human PBMCs.ELISA was used to detect the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 secreted by CD8+T cells in PHLDA1High and PHLDA1Low.Finally,flow cytometry was used to analyze the association between PHLDA1 and ex-hausted markers PD-1 and TIM-3.Results The results showed that T cells were grouped in three ways:(1)IL-2High and IL-2Low;(2)IFN-γHigh and IFN-γLow;and(3)exhausted and cytotoxic CD8+T cells.Subsequently,the intersection of its differentially expressed genes was taken,and the key gene PHLDA1 was ultimately screened.Flow cytometry analysis suggested that during the process of T cell activation to exhaustion,the expression of PHLDA1 continued to increase on CD8+T cells,CD4+T cells and Treg cells;The ELISA results showed that the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 secreted by CD8+PHLDA1High T cells were significantly lower than those of CD8+PHLDA1Low T cells.Meanwhile,the CD8+PHLDA1High T cell subset could simultaneously cover the exhausted T cell types of CD8+TIM-3+and CD8+PD-1+.Conclusion Based on single-cell sequencing data,this study identified PHLDA1 as a key molecule responsi-ble for CD8+T cell exhaustion in OC,providing new insights for immunotherapy of OC.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of hierarchical teaching based on team-based learning (TBL) combined with Bandura's role model theory in improving the training effectiveness of newly hired gastroenterology nurses.Methods:The 98 nurses recruited in the Department of Gastroenterology from July 2019 to July 2023 were divided into a control group (47) and an observation group (51) according to their order of enrollment. The control group received routine teaching, while the observation group received hierarchical teaching based on TBL plus Bandura's role model theory. The two groups were compared for theoretical and skill assessment scores, clinical communication skills, teamwork ability, training effectiveness, and satisfaction with teaching.Results:After the training, the theoretical and practical assessment scores of the observation group were (81.69±4.26) and (80.29±5.21) points, respectively, which were significantly higher than the (77.57±4.16) and (75.28±5.43) points in the control group ( P<0.05). After the training, both groups showed significant improvements in building harmonious relationships, listening skills, team participation, problem confirmation, information transmission, and validation of feelings, with the observation group scoring higher than the control group. After the training, the trust and support, team orientation, team leadership, and team mental model dimensions scores of both groups were significantly improved, and the observation group showed higher scores than the control group. After the training, the leadership ability, critical patient monitoring, teaching and cooperation, planning evaluation, communication, and professional development scores of both groups were significantly improved, and the observation group demonstrated higher scores than the control group. The observation group scored higher on various dimensions of teaching satisfaction than the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hierarchical teaching based on TBL plus Bandura's role model theory can improve the quality of training newly hired nurses in the gastroenterology department, enhance their clinical communication skills, teamwork abilities, and clinical nursing quality, and facilitate the cultivation of high-quality gastroenterology clinical nurses.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of the alcoholic extract from Scabiosa comosa against hepatic fibrosis （HF）. METHODS Intragastrical administration of carbon tetrachloride was given to induce HF model. By observing the pathological changes in liver tissue， mRNA and protein expressions of HF indexes [α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， collagen type Ⅰ] and phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） pathway-related factors were detected， and the improvement effects and possible mechanism of low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose （50， 100， 200 mg/kg） of alcoholic extract from S. comosa on HF model rats were investigated. Drug-containing serum was prepared by intragastrical administration of alcoholic extract from S. comosa at a concentration of 1 800 mg/（kg·d） （calculated by the amount of raw material）. The effects of drug- containing serum of alcoholic extract from S. comosa on the expression of miRNA-21 were observed through the intervention of HSC-T6 cells with low， medium and high concentrations of drug-containing serum of alcoholic extract from S. comosa （diluted to 10%， 15%， 20%）. miRNA-21 mimics or inhibitors were used to transfect HSC-T6 cells， and the mRNA and protein expressions of factors related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were detected. RESULTS The results of in vivo experiments showed that low， medium and high doses of alcoholic extract from S. comosa significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes in liver tissue of HF rats， and the percentage of collagen was significantly reduced （P＜0.01）； mRNA and protein expressions of the indicators related to HF as well as PI3K and Akt were significantly reduced （P＜0.01）， and mRNA and protein expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten （PTEN） were increased in liver tissue of rats （P＜0.01）. The results of in vitro experiments showed that drug-containing serum of alcoholic extract from S. comosa significantly inhibited the expression of miRNA-21 at low， medium and high concentrations （P＜0.01）； whereas after transfection with miRNA-21 mimics， it was found that miRNA-21 mimics significantly increased mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt （P＜0.01）， while significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN （P＜0.01）； after transfection with miRNA-21 inhibitor， the changes of above indexes were opposite to the above results （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Alcoholic extracts of S. comosa may inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by affecting the expression of miRNA-21， so as to achieve the effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis.

Objective:To investigate the value of flattening filter-free (FFF) mode in postoperative deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) intensigy-modulated radiotherapy for left breast cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. Clinical data of 21 patients with left breast cancer who underwent DIBH intensity-modulated radiotherapy after modified radical surgery in Meizhou People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. On the DIBH-mode CT of each patient, the 7-field intensity-modulation plan was designed using the plan developed in the 6 MV FFF-mode (FFF group) or the plan developed in the 6 MV flattening filter (FF)-mode (FF group). The target areas and organs at risk, dosimetric and biological parameters, and dose validation results were compared between the two plans.Results:Twenty-one patients were female with the age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 47 years old (32 years old, 61 years old). The percentage of target areas receiving 95% of the prescribed dose (V 95%) was (95.9±0.8)% and (95.7±1.9)% in the FF and FFF groups ( t = 2.98, P = 0.089), and the maximum dose was (5 401±251) cGy and (5 424±201) cGy ( t = 2.85, P = 0.181), the fitness indices were 0.88±0.05 and 0.87±0.06 ( t = 0.32, P = 0.562), the homogeneity indices were 1.06±0.01 and 1.07±0.02 ( t = 2.91, P = 0.009), the equivalent uniform doses (EUD) were (51.81±0.21) Gy and (51.97±0.20) Gy ( t = 0.51, P = 0.309), and the tumor control probability (TCP) was (99.68±0.01)% and (99.61±0.02)% ( t = 0.81, P = 0.560). The plans of the FFF group and the FF group were compliant, and the doses of all organs at risk to be irradiated were within the clinically acceptable range, and the radiation doses in the FFF group in the left lung [5 Gy irradiated volume (V 5 Gy), mean dose (D mean), EUD and normal tissue complication rate (NTCP)], right lung (V 5 Gy and D mean), heart (V 10 Gy, D mean, EUD and NTCP), and right breast (V 5 Gy, D mean and EUD) were differently lower than those in the FF group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The monitor units in the FFF and FF groups were (984±132) MU and (751±145) MU ( t = -1.25, P < 0.001), and the total beam-on time was (1.4±0.3) min and (2.2±0.4) min ( t = 0.68, P < 0.001); individual field beam-on time was (12±7) s and (16±10) s ( t = 2.68, P = 0.001), and the beam-on time for each field in patients of the FFF group was less than 25 s; γ pass rates were (97.1±2.8)% and (97.6±2.1)% ( t = 0.59, P = 0.484). Conclusions:In the intensity-modulated radiotherapy of left breast cancer, the radiation dose of the energy to the critical organs in FFF mode is lower and has higher dose rate and shorter treatment time. FFF combined with DIBH technique has positive clinical significance in the intensity-modulated radiotherapy of breast cancer.

Objective:To understand the symptoms of diarrhea of residents in Tianjin and their willingness to vaccinate, to provide reference for health education, prevention and control of infectious diarrhea.Methods:Cross-sectional study design was adopted. From September to December 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among some residents as subjects in Nankai District, Beichen District, Baodi District and Binhai Area of Tianjin by multistage stratified cluster random sampling,to collect information such as sociodemographic characteristics, diarrhea symptoms and vaccination intention. According to the formula n=[ u2απ (1 - π)]/ δ2, the estimated sample size was 3 458 cases. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors related to the willingness of the respondents to receive diarrhea vaccination. The software SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 3 808 subjects were investigated, with the male-to-female ratio as 1∶1.11 (1 806∶2 002), the age was (42.48±21.59) years old, and the education level of middle school or below accounted for 50.84% (1 936/3 808). The incidence rate of diarrhea was 18.28% (696/3 808), and 48.84% (1 860/3 808) were willing to be vaccinated with diarrhea vaccine. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age was 15-59 years old and ≥60 years old (a OR=2.31, 95% CI:1.80-2.96; a OR=1.66, 95% CI:1.38-2.00), lived in Binhai Area (a OR=2.09, 95% CI:1.62-2.71), and those who knew that community health service centers can provide the vaccination (a OR=1.61,95% CI:1.34-1.92), those who walked from the address to the community health service center were less than 15 minutes (a OR=1.54, 95% CI:1.28-1.85), those who often travel or on business (a OR=1.36, 95% CI:1.07-1.73), and those who actively obtained health care information related to diarrhea prevention when going abroad (a OR=1.69,95% CI:1.43-1.98) were more willing to be vaccinated against diarrhea. Conclusions:The incidence of diarrhea symptoms of residents was slightly higher in Tianjin, but they were less willing to be vaccinated against diarrhea. People who often go outside and go abroad were more willing to be vaccinated against diarrhea. It is suggested that the popular science propaganda and health education of diarrhea vaccine should be effectively carried out by using network platform in community.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), and to analyze the changes and trends of perioperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum calcium and serum phosphorus, and the predictive value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) measurement for surgical completion. To provide practical theoretical basis and reference for postoperative treatment of SHPT.Methods:Data of 479 SHPT patients admitted to the First Hospital of Harbin from Dec. 2012 to Dec. 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the admission criteria, 457 patients were screened out and divided into PTX group and incomplete PTX group based on whether the level of postoperative parathyroid hormone was reduced to the normal standard. The levels of iPTH, serum calcium and phosphorus during the perioperative period in the two groups were statistically analyzed. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used for data processing. P<0.05 indicated statistically significant difference. Results:In the analyzed group of 457 patients, the average age was (45.43±11.25) years and the average dialysis age was (90.3±35.8) months. Hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia and high alkaline phosphatase levels accounted for 41.79%, 94.31%, 20.35% and 75.50%, respectively. Bone loss and osteoporosis accounted for 35.45% and 62.36%, respectively. The incidence of restless leg syndrome was 7.67%. IoPTH and post-operative iPTH level in the PTX group were significantly lower than those in the incomplete PTX group ( P=0.001, P<0.001). IoPTH≤150 pg/mL can predict surgical success, and 58.33% of cases can predict surgical failure by ioPTH being 30% higher than preoperative iPTH. There were significant differences in serum calcium and phosphorus levels between the two groups at 3 hours and 2 days after operation. The incidence of hypocalcemia was 43.19% and 82.49% on the day of operation and within 3 days after operation, and the incidence of hungry bone syndrome was 62.12% in the PTX group. The incidence of postoperative hyperkalemia, arteriovenous fistula thrombosis, temporary hoarseness, bleeding and in-hospital mortality was 43.33%, 1.75%, 0.66%, 0.44% and 0.22%, respectively. Conclusions:Parathyroidectomy is an effective and safe treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism, and ioPTH plays an important role in predicting the success of surgery. Timely and effective calcium supplementation is an important measure to prevent the serious occurrence and morbidity of bone hunger syndrome.

Objective:To explore the factors affecting the prognosis of severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.Methods:It was a multicenter prospective observational study. A total of 95 children with severe ARDS who were treated with ECMO salvage therapy from January 2018 to December 2022 in 9 pediatric ECMO centers in China were enrolled in the study. The general data, disease severity, organ function, comprehensive treatment and prognosis were recorded, and they were divided into survival group and death group according to the outcome at discharge. T test, chi-square test, multivariate Logistic regression and mixed linear model were used to analyze the relationship among baseline before ECMO treatment, some important indicators (pediatric critical scores, platelet count, albumin, fibrinogen, etc) during ECMO treatment and prognosis. Results:Among the 95 children with severe ARDS who received ECMO, 55 (58%) were males and 40 (42%) were females, aged 36.9 (0.5, 72.0) months. Twelve children (13%) were immunodeficient. Sixty-eight (72%) children were treated with venous artery (VA) mode and 27 (28%) with venous vein (VV) mode. The discharge survival rates of overall, VA, and VV mode children were 51% (48/95), 47% (32/68), and 59% (16/27), respectively. The number of immunodeficient children in the death group was higher, and there were lower pediatric critical scores, platelet count, albumin, fibrinogen and arterial oxygen partial pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO 2/FiO 2), higher ventilator driving pressure (ΔP), oxygenaion index (OI), and longer ARDS duration before ECMO (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in other indicators, including age, gender, weight, and ECMO mode among different prognostic groups (all P>0.05). High ΔP, high OI, low P/F, and low albumin were high-risk factors affecting prognosis(all P<0.05). After further grouping, it was found that ΔP≥25 cmH 2O (1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), P/F≤67 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and OI≥35 were the thresholds for predicting poor prognosis ( P<0.05). From 24 h after ECMO, there were significant differences in ΔP, P/F and OI between the dead group and the survival group (all P<0.05), and the differences gradually increased with the ECMO process. The platelet level was significant from 7 days after ECMO ( P<0.05) and gradually expanded. Blood lactate levels showed a significant difference between the 2 groups on before and after ECMO ( P<0.05) and gradually increased from 24 h after ECMO. Conclusions:The risk factors affecting the prognosis of severe ARDS in ECMO include high ΔP, high OI, low P/F and low albumin purification therapy before ECMO. The gradual decrease of ΔP, OI and increase of P/F from 24 h of ECMO predicted a good prognosis, while the gradual increase of lactate after ECMO application showed a poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for three fetuses with duodenal atresia or stenosis detected by ultrasonography. METHODS: Clinical data of three fetuses identified at the Women's Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2021 and August 2022 were collected. Umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid samples of the fetuses and peripheral blood samples of their parents were collected and subjected to G-banded chromosomal karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) analysis. RESULTS: Prenatal ultrasound of the three fetuses revealed duodenal atresia or stenosis. No karyotypic abnormality was detected, whilst SNP array has identified 1.4 ~ 1.9 Mb duplications at 17q12 in all of them, which were all predicted to be pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs). CONCLUSION The 17q12 duplications probably underlay the duodenal atresia and stenosis in these fetuses, and chromosomal CNVs should be considered in duodenal atresia and stenosis.
Pregnancy ; Humans ; Female ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Fetus/diagnostic imaging* ; Chromosome Aberrations

METTL3 and METTL14 are two components that form the core heterodimer of the main RNA m6A methyltransferase complex (MTC) that installs m6A. Surprisingly, depletion of METTL3 or METTL14 displayed distinct effects on stemness maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC). While comparable global hypo-methylation in RNA m6A was observed in Mettl3 or Mettl14 knockout mESCs, respectively. Mettl14 knockout led to a globally decreased nascent RNA synthesis, whereas Mettl3 depletion resulted in transcription upregulation, suggesting that METTL14 might possess an m6A-independent role in gene regulation. We found that METTL14 colocalizes with the repressive H3K27me3 modification. Mechanistically, METTL14, but not METTL3, binds H3K27me3 and recruits KDM6B to induce H3K27me3 demethylation independent of METTL3. Depletion of METTL14 thus led to a global increase in H3K27me3 level along with a global gene suppression. The effects of METTL14 on regulation of H3K27me3 is essential for the transition from self-renewal to differentiation of mESCs. This work reveals a regulatory mechanism on heterochromatin by METTL14 in a manner distinct from METTL3 and independently of m6A, and critically impacts transcriptional regulation, stemness maintenance, and differentiation of mESCs.
Animals ; Mice ; Methylation ; Chromatin ; Histones/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger/genetics* ; Methyltransferases/metabolism* ; RNA/metabolism*