Objective:To verify the prognostic value of perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus for patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy, and establish a prognostic prediction nomogram model.Methods:According to 7∶3 radio, 781 gastric cancer patients were randomly divided into training cohort and internal validation cohort. One hundred fifty patients were utilized as the external validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus, and construct the dynamic nomogram. The concordance index (C-index), net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement index, receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curves and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the nomogram.Results:Perineural invasion ( HR=1.486, 95% CI: 1.150-1.919, P<0.01) and lymphovascular tumor embolus ( HR=1.321, 95% CI: 1.030-1.693, P<0.05) were independent prognostic risk factors for patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy. C-index (training cohort: 0.734, internal validation cohort: 0.755, external validation cohort: 0.715), net reclassification index (training cohort: 0.228 for 3-year and 0.213 for 5-year OS prediction; internal validation cohort: 0.211 for 3-year and 0.279 for 5-year OS prediction; external validation cohort: 0.220 for 3-year and 0.440 for 5-year OS prediction) and integrated discrimination improvement index (training cohort: 0.051 for 3-year and 0.041 for 5-year OS prediction; internal validation cohort: 0.027 for 3-year and 0.036 for 5-year OS prediction; external validation cohort: 0.063 for 3-year and 0.153 for 5-year OS prediction) indicated that the nomogram performed better than the traditional TNM staging system ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus are independent prognostic risk factors of gastric cancer patients after postoperative chemotherapy. The novel dynamic nomogram model based on perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus provides better assistance in evaluating prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Objective:To analyze the surveillance results of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, to gain a understanding of the epidemic characteristics and changing trend of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, and to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies and measures for brucellosis.Methods:The surveillance data of brucellosis in Shanxi Province from Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the active surveillance results of 5 national brucellosis surveillance sites from 2018 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analysis.Results:From 2018 to 2023, a total of 24 041 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Shanxi Province, with the number of cases increased from 2 800 in 2018 to 5 131 in 2023. The annual reported incidence was 11.22/100 000, ranging from 7.56/100 000 to 14.74/100 000, showing an overall upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 377.43, P < 0.001). The epidemic had affected all counties (cities and districts) in the province, mainly concentrated in Linfen City, Jinzhong City, Datong City, and Shuozhou City, with a total of 13 489 cases of human brucellosis reported, accounting for 56.11%. The population distribution was mainly composed of individuals aged 40 - 69 (17 682 cases), males (18 513 cases), farmers (20 295 cases), and household and unemployed individuals (1 017 cases). The onset of the disease showed obvious seasonality, with the peak time from March to August, accounting for 66.39% (15 961/24 041). A total of 14 130 occupational individuals were investigated at the surveillance sites, and 11 141 underwent serological tests, with a positive rate of 5.25% (585/11 141), including 299 new cases. The positive rate of serological tests was relatively high in Qinyuan County, at 8.51% (241/2 832). Etiological culture was conducted on 338 human blood samples, and 43 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 12.72%. All strains were Brucella melitensis, including 42 strains of Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions:The overall trend of human brucellosis epidemic in Shanxi Province from 2018 to 2023 is on the rise, and it is still at a high level. It is suggested to continue strengthening monitoring, study the epidemic situation in a timely manner, take comprehensive prevention and control measures, and effectively control the spread of brucellosis.

Objective:To analyze the surveillance results of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, to gain a understanding of the epidemic characteristics and changing trend of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, and to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies and measures for brucellosis.Methods:The surveillance data of brucellosis in Shanxi Province from Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the active surveillance results of 5 national brucellosis surveillance sites from 2018 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analysis.Results:From 2018 to 2023, a total of 24 041 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Shanxi Province, with the number of cases increased from 2 800 in 2018 to 5 131 in 2023. The annual reported incidence was 11.22/100 000, ranging from 7.56/100 000 to 14.74/100 000, showing an overall upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 377.43, P < 0.001). The epidemic had affected all counties (cities and districts) in the province, mainly concentrated in Linfen City, Jinzhong City, Datong City, and Shuozhou City, with a total of 13 489 cases of human brucellosis reported, accounting for 56.11%. The population distribution was mainly composed of individuals aged 40 - 69 (17 682 cases), males (18 513 cases), farmers (20 295 cases), and household and unemployed individuals (1 017 cases). The onset of the disease showed obvious seasonality, with the peak time from March to August, accounting for 66.39% (15 961/24 041). A total of 14 130 occupational individuals were investigated at the surveillance sites, and 11 141 underwent serological tests, with a positive rate of 5.25% (585/11 141), including 299 new cases. The positive rate of serological tests was relatively high in Qinyuan County, at 8.51% (241/2 832). Etiological culture was conducted on 338 human blood samples, and 43 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 12.72%. All strains were Brucella melitensis, including 42 strains of Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions:The overall trend of human brucellosis epidemic in Shanxi Province from 2018 to 2023 is on the rise, and it is still at a high level. It is suggested to continue strengthening monitoring, study the epidemic situation in a timely manner, take comprehensive prevention and control measures, and effectively control the spread of brucellosis.

Objective:To verify the prognostic value of perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus for patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy, and establish a prognostic prediction nomogram model.Methods:According to 7∶3 radio, 781 gastric cancer patients were randomly divided into training cohort and internal validation cohort. One hundred fifty patients were utilized as the external validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus, and construct the dynamic nomogram. The concordance index (C-index), net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement index, receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curves and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the nomogram.Results:Perineural invasion ( HR=1.486, 95% CI: 1.150-1.919, P<0.01) and lymphovascular tumor embolus ( HR=1.321, 95% CI: 1.030-1.693, P<0.05) were independent prognostic risk factors for patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy. C-index (training cohort: 0.734, internal validation cohort: 0.755, external validation cohort: 0.715), net reclassification index (training cohort: 0.228 for 3-year and 0.213 for 5-year OS prediction; internal validation cohort: 0.211 for 3-year and 0.279 for 5-year OS prediction; external validation cohort: 0.220 for 3-year and 0.440 for 5-year OS prediction) and integrated discrimination improvement index (training cohort: 0.051 for 3-year and 0.041 for 5-year OS prediction; internal validation cohort: 0.027 for 3-year and 0.036 for 5-year OS prediction; external validation cohort: 0.063 for 3-year and 0.153 for 5-year OS prediction) indicated that the nomogram performed better than the traditional TNM staging system ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus are independent prognostic risk factors of gastric cancer patients after postoperative chemotherapy. The novel dynamic nomogram model based on perineural invasion and lymphovascular tumor embolus provides better assistance in evaluating prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis and trace back source of infection of human brucellosis in Hunan province during 2010-2018, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of human brucellosis. Methods: The surveillance data of human brucellosis in Hunan during 2010-2018 were analyzed with software Excel 2016 and ArcGIS 10.5, the epidemic characteristics were described using cases number, constituent ratio and rate. The conventional biotype methods were used for the identification of Brucella species, UTS-PCR was applied to further confirm the results from conventional biotype detections, then six virulence genes of two clinical Brucella strains were detected by PCR assay. Cluster analysis of two Brucella strains were performed with Multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) for the investigation of the infection source of human brucellosis. Results: From 2010 to 2018, a total of 728 human brucellosis cases were reported in Hunan with the annual incidence rate of 0.12/100 000. The incidence rate was 2.50/100 000 in Chenzhou and 1.90/100 000 in Yongzhou, higher than those in other areas. The number of counties reporting cases increased from 5 in 2010 to 69 in 2018. Most cases were reported in age group 45-54 years, accounting for 38.32% (279/728). The cases in farmers accounted for 59.07% (430/728) of the total. The male to female ratio of the cases was 2.75 ∶ 1. The reported case number was highest during May-July, accounting for 45.33% (330/728). The incidence was high in summer and autumn, and the peak was in May. The conventional identification showed that two strains were all Brucella melitensis biovar 1, consistent with UTS-PCR amplification results. Six virulence genes were found in two isolated strains, suggesting that the Brucella melitensis strains in this study had strong virulence. MLVA results confirmed that two strains detected in Hunan had complete identical MLVA-16 genotype with strains isolated from goat and camel in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, indicating that there was molecular epidemiology relationship between these strains and the source of infection were originated from Inner Mongolia. Conclusions The epidemic of human brucellosis in Hunan is becoming serious, and disease has spread to general population and non-epidemic areas. Two Brucella melitensis strains detected in Hunan were originated from Inner Mongolia. The quarantine and inspection in animal transportation should be strengthened to prevent human outbreaks of brucellosis.

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in Hainan province. Methods: Automatic microbial identification system of Vitek 2 compact was used for the preliminary identification of 16 brucellosis cases in Hainan province from 2012 to 2017, and further confirmation was performed with traditional biological typing methods. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed in combination with the results of serological and etiological tests for raised livestock. Results: Vitek 2 compact detection results showed that 12 strains were Brucella (B.) melitensis and 4 strains were Ochrobactrum anthropi. Traditional biological typing methods showed that 11 strains were B. melitensis biovar 3 and 5 strains were B. suis biovar 3. Sixteen cases were found in Dongfang, Lingao, Haikou, Wanning, Ledong and Ding’an with 1 case in 2012, 2 cases in 2013, 4 cases in 2014, 1 case in 2015, 2 cases in 2016 and 6 cases in 2017 respectively. At the same time, 745 sheep serum samples from the epidemic area (Dongfang) were collected for Brucella serum antibody detection, in which 47 were positive (6.3%). And B. melitensis biovar 3 was isolated from samples collected from sick sheep in Dongfang. Conclusions Vitek 2 compact is an simple and convenient method for Brucella identification, but it cannot replace traditional biological typing methods yet. The major epidemic strains of Brucella in Hainan were B. melitensis biovar 3 and B. suis biovar 3. The epidemic of brucellosis in Dongfang in 2017 indicated that brucellosis had spread from animal to human in Hainan, and it is very important to strengthen the prevention and control of brucellosis in Hainan.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological surveillance results of human brucellosis in Shanxi Province from 2012 to 2017,to know the epidemic status of brucellosis,and to provide evidence for prevention and control of brucellosis.Methods Incidence date and surveillance date of disease outbreaks in Shanxi Province from 2012 to 2017 were collected,the retrospective analysis method was used to analysis the "three distribution" of brucellosis,outbreak situation and the results of serological and pathogenic surveillance in the 4 surveillance stations.Results A total of 36 220 brucellosis cases were reported from 2012 to 2017,the average incidence was 16.62/100 000;8 540 brucellosis cases were reported in 2014,with incidence 23.53/100 000;a total of 23 197 cases of brucellosis were reported mainly in Datong,Shuozhou,Jinzhong and Xinzhou,accounting for 64.04％ of the province total.The onset was seasonal,and the peak of the epidemic was from March to August,accounting for 67.23％ (24 350/36 220).The brucellosis cases were mainly youth (23 084),male (28 317),farmers and herdsman (32 616).In the 4 surveillance stations of the brucellosis,39 140 cases were investigated,of which 10 536 cases did serological test,in which 585 were positive for Brucella (5.55％).The highest positive rate of serological test was 9.50％ (226/2 738) which was found in Tianzhen.A total of 626 samples carried out pathogen culture,in which 107 strains of brucellosis were detected,the detection rate was 17.09％,and 106 strains Brucella were melitensis biovar 3 of the total strains except 1 mutant.Conclusions The reported incidence in Shanxi Province is in a decline tendency,but the situation of brucellosis epidemic is still relatively serious.It is suggested that the surveillance work should be strengthened;the epidemic situation of brucellosis should be mastered in time and effectively controlled.

Objective To understand the infected strains and prevalence of brucellosis in occupational population in Tacheng and Kashgar regions,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Methods In September 2015,blood samples from occupational population (including herders,semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral,veterinarians) and non-occupational population (including students and cadres) were collected to detect Brucellaspecific antibody and bacterial nucleic acids by rose bengal plate test (RBPT),serological standard tube agglutination test (SAT) and PCR methods,respectively.The positive products of PCR were sent to Shanghai Sangon Biotechnology Co.,LTD.Then the sequence results were retrieved online using the basic alignment search tool (BLAST) in GenBank web page and uploaded to NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information).Results A total of 546 blood samples were tested,including 300 males,aged (55-± 15) years old,and 246 females,aged (54 ± 12) years old.The positive rates were 17.58％ (96/546) and 6.78％ (37/546) in 546 blood samples by serological method and genetic markers targeting omp22 and omp2,respectively.The positive rates were statistically significant (x2 =29.8,P ＜ 0.05).Additionally,based on BLAST analysis of outer membrane protein omp22 and omp2 genes,the positive products were identified as Brucella abortus,and the sequence similarity was 100.00％ (253/253,863/863 bp) to Brucella abortus strain Wisconsin genome assembly,chromosome (LT651712).Conclusions Brucellosis has a high infection rate in the occupational population of some animal husbandry-based groups in Xinjiang.The infection strain is abortive species Brucella,and health education for the occupational population and prevention of brucellosis should be strengthened to reduce the infection rate.

Objective To screen the most suitable medium for Brucella drug susceptibility test, and observe the resistance of human derived Brucella to different antibiotics. Methods Totally 180 strains of Brucella isolated from 25 provinces (municipalities, autonomous regions) in recent years were taken as observation objects. Mueller-Hinton ( MH ) agar , MH blood agar and Brinell agar were used to carried out the drug susceptibility test in vitro, and to compare the results of drug susceptibility test of different medium; the most suitable Brucella drug susceptibility test medium was used to detect the resistance of human derived Brucella to Doxycycline, Rifampicin, Streptomycin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Ceftriaxone sodium, Co-trimoxazole and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid by K-B drug sensitive paper, and to observe the formation of antibacterial ring around the drug sensitive paper. Results The growth of Brucella on the MH agar and MH blood agar were slower than that on the Brinell agar, and the antibacterial rings were not obvious. All the 180 strains of Brucella were sensitive to seven antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Rifampicin, Streptomycin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Ceftriaxone sodium, and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid; and 70 strains of Brucella were resistant to Co-trimoxazole, accounting for 39％ (70/180); Brucella strains resistant to Co-trimoxazole were found in 21 provinces. Conclusions Brinell agar is the most suitable medium for Brucella susceptibility test. The human derived Brucella is resistant to Co-trimoxazole; the resistant strains are distributed in 21 provinces ( municipalities , autonomous regions ) . It is recommended that relevant departm ents of the province ( municipalities , autonomous regions ) carry out epidemiological investigations on the resistance of Brucella, and strengthen the monitoring of drug resistance in clinical drugs of brucellosis patients.

Objective To identify Brucella species by means of bacteriological and polymerase chain reaction(PCR)methods,and to understand the drug susceptibility by in vitro susceptibility test of these strains to eight antimicrobial drugs.Methods The isolated Brucella strains were identified by standard method with conventional positive serum experiment,monophase specificity serum(A,M and R) agglutination experiment and brucella phage splitting experiment(Tb and BK2).Reference strains were set as control group.Molecular typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)targeting Brucella surface protein 31(BCSP-31)and(abortus melitensis ovis suis,AMOS)-PCR assay which is able to distinguish among B.abortus,B.melitensis,B.ovis and B.porcine.Microdilution broth method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations(MIC)of 8 antibiotics to 27 Brucella strains isolated from blood culture,including azithromucin,ciprofloxacin,levofloxacin,doxycycline,rifampicin, gentamicin,acheomycin,and streptomycin.Results Twenty-seven strains were identified as B. melitensis,of which 21 were B.melitensis biovar 3 isolates,6 were B.melitensis biovar 1.The BCSP-31-PCR confirmed that all 27 isolates were Brucella.spp.AMOS-PCR assay confirmed that all isolates were B.melitensis.All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin,levofloxacin,doxycycline,gentamicin, acheomycin,and streptomycin.Doxycycline was the most effective antibiotic(MIC900.064 mg/L),while rifampicin was moderately active to 3 isolates(MIC 2 mg/L).Conclusions Brucella isolates are susceptible in vitro to the antibiotics recommended by world health organization.Regular evaluation of antibiotic susceptibilities of Brucella strains is helpful for epidemiological investigation and antibiotic resistance monitor.