Objective:To investigate the effects of microRNA (miR) -125b on the proliferation and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell by targeting Polo like kinases (PLK4).Methods:The tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of 65 patients with HCC were collected from March 2022 to March 2023 in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, including 33 males and 32 females, aged (60.1±5.6) years. The expressions of miR-125a and miR-125b in liver cancer, adjacent tissues and liver cancer cells were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Low expression liver cancer cell was selected to transfect negative control (NC) sequences of miR, miR-125a and miR-125b. Subsequently, miR-NC and NC plasmid, miR-125b sequence and NC plasmid, and miR-125b sequence and PLK4 plasmid were co-transfected. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting assay, the expression of PLK4, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was detected by Western blot, and miR-125b-targeting PLK4 were detected by bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene.Results:The relative expressions of miR-125a and miR-125b in HCC patients were (0.62±0.08) and (0.58±0.07), respectively, lower than those in adjacent tissues (1.00±0.12) and (1.00±0.13), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=21.24, 22.93, P=0.005, P<0.001). HepG2 cells with low expression of miR-125a and miR-125b and miR-125b targeting PI3K/Akt were selected for transfection. Bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-125b binds to PLK4. Overexpression of miR-125b could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells and the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt, while overexpression of PLK4 could partially reverse the proliferation inhibition caused by miR-125b and the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt, (0.91±0.07) vs(0.41±0.04), (0.97±0.08) vs (0.32±0.03)( t=13.87, 17.01, both P<0.001). Conclusion:The inhibitory effect of miR-125b on HepG2 cell proliferation and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is partly mediated by targeted inhibition of PLK4.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Tubridge flow diverter(TFD)in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.Methods The clinical data of 13 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage,who received TFD treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between March 2019 and Jul 2022,were retrospectively collected.The perioperative materials and follow-up results were summarized and analyzed.Results Successful operation was accomplished in all the 13 patients(13 aneurysms in total).TFD and coil embolization were simultaneously performed in 10 patients(simultaneous treatment),spring coil filling followed by selective staged TFD placement was adopted in 2 patients(staged treatment),and pure TFD placement was employed in one patient.The incidence of perioperative complications was 15.4%(2/13),including asymptomatic ischemic event in one patient and extra-ventricular drainage-related postoperative bleeding in another patient,which caused death of the patient.The median follow-up time was 6.5 months,and 83.3%of patients(10/12)completed cerebral angiography reexamination with DSA.OKM grade D(complete occlusion of the aneurysm)was obtained in 8 patients(80%),and OKM grade C(residual aneurysm neck)in 2 patients.Conclusion For ruptured intracranial aneurysms,TFD implantation is a clinically feasible treatment with favorable safety and efficacy.

Objective To evaluate the potential clinical value of T2 mapping and mDixon Quant in the diagnosis of early interver-tebral disc degeneration.Methods A total of 79 volunteers who underwent lumbar MRI examination were enrolled.All subjects were examined for 3.0T MR with T2WI,T2 mapping,and mDixon Quant while recording the condition of low back pain.The differ-ences between T2 mapping(map)value and fat fraction(FF)values of the vertebral(V)and nucleus pulposus(NP)within the Pfir-rmann Ⅰ and Pfirrmann Ⅱ intervertebral disc(grade Ⅰ 76,grade Ⅱ 87)were statistically analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analyses were performed for meaningful parameters.Results V-FF showed a mild positive correlation with degenera-tive intervertebral disc lesions,and NP-FF and NP-map values showed a mild negative correlation with lesions.There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in V-FF(P＜0.001),NP-FF(P=0.005),and NP-map(P＜0.001).Some measure-ments had statistically significant differences when different intervertebral disc segments were compared.Conclusion V-FF,NP-FF,and NP-map are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration.T2 mapping and mDixon Quant are potentially valuable as diagnostic tools to quantitatively assess early intervertebral disc degeneration and help diagnose.

Background: and Purpose The electrophysiologic characteristics of peripheral neuropathy secondary to nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse remain unclear. The paper therefore aimed to summarize the electrophysiologic characteristics of N2O-associated peripheral neuropathy and identify the risk factors of severe nerve injury. Methods: The electrophysiologic results and clinical data of patients with peripheral neuropathy secondary to N2O abuse at our hospital between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively, and their electrophysiologic changes were summarized. Results: Most patients exhibited decreased sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities (75% and 76%), decreased sensory nerve and compound motor action potentials (57% and 59%), and prolonged distal motor latency (59%), while a response was absent in 36%. These findings indicate that N2O abuse can result in generalized injury to sensory and motor nerves. Electrophysiologic results indicated axonal neuropathy in 37 cases (49%), demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in 4 (5%), and mixed neuropathy in 12 (16%). Peripheral nerve injury was more common in the lower limbs (72%) than in the upper limbs (42%, p<0.0001). The upper and lower limbs were primarily affected by sensory nerve demyelination (35%) and motor axonal injury (67%), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that longer N2O exposure and longer disease course were associated with more-severe motor axonal injury in the lower limbs. Conclusions N2O-associated peripheral neuropathy can lead to sensory and motor nerve injury, with axonal injury being the most common. Injuries were more severe in the lower limbs. Prolonged N2O exposure and disease course increased the severity of motor axonal injury in the lower limbs.

Objective:To assess the ultrasonographic features and potential diseases of fetal abnormal sylvian fissure(SF), and to explore the value of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in prenatal detection.Methods:A total of 28 fetuses with a sonographic diagnosis of abnormal SF in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between October 2018 and October 2020 were prospectively included. The fetal brain was evaluated by neuroultrasound and intrauterine MRI in detail. Amniotic fluid/cord blood obtained by amniocentesis or tissue samples from umbilical cord after birth were collected for WGS. Pregnancy outcomes and postnatal MRI were recorded, and neurodevelopment of live-born infants was followed up for more than 24 months after delivery.Results:During the study period, 28 fetuses with abnormal SF were identified, with a gestational age of 21.3-30.0 (24.8±2.0) weeks. Abnormal SF presented in MCD ( n=15, 53.6%), chromosomal anomalies ( n=3, 10.7%) or single-gene genetic syndromes ( n=3, 10.7%) with the affected fetuses showing developmental delay, hydrocephalus or leukomalacia ( n=4, 14.2%), corpus callosal agenesis with large interhemispheric cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), benign subarachnoid space enlargement with arachnoid cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), and multiple malformations ( n=1, 3.6%). Among the 15 cases with MCD, the most common pathology was lissencephaly/pachygyria, followed by schizencephaly, severe microcephaly, hemimegalencephaly with paraventricular heterotopia, and polymicrogyria. Abnormal SF presented bilaterally in 23 fetuses and unilaterally in 5. All cases were categorized into six types depending on SF morphology in the transthalamic section: no plateau-like or a small insula, linear type, irregular corrugated SF, Z-shaped, and cyst occupying type. In addition to abnormal SF, associated anomalies or mild variations were identified in all fetuses. There were 17 cases underwent intrauterine MRI, and 13 cases underwent postnatal MRI examination.And 25 pregnancies were terminated; 3 were born alive, and 2 had typical syndromic changes with poor neurodevelopmental prognosis. A related pathogenic genetic variant was detected in 57.1% (16/28) fetus, and the incidence of single nucleotide variants(SNVs) was 42.9% (12/28), among which de novo SNVs accounted for 91.7% (11/12). Conclusions:Fetal abnormal SF could be classified based on the ultrasonographic features of transthalamic section. Fetal abnormal SF may indicate MCD, some chromosomal abnormalities or single-gene genetic syndromes that may lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and may be affected by extra-cortical factors. It is suggested to carry out targeted prenatal genetic diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal SF.

Objective    To study the diagnosis and treatment of aortopulmonary window (APW) associated with severe pulmonary hypertension. Methods    The clinical data of 23 patients with APW undergoing surgical treatment in The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 9 male and 14 female patients. The age was 3-132 (4.63±2.14) months. The weight was 3.3-35.0 (17.3±3.6) kg. Results    Windows were situated in the proximal of semilunar valve (type Ⅰ) in 8 patients, and distal of the aorta (type Ⅱ) in 14 patients, from proximal to distal (type Ⅲ) in only 1 patient. Eleven patients were isolated APW, the others were combined with cardiac defects. The mean pulmonary artery pressure was 68.4±7.5 mm Hg. All patients underwent surgical correction under general anesthesia and hypothermia cardiopulmonary bypass. All patients were discharged uneventfully, with an average follow-up time of 4 years. The patients showed good outcomes and no residual shunt after surgery, and the pulmonary artery pressure decreased to normal. Conclusion    APW is an uncommon congenital cardiac anomaly. The clinical presentation is an excessive left-to-right shunt, and most patients present early in life. Development of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular resistance is usually rapid. Operative treatment is indicated as soon as the diagnosis is established, regardless of the patient’s age, and most patients after surgery have a good long-term outcome.

Objective:To investigate the association between shift work and the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis.Methods:The study population came from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort established in 2008. In September 2008, the Dongfeng Motor Company in Hubei Province was to recruit all retired workers who voluntarily participated in the survey as the research objects. During the follow-up conducted from April to October 2013, a total of 14 438 retired workers, i.e. all of the participants who underwent physical examination were investigated about demographic characteristics, lifestyles, occupation history, and lower extremity joint-related medical history, and additionally completed lower extremity joint examinations. After excluding individuals with missing data regarding lower extremity osteoarthritis, with the history of lower extremity joint trauma, or with history of rheumatoid arthritis (N=532), data from 13 906 participants was analyzed in the study. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between shift work and lower extremity osteoarthritis. After stratified by the duration of shift work, multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the duration after leaving from shift work and lower extremity osteoarthritis.Results:Finally, a total of 13 906 retired employees included 7 560 (54.4%) females with a mean age of 64.74 (standard deviation 8.23) years old. 5 537 (39.8%) workers had ever engaged in shift work, including 2 004 (14.4%) workers with 1-9 years of shift work and 3 533 (25.4%) workers with ≥ 10 years of shift work. The prevalence of lower extremity osteoarthritis was 7.0%, while the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis were 6.7% and 0.7%, respectively. Compared with daytime workers, shift workers showed a 22% increase in the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis ( OR=1.22, 95 %CI:1.06-1.40). Each 5-year increase in the duration of shift work was associated with a 4% increase in the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis ( OR=1.04, 95 %CI:1.01-1.08). With the extension of the duration after leaving from shift work, the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis decreased. Similar relationships were found between shift work and the risk of knee osteoarthritis, as well as hip osteoarthritis. Conclusion:Shift work was associated with the increased risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis.

Objective:To investigate the association between shift work and the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis.Methods:The study population came from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort established in 2008. In September 2008, the Dongfeng Motor Company in Hubei Province was to recruit all retired workers who voluntarily participated in the survey as the research objects. During the follow-up conducted from April to October 2013, a total of 14 438 retired workers, i.e. all of the participants who underwent physical examination were investigated about demographic characteristics, lifestyles, occupation history, and lower extremity joint-related medical history, and additionally completed lower extremity joint examinations. After excluding individuals with missing data regarding lower extremity osteoarthritis, with the history of lower extremity joint trauma, or with history of rheumatoid arthritis (N=532), data from 13 906 participants was analyzed in the study. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between shift work and lower extremity osteoarthritis. After stratified by the duration of shift work, multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the duration after leaving from shift work and lower extremity osteoarthritis.Results:Finally, a total of 13 906 retired employees included 7 560 (54.4%) females with a mean age of 64.74 (standard deviation 8.23) years old. 5 537 (39.8%) workers had ever engaged in shift work, including 2 004 (14.4%) workers with 1-9 years of shift work and 3 533 (25.4%) workers with ≥ 10 years of shift work. The prevalence of lower extremity osteoarthritis was 7.0%, while the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis were 6.7% and 0.7%, respectively. Compared with daytime workers, shift workers showed a 22% increase in the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis ( OR=1.22, 95 %CI:1.06-1.40). Each 5-year increase in the duration of shift work was associated with a 4% increase in the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis ( OR=1.04, 95 %CI:1.01-1.08). With the extension of the duration after leaving from shift work, the risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis decreased. Similar relationships were found between shift work and the risk of knee osteoarthritis, as well as hip osteoarthritis. Conclusion:Shift work was associated with the increased risk of lower extremity osteoarthritis.

Objective:Surgical site infection (SSI) can markedly prolong postoperative hospital stay, aggravate the burden on patients and society, even endanger the life of patients. This study aims to investigate the national incidence of SSI following abdominal surgery and to analyze the related risk factors in order to provide reference for the control and prevention of SSI following abdominal surgery.Methods:A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical data of all the adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery in 68 hospitals across the country from June 1 to 30, 2020 were collected, including demographic characteristics, clinical parameters during the perioperative period, and the results of microbial culture of infected incisions. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI within postoperative 30 days, and the secondary outcomes were ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and the mortality within postoperative 30-day. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors of SSI after abdominal surgery.Results:A total of 5560 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were included, and 163 cases (2.9%) developed SSI after surgery, including 98 cases (60.1%) with organ/space infections, 19 cases (11.7%) with deep incisional infections, and 46 cases (28.2%) with superficial incisional infections. The results from microbial culture showed that Escherichia coli was the main pathogen of SSI. Multivariate analysis revealed hypertension (OR=1.792, 95% CI: 1.194-2.687, P=0.005), small intestine as surgical site (OR=6.911, 95% CI: 1.846-25.878, P=0.004), surgical duration (OR=1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.003, P<0.001), and surgical incision grade (contaminated incision: OR=3.212, 95% CI: 1.495-6.903, P=0.003; Infection incision: OR=11.562, 95%CI: 3.777-35.391, P<0.001) were risk factors for SSI, while laparoscopic or robotic surgery (OR=0.564, 95%CI: 0.376-0.846, P=0.006) and increased preoperative albumin level (OR=0.920, 95%CI: 0.888-0.952, P<0.001) were protective factors for SSI. In addition, as compared to non-SSI patients, the SSI patients had significantly higher rate of ICU stay [26.4% (43/163) vs. 9.5% (514/5397), χ 2=54.999, P<0.001] and mortality within postoperative 30-day [1.84% (3/163) vs.0.01% (5/5397), χ 2=33.642, P<0.001], longer ICU stay (median: 0 vs. 0, U=518 414, P<0.001), postoperative hospital stay (median: 17 days vs. 7 days, U=656 386, P<0.001), and total duration of hospitalization (median: 25 days vs. 12 days, U=648 129, P<0.001), and higher hospitalization costs (median: 71 000 yuan vs. 39 000 yuan, U=557 966, P<0.001). Conclusions:The incidence of SSI after abdominal surgery is 2.9%. In order to reduce the incidence of postoperative SSI, hypoproteinemia should be corrected before surgery, laparoscopic or robotic surgery should be selected when feasible, and the operating time should be minimized. More attentions should be paid and nursing should be strengthened for those patients with hypertension, small bowel surgery and seriously contaminated incision during the perioperative period.

Objective:Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common infectious complication after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS). To a large extent, most SSI can be prevented, but there are few relevant studies in China. This study mainly investigated the current situation of SSI occurrence after EAS in China, and further explored risk factors for SSI occurrence.Methods:Multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical data of patients undergoing EAS in 33 hospitals across China between May 1, 2019 and June 7, 2019 were prospectively collected, including perioperative data and microbial culture results from infected incisions. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI after EAS, while the secondary outcomes were postoperative hospital stay, ICU occupancy rate, length of ICU stay, hospitalization cost, and mortality within postoperative 30 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of SSI after EAS.Results:A total of 660 EAS patients aged (47.9±18.3) years were enrolled in this study, including 56.5% of males (373/660). Forty-nine (7.4%) patients developed postoperative SSI. The main pathogen of SSI was Escherichia coli [culture positive rate was 32.7% (16/49)]. As compared to patients without SSI, those with SSI were more likely to be older (median 56 years vs. 46 years, U=19 973.5, P<0.001), male [71.4% (35/49) vs. 56.1% (343/611), χ 2=4.334, P=0.037] and diabetes [14.3% (7/49) vs. 5.1% (31/611), χ 2=5.498, P=0.015]; with-lower preoperative hemoglobin (median: 122.0 g/L vs. 143.5 g/L, U=11 471.5, P=0.006) and albumin (median: 35.5 g/L vs. 40.8 g/L, U=9452.0, P<0.001), with higher blood glucose (median: 6.9 mmol/L vs. 6.0 mmol/L, U=17 754.5, P<0.001); with intestinal obstruction [32.7% (16/49) vs. 9.2% (56/611), χ 2=25.749, P<0.001], with ASA score 3-4 [42.9% (21/49) vs. 13.9% (85/611), χ 2=25.563, P<0.001] and with high surgical risk [49.0% (24/49) vs. 7.0% (43/611), χ 2=105.301, P<0.001]. The main operative procedure resulting in SSI was laparotomy [81.6%(40/49) vs. 35.7%(218/611), χ 2=40.232, P<0.001]. Patients with SSI experienced significantly longer operation time (median: 150 minutes vs. 75 minutes, U=25 183.5, P<0.001). In terms of clinical outcome, higher ICU occupancy rate [51.0% (25/49) vs. 19.5% (119/611), χ 2=26.461, P<0.001], more hospitalization costs (median: 44 000 yuan vs. 15 000 yuan, U=24 660.0, P<0.001), longer postoperative hospital stay (median: 10 days vs. 5 days, U=23 100.0, P<0.001) and longer ICU occupancy time (median: 0 days vs. 0 days, U=19 541.5, P<0.001) were found in the SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the elderly (OR=3.253, 95% CI: 1.178-8.985, P=0.023), colorectal surgery (OR=9.156, 95% CI: 3.655-22.937, P<0.001) and longer operation time (OR=15.912, 95% CI:6.858-36.916, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of SSI, while the laparoscopic surgery (OR=0.288, 95% CI: 0.119-0.694, P=0.006) was an independent protective factor for SSI. Conclusions:For patients undergoing EAS, attention should be paid to middle-aged and elderly patients and those of colorectal surgery. Laparoscopic surgery should be adopted when feasible and the operation time should be minimized, so as to reduce the incidence of SSI and to reduce the burden on patients and medical institutions.