OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in response evaluation and relapse monitoring for patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). METHODS: The clinical characteristics, efficacy and survival of 38 PMBCL patients in our hospital from January 2010 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The ctDNA monitoring was conducted by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: Among the 38 patients, 26 cases were female, and 32 cases were diagnosed with Ann Arbor stage I-II. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and progression-free survival (PFS) rate were 74.7% and 61.7%, respectively. Males and those with high aaIPI scores (3 points) had a relatively poor prognosis. The NGS results of 23 patients showed that STAT6 (65.2%), SOCS1 (56.5%), and TNFAIP3 (56.5%) were the most common mutated genes. Patients with stable disease (SD)/progressive disease (PD) exhibited enrichment in cell cycle, FoxO, and TNF signaling pathways. A total of 29 patients underwent end-of-treatment PET/CT (EOT PET/CT), and 16 of them received ctDNA monitoring with 12 negative. Among 6 patients with EOT PET/CT positive (Deauville 4), 4 underwent ctDNA monitoring, and 3 of them were negative, being still in continuous remission without any subsequent anti-tumor therapy. CONCLUSION CtDNA may be combined with PET/CT to assess efficacy, monitor relapse, and guide treatment of PMBCL.
Humans ; Circulating Tumor DNA/blood* ; Female ; Mediastinal Neoplasms ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Prognosis ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Mutation

Patients suffering from nerve injury often experience exacerbated pain responses and complain of memory deficits. The dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), a well-defined region responsible for learning and memory, displays maladaptive plasticity upon injury, which is assumed to underlie pain hypersensitivity and cognitive deficits. However, much attention has thus far been paid to intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Emerging evidence has shown that nerve injury alters the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases ECM rigidity in the dHPC. Despite this, it remains elusive which element of the ECM in the dHPC is affected and how it contributes to neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits. Laminin, a key element of the ECM, consists of α-, β-, and γ-chains and has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed that peripheral nerve injury downregulates laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the dHPC. Silencing of hippocampal LAMB1 exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces cognitive dysfunction. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of hippocampal LAMB1 causes dysregulated Src/NR2A signaling cascades via interaction with integrin β1, leading to decreased Ca²⁺ levels in pyramidal neurons, which in turn orchestrates structural and functional plasticity and eventually results in exaggerated pain responses and cognitive deficits. In this study, we shed new light on the functional capability of hippocampal ECM LAMB1 in the modulation of neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits, and reveal a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified hippocampal LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and related memory loss.
Animals ; Laminin/genetics* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Male ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Integrin beta1/metabolism* ; Pyramidal Cells/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction

Objective To investigate the recovery of plasma metabolism in asymptomatic and mild patients of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)one year after recovery.Methods A total of 174 participants were recruited from the communities in Wuhan,including 80 healthy volunteers and the COVID-19 patients who had recovered for one year.According to the disease severity,the recovered COVID-19 patients were grouped as asymptomatic patients(n=80)and mild patients(n=14).The liquid chromatography mass spectrometry platform was employed to study the metabolomic characteristics of the plasma from all the participants.Results The plasma metabolites in asymptomatic patients and mild patients remained abnormal compared with those in healthy volunteers.Among the differential metabolites in asymptomatic patients and mild patients,some metabolites showed a downward trend only in mild patients,such as phosphatidylethanolamine[20∶3(5Z,8Z,11Z)/P-18∶0],sphingomyelin(d18∶1/24∶0),and cholesteryl(15∶0).The metabolic pathway involving the differential metabolites in mild patients was mainly glycerophospholipid metabolism.Conclusions Even one year after recovery,the mild COVID-19 patients still exhibit metabolic abnormalities.Hence,these patients may experience an extended period of time for recovery.
Humans ; COVID-19/metabolism* ; Metabolomics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Metabolome ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged

Objective:To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results:The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

Objective To understand the whole genome sequence characteristics of a Coxsackievirus A4(CVA4)isolated from Yunnan,China in 2022,and explore the phylogenetic characteristics of CVA4.Methods The whole genome sequence of CVA4 isolate 194R3/YN/CHN/2022 was amplified and sequenced,and the phylogenetic tree of CVA4 isolate was constructed by using Mega 7.0,Geneious 9.1.4 and Simplot 3.5.1 softwares.The whole ge-nome sequence characteristics were analyzed.Results The 194R3/YN/CHN/2022 isolate was identified as CVA4,belonging to the C2 gene subtype,which was consistent with the dominant gene subtype in recent years in China.Recombination analysis showed that recombination of CVA4 virus isolate with EVA114 prototype(V13-0285),CVA16 prototype(G-10),and CVA14 prototype(G-14)at the non-structural coding regions of P2 and P3 may have occurred.Conclusion The 194R3/YN/CHN/2022 isolated from Yunnan belongs to the C2 gene subtype,which is the prevalent CVA4 in China,but with certain mutations.

Panax notoginseng is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng(Burk.)F.H.Chen,a perennial erect herb of the genus Ginseng of the family Wujiaceae.As a traditional Chinese medicine in our country,Panax notoginseng has a good tonic effect,and the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicines has the words that Panax notoginseng is used to tonify the blood,remove the blood stasis and damage,and stop epistaxis.It can also be used to pass the blood and tonify the blood with the best efficacy,and it is the most precious one of the prescription med-icines.Eaten raw,it removes blood stasis and generates new blood,subdues swelling and stabilizes pain,stops bleeding with-out leaving stasis,and promotes blood circulation without hurting the new blood;taken cooked,it can be used to replenish and strengthen the body.Notoginsenoside R1 is a characteristic com-pound in the total saponin of Panax ginseng.In recent years,China's aging has been increasing,and the incidence of neuro-logical disorders has been increasing year by year.Meanwhile,reports on notoginsenoside R1 in the treatment of neurological disorders are increasing,and its neuroprotective effects have been exerted with precise efficacy.The purpose of this paper is to review the treatment of neurological diseases and the mecha-nism of action of notoginsenoside R1,so as to provide a certain theoretical basis for clinical use and new drug development.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of color Doppler ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy in the treatment of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic pyeloplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 15 children with peritoneal irritation after LP who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to January 2023, of which 10 cases were anastomotic leaks and 5 cases were with renal pelvic blood clots. There were 12 males and 3 females. Age (4.2±2.7) years. The lesions were located on the left side of 11 cases and on the right side of 4 cases. All 15 cases had varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and other symptoms. Physical examination: the children all showed painful faces and tense abdominal muscles. 15 patients had a preoperative pain score of 9.5 (8, 10). Ultrasound examination showed that the anterior and posterior diameters of renal pelvis separation were (34.93±4.86) mm, the anterior and posterior diameter/renal parenchymal thickness of renal pelvis separation was 15.66±1.02, renal dynamic nuclear imaging shows the renal function of the affected side was (29.69±1.71)%. Thirteen cases had the above symptoms before the abdominal drainage tube was removed, and the time of symptom onset was (3.3±1.1) days after surgery, of which 8 cases had a large increase in abdominal drainage, and color Doppler ultrasonography showed a large amount of fluid in the intra-abdominal intestinal space (about 500 ml). In 5 cases, the intraperitoneal drainage volume did not increase, and color Doppler ultrasonography showed strong echo in the renal pelvis, and blood clots were considered. All 13 patients were placed in the prone position under local anesthesia and underwent color Doppler ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy. The remaining 2 cases had abdominal drainage tube removed on the 3rd day after surgery, and peritoneal irritation signs appeared on the 4th and 6th days after surgery, respectively. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed that there was a large amount of fluid in the intra-abdominal intestinal space, and color Doppler ultrasound-guided peritoneal puncture and drainage + prone percutaneous nephrostomy was performed in the supine position under local anesthesia, and the biochemical analysis of the peritoneal puncture drainage fluid was confirmed to be anastomotic urine leakage. The drainage volume and urine output of 15 cases of peritoneal puncture drainage and pyelostomy were recorded, and the relief of nausea and vomiting symptoms and the score of postoperative pain after percutaneous nephrostomy were recorded. The changes of hydronephrosis and renal function before and after percutaneous nephrostomy were compared.Results:In this study, 15 patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy with a duration of (16.8±1.9) min. The symptoms of nausea and vomiting disappeared after operation, and the pain scores were 3.2(2, 4) and 0.4(0, 2) at 2 h and 12 h after operation, respectively, which were statistically significant compared with those before operation ( P<0.01). In 13 children with simple percutaneous nephrostomy, the abdominal drainage tube was removed on (3.6±0.8) days and (8.6±1.0) days after percutaneous nephrostomy. In 2 children with peritoneal puncture and drainage plus percutaneous nephrostomy, the abdominal drainage tube was removed 3 days after the fistula operation, and the pyelostomy tube was removed 8 days after the fistula operation. The anterior and posterior diameters of renal pelvis separation were (10.87±4.05), (10.13±3.50) and (9.13±3.11) mm by color Doppler ultrasound at 3, 6 and 12 months after LP operation, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences compared with preoperative comparisons ( P<0.01).The diameter before and after renal pelvis separation was (7.60±2.86) mm, the diameter before and after renal pelvic separation/renal parenchymal thickness was 1.97±0.22, and the renal function was (39.23±2.66)% at 24 months after operation, which was statistically significant compared with that before operation ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Color Doppler ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrostomy can effectively alleviate symptoms in the early stage, which could help to the healing of ureteral anastomosis, and has less trauma and short operation course.

Objective:To conduct a phased summary and analysis of the operation and quality control (QC) of the first human milk bank (HMB) in East China over a ten-year period.Methods:Data on the operation of the HMB at Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, characteristics of donors and recipients, clinical application of donated milk, and operational costs from August 1, 2013, to July 31, 2023, were collected, organized, analyzed, and described. Quality and safety management of the HMB began in 2016, with QC measures implemented. Chi-square tests were used to compare data related to the operation of the HMB, donors, and recipient infants before QC (2013-2015) and after QC (2016-2023). Results:Over the ten-year period since its establishment, the HMB received donor human milk (DHM) from 1 974 donors, totaling 9 390.41 liters. The qualification rate of donors was 86.47% (1 707/1 974), with a qualification rate of DHM of 98.01% (9 203.21/9 390.41) and 21 757 donation instances, with the highest individual donation count reaching 195 times. In the past 10 years, due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus in 2020, the number of milk donors, the amount of DHM and the total number of milk donations decreased significantly, but the amount of DHM per capita and the number of milk donations per capita showed a continuous upward trend. Compared to the period before QC, the qualification rate of donors [96.75% (1 253/1 295) vs. 66.86% (454/679), χ 2=340.33, P<0.001] and the qualification rate of DHM [98.19% (8 366.76/8 521.08) vs. 96.22% (836.45/869.33), χ 2=16.33, P<0.001] both improved after QC. A total of 11 197 recipients received 6 615.38 liters of DHM, with a utilization rate of 71.88% (6 615.38/9 203.21). The current operation mode of the HMB is "voluntary donation, free use". Over ten years, the costs for consumables, testing, labor, energy, and fixed assets amounted to 9.36 million CNY, with an operational cost of 996.32 CNY per liter (9.36 million/9 390.41 L) and approximately 1.00 CNY per milliliter of DHM. Conclusions:The hospital's HMB has been operating stably for ten years, and abundant DHM benefits many newborns. QC measures have effectively increased the qualification rates of both donors and DHM, providing better nutritional support for the treatment of critically ill infants. However, the operational costs of the HMB are relatively high, necessitating the exploration of an operational model suitable for China's national conditions.

Objective:To seek any relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene and blood lipid sensitivity to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).Methods:Two hundred and thirty Han Chinese college students (104 males and 126 females) who were not majoring in sports were recruited to perform a 28-minute high-intensity interval workout three times per week for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, blood levels of triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. The subjects′ DNA was genotyped to obtain SNP loci, and a linear regression model was constructed to quantify any association between ApoE genotypes and phenotypes.Results:(1) A total of 21 SNP loci were identified associated with ApoE genes, one of which (rs7412) was found to be correlated with the training effect on blood lipids. (2) The initial TT and LDL-C values of carriers of the T allele of gene rs7412 (individuals with the CT + TT genotypes) were, on average, significantly lower than those of CC genotype individuals. However, no significant differences in the initial TG and HDL-C values among different genotypes were observed. (3) After the training the average LDL-C levels among the ApoE rs7412 polymorphic groups had changed significantly, with a significantly greater decrease observed among the carriers of the T allele compared with those of CC genotype.Conclusions:ApoE polymorphism may be significantly associated with TT and LDL-C values in Han Chinese youth, with carriers of the T allele tending to display lower levels than those of CC genotype. The polymorphism of ApoE gene rs7412 may be related to LDL-C reduction through HIIT, with carriers of the T allele more sensitive to such training.

Objective To monitor the susceptibility of clinical isolates to antimicrobial agents in tertiary hospitals in major regions of China in 2022.Methods Clinical isolates from 58 hospitals in China were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using a unified protocol based on disc diffusion method or automated testing systems.Results were interpreted using the 2022 Clinical &Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)breakpoints.Results A total of 318 013 clinical isolates were collected from January 1,2022 to December 31,2022,of which 29.5％were gram-positive and 70.5％were gram-negative.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains in Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species(excluding Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus schleiferi)was 28.3％,76.7％and 77.9％,respectively.Overall,94.0％of MRSA strains were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 90.8％of MRSE strains were susceptible to rifampicin.No vancomycin-resistant strains were found.Enterococcus faecalis showed significantly lower resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents tested than Enterococcus faecium.A few vancomycin-resistant strains were identified in both E.faecalis and E.faecium.The prevalence of penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae was 94.2％in the isolates from children and 95.7％in the isolates from adults.The resistance rate to carbapenems was lower than 13.1％in most Enterobacterales species except for Klebsiella,21.7％-23.1％of which were resistant to carbapenems.Most Enterobacterales isolates were highly susceptible to tigecycline,colistin and polymyxin B,with resistance rates ranging from 0.1％to 13.3％.The prevalence of meropenem-resistant strains decreased from 23.5％in 2019 to 18.0％in 2022 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and decreased from 79.0％in 2019 to 72.5％in 2022 in Acinetobacter baumannii.Conclusions The resistance of clinical isolates to the commonly used antimicrobial agents is still increasing in tertiary hospitals.However,the prevalence of important carbapenem-resistant organisms such as carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae,P.aeruginosa,and A.baumannii showed a downward trend in recent years.This finding suggests that the strategy of combining antimicrobial resistance surveillance with multidisciplinary concerted action works well in curbing the spread of resistant bacteria.