Objective:To investigate the risk factors associated with post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD) in very preterm infants.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 369 very preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, within one week of birth from January 2019 to June 2023. Data on maternal and infant clinical characteristics, neonatal morbidities, and treatments during hospitalization were collected. The very preterm infants were divided into 2 groups based on whether they developed PPRD. Continuous variables were compared using Mann-Whitney U test, while categorical variables were compared using χ2 tests or continuity correction χ2 test. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for PPRD in very preterm infants. Results:Among the 369 very preterm infants, 217 cases(58.8%) were male, with a gestational age of 30 (28, 31) weeks at birth and a birth weight of 1 320 (1 085, 1 590) g. Of these, 116 cases (31.4%) developed PPRD, while 253 cases (68.6%) did not. The very preterm infants in the PPRD group had a lower gestational age and lower birth weight (both, P<0.001). The PPRD group also had a higher proportion of males, lower Apgar scores at the 1 th minute after birth and the 5 th minutes after birth, a higher rate of born via cesarean delivery, and a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, more pulmonary surfactant treatment, longer durations of mechanical ventilation, longer total oxygen therapy, and lower Z-score for weight at discharge (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age ( OR=0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99, P=0.037), born via cesarean delivery ( OR=2.23, 95% CI 1.21-4.10, P=0.010), a duration of mechanical ventilation ≥7 days ( OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.43-4.39, P=0.001), and a Z-score for weight at discharge ( OR=0.82, 95% CI 0.67-0.99, P=0.040) were all independent risk factors for PPRD in very preterm infants. Conclusion:Very preterm infants with a small gestational age, born via cesarean section, mechanical ventilation ≥7 days, and a low Z-score for weight at discharge should be closely monitored for PPRD, and provided with standardized respiratory management after discharge.

Evading host immunity killing is a critical step for virus survival. Inhibiting viral immune escape is crucial for the treatment of viral diseases. Serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) was reported to play an essential role in ion homeostasis. However, its potential role and mechanism in viral infection remain unknown. In this study, we found that viral infection promoted STK39 expression. Consequently, overexpressed STK39 inhibited the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the production of type I interferon, which led to viral replication and immune escape. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of STK39 significantly protected mice from viral infection. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays identified that STK39 interacted with PPP2R1A (a scaffold subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)) in a kinase activity-dependent manner. This interaction inhibited DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 1 (DCAF1)-mediated PPP2R1A degradation, maintained the stabilization and phosphatase activity of PP2A, which, in turn, suppressed the phosphorylation of IRF3, decreased the production of type I interferon, and then strengthened viral replication. Thus, our study provides a novel theoretical basis for viral immune escape, and STK39 may be a potential therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency.Methods:Clinical data of patients with cleft lip and palate diagnosed with velopharyngeal insufficiency and undergoing modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2018 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The traditional posterior pharyngeal flap surgery was improved by combining the modern concept and method of soft palate muscle reconstruction, and performed modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency. Preoperative and postoperative follow-up were performed including speech evaluation (classifying as none, mild, moderate, moderate to severe hypernasality and nasal emission), nasopharyngeal fiberscope (classifying velopharyngeal insufficiency as mild, moderate, or severe), lateral cephalometric radiographs (resting position and /i/ position), and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The recovery of velopharyngeal function and nasal ventilation after the operation were statistically analyzed. The difference of resting velar length (RVL), effective working length (EWL) and angel of velar lifting (AVL) before and after the operation was compared by paired t-test to evaluate the clinical effect of surgery. P<0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference. Results:A total of 83 patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency were enrolled, including 44 males and 39 females, aged (13.04±11.31) years (4-53 years). 83 patients were followed up for 6-18 months after surgery, and all patients had primary wound healing without postoperative bleeding, perforation, or posterior pharyngeal flap detachment; 78 cases achieved complete velopharyngeal closure, the surgical success rate was 94%, three patients still had mild hypernasality and nasal emission after surgery, one patient still had moderate hypernasality and nasal emission after surgery, and one patient had severe hypernasality after surgery. The RVL was (29.27±6.01) mm before the operation and (36.88±6.51) mm after the operation.The EWL of the soft palate was (18.53±5.04) mm before the operation and (25.76±5.17) mm after the operation.The angel of velar lifting was 11.42°±11.65° before the operation and 15.91°±8.54° after operation. The differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01). 98%(81/83) patients had subjective nasal obstruction symptom in the short period after surgery (within one month), the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score was 8.61±3.64. The long-term postoperative follow-up showed that the NOSE score was 3.06±2.92, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery can significantly increase the resting velar length and effective working length, improve the movement ability of the soft palate, acquire functional reconstruction of velopharyngeal closure, improve speech function and achieve effectively surgical results.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery in the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency.Methods:Clinical data of patients with cleft lip and palate diagnosed with velopharyngeal insufficiency and undergoing modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2018 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The traditional posterior pharyngeal flap surgery was improved by combining the modern concept and method of soft palate muscle reconstruction, and performed modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency. Preoperative and postoperative follow-up were performed including speech evaluation (classifying as none, mild, moderate, moderate to severe hypernasality and nasal emission), nasopharyngeal fiberscope (classifying velopharyngeal insufficiency as mild, moderate, or severe), lateral cephalometric radiographs (resting position and /i/ position), and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The recovery of velopharyngeal function and nasal ventilation after the operation were statistically analyzed. The difference of resting velar length (RVL), effective working length (EWL) and angel of velar lifting (AVL) before and after the operation was compared by paired t-test to evaluate the clinical effect of surgery. P<0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference. Results:A total of 83 patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency were enrolled, including 44 males and 39 females, aged (13.04±11.31) years (4-53 years). 83 patients were followed up for 6-18 months after surgery, and all patients had primary wound healing without postoperative bleeding, perforation, or posterior pharyngeal flap detachment; 78 cases achieved complete velopharyngeal closure, the surgical success rate was 94%, three patients still had mild hypernasality and nasal emission after surgery, one patient still had moderate hypernasality and nasal emission after surgery, and one patient had severe hypernasality after surgery. The RVL was (29.27±6.01) mm before the operation and (36.88±6.51) mm after the operation.The EWL of the soft palate was (18.53±5.04) mm before the operation and (25.76±5.17) mm after the operation.The angel of velar lifting was 11.42°±11.65° before the operation and 15.91°±8.54° after operation. The differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01). 98%(81/83) patients had subjective nasal obstruction symptom in the short period after surgery (within one month), the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score was 8.61±3.64. The long-term postoperative follow-up showed that the NOSE score was 3.06±2.92, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Modified posterior pharyngeal flap surgery can significantly increase the resting velar length and effective working length, improve the movement ability of the soft palate, acquire functional reconstruction of velopharyngeal closure, improve speech function and achieve effectively surgical results.

Background::Intrauterine valvuloplasty is an innovative therapy, which promotes ventricular growth and function in some congenital heart diseases (CHDs). The technique remains challenging and can only be performed in a few centers. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and mid-term outcomes of fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) in fetuses with critical CHD in an experienced tertiary center.Methods::Five fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) or fetal pulmonary valvuloplasty (FPV) procedures were performed in our fetal heart center between August 2018 and May 2022. Technical success was defined as crossing the aortic or pulmonary valve and balloon inflation, followed by evidence of increased blood flow across the valve and/or new regurgitation. Follow-up clinical records and echocardiography were obtained during the prenatal and postnatal periods.Results::Five fetuses received FAV or FPV, including critical aortic stenosis ( n = 2) and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum ( n = 3). The mean maternal age was 33.0 ± 2.6 years. The median gestational age (GA) at diagnosis was 24 weeks (range, 22-26 weeks). The median GA at intervention was 29 weeks (range, 28-32 weeks). All five cases underwent successful or partially successful procedures. One patient had pulmonary valve perforation without balloon dilation. No procedure-related deaths or significant complications occurred. However, one neonatal death occurred due to heart and renal failure. The median follow-up period was 29.5 months (range, 8.0-48.0 months). The four surviving patients had achieved biventricular circulation, exhibited improved valve, and ventricular development at the last follow-up visit. Conclusion::Intrauterine FCI could be performed safely with good prognosis in critical CHD.

Hypertension has a high global prevalence rate,which is the main preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Home blood pressure monitoring plays an important role in diagnosis,adjustment of treatment strategies and long-term follow-up of hypertension.However,there are still enormous challenges for the popularization and standardized application of home blood pressure monitoring.Therefore,this review article describes indication,standardized implementation protocol,current status and influencing factors of implementation and management forms of home blood pressure monitoring.It can provide a reference for promoting the implementation of practical guidelines for home blood pressure monitoring and optimizing the application of home blood pressure monitoring.

Background/Aims: Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancers (EBVaGCs) have unique molecular and clinicopathological characteristics. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is recently recognized as the critical innate immunity against pathogens and tumors. STING is also a master regulator in the cancer-immunity cycle and targeting STING could synergize with existing immune-checkpoint therapies. However, the role of STING in GC, especially in EBVaGC, and its correlation with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) remain largely unclear. Methods: We collected 78 cases of EBVaGCs and 210 cases of EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC) from a total of 1,443 cases of GC analyzed by EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization. We investigated STING and PD-L1 expression and their concomitant prognostic value in EBVaGCs and EBVnGCs using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. The effects of STING and PD-L1 expression on the overall survival of patients with EBVaGC or EBVnGC were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: We found that both STING and PD-L1 exhibited significantly higher expression in the EBVaGCs than that in the EBVnGCs. The expression of STING was positively correlated with that of PD-L1 in EBVaGCs. Simultaneous negative expression of STING and PD-L1, and positive expression of STING were independent prognostic risk factors for EBVaGC and EBVnGC, respectively. Conclusions This is the first prognostic retrospective study of STING and PD-L1 expression and the prognosis among EBVaGC and EBVnGC. The expression and prognostic value of STING and PD-L1 are different in the two types of GCs. STING and PD-L1 are promising prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for EBVaGC and EBVnGC.

Objective:To assess the value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in the diagnosis of children with biliary atresia.Methods:A prospective survey of infants with hepatitis syndrome and hyperbi-lirubinemia in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2017 to December 2018 was performed.The children with hepatitis syndrome were divided into the biliary atresia group( n=45) and non- biliary atresia group( n=30). Thirty children with hyperbilirubinemia were selected as the control group.Shear wave speed (SWS) of all infants was collected by ARFI ultrasound and compared among 3 groups.Receiver ope-rating characteristic curve(ROC curve) was used to analyze the optimal threshold value for SWS in the diagnosis of biliary atresia. Results:The mean SWS values in the biliary atresia group, non-biliary atresia group and the control group were (1.79±0.29) m/s, (1.26±0.12) m/s and (1.08±0.06) m/s, respectively.Compared with the control group, the mean SWS values in the biliary atresia group and non-biliary atresia group were significantly higher ( t=165.43, 15.75, all P<0.05). The mean SWS value in the non-biliary atresia group was significantly lower than that in the biliary atresia group ( t=90.27, P<0.05). With the non-biliary atresia group as reference, the area under the ROC curve of SWS for diagnosis of biliary atresia was 0.98(95% CI: 0.95-1.00), the optimal threshold was 1.45 m/s, and the sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 96.7%, respectively. Conclusions:Rapid non-invasive ARFI elastography is effective in the diagnosis of biliary atresia, and thus has important value for early diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.

Objective To summarize the clinical manifestations,diagnosis and treatment of perinatal tuberculosis.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of six infants with perinatal tuberculosis treated in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2000 to December 2016.Results (1) The six patients were at the age of 27 to 60 days at the onset,while the mean ages of full-term and preterm infants were (31 ± 4) and (55± 6) days,respectively.Three mothers were diagnosed with active tuberculosis (two of which were diagnosed after parturition).(2) Three infants were admitted to the hospital with fever including two having respiratory diseases,one with external auditory canal secretions and deviated mouth,and two with secretions in the external auditory canal and masses in the head and neck.One was diagnosed as hepatosplenic tuberculosis,three as miliary tuberculosis (one was complicated by tuberculous meningitis and one with tuberculous meningitis and cervical lymph node tuberculosis),one with left cervical and temporal tuberculosis,and one with miliary tuberculosis complicated with left temporal,external auditory canal and cervical lymph node tuberculosis.(3) Two cases were positive for purified protein derivative skin test and two were positive for tuberculosis infection T cell spot test.Five cases were negative in anti-tuberculosis antibody test.Typical miliary shadows in the lungs of three infants were shown on chest X-ray.Two cases received auriculotemporal CT/MRI,indicating space-occupying lesions and destruction in the middle ear and mastoid process.Cranial MRI findings indicated one case had tuberculous meningitis.Diagnosis of three cases were confirmed by biopsy or after operation.(4) All six patients survived.Four cases recovered after combined treatment of isoniazid,rifampicin and pyrazinamide and two were transferred to a specialized hospital for further treatment.(5) All six patients were fully recovered in follow-ups at 2-3 years after discharge with normal development comparing with healthy children of the same age.Conclusions Perinatal tuberculosis,with nonspecific clinical manifestations,has a low incidence of infection but a high mortality rate.Suspected cases require full consideration including clinical symptoms,dynamic observation of laboratory findings and imaging features,and pathological examination when necessary.Maternal history of tuberculosis should be consulted and timely treatment is mandatory to improve the outcomes.

Objective To study early diagnostic methods,treatment and prognosis of neonatal upper airway abnormalities.Method From Jan.2013 to Dec.2016,clinical data of neonates with upper airway abnormalities in neonatal department of our hospital was reviewed,including diagnostic methods,clinical manifestations,examination results,treat-ment and prognosis.Result Fifty-five cases of neonatal upper airway abnormalities were collected,including 34 males and 21 females,51 term infants and 4 premature infants.The most common diagnosis was congenital laryngomalacia (31 cases,14 of them had other upper airway abnormalities),followed by congenital cyst,vocal cord paralysis,laryngeal granuloma,Pierre Robin syndrome,etc.Most cases had presenting symptoms immediately or within days after birth,including dyspnea,cyanosis,laryngeal stridor,feeding difficulties,hoarseness and weak cry.Pneumonia occurred in 49 cases and respiratory failure in 16 cases.Thirty one cases received CT or MRI,abnormalities were found in 17 cases (54.8％).Thirty four cases received fiberoptic bronchoscopy,abnormalities were found in 33 cases (97.0％).The duration of hospital stay were 14 (7 ～20) days.Forty six cases were cured (20 cases received surgical treatment,26 cases conservative treatment),7 cases died (1 case died of chaotic atrial tachycardia and heart failure at 69-day after birth,and 6 cases died after discontinue of treatment),2 cases were lost on follow-up after discharge.Conclusion Newborn infants with upper airway abnormalities develop symptoms early,and some severe cases have respiratory failure.Imaging and fiberoptic bronchoscopy are helpful for diagnosis.Early surgical treatment can relieve airway obstruction and improve prognosis for congenital cyst,laryngeal granuloma,nasopharyngeal tumor and other space occupying lesions,and also severe upper airway obstruction caused by severe laryngomalacia,vocal cord paralysis,choanal atresia.