Insulin is an important protein hormone that participates in multiple metabolic pathways.Biosynthetic insulin has been widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Currently,the number of reported cases of insulin overdose both at home and abroad is gradually increasing,and insulin homicide is no longer a means of"committing murder without leaving a trace".At present,there are no systematic protocols for the identification of insulin overdose in the field of forensic medi-cine in China.This article introduces the causes,toxicological characteristics,forensic examination,labo-ratory testing methods and indicator reference of insulin overdose.Based on the identification practice and research results and referring to relevant studies on insulin overdose at home and abroad,this pa-per aims to provide recommendations and references for the formulation of forensic identification guide-lines for insulin overdose cases.

This study was aimed at identifying the pathogenic bacteria responsible for the death of a young tiger at the Fujian Meihua Mountain South China Tiger Breeding Research Institute.Tissue samples from the lungs,liver,and intestines of the deceased tiger were collected,and the bacteria were cultured inasterile environment.The bacterial strains were characterized according to their morphological and molecular biological properties,including assessment of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes,mouse lethality tests,and antibiotic susceptibility evaluations.A predominant bacterial strain isolated from the liver of the deceased tiger was identified as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)strain Tiger22513F.Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the Tiger22513F strain exhibited close genetic similarity to the reference strain ETEC(MF919609.1),with 99.9%nucleotide similarity,and resided on the same evolutionary branch.The Tiger22513F strain contained 11 antibiotic resistance genes(tetA,sul1,sul3,cmlA,floR,blaTEM,blaSHV,blaCMY-2,qnrA,qnrS,and qnrD)along with five virulence genes(VT1,fyuA,tsh,iucD,and ST).Mouse lethality tests indicated significant pathogenicity toward mice,affecting primarily the lungs,liver,and intestines.Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that this strain exhibited resistance to various classes of beta-lactam antibiotics,as well as quinolones and aminoglycosides.This investigation successfully isolated a multi-drug resistant enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain with pronounced pathogenicity from the liver of a deceased tiger;thus providing valuable scientific insights for clinical diagnosis,as well as prevention and control measures,against ETEC infections in South China tigers.

Undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma of the prostate is clinically rare. This article reports a case of a 29-year-old male who presented on February 7，2022，with a two-week history of localized pain in the perineal area and spermatic cord. The diagnosis of prostatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma was confirmed by imaging studies and prostate needle biopsy pathology. After consultation by the urologic oncology multidisciplinary team and considering the patient's preference，a treatment plan of radical radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy，immunotherapy，and targeted therapy was adopted，Partial stereotactic body radiotherapy（P-SBRT）was delivered to the tumor center with a total dose of 74.4 Gy，combined with cisplatin and pembrolizumab. Lung metastasis progression occurred 1.5 months after radiotherapy，and treatment was switched to a combination of pirarubicin，ifosfamide，pembrolizumab，and bevacizumab. After 39 months of follow-up，the disease remained well-controlled with preserved organ function and long-term survival. This case，utilizing a multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment model，provides a reference for organ-preserving non-surgical management in patients with prostate soft tissue sarcoma.

Objective:To assess the precision of various automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin before and after the update of the breakpoints by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.Methods:A total of 65 strains of Enterobacterales (34 Escherichia coli and 31 Klebsiella pneumoniae) and 33 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from Peking University People′s Hospital, Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in 2023. Broth microdilution (BMD) was employed as the reference method to assess the accuracy of ten antimicrobial susceptibility panels (NMIC-413, GN09, N335, NMIC45, GN4F, NMIC-150, DL-120E, DL-120NE, ONE-96 and NF-96) in seven automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems currently utilized in China. Results:Except for the GN-09, N-335, and NMIC-150, there were breakpoints that were not covered for the minimum inhibitory concentrations reported by the other panels in the validation. There was no very major error (VME) in the verification results except for the cases of not covered. Among the 65 strains of Enterobacterales, the essential agreement rate (EA%) of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was higher than 92.3% (60/65), and the categorical agreement rate (CA%) of ciprofloxacin using the new breakpoint decreased from 100% (65/65)-98.5% (64/65) to 95.4% (62/65)-86.2% (56/65). The major error rate (ME%) of N-335 card increased from 1.5% (1/65) to 4.6% (3/65); except for GN-09 and N-335 cards, the CA% of other cards under new breakpoint was ≥96.9% (63/65) with no ME; the EA% of piperacillin/tazobactam was ≥93.8% (61/65), and the CA% under new breakpoint was ≥92.3% (60/65), and the ME% of N-335 card increased from 1.5% (1/65) to 4.6% (3/65). The EA% and CA% under new breakpoint of amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin were all ≥ 96.9% (63/65) with no ME. Among the 33 tested Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, the EA% of ciprofloxacin was ≥93.8% (30/32), and after applying the new breakpoints, the CA% of ciprofloxacin decreased from 90.6% (29/32)-100% (33/33) to 84.4% (27/32)-100% (33/33). On the NMIC-413 card, 2 strains showed ME. For levofloxacin, the EA% was ≥90.9% (30/33), and the CA% of the new breakpoint interpretation decreasing from 90.6% (29/32)-100% to 69.7% (23/33)-93.8% (30/32), with no ME. For amikacin and tobramycin, the EA% was ≥93.8% (30/32), and on most panels, the CA% of new breakpoints for amikacin and tobramycin were ≥96.9% (31/32).Conclusions:At present, the breakpoints cannot be covered by the panels in many automated antimicrobial sensitivity testing systems in China. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin did not meet the validation requirements for Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in most antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems. After the breakpoints updated, it is essential to validate the automated antimicrobial susceptibility system for clinical application.

This study was aimed at identifying the pathogenic bacteria responsible for the death of a young tiger at the Fujian Meihua Mountain South China Tiger Breeding Research Institute.Tissue samples from the lungs,liver,and intestines of the deceased tiger were collected,and the bacteria were cultured inasterile environment.The bacterial strains were characterized according to their morphological and molecular biological properties,including assessment of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes,mouse lethality tests,and antibiotic susceptibility evaluations.A predominant bacterial strain isolated from the liver of the deceased tiger was identified as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)strain Tiger22513F.Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the Tiger22513F strain exhibited close genetic similarity to the reference strain ETEC(MF919609.1),with 99.9%nucleotide similarity,and resided on the same evolutionary branch.The Tiger22513F strain contained 11 antibiotic resistance genes(tetA,sul1,sul3,cmlA,floR,blaTEM,blaSHV,blaCMY-2,qnrA,qnrS,and qnrD)along with five virulence genes(VT1,fyuA,tsh,iucD,and ST).Mouse lethality tests indicated significant pathogenicity toward mice,affecting primarily the lungs,liver,and intestines.Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that this strain exhibited resistance to various classes of beta-lactam antibiotics,as well as quinolones and aminoglycosides.This investigation successfully isolated a multi-drug resistant enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain with pronounced pathogenicity from the liver of a deceased tiger;thus providing valuable scientific insights for clinical diagnosis,as well as prevention and control measures,against ETEC infections in South China tigers.

Undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma of the prostate is clinically rare. This article reports a case of a 29-year-old male who presented on February 7，2022，with a two-week history of localized pain in the perineal area and spermatic cord. The diagnosis of prostatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma was confirmed by imaging studies and prostate needle biopsy pathology. After consultation by the urologic oncology multidisciplinary team and considering the patient's preference，a treatment plan of radical radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy，immunotherapy，and targeted therapy was adopted，Partial stereotactic body radiotherapy（P-SBRT）was delivered to the tumor center with a total dose of 74.4 Gy，combined with cisplatin and pembrolizumab. Lung metastasis progression occurred 1.5 months after radiotherapy，and treatment was switched to a combination of pirarubicin，ifosfamide，pembrolizumab，and bevacizumab. After 39 months of follow-up，the disease remained well-controlled with preserved organ function and long-term survival. This case，utilizing a multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment model，provides a reference for organ-preserving non-surgical management in patients with prostate soft tissue sarcoma.

Objective:To assess the precision of various automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin before and after the update of the breakpoints by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.Methods:A total of 65 strains of Enterobacterales (34 Escherichia coli and 31 Klebsiella pneumoniae) and 33 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from Peking University People′s Hospital, Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in 2023. Broth microdilution (BMD) was employed as the reference method to assess the accuracy of ten antimicrobial susceptibility panels (NMIC-413, GN09, N335, NMIC45, GN4F, NMIC-150, DL-120E, DL-120NE, ONE-96 and NF-96) in seven automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems currently utilized in China. Results:Except for the GN-09, N-335, and NMIC-150, there were breakpoints that were not covered for the minimum inhibitory concentrations reported by the other panels in the validation. There was no very major error (VME) in the verification results except for the cases of not covered. Among the 65 strains of Enterobacterales, the essential agreement rate (EA%) of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was higher than 92.3% (60/65), and the categorical agreement rate (CA%) of ciprofloxacin using the new breakpoint decreased from 100% (65/65)-98.5% (64/65) to 95.4% (62/65)-86.2% (56/65). The major error rate (ME%) of N-335 card increased from 1.5% (1/65) to 4.6% (3/65); except for GN-09 and N-335 cards, the CA% of other cards under new breakpoint was ≥96.9% (63/65) with no ME; the EA% of piperacillin/tazobactam was ≥93.8% (61/65), and the CA% under new breakpoint was ≥92.3% (60/65), and the ME% of N-335 card increased from 1.5% (1/65) to 4.6% (3/65). The EA% and CA% under new breakpoint of amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin were all ≥ 96.9% (63/65) with no ME. Among the 33 tested Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, the EA% of ciprofloxacin was ≥93.8% (30/32), and after applying the new breakpoints, the CA% of ciprofloxacin decreased from 90.6% (29/32)-100% (33/33) to 84.4% (27/32)-100% (33/33). On the NMIC-413 card, 2 strains showed ME. For levofloxacin, the EA% was ≥90.9% (30/33), and the CA% of the new breakpoint interpretation decreasing from 90.6% (29/32)-100% to 69.7% (23/33)-93.8% (30/32), with no ME. For amikacin and tobramycin, the EA% was ≥93.8% (30/32), and on most panels, the CA% of new breakpoints for amikacin and tobramycin were ≥96.9% (31/32).Conclusions:At present, the breakpoints cannot be covered by the panels in many automated antimicrobial sensitivity testing systems in China. Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin did not meet the validation requirements for Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in most antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems. After the breakpoints updated, it is essential to validate the automated antimicrobial susceptibility system for clinical application.

Objective:To investigate the association of serum fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23) level with insulin resistance(IR) and sex hormone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A retrospective study was performed in eighty-seven patients with PCOS, fifty-seven patients with simple IR, and sixty-one healthy women who were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University during October 2021 and November 2022. According to the homeostasis model assessment-IR index, all subjects were divided into normal control group( n=61), IR group( n=57), PCOS without IR group(PCOS group, n=15), and PCOS+ IR group( n=72). The levels of serum FGF23, adiponectin, and sex hormones in all groups were compared, and their correlations with glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were analyzed. Results:The FGF23 level was significantly elevated in the IR group, while markedly reduced in the PCOS group and PCOS+ IR group, with the PCOS group showing a significantly lower concentration. The adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in the IR group, PCOS group, and PCOS+ IR group(all P<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that FGF23 level was positively correlated with adiponectin and sex hormone binding globulin, and negatively correlated with luteinizing hormone, luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone, and free testosterone index(all P<0.05). Logistic regression results indicated that both FGF23 and adiponectin could be used as good indicators for the diagnosis of PCOS and PCOS with IR(all P<0.05). Conclusion:FGF23 is closely related to IR and androgen as well, and under certain conditions, it can reflect the severity of IR and hyperandrogenemia in PCOS patients. The cutoff value of FGF23 obtained in this study can provide a good reference for the diagnosis of PCOS diseases.

Objective:To study the effects of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization during late pregnancy on vaginal microbiota and neonatal outcomes.Methods:From September 2020 to September 2021, pregnant women receiving prenatal care and delivered in our hospital were prospectively enrolled. They were assigned into GBS(+) group and GBS(-) group based on the results of GBS culture and/or PCR tests of vaginal secretions. The mothers were also assigned into early-onset infection(EO) group and non-early-onset infection(non-EO) group based on the presence or absence of early-onset infection of their neonates. The vaginal microbiota and neonatal outcomes were compared between these groups.Results:A total of 125 cases were enrolled, including 65(52.0%) in GBS(+) group and 60(48.0%) in GBS(-) group. 24 cases (19.2%) were in EO group and 101 cases (80.8%) in non-EO group. The incidences of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), amniotic fluid contamination, chorioamnionitis and early-onset neonatal infection in GBS(+) group were significantly higher than GBS(-) group(all P<0.05).The abundances of Streptococcus and Ureaplasma in vaginal flora of GBS(+) group were higher than GBS(-) group ( P<0.01), whereas Rhodococcus, Phyllobacterium and Bifidobacterium were lower than GBS(-) group ( P<0.05).The EO group had significantly higher abundance of enterococcus than the non-EO group ( P<0.05). Mothers with GBS colonization and neonates with early-onset infection had the highest abundance of Escherichia/Shigella ( P=0.04). Mothers with GBS colonization and neonates without early-onset infection showed the highest abundance of Gardnerella ( P=0.04). Conclusions:GBS colonization during late pregnancy increases the incidences of PROM, amniotic fluid contamination, chorioamnionitis and early-onset neonatal infection. GBS colonization causes abnormal vaginal flora in pregnant women. The increases of Ureaplasma, Streptococcus, Escherichia/Shigella and Enterococcus in vaginal microbiota maybe associated with early-onset neonatal infection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of different multi-modality fusion models for predicting radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) following radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data from 198 patients with locally advanced NPC who experienced RIOM following radiotherapy at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from September, 2022 to February, 2023. Based on oral radiation dose-volume parameters and clinical features of NPC, basic classification models were developed using different combinations of feature selection algorithms and classifiers and integrated using a multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM)-based classifier fusion (MCF) strategy and its variant, the H-MCF model. The basic classification models, MCF model, the H-MCF model with a single modality or multiple modalities and other ensemble classifiers were compared for performances for predicting RIOM by assessing the area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: The H-MCF model, which integrated multi-modality features, achieved the highest accuracy for predicting severe RIOM with an AUC of 0.883, accuracy of 0.850, sensitivity of 0.933, and specificity of 0.800. CONCLUSIONS Compared with each of the individual classifiers, the multimodal multi-classifier fusion algorithm combining clinical and dosimetric modalities demonstrates superior performance in predicting the incidence of severe RIOM in NPC patients following radiotherapy.
Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/radiotherapy* ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomatitis/diagnosis* ; Algorithms ; Radiation Injuries/diagnosis* ; Female ; Male ; ROC Curve