Objective To explore the potential role and underlying mechanism of the functionally uncharacterized gene Gm49394 on regulating β-cell apoptosis under diabetic conditions.Methods The expression and translational activity of Gm49394 in pancreatic β-cell lines and non-β-cell lines were validated using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(RNA-FISH),quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR),Western blotting,and immunofluorescence(IF)assay.The β-cell lines(NIT-1/Min6)with Gm49394 overexpression or knockdown were constructed.The proliferation,apoptosis,mitochondrial function,as well as oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in these β-cell lines under physiological homeostasis or pathological stress conditions,such as high glucose(30 mmol/L),inflammation(10 ng/mL IFN-γ alone or combined with 10 ng/mL IL-6),and hydrogen peroxide(100 μmol/L H2O2)were detected by flow cytometry and Western blotting.Results RNA-FISH and qPCR indicated that Gm49394 was specifically expressed in pancreatic β-cell lines and up-regulated under high glucose or inflammatory stimulation.IF assay and Western blotting showed that Gm49394 had protein-coding activity.Flow cytometry and Western blotting identified that Gm49394 overexpression did not affect β-cell proliferation,but promoted β-cell apoptosis and increased reactive oxygen species(ROS)and mitochondrial superoxide(MitoSOX)levels in β cells under physiological homeostasis or pathological stress conditions(P<0.05).Under physiological conditions,Gm49394 knockdown failed to induce significant alterations on β-cell apoptosis,ROS,or MitoSOX levels.Under pathological stress conditions,Gm49394 knockdown significantly suppressed β-cell proliferation,apoptosis,as well as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress(P<0.05).Conclusion Gm49394 may promote β-cell apoptosis via oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Objective To development and validate a predictive model for distinguishing between malignant pleural effusion(MPE)and benign pleural effusion(BPE).Methods A total of 428 patients diagnosed with pleural effusion(PE)and hospitalized at the First Hospital of Huai'an Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from July 2020 to May 2022 were selected.The patients were divided into BPE group(211 cases)and MPE group(217 cases)according to diagnostic criteria.The basic information and clinical data of these patients were collected.Boruta method was used for univariate screening,followed by multivariate Logistic regression to construct a basic nomogram model.Bootstrap method was used for internal validation to evaluate the performance of the nomogram,including dis-crimination,accuracy,and clinical applicability.Results The model included 8 key variables:dyspnea,chest pain,general symp-toms,X-ray/CT with malignant tumor features,serum carcinoembryonic antigen,serum neuron-specific enolase,pleural lactate dehy-drogenase,and pleural carcinoembryonic antigen.Internal validation showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUCROC)of the model was 0.933(95%confidence interval:0.912-0.954),with good accuracy(P＞0.05).Decision curve a-nalysis(DCA)indicated that this predictive model for predicting MPE risk had a significant net benefit when the probability threshold exceeded 1%.Conclusion The constructed prediction model could effectively distinguish between MPE and BPE.

Objective To development and validate a predictive model for distinguishing between malignant pleural effusion(MPE)and benign pleural effusion(BPE).Methods A total of 428 patients diagnosed with pleural effusion(PE)and hospitalized at the First Hospital of Huai'an Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from July 2020 to May 2022 were selected.The patients were divided into BPE group(211 cases)and MPE group(217 cases)according to diagnostic criteria.The basic information and clinical data of these patients were collected.Boruta method was used for univariate screening,followed by multivariate Logistic regression to construct a basic nomogram model.Bootstrap method was used for internal validation to evaluate the performance of the nomogram,including dis-crimination,accuracy,and clinical applicability.Results The model included 8 key variables:dyspnea,chest pain,general symp-toms,X-ray/CT with malignant tumor features,serum carcinoembryonic antigen,serum neuron-specific enolase,pleural lactate dehy-drogenase,and pleural carcinoembryonic antigen.Internal validation showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUCROC)of the model was 0.933(95%confidence interval:0.912-0.954),with good accuracy(P＞0.05).Decision curve a-nalysis(DCA)indicated that this predictive model for predicting MPE risk had a significant net benefit when the probability threshold exceeded 1%.Conclusion The constructed prediction model could effectively distinguish between MPE and BPE.

Objective:To explore the value of multi-gene copy number variation (CNV) analysis in the clinical prognostic prediction of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 79 MM patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to March 2023 were collected. The whole-genome CNV status was obtained by using whole-genome low depth sequencing (sWGS) of bone marrow blood cells. The outcomes of remission, minimal residual disease (MRD) turning negative, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with and without CNV were compared. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influencing factors of PFS and OS.Results:Among the 79 patients with MM, 43 were males and 36 were females. The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 65 years old (55 years old, 71 years old). In the revised international staging system, there were 20, 51 and 8 cases in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ, respectively. The results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were abnormal in 17 cases. CNV was detected in 55 patients (69.6%), and the abnormality of chromosome 1q (27 cases, 49.1%) was the most frequently detected, followed by the abnormality of chromosome 13 (26 cases, 47.3%), chromosome 6 (22 cases, 40.0%), chromosome 11 (19 cases, 34.5%), chromosome 8 (18 cases, 32.7%), chromosome 14 (14 cases, 25.5%), and chromosome 17 (11 cases, 20.0%). The ≥ very good partial remission rate in the detected CNV group was lower than that in the undetected CNV group [29.1% (16/55) vs. 45.8% (11/24)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2 = 2.08, P = 0.149). The MRD negative conversion rate of detected CNV group was lower than that of undetected CNV group [21.8% (12/55) vs. 58.3% (14/24)], and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 10.09, P = 0.001). Survival analysis showed that PFS in the detected CNV group was worse than in the undetected CNV group [median PFS time: 36.7 months (95% CI: 6.1-67.4 months) vs. not reached], and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2 = 6.61, P = 0.010), while the difference in OS between the two groups was not statistically significant ( χ2 = 1.84, P = 0.175). There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between patients with 1 and ≥2 abnormal copy sequences (both P > 0.05). PFS of patients with CNV on chromosomes 1q, 17, 8, 11 and 13 was worse than that of patients without CNV at these sites (all P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in OS (all P > 0.05). Results of univariate analysis showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was correlated with PFS and OS of patients (both P < 0.05), and CNV was correlated with PFS of patients (P = 0.010). Results of multivariate analysis showed that LDH > 250 U/L was an independent factor for poor PFS and OS of patients ( HR = 0.135, 95% CI: 0.019-0.983, P = 0.048; HR = 0.132, 95% CI: 0.018-0.951, P = 0.045). Conclusions:Multi-gene CNV analysis can assist in predicting the prognosis of MM patients, and it is more sensitive than traditional CNV detection methods such as FISH. Patients with CNV on chromosomes 1q, 17, 8, 11, and 13 have poor prognosis.

To determine the efficacy and safety of selinexor combined with venetoclax (VEN) and azactitidine (AZA) for patients with relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) . Twelve patients with R/R AML treated with selinexor plus VEN and AZA in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2022 to May 2023 were included. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 12 R/R AML patients, 5 (41.7%) achieved complete remission (CR) , 1 (8.3%) achieved CR with incomplete hematological recovery, and 5 (41.7%) achieved partial remission. The median time to reach CR was 28 (16-59) days. The median PFS was 61 (15-300) days. The main adverse event of the regimen was hematological toxicity. No chemotherapy-related deaths were observed. The combination of selinexor plus VEN and AZA is an effective treatment for R/R AML patients.

Objective:To explore the value of multi-gene copy number variation (CNV) analysis in the clinical prognostic prediction of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 79 MM patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to March 2023 were collected. The whole-genome CNV status was obtained by using whole-genome low depth sequencing (sWGS) of bone marrow blood cells. The outcomes of remission, minimal residual disease (MRD) turning negative, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with and without CNV were compared. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influencing factors of PFS and OS.Results:Among the 79 patients with MM, 43 were males and 36 were females. The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] was 65 years old (55 years old, 71 years old). In the revised international staging system, there were 20, 51 and 8 cases in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ, respectively. The results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were abnormal in 17 cases. CNV was detected in 55 patients (69.6%), and the abnormality of chromosome 1q (27 cases, 49.1%) was the most frequently detected, followed by the abnormality of chromosome 13 (26 cases, 47.3%), chromosome 6 (22 cases, 40.0%), chromosome 11 (19 cases, 34.5%), chromosome 8 (18 cases, 32.7%), chromosome 14 (14 cases, 25.5%), and chromosome 17 (11 cases, 20.0%). The ≥ very good partial remission rate in the detected CNV group was lower than that in the undetected CNV group [29.1% (16/55) vs. 45.8% (11/24)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2 = 2.08, P = 0.149). The MRD negative conversion rate of detected CNV group was lower than that of undetected CNV group [21.8% (12/55) vs. 58.3% (14/24)], and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 10.09, P = 0.001). Survival analysis showed that PFS in the detected CNV group was worse than in the undetected CNV group [median PFS time: 36.7 months (95% CI: 6.1-67.4 months) vs. not reached], and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2 = 6.61, P = 0.010), while the difference in OS between the two groups was not statistically significant ( χ2 = 1.84, P = 0.175). There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between patients with 1 and ≥2 abnormal copy sequences (both P > 0.05). PFS of patients with CNV on chromosomes 1q, 17, 8, 11 and 13 was worse than that of patients without CNV at these sites (all P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference in OS (all P > 0.05). Results of univariate analysis showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was correlated with PFS and OS of patients (both P < 0.05), and CNV was correlated with PFS of patients (P = 0.010). Results of multivariate analysis showed that LDH > 250 U/L was an independent factor for poor PFS and OS of patients ( HR = 0.135, 95% CI: 0.019-0.983, P = 0.048; HR = 0.132, 95% CI: 0.018-0.951, P = 0.045). Conclusions:Multi-gene CNV analysis can assist in predicting the prognosis of MM patients, and it is more sensitive than traditional CNV detection methods such as FISH. Patients with CNV on chromosomes 1q, 17, 8, 11, and 13 have poor prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of hearing loss among community-dwelling older people aged 60 and over, and also to compare the discrepancies between self-reported hearing loss and hearing loss diagnosed via audiometry.Methods:Subjects were from the Prevention and Intervention on Neurodegenerative Disease for the Elderly in China(PINDEC)project.By using the stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a total of 10 347 residents aged 60 years and over were selected from 12 counties and districts in Liaoning, Henan and Guangdong Provinces and hearing function assessment was performed in 2020 through otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry and questionnaires.Hearing loss(HL)was defined by the World Health Organization criteria.Self-reported hearing loss was assessed by asking participants whether they had difficulty in hearing.The χ2 and Cochran-Armitage trend tests were used to analyze the differences in HL between different groups.The multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to assess factors influencing HL. Results:In 2020, the prevalence of HL among the elderly aged 60 and older in Liaoning, Henan and Guangdong Provinces was 69.8%(95% CI: 68.9%-70.7%). The prevalence of HL in men was higher than that in women, and increased gradually with age.The prevalence of mild HL was 47.2%, and the prevalence of moderate, severe and profound HL were 18.0%, 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that factors positively correlated with HL were aging, male sex, living in rural areas and working in manual labor.Education level was negatively correlated with HL.Of the 7223 participants who were found to have HL, 5106(70.7%)self-reported having good hearing.Those of a younger age, with a higher educational achievement, having a spouse, or with mild HL were more likely to report having good hearing(all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hearing loss is quite prevalent among community-dwelling older people, and there is a large discrepancy in prevalence between self-reported HL and HL diagnosed via audiometry.Screening and comprehensive intervention for hearing loss for the elderly should be strengthened.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a perioperative rehabilitation clinical pathway of acetabular fracture in light of orthopedics rehabilitation team approach. MethodsA prospective randomized control trial was conducted in 82 patients with acetabular fractures who had been admitted from the Emergency Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from June, 2019 to January, 2021. The patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 41) and intervention group (n = 41). The control group was managed routinely, while the intervention group received the rehabilitation clinical pathway, for 24 weeks. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of pain, the Barthel Index (BI) and Majeed Pelvic Score were compared. ResultsFinally, 76 patients completed the trial. There was no statistical difference in VAS score between two groups in all periods (|Z| < 1.926, P > 0.05). The BI score was higher in the intervention group than in the control group at discharge, two weeks, six weeks and twelve weeks after operation (|Z| > 2.121, P < 0.05); and no significant difference was found before operation and 24 weeks after operation (|Z| < 1.862, P > 0.05). Majeed Pelvic Score was higher in the intervention group than in the control group two weeks, six weeks, twelve weeks and 24 weeks after operation (|Z| > 2.428, P < 0.05). Six, twelve and 24 weeks after operation, the excellent rate of Majeed Pelvic Score was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (χ² > 6.136, P < 0.05). ConclusionIn comparison with traditional protocol in acetabular fracture, the perioperative rehabilitation clinical pathway was proved effective and of great safety in the light of the integration of orthopedics and rehabilitation mode for improving the function and activities of daily living of patients.

Probiotics can improve the microecological balance of the body and have special effects in promoting nutrient absorption, controlling intestinal infections, and regulating immune function. However, there are problems such as difficult colonization in the gastrointestinal environment and low oral bioavailability. Bacterial biofilms are organized bacterial cells that adhere to an abiotic or biotic surface and are enclosed in extracellular polymeric substances of exopolysaccharides (EPS), extracellular DNA (eDNA), proteins and lipids, with a three-dimensional spatial structure. Probiotics with the help of bacterial biofilms have obvious advantages over planktonic bacteria in stress resistance, combating pathogens and modulating the host's immune function, which provides a new research idea for the development of probiotics. This paper expounded on the advantages of probiotics with the help of bacterial biofilms, and focused on introducing substances that could promote the formation of probiotic biofilms and the mechanisms, and the safety of probiotic biofilms. Currently, research on probiotic biofilms is still in its infancy, and this paper is expected to provide references for future research in this field.
Bacteria ; Biofilms ; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix ; Probiotics

ObjectiveTo investigate the features of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of elbow and shoulder muscle groups during maximal isometric contraction of elbow joint, and flexion and extension exercises of elbow joint after elbow fracture surgery. MethodsFrom August, 2021 to April, 2022, 15 convalescent patients after elbow fracture surgery (patient group) and 11 healthy controls (control group) were collected. sEMG signals of biceps brachii, triceps brachii, brachioradialis brachii, upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid and posterior deltoid were recorded during maximal isometric contraction, and flexion and extension exercises of the elbow joint. Root mean square (RMS) value, co-synergy contraction ratio (CSR), co-activation radio (CR), and target muscle activation percentage during flexion and extension were calculated. ResultsIn flexion and extension of elbow joint during maximal isometric contraction, the maximum strength of biceps brachii and triceps brachii were lower in the patient group than in the control group (|t| > 4.109, P < 0.01), and the RMS value of triceps brachii was lower in the patient group than in the control group (t = -7.695, P < 0.001). During maximal isometric extension of elbow joint, the CR of biceps brachii and brachioradialis brachii were more in the the patient group than in the control group (t > 2.326, P < 0.05); during maximal isometric flexion of elbow joint, the CSR of upper trapezius was more in the patient group than in the control group (t = 2.232, P < 0.05). During the extension exercise, the activation level of triceps brachii was more in the patient group than in the control group (t = 3.336, P < 0.05); during flexion exercise, the activation level of biceps brachii and triceps brachii was more in the patient group than in the control group (t >2.339, P < 0.05). ConclusionThere is abnormal contraction pattern of elbow and shoulder muscle groups in patients with elbow fracture after operation, which includes obvious co-contraction pattern of elbow flexor muscle group, insufficient activation of elbow extensor muscle and the compensatory contraction pattern of perishoulder muscle group. sEMG has great potential in quantitative evaluation of motor function after elbow fracture.