Objective:To investigate the effect of brain-computer interface (BCI) training on the upper limb function of stroke survivors and to observe any changes in cortical activation patterns after such training.Methods:Thirty ischemic stroke survivors with upper limb dysfunction were randomized into a treatment group ( n=15) and a control group ( n=15). Both groups were given conventional upper limb rehabilitation training, while the treatment group additionally underwent 30 minutes of upper limb BCI training daily, five days a week for four consecutive weeks. Their upper limb motor functioning was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and their ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before the experiment and after two and four weeks. the functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO 2) levels in six regions of interest: the premotor cortex (PMC), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of the affected and unaffected hemispheres. Changes in brain network topology and network efficiency during the upper limb training were also analyzed. Results:After two and four weeks of the treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in their average FMA and MBI scores. The improvement was significantly greater in the treatment group than among the controls, on average. Before the treatment, HbO 2 levels in the affected SMA were significantly lower than in the other regions of interest in both groups. However, after 4 weeks the treatment group had significantly increased HbO 2 in the affected PMC and SMA, with higher concentrations in the affected PMC than among the control group. The network efficiency in the treatment group was also significantly better than in the control group after four weeks. Conclusions:Supplementing conventional neuropharmacological and rehabilitation therapies with BCI training can significantly improve upper limb motor function and the ADL ability of stroke survivors. It enhances cortical activation in the affected PMC and SMA and increases inter-regional brain networks.

Objective:To investigate the effect of brain-computer interface (BCI) training on the upper limb function of stroke survivors and to observe any changes in cortical activation patterns after such training.Methods:Thirty ischemic stroke survivors with upper limb dysfunction were randomized into a treatment group ( n=15) and a control group ( n=15). Both groups were given conventional upper limb rehabilitation training, while the treatment group additionally underwent 30 minutes of upper limb BCI training daily, five days a week for four consecutive weeks. Their upper limb motor functioning was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and their ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before the experiment and after two and four weeks. the functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO 2) levels in six regions of interest: the premotor cortex (PMC), the supplementary motor area (SMA), and the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of the affected and unaffected hemispheres. Changes in brain network topology and network efficiency during the upper limb training were also analyzed. Results:After two and four weeks of the treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in their average FMA and MBI scores. The improvement was significantly greater in the treatment group than among the controls, on average. Before the treatment, HbO 2 levels in the affected SMA were significantly lower than in the other regions of interest in both groups. However, after 4 weeks the treatment group had significantly increased HbO 2 in the affected PMC and SMA, with higher concentrations in the affected PMC than among the control group. The network efficiency in the treatment group was also significantly better than in the control group after four weeks. Conclusions:Supplementing conventional neuropharmacological and rehabilitation therapies with BCI training can significantly improve upper limb motor function and the ADL ability of stroke survivors. It enhances cortical activation in the affected PMC and SMA and increases inter-regional brain networks.

Background::Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Methods::The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4 +) T-cell counts, CD8 + T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed. Results::The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6-6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log 10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8-16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log 10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA ( r = 0.76, P <0.0001). Meanwhile, both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8 + T-cell counts. Conclusions::This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity. It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades, and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.

Objective To investigate the correlation between intra-and peri-tumoral radiomics features and the response to con-current chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)in cervical squamous cell carcinoma,and to explore the difference of predictive performance between 2D and 3D radiomics models.Methods The imaging data of 132 patients were analyzed retrospectively and randomly divided into training set(n=92)and validation set(n=40).Radiomics features were extracted based on the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI),the correlation analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm were used for dimensionality reduction and screening,then the radiomics score was calculated and the logistic model was constructed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,internal validation of Bootstrap and Brier score were used to evaluate the discrimina-tion and calibration of the model,and the improvement in predictive performance of 3D model compared with 2D model was evaluated by the integrated discrimination improvement(IDI).Results In the training set,the ROC curve showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the models(2D-intratumoral,3D-intratumoral,3D-peritumoral,3D-combined)ranged from 0.774 to 0.893.The internal validation of Bootstrap showed the AUC were 0.772,0.860,0.847 and 0.888,respectively,while in the validation set,the AUC were 0.757,0.849,0.824 and 0.887,respectively.The Brier scores indicated that the models were well calibrated.In the training set and the validation set,the IDI values were 0.155 and 0.179,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The radiomics analysis based on the tumor volume can fully explore the tumor heterogeneity.The intra-and peri-tumoral radiomics combined model shows the best predictive performance,which is important to assist clinicians in developing individualized therapies.

[Objective]To investigate the impact of varying concentrations of baicalein on the proliferation and biological responses of MC3T3-E1 cells,as well as the antibacterial efficacy of baicalein against prevalent oral bacteria,and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.[Methods]MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to different concentrations of baicalein(0,6,12,18,and 24 μmol/L)and cell viability was determined by using the CCK-8 assay.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity of MC3T3-E1 cells following osteogenic induction was assessed.RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of RunX2,BMP2,and Osterix.After 24 hours of treatment,the antibacterial potential of baicalein against Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Sanguis was evaluated by using the K-B paper disk method.[Results]Baicalein exhibited a modest reduction in proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells but without affecting their sustained proliferation.Baicalein at a concentration of 18 μmol/L enhanced ALP activity of MC3T3-E1 cells,upregulated BMP2 and Osterix expression,downregulated RunX2 expression,significantly inhibited the proliferation of Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Sanguis(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Baicalein at an optimal concentration(18 μmol/L)demonstrated a promotional effect on the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and effectively suppressed the proliferation of common oral bacteria,including Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Sanguis.

Background::Cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8 T) cells play critical roles in eradicating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection, but little is known about the effects of T cells expressing CD8 at low levels (CD8 low) or high levels (CD8 high) on HIV-1 replication inhibition after HIV-1 invasion into individual. Methods::Nineteen patients who had been acutely infected with HIV-1 (AHI) and 20 patients with chronic infection (CHI) for ≥2 years were enrolled in this study to investigate the dynamics of the quantity, activation, and immune responses of CD3 +CD8 low T cells and their counterpart CD3 +CD8 high T cells at different stages of HIV-1 infection. Results::Compared with healthy donors, CD3 +CD8 low T cells expanded in HIV-1-infected individuals at different stages of infection. As HIV-1 infection progressed, CD3 +CD8 low T cells gradually decreased. Simultaneously, CD3 +CD8 high T cells was significantly reduced in the first month of AHI and then increased gradually as HIV-1 infection progressed. The classical activation of CD3 +CD8 low T cells was highest in the first month of AHI and then reduced as HIV-1 infection progressed and entered the chronic stage. Meanwhile, activated CD38 -HLA-DR +CD8 low T cells did not increase in the first month of AHI, and the number of these cells was inversely associated with viral load ( r = -0.664, P = 0.004) but positively associated with the CD4 T-cell count ( r = 0.586, P = 0.014). Increased programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) abundance on CD3 +CD8 low T cells was observed from the 1st month of AHI but did not continue to be enhanced, while a significant T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) domains (TIGIT) abundance increase was observed in the 12th month of infection. Furthermore, increased PD-1 and TIGIT abundance on CD3 +CD8 low T cells was associated with a low CD4 T-cell count (PD-1: r = -0.456, P = 0.043; TIGIT: r = -0.488, P = 0.029) in CHI. Nonetheless, the nonincrease in PD-1 expression on classically activated CD3 +CD8 low T cells was inversely associated with HIV-1 viremia in the first month of AHI ( r = -0.578, P = 0.015). Notably, in the first month of AHI, few CD3 +CD8 low T cells, but comparable amounts of CD3 +CD8 high T cells, responded to Gag peptides. Then, weaker HIV-1-specific T-cell responses were induced in CD3 +CD8 low T cells than CD3 +CD8 high T cells at the 3rd and 12th months of AHI and in CHI. Conclusions::Our findings suggest that CD3 +CD8 low T cells play an anti-HIV role in the first month of infection due to their abundance but induce a weak HIV-1-specific immune response. Subsequently, CD3 +CD8 low T-cell number decreased gradually as infection persisted, and their anti-HIV functions were inferior to those of CD3 +CD8 high T cells.

Objective:To conduct a Meta-analysis on the application effect of information management on safe in-hospital transfer of patients in China.Methods:Using computers to search for randomized controlled trials and quasi experimental studies on the effect of information management on safe in-hospital transfer of patients in China from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Mediline disc, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The search period was from establishment of databases to May 17, 2022. Literature screening, quality evaluation and data extraction were conducted independently by two trained researchers. Stata 15.1 software was used for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 14 articles were included, involving a total of 130 670 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of adverse event in in-hospital transfer of patients in the information management group was shorter than that in the control group ( OR=0.24, 95% CI: 0.17-0.35, P<0.01), duration of in-hospital tranfer was longer than that in the control group ( WMD=-5.76, 95% CI: -8.30-3.22, P<0.01), and patients' satisfaction ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.17, P<0.01) and satisfaction of medical personnel responsible for transfer ( OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.13-1.66, P<0.01) were higher than those of the control group. Conclusions:Information management can effectively control the incidence of adverse events in in-hospital transfer of patients in China, shorten the time required for hospital transfers and improve the satisfaction of patients and medical staff in hospital transfers.

Objective:To investigate the effects of oocyte maturation trigger using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) cycles. Methods:The retrospective cohort study included 682 patients aged up to 40 years with normal ovarian response who underwent IVF/ICSI-ET at Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University School of Medicine between Feburary 2016 and April 2017. Patients were grouped by whether oocyte maturation was triggered with 250 μg recombinant hCG (r-hCG) plus 300 U urinary FSH (uFSH, dual trigger group, n=439) or 250 μg r-hCG alone (r-hCG group, n=243). The main observation indexes were the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate, and the secondary observation indexes were the high-quality embryo rate, the implantation rate, the biochemical pregnancy rate, the abortion rate, etc. Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, infertility duration, body mass index (BMI), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), total dosage and duration of gonadotropin (Gn) used, number of embryos transferred (all P>0.05). The live birth rate, the clinical pregnancy rate, the miscarriage rate, the normal fertilization rate, the cleavage rate, the embryo formation rate and the high-quality embryo rate were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). The implantation rate [40.47% (191/472)] and the biochemical pregnancy rate [64.20% (156/243)] were higher in dual trigger group than in r-hCG group [32.42% (272/893), P=0.003; 55.35% (272/893), P=0.025]. Conclusion:Dual trigger of oocyte maturation with 250 μg r-hCG plus 300 U uFSH has no benefit on the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate, but could improve the implantation rate and the biochemical pregnancy rate in women undergoing short-acting GnRH-a protocol in IVF/ICSI-ET.

Objective:To investigate the effects of oocyte maturation trigger using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) cycles. Methods:The retrospective cohort study included 682 patients aged up to 40 years with normal ovarian response who underwent IVF/ICSI-ET at Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University School of Medicine between Feburary 2016 and April 2017. Patients were grouped by whether oocyte maturation was triggered with 250 μg recombinant hCG (r-hCG) plus 300 U urinary FSH (uFSH, dual trigger group, n=439) or 250 μg r-hCG alone (r-hCG group, n=243). The main observation indexes were the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate, and the secondary observation indexes were the high-quality embryo rate, the implantation rate, the biochemical pregnancy rate, the abortion rate, etc. Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, infertility duration, body mass index (BMI), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), total dosage and duration of gonadotropin (Gn) used, number of embryos transferred (all P>0.05). The live birth rate, the clinical pregnancy rate, the miscarriage rate, the normal fertilization rate, the cleavage rate, the embryo formation rate and the high-quality embryo rate were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). The implantation rate [40.47% (191/472)] and the biochemical pregnancy rate [64.20% (156/243)] were higher in dual trigger group than in r-hCG group [32.42% (272/893), P=0.003; 55.35% (272/893), P=0.025]. Conclusion:Dual trigger of oocyte maturation with 250 μg r-hCG plus 300 U uFSH has no benefit on the clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate, but could improve the implantation rate and the biochemical pregnancy rate in women undergoing short-acting GnRH-a protocol in IVF/ICSI-ET.

Objective:To examine the technique and effect of combined thoracic and abdominal organ clusters resection.Methods:From February 2019 to August 2021, totally 50 cases of combined thoracoabdominal organ cluster resection were completed at Transplant Medical Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from donation after brain death donors. There were 47 males and 3 females, aging (34.8±12.3) years (range: 5 to 55 years). The length of hospital stay( M(IQR)) was 4(4) days (range: 2 to 43 days), the length of tube time was 4(2) days (range: 1 to 43 days). Through the midsternal incision and the abdominal grand cross incision, the cold perfusion was performing simultaneously when the perfusion lines of each target organ was established respectively. The combined resection was performed with the diaphragm as the boundary and the organ cluster as the unit. The heart and lung were separated on site and sent to the transplant hospital, and the abdominal organ cluster was directly preserved and returned to our hospital for further separation and repair. Results:Totaly 21 hearts, 47 pairs of lungs, 49 livers, 47 pairs of kidneys and 11 pancreas were harvested by this surgical treatment. The resection time was (32.6±6.5) minutes (range: 19 to 50 minutes), with no hot ischemia time. There was no accidental injury that affected organ quality and function. Heart transplantation was performed in 17 cases, combined heart-kidney transplantation in 2 cases, double lung transplantation in 43 cases, single lung transplantation in 6 cases, liver transplantation in 41 cases, combined liver-pancreas-duodenal cluster transplantation in 1 case, combined liver-kidney transplantation in 3 cases, combined pancreas-kidney transplantation in 9 cases, and kidney transplantation in 74 cases.Conclusion:Simultaneous perfusion and combined resection of thoracic and abdominal organ clusters for donation after brain death donors are feasible and effective.