Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and is a major cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide (Forner et al., 2018; He et al., 2023). Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by an accelerated loss of skeletal muscle (SM) mass that may be age-related or the result of malnutrition in cancer patients (Cruz-Jentoft and Sayer, 2019). Preoperative sarcopenia in HCC patients treated with hepatectomy or liver transplantation is an independent risk factor for poor survival (Voron et al., 2015; van Vugt et al., 2016). Previous studies have used various criteria to define sarcopenia, including muscle area and density. However, the lack of standardized diagnostic methods for sarcopenia limits their clinical use. In 2018, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) renewed a consensus on the definition of sarcopenia: low muscle strength, loss of muscle quantity, and poor physical performance (Cruz-Jentoft et al., 2019). Radiological imaging-based measurement of muscle quantity or mass is most commonly used to evaluate the degree of sarcopenia. The gold standard is to measure the SM and/or psoas muscle (PM) area using abdominal computed tomography (CT) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3), as it is linearly correlated to whole-body SM mass (van Vugt et al., 2016). According to a "North American Expert Opinion Statement on Sarcopenia," SM index (SMI) is the preferred measure of sarcopenia (Carey et al., 2019). The variability between morphometric muscle indexes revealed that they have different clinical relevance and are generally not applicable to broader populations (Esser et al., 2019).
Humans ; Aged ; Sarcopenia/diagnostic imaging* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging* ; Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging* ; Deep Learning ; Prognosis ; Radiomics ; Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Retrospective Studies

Mastitis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases that adversely affects the profitability of the dairy industry worldwide. Accurate diagnosis and identification of pathogens early to cull infected animals and minimize the spread of infection in herds is critical for improving treatment effects and dairy farm welfare. The major pathogens causing mastitis and pathogenesis are assessed first. The most recent and advanced strategies for detecting mastitis, including genomics and proteomics approaches, are then evaluated .Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, potential research directions, and future perspectives are reported. This review provides a theoretical basis to help veterinarians select the most sensitive, specific, and cost-effective approach for detecting bovine mastitis early.

Background/Aims: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are specialized gastrointestinal (GI) pacemaker cells required for normal GI motility. Dysfunctions in ICC have been reported in patients with GI motility disorders, such as gastroparesis, who exhibit debilitating symptoms and greatly reduced quality of life. While the proteins, calcium-activated chloride channel anoctamin-1 (ANO1) and the receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), are known to be expressed by human ICC, relatively little is known about the broad molecular circuitry underpinning human ICC functions. The present study therefore investigates the transcriptome and proteome of ANO1-expressing, KIT low /CD45- /CD11B- ICC obtained from primary human gastric tissue. Methods: Excess human gastric tissue resections were obtained from sleeve gastrectomy patients. ICC were purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACSorting). Then, ICC were characterized by using immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction, RNAsequencing and mass spectrometry. Results: Compared to unsorted cells, real-time polymerase chain reaction showed the KIT low /CD45- /CD11B- ICC had: a 9-fold (P < 0.05) increase in ANO1 expression; unchanged KIT expression; and reduced expression for genes associated with hematopoietic cells (CD68, > 10-fold, P < 0.001) and smooth muscle cells (DES, > 4-fold, P < 0.05). RNA-sequencing and gene ontology analyses of the KIT low / CD45- /CD11B- cells revealed a transcriptional profile consistent with ICC function. Similarly, mass spectrometry analyses of the KIT low / CD45- /CD11B - cells presented a proteomic profile consistent with ICC activities. STRING-based protein interaction analyses using the RNA-sequencing and proteomic datasets predicted protein networks consistent with ICC-associated pacemaker activity and ion transport. Conclusion These new and complementary datasets provide a valuable molecular framework for further understanding how ICC pacemaker activity regulates smooth muscle contraction in both normal GI tissue and GI motility disorders.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Beijing ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Smokers/statistics & numerical data* ; Smoking/psychology* ; Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data* ; Young Adult

【Objective】 To clarify the hematological characteristics and current situation of chronic mountain sickness among Tibetan residents in extreme high altitude area (more than 5 000 m above the sea level) of Ali district based on the analysis of physical examination and blood test results. 【Methods】 Totally 250 Tibetan residents were selected by convenient sampling for blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, and blood routine examination. Chronic mountain sickness was determined according to the hemoglobin (Hb) level and SpO2. 【Results】 The red blood cell (RBC), Hb and hematocrit (HCT) of the Tibetan residents at 5 200-meter altitude were all higher than the normal physiological reference range of China. Mean red blood cell volume (MCV), mean red blood cell hemoglobin content (MCH), mean red blood cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) were in the upper limit of the reference value. The RBC, Hb, HCT and MCHC of male Tibetan residents were higher than those of females, while PLT was lower than that of females, with significant differences. There were no statistical differences in MCV, MCH or WBC among different genders of Tibetan residents. The SpO2 of the Tibetan residents was about 85% of the normal value, and the males had higher SpO2 than the females in the same age group, and the difference was statistically significant, but the heart rate did not differ significantly. The prevalence rate of chronic mountain sickness in this area was as high as 16.4%, and the prevalence rate of heavy manual workers was significantly higher than that of light manual workers, with significant differences. 【Conclusion】 The high-altitude anoxic environment causes the changes in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and oxygen saturation of local residents, and the prevalence of chronic mountain sickness increases significantly. Labor intensity is one of the risk factors for chronic mountain sickness in high-altitude areas.

Objective To evaluate the effects of early exercise intervention in patients who have undergone primary isolated valve surgery. Methods Forty patients scheduled for mitral, aortic, and/or tricuspid valve surgery were allocated to receive a supervised exercise intervention consisting of cycling for 3 min/d at the bedside after operation (intervention group, n=20, mean age [49.05±3.728] years) or to receive no exercise intervention (control group, n=20, mean age [47.95 ± 3.214] years). Oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximetry continuously before and after the 6-minute walk test. Psycho-educational counseling was provided, and patients were assessed using standard patient questionnaires. Results The arterial SpO2 level increased significantly in the intervention group after exercise compared with the control group (P<0.05). Heart rate returned to baseline in the intervention group postoperatively and was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions A small amount of supervised cycling exercise at the bedside is a safe activity that may improve peripheral arterial SpO2 and reduce heart rate to the baseline level following longer distance walk before discharge in patients who have undergone isolated valve surgery.

Background::The study aimed to describe the aortic valve morphology in Chinese patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS), and the impact of sizing strategies and related procedural outcomes.Methods::Patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR were consecutively enrolled from 2012 to 2019. The anatomy and morphology of the aortic root were assessed. "Downsize" strategy was preformed when patients had complex morphology. The clinical outcomes of patients who performed downsize strategy were compared with those received annular sizing strategy. The primary outcome was device success rate, and secondary outcomes included Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 clinical outcomes variables based on 1-year follow-up.Results::A total of 293 patients were enrolled. Among them, 95 patients (32.4%) had bicuspid aortic valve. The calcium volume (Hounsfield Unit-850) of aortic root was 449.90 (243.15-782.15) mm 3. Calcium is distributed mostly on the leaflet level. Downsize strategy was performed in 204 patients (69.6%). Compared with the patients who performed annular sizing strategy, those received downsize strategy achieved a similar device success rate (82.0% [73] vs. 83.3% [170], P= 0.79). Aortic valve gradients (downsize strategy group vs. annular sizing group, 11.28 mmHg vs. 11.88 mmHg, P = 0.64) and percentages of patients with moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation 2.0% (4/204) vs. 4.5% (4/89), P = 0.21) were similar in the two groups at 30 days after TAVR. These echocardiographic results were sustainable for one year. Conclusions::Chinese TAVR patients have more prevalent bicuspid morphology and large calcium volume of aortic root. Calcium is distributed mostly on the leaflet level. Compare with annular sizing strategy, downsize strategy provided a non-inferior device success rate and transcatheter heart valve hemodynamic performance in self-expanding TAVR procedure.

Objective:To understand the surveillance of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in Zhongwei City of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region after marketization reform of salt industry (2017).Methods:In 2018, Shapotou District, Zhongning County and Haiyuan County of Zhongwei City were divided into five sampling areas according to the location of east, west, south, north and middle. In each area, one township was selected, and three salt sales outlets were selected from each township; at the same time, three supermarkets were selected from the cities and towns of each county (district), and different kinds of salt samples in all sales outlets and supermarkets were tested semi-quantitatively. From 2016 to 2020, Shapotou District, Zhongning County and Haiyuan County of Zhongwei City were divided into five sampling areas according to the location of east, west, south, north and middle. One township was selected from each area, and one primary school was selected from each township, 40 non-boarding students aged 8 - 10 years old (age balanced, half males and half females) were selected from each primary school; at the same time, 20 pregnant women were selected from each township, and salt samples were collected from houses of children and pregnant women to test salt iodine content. From 2018 to 2020, according to the "Ningxia Iodine Deficiency Disorders Surveillance Program (2016 Edition)", random urine samples of children and pregnant women were collected to detect urinary iodine content. In 2018 and 2019, the thyroid volume of children was measured by B-mode ultrasound, and the goiter rate was calculated.Results:In 2018, 13 kinds of salt were supplied in the market of Zhongwei City, a total of 130 salt samples were tested, and 11 samples of non-iodized salt were detected, with a rate of 8.46%. From 2016 to 2020, the consumption rates of qualified iodized salt in Zhongwei City were 90.33% (813/900), 67.89% (611/900), 78.67% (708/900), 91.56% (825/901) and 94.44% (850/900), respectively. From 2018 to 2020, the medians urinary iodine of children aged 8 - 10 years old were 189.33, 195.64, and 222.10 μg/L, and the medians urinary iodine of pregnant women were 158.21, 158.01, and 171.84 μg/L, respectively. In 2018 and 2019, the goiter rates of children aged 8 - 10 years old were 1.75% (7/400) and 0.67% (4/600), respectively.Conclusion:After marketization reform of salt industry, the consumption rates of qualified iodized salt in Zhongwei City decrease in 2017 and 2018, however, children and pregnant women have sufficient iodine nutrition, and the goiter rate of children is controlled at a low level.

Objective:To study serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet count (PLT) in evaluation of severity of acute cholangitis (AC).Methods:Ninety patients with AC who were treated at the General Surgery Department, Guangming Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong Province from January 2016 to December 2018 entered into the observation group, while 60 patients with bile duct stones but without infection treated at the hospital during the study period entered into the control group. Using the " Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Biliary Tract Infections" , the study group of patient was further divided into the mild infection, moderate infection, and severe infection groups. The PCT, CRP and PLT levels of all the subjects were checked. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between PCT, CRP, PLT indexes with severity of infection. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of PCT, CRP and PLT in the diagnosis of patients with different degrees of infection.Results:In the observation group, there were 46 males and 44 females with a Mean±SD age of (45.6±21.1) years. In the control group, there were 30 males and 30 females, with a Mean±SD age of (45.0±19.3) years. The levels of PLT in the observation group and the control group were (8.2±1.1) ng/ml and (0.4±0.1) ng/ml, respectively. The corresponding CRP were (92.7±21.1) mg/L and (6.1±1.0) mg/L, respectively. The observation group had higher levels than the control group. The PLT counts were (62.6±17.6)×10 9/L and (156.3±35.3)×10 9/L for the two groups, with the observation group having lower platelet count than the control group (both P<0.05). The severity of infection was positively correlated with blood PCT levels and CRP indicators ( r=0.427, r=0.584, all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the PLT ( r=-0.429, P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of PCT using a cut-off value of 9.4 μg/L were 84.0% and 65.0%, respectively, which were higher than the CRP using a cut-off value of 145.7 mg/L. The sensitivity and specificity were 67.0% and 48.0%, respectively. When PLT using a cut-off value of 52.8×10 9/L, the sensitivity and specificity were 71.0% and 52.0%, respectively. Conclusions:Changes in serum PCT, CRP and PLT reflected the severity of infection in patients with AC; PCT had a higher sensitivity and specificity, and it can be used to guide treatment.

Objective To understand the current situation of health education contents as well as the differences in their requirements between clinical medical students and clinicians,and to provide reference for the optimization of health education curricula for medical students.Methods A stratified sampling method was adopted to select 511 medical students (303 females and 208 males) from a medical university,and the survey results of 436 clinicians (144 females and 292 males) were taken as reference.Differences in the degrees of need between clinical medical students and clinicians were compared by chi-square tests.Results There were statistical differences in needs between clinical medical students and clinicians regarding drug compliance,smoking cessation intervention,balanced diet,application of Chinese traditional rehabilitation medicine,mobile health technology education,exercise rehabilitation guidance,and theory of health promotion (P＜0.01).With regard to drug compliance,smoking cessation intervention,and exercise rehabilitation guidance,the proportions of clinical medical students' needs were just 87.1％,82.2％,and 81.2％,respectively,but for clinicians the proportions reached up to 96.3％,93.8％,and 92.8％,respectively.Whereas,there were no statistical differences for mental stress management,chronic infectious disease health education,and acute infectious disease health education (P＞0.05).Conclusion There is still a big gap between medical students and clinical doctors when it comes to the knowledge of chronic disease management and healthy lifestyles;clinical medical students have not yet realized the importance of such knowledge and skills.Therefore,the strengthening of course construction for clinical medical students is suggested.