Objective To explore the application of serum signal transducers and activators of transduction 3(STAT3)and SMAD4 expression levels in the early diagnosis and clinical staging of primary glaucoma patients.Methods 86 patients with primary glaucoma admitted to Cangzhou Eye Hospital from August 2021 to May 2023 were selected as the study group,according to the clinical symptoms and visual examination results of the research group,they were divided into mild injury stage(n=30),moderate injury stage(n=34)and severe injury stage(n=22).Another 86 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in Cangzhou Eye Hospital during the same period were collected as the control group.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect the expression levels of serum STAT3 and SMAD4.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the relevant factors affecting clinical staging of primary glaucoma,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum STAT3 and SMAD4 in patients with moderate/severe primary glaucoma injury.Results The expression levels of serum STAT3(13.96±3.45 ng/ml)and SMAD4(11.23±2.85 ng/ml)in the study group were obviously higher than those in the control group(9.83±1.72 ng/ml,7.78±1.95 ng/ml),the differences were statistically significant(F=13.085,17.513,all P＜0.05).The expression levels of serum STAT3(11.88±2.52 ng/ml,13.85±3.51 ng/ml,16.96±4.63 ng/ml)and SMAD4(9.15±1.95 ng/ml,11.23±2.83 ng/ml,14.08±4.12 ng/ml)in patients with primary glaucoma in mild,moderate and severe injury groups were gradually increased,the differences were statistically significant(F=13.085,17.513,all P＜0.05).There was a statistically obvious difference in intraocular pressure among patients with mild,moderate(24.21±5.03 mmHg,28.16±6.31 mmHg,32.26±7.57mmHg),and severe injuries(F=10.577.P＜0.05).serum STAT3[OR(95%CI)=2.728(1.409～5.281)],SMAD4[OR(95%CI)=2.849(1.507～5.387)],and intraocular pressure[OR(95%CI)=2.435(1.094～5.417)]were risk factors affecting clinical staging of primary glaucoma(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the combined diagnosis of serum STAT3 and SMAD4 for moderate/severe injury in patients with primary glaucoma was 0.963(95%CI:0.899～0.992),which was superior to their respective individual diagnoses(Z =2.558,1.961;P=0.010,0.049),their sensitivity and specificity were 96.43%and 83.33%,respectively.Conclusion The higher the expression levels of STAT3 and SMAD4 in serum,the more severe the clinical symptoms in patients.The combined detection of the two has good diagnostic value for patients with moderate/severe injury.

Objective:To analyze the cause of varicocele (VC) recurrence and investigate the efficacy of sub-inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy (MV) for recurrent VC.Methods:All of 16 inpatients diagnosed as recurrent VC, in the Department of Andrology of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from 2015 April to 2019 April, were performed sub-inguinal MV. The age of the inpatients was 18-36 years old, median 27 years old.5 cases were originally performed retroperitoneal high ligation of spermatic vein and other 11 cases were originally performed laparoscopic varicocelectomy. During the review one to three years after the previous operation, all of 16 patients were diagnosed as VC recurrence. The complains of these patients during the review included male subfertility (10 cases) and scrotal pain (12 cases), in which 6 cases’ complains were male subfertility with scrotal pain. After admission, 13 patients were classified as Grade Ⅲ (left in 8 cases, bilateral in 5 cases) and 3 patients as Grade Ⅱ (all left). The median of their visual analogue scale (VAS) was 2.5. Color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) grading showed: Grade Ⅲ in 12 cases (left in 7 cases, bilateral in 5 cases), Grade Ⅱ in 4 cases (all left). Particularly, 12 of them were Graded as Ⅲ simultaneously accompanying with Nut-cracker Phenomenon (NCP). Preoperative tests showed that the average serum testosterone was (16.2±4.9)nmol/ml, the average sperm concentration was (11.8±3.9)×10 6/ml and the progressive motility rate (PR) was (24.4±4.2)%. All of the patients were performed sub-inguinal MV using general anesthesia and supine position. The spermatic cords were clearly exposed and padded up by inserting gauze strips under them. During the operation, the field was magnified 4-6 times with the microscope. Then all of the dilated external and internal spermatic veins were ligated, at the same time the internal spermatic artery and lymph vessels were well preserved. During these operations, 11 patients underwent left-side MV, while other 5 did bilateral MVs. During these MVs, we found twisted and dilated external and internal spermatic veins in all cases and well preserved the internal spermatic arteries and lymph vessels. The number of ligated left and right external spermatic veins were(2.1±0.6) and (1.4±0.5)respectively and the number of ligated left and right internal spermatic veins were (10.1±1.1) and (6.6±0.5) respectively. We also found out(1.3±0.5) internal spermatic arteries and (3.0±1.0)lymph-vessels on left side. On right side, there were (1.4±0.5) internal spermatic arteries and (2.6±0.5) lymph-vessels respectively. At last, we summarily analyzed the pre-operative and post-operative VAS, serum testosterone, CDFI and semen analysis data. Results:All of the 16 sub-inguinal MVs were successfully performed. All patients were reviewed comprehensively 6 months after MV. The reviewed results showed that the post-operative VAS was significantly reduced ( Z=-2.994, P<0.05), palpable scrotal vessels disappeared and Valsalva tests were negative. No obvious reflux of internal spermatic veins were detected by CDFI. Interestingly, the sperm concentration and motility were both significantly improved 6 months after MV ( P<0.05), while there was not remarkable increase of the serum testosterone after MV ( P>0.05). During the follow up, no testicular atrophy, hydrocele and other complications were found. Up to submission, five of the ten patients who presented for male subfertility have impregnated their wives. Conclusions:The most possible cause of VC recurrence could be the omission of the external and internal spermatic veins, particularly in the grade Ⅲ VC patients or VC accompanied with NCP. The sub-inguinal MV, which can discover more twisted spermatic veins and at the same time preserve the spermatic artery and lymph-vessels, shows better clinical efficacy than other procedures.

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of cervix-uterine internal target volume (ITV) in volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for cervical cancer under different bladder filling conditions, aiming to obtain more accurate planning target volume (PTV).Methods:Sixty-two patients with cervical cancer receiving radiotherapy rather than surgery were selected and randomly divided into the study ( n=31) and control groups ( n=31). In the study group, individualized ITV, PTV and PTV margin were obtained under three bladder filling status by localization CT scan to compare the VMAT. The target area and organs at risk (OARs) within the target area were statistically compared between two groups. The target missing rate in CBCT, adverse events and short-term efficacy of radiotherapy were analyzed in two groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the volume of target area and OARs in the target area between two groups (both P>0.05). In the study group, the target missing rate and target missing volume were significantly lower compared with those in the control group (both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute radiation-induced adverse events between two groups ( P>0.05). The 1-, 2-year overall survival and progress-free survival did not significantly differ between two groups (all P>0.05). One patient in the study group had uterine recurrence and 2 cases in the control group. Conclusion:Application of individualized cervix-uterine ITV and PTV in definitive VMAT under different bladder filling conditions can improve the accuracy of target area contouring and improve the local control rate in cervical cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone administered every 3 weeks (R-CHOP-21) is the standard care for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It is unknown whether the dose-dense R-CHOP (R-CHOP-14) could improve the outcome of the disease in Asian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were centrally, randomly assigned (1:1) to receive R-CHOP-14 or R-CHOP-21. R-CHOP-14 was administered every 2 weeks, and R-CHOP-21 was administered every 3 weeks. Primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate and toxicities. RESULTS: Seven hundred and two patients were randomly assigned to receive R-CHOP-14 (n=349) or R-CHOP-21 (n=353). With a median follow-up of 45.6 months, the two groups did not differ significantly in 3-year DFS (79.6% for R-CHOP-14 vs. 83.2% for R-CHOP-21, p=0.311), 3-year OS (77.5% for R-CHOP-14 vs. 77.6% for R-CHOP-21, p=0.903), or 3-year PFS (63.2% for R-CHOP-14 vs. 66.1% for R-CHOP-21, p=0.447). Patients with an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score ≥ 2 had a poorer prognosis compared to those with an IPI score < 2. Grade 3/4 hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities were manageable and similar between R-CHOP-14 and R-CHOP-21. CONCLUSION: R-CHOP-14 did not improve the outcome of DLBCL compared to R-CHOP-21 in Asian population. With manageable and similar toxicities, both of the two regimens were suitable for Asian DLBCL patients. For high-risk patients with IPI ≥ 2, new combination regimens based on R-CHOP deserve further investigation to improve efficacy.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; B-Lymphocytes ; Cyclophosphamide ; Disease-Free Survival ; Doxorubicin ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; Prednisone ; Prognosis ; Rituximab ; Vincristine

OBJECTIVETo detect mutations of the XPC (XPC complex subunit, DNA damage recognition and repair factor) gene in a family affected with xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XP-C).

METHODSThe patient was subjected to next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Suspected mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. Effect of splicing mutation was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).

RESULTSCompound heterozygous mutations of c.2098G to T and c.2034-7_2040del were found in the XPC gene in the proband. Among these, c.2098G to T (p.G700X) is a nonsense mutation resulting in a truncated XPC protein. C.2034-7_2040del involves the -1 position, which may alter the splice donor site of the intron 11 of XPC and result in a truncated XPC protein with loss of amino acids from 940 to 679 positions. The two mutations were not detected among 100 unrelated healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONMutations of c.2098 G to T and c.2034-7_2040del of the XPC gene may lead to abnormal XPC expression and reduction or elimination of normal XPC functions, which may underlie the disease in this family.

Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasound debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer and the potential mechanism. Methods Eighty-one patients with diabetic ulcer were randomly divided into two groups:ultrasound debridement combined with vacuum sealing drain-age as the experimental group,routine debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage as the control group. The clinical curative effect,the reduction rate of the wound,the rate of blastocyst and the rate of bacterial clear-ance and blood flow were detected.Results The clinical curative effect in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group(P < 0.05). The rates of wound reduction and granulation were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).After 14-day treatment,the blood perfusion in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in the ulcer tissue was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions Ultrasound de-bridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage can improve the clinical efficacy,wound reduction rate,granu-lation coverage rate and bacterial clearance rate,and increase ulcer tissue blood flow. The potential mechanism is related with the increases of HIF-1α and VEGF in ulcer tissue.

Objective To grasp the prevalence of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in Tibet,and to provide scientific basis for the development of prevention and control strategies.Methods Twelve counties were selected from 7 regions in Tibet.In accordance with the "Drinking Brick-Tea Type Endemic Fluorosis Monitoring Program",a total of 46 administrative villages were selected as survey points using the cluster stratified sampling method.Household water samples,tea-water samples and adult urine samples were collected,and household fluorine intake status and incidence of skeletal fluorosis in adults over 16 years old were investigated.In the rural grade primary school where the village children were concentrated,all children aged 8-12 were selected,urine samples were collected,and the prevalence of dental fluorosis was investigated.Fluoride contents in tea,water,and urine were detected by ion selective electrode method.The dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis were examined and judged according to the "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" (WS/T 208-2011) and the "Diagnostic Criteria for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis" (WS 192-2008),respectively.Results A total of 46 villages in 12 counties were investigated,1 992 of water samples,1 662 of tea samples,664 of children urine samples,3 186 of adult urine samples were detected;547 children aged 8-12 were examined dental fluorosis and 3 196 adults were examinea skeletal fluorosis,respectively.The water fluoride contents in all the investigated villages were less than 1.0 mg/L;the average fluoride content in brick-tea water was 6.12 mg/L,within the range of 0.11-84.00 mg/L,and the average daily brick tea fluorine intake of residents was 24.98 mg.The geometric mean of urine fluoride in children and adults was 0.76,2.28 mg/L,respectively.The prevalence rates of dental fluorosis in children and skeletal fluorosis in adults over 16 years old were 31.81％ (174/547) and 48.59％ (1 553/3 196),respectively.The children dental fluorosis index was 0.60.The detection rate of skeletal fluorosis in adults aged 36-45 was 13.37％ (69/516).Conclusions The prevalence of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in Tibet is serious and widely distributed.In particular,the prevalence rate of skeletal fluorosis in adults is relatively high,while that of dental fluorosis in children is relatively mild.The prevention and control of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in Tibet brook no delay.

Objective To study the relationship between environment selenium distribution characteristic and Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) in the Yarlung Zangbo River banks and to provide some measures for prevention and control of KBD in the north side of the river bank.Methods Considering the geography and KBD distribution,we made a survey in Xietongmen (KBD area),Lazi and Sajia (non-KBD area) counties in 2013 and 2015.Water,soil,herbage,grain food and children hair samples were collected.Selenium of the samples was measured by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry.Results A total of 246 samples of natural soil,cultivated soil,drinking water,food and forage,and 103 samples of children hair were collected.The selenium in natural soil,cultivated soil,herbage,barley,tsampa,self-produced wheat in non-KBD area in the south side of Yarlung Zangbo River bank were significantly higher than those in KBD areas in the north side [mean (μg/kg):288.62 vs 134.90,228.26 vs 160.28,41.85 vs 5.10,13.99 vs 4.02,12.64 vs 8.07,27.44 vs 13.56,U =7,23,0,19,62,0,P ＜ 0.05].Hair selenium in school children in KBD area in the north side was higher than that previously reported,but still significantly lower than that in non-KBD areas in the south side of the river bank [mg/kg:0.221 vs 0.306,U =650,P ＜ 0.01],and about 65.45％ (36/55)of school children in KBD area were at a risk of selenium deficiency in the north of the Yarlung Zangbo River bank.Conclusions The selenium contem in the food chain of soilplants-animals (human being) is significantly lower in KBD area in the north side of Yarlung Zangbo River bank than that in non-KBD areas in the south side.It's still a key factor for the occurrence and prevalence of KBD that low selenium in environment in KBD areas in the north side.

Objective: To observe the effects of astragaloside IV on myocardial fibrosis and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in experimental rats with chronic heart failure (CHF).
Methods: CHF model was established by abdominal aorta constriction (AAC) and the rats were divided into 5 groups:Sham operation group, the rats received normal saline 2 ml/day, n=10, CHF group, the rats received normal saline 2 ml/day, n=12;Astragaloside IV groups, CHF rats received astragaloside IV at (20, 40, 60) mg/kg respectively and n=12 in each group. All animals were treated for 4 weeks. Hemodynamic indexes were monitored, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated, morphologic changes of myocardial tissue was observed by HE staining, myocardial ifbrosis degree and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were measured by Masson staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of CTGF were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, Western-blot analysis respectivety.
Results: Compared with CHF group, 3 Astragaloside IV groups had decreased LVMI and CVF, P<0.05-0.01;Astragaloside IV (40 and 60) mg/kg groups presented decreased LVEDP and LVSP, increased ±dp/dtmax, P<0.01 to P<0.05 and improved pathological morphology. Compared with Sham group, CHF group had increased average CTGF OD value (0.09 ± 0.03) vs (0.45 ± 0.04) and increased expression of myocardial CTGF (0.57 ± 0.06);compared with CHF group, the average CTGF OD values in Astragaloside IV (20, 40, 60) mg/kg groups were all decreased (0.39 ± 0.05), (0.30 ± 0.06), (0.24 ± 0.04) and decreased expressions of myocardial CTGF (0.44 ± 0.05), (0.35 ± 0.02), (0.28 ± 0.03) respectively, all P<0.01.
Conclusion: Astragaloside IV can inhibit myocardial ifbrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats, which might be via inhibiting the over expression of myocardial CTGF.

ObjectiveTo investigate the individualized treatment for traumatic liver rupture. MethodsClinical data of 58 patients with traumatic liver rupture diagnosed and treated in the CAPF Sichuan Provincial Corps Hospital between April 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively studied. The informed consents of all patients were obtained and the local ethical committee approval had been received. Among the 58 patients, 31 were males and 27 were females with the age ranging from 2 to 76 years old and the median of 44 years old. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading for liver injury, 33 patients were with GradeⅡ liver injury, 16 with GradeⅢ liver injury and 9 with GradeⅣ liver injury. After admission, all patients underwent routine abdominal examination and abdominocentesis for the closed liver rupture. In addition, blood routine, coagulation function, hepatic and renal function, abdominal ultrasound and computer tomography (CT) were also examined emergently to know about the location, size and depth of liver rupture, blood loss, underlying diseases and combined injuries. The individualized treatments, including non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment were performed according to the AAST grading criteria for liver injury and the comprehensive conditions of patients.ResultsNon-surgical treatment was given to 24 patients in which 9 cases were found having obviously increased ascites by ultrasound and CT examination 3-7 d after treatment. Laparoscopic exploration was then performed on the 9 patients. During the operation, 5 were found with mild bleeding and the bleeding was stopped successfully with electrotome, cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator or titanium clip. And the rupture bleeding of the other 4 cases were found stopped. Two patients received CT scan 2-3 weeks after treatment and were found with encapsulated effusion near the right liver lobe and 1 case with effusion in hepatic and renal recesses. All these 3 patients underwent CT-guided puncture drainage and were cured. A total of 34 patients underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. Among these patients, 25 underwent debridement of devitalized liver tissues and wound suture, 6 underwent regular segmental hepatectomy or hepatic lobectomy, 2 underwent hepatic artery branch ligation and wound suture, and 1 underwent greater omentum iflling and suture. After the treatment, 1 patient developed perihepatic abscess and was cured after puncture drainage. All 58 patients recovered and were discharged. Forty-ifve patients were followed up for 1-6 months. No recurrence of bleeding, bile leakage, infection, hepatic insufifciency and other complications were observed.ConclusionsIndividualized treatment can be applied for traumatic liver rupture. Patients with small and shallow liver rupture may receive non-surgical treatment under a close observation and patient with unstable vital signs and progressive bleeding at the liver rupture may receive surgical treatment. Both treatments can achieve good curative effects.