Primary aldosteronism(PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension, with adrenal vein sampling(AVS)being the gold standard for etiological typing diagnosis. This retrospective study analyzed data from patients diagnosed with PA who underwent AVS or unilateral adrenalectomy at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital′s Endocrinology Department from July 2018 to August 2021. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with unilateral aldosterone hypersecretion were identified. Based on these factors, a predictive model for diagnosing unilateral primary aldosteronism(UPA)was established: age <40 years, plasma aldosterone concentration(PAC)>15 ng/dL, adrenal CT indicating an unilateral typical adenoma, and spontaneous hypokalemia. This predictive model could help 14% of PA patients avoid unnecessary AVS procedures.

Objective:To explore the pathological characteristics of adrenal masses based on various tumor diameter and unenhanced computed tomography(CT) attenuation value, and evaluate the value of the two parameters in the assessment of the benign and malignant nature of adrenal masses.Methods:The data of 1 367 patients who underwent adrenalectomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2017 to October 2022 were retrospectively collected. The adrenal masses were divided into four groups according to tumor diameter and unenhanced CT attenuation value, and the clinical and histopathological characteristics of the four groups were compared respectively. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between tumor diameter, non-contrast CT attenuation value and malignant adrenal masses, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of both in benign and malignant adrenal masses.Results:The proportion of adrenocortical carcinoma and other malignant tumors increased with the rise of tumor diameter or unenhanced CT attenuation value. After adjusting for age and gender, tumor diameter( OR=1.624, 95% CI 1.464-1.803, P<0.001) and unenhanced CT attenuation value( OR=1.108, 95% CI 1.079-1.138, P<0.001) were predictors of malignant adrenal masses. The tumor diameter and unenhanced CT attenuation value in diagnosing malignant adrenal masses had area under the ROC curve(AUC) of 0.838 and 0.892, respectively. With the optimal cut-off values of >3.4 cm and >30 HU, the sensitivity was 75.5% and 83.7%, and the specificity was 80.5% and 84.4%, respectively. The combination of tumor diameter >3.4 cm and unenhanced CT attenuation value >20 HU had an AUC of 0.927, with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 90.1% in diagnosing malignant adrenal masses. Conclusions:Tumor diameter and unenhanced CT attenuation value has important significance in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant adrenal masses. A combination of tumor diameter (>3.4 cm) and unenhanced CT attenuation value (>20 HU) demonstrates best diagnostic efficiency. Clinical application of this combined index can effectively diagnose malignant adrenal masses while avoiding unnecessary investigations or surgery.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing outpatient hemodialysis (HD) and home peritoneal dialysis (PD) are high risk population of severe and critical types caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In order to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment in dialysis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, we wrote this recommendation for primary care clinicians. During the epidemic period of SARS-CoV-2 infection, all patients should be instructed to strengthen self-management. Once the SARS-CoV-2 infection was found in dialysis patients, early stratified management should be carried out within 72 hours after the first positive nucleic acid or antigen test results, which includes early antiviral therapy, early recognition, and transferring severe patients from community or primary hospital to a referral hospital promptly. Guidance for dietary and sports rehabilitation after SARS-CoV-2 infection should also be started as soon as possible.

Objective:To explore the value of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in adrenal vein sampling (AVS) with its effect on the sampling success rate and lateralization determination.Methods:The clinical data of 54 patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) who underwent AVS in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from July 2018 to June 2020 were collected retrospectively. Blood samples from bilateral adrenal veins were collected simultaneously at baseline and after ACTH stimulation. The selectivity index (SI), lateralization index (LI), and relative aldosterone secretion index (RASI) were examined.Results:The concentration of serum cortisol level in left and right adrenal vein and peripheral vein increased significantly after ACTH stimulation ( P<0.001). SI of left adrenal vein increased from 18.00 (2.29, 20.29) to 34.76 (12.10, 46.86) , and the SI of right adrenal vein increased from 26.61(5.24, 31.85) to 28.40 (27.65, 56.05, P<0.001). The bilateral vein sampling success rate increased from 80%(43/54) to 93%(50/54). LI decreased from 2.85(1.78, 6.20) at baseline to 2.45(1.40, 6.10) after ACTH stimulation without significant difference( P>0.05). Eleven patients who identified unilateral secretion at baseline demonstrated bilateral after ACTH stimulation, and the RASI of these patients decreased from 0.50 (0.38, 1.25 ) to 0.37 (0.22, 0.84, P=0.019). Conclusion:ACTH stimulation significantly increased SI and the AVS success rate in patients with PA: ACTH stimulation decreased the relative aldosterone secretion in the dominant side of some patients with aldosterone producing adenoma, thus reduced the proportion of identified unilateral PA.

Objective:To propose an automatic planning platform of the Raystation planning system suitable for multi-disease and multi-plan technique by using the Raystation built-in script function.Methods:IronPython and WPF user interface framework were utilized for programming and resolving the differences in the design of different types of plans for different diseases. The program was designed from prescription identification, visual plan parameter input and cost-function setting. The efficiency of automatic planning and manual planning was compared when applied in whole brain irradiation, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer and breast cancer, including IMRT and VMAT. The dosimetric parameters of the whole brain irradiation were chosen.Results:Physicists were only required to enter and select the necessary parameters to achieve the plan design by using the program. Compared with the five types of diseases, the maximum efficiency of automatic planning was 1.4 times higher than that of manual planning. In the dosimetric evaluation of the whole brain irradiation plan, both manual and automatic planning could meet the clinical needs, and the D 2%, CI and HI of the target area did not significantly differ (all P>0.05). The mean D 98% of the target area and the D max of lens in the manual plan were significantly higher than those in the automatic plan by 0.4% and 7.1%(both P<0.05). Conclusion:The developed program has the function of automatic planning system, which can realize the automatic planning of multi-disease and multi-type radiotherapy, significantly improve the efficiency of plan design and has important clinical application value.

Objective:To investigate the 2 years’ efficacy of intravesical instillation of domestic BCG versus epirubicin in the prevention of recurrence of intermediate-risk or high-risk non-muscular invasive bladder cancer and predictive factors of BCG instillation.Methods:From July 2015 to June 2020, 18-75 years old patients with moderate to high-risk non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) confirmed by pathological examination were involved. The ECOG score was 0-2. Exclusion criteria included ①immune deficiency or impairment (such as AIDS), using immunosuppressive drugs or radiotherapy, suspected allergic to BCG or epirubicin or excipients of the two drugs, fever or acute infectious diseases including active tuberculosis or receiving anti tuberculosis treatment, with severe chronic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases or chronic kidney disease; ②combined with other urogenital system tumors or other organ tumors; ③combined with muscle invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (≥T 2); ④undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy within 4 weeks (immediate instillation after surgery not included); ⑤ pregnant or lactating women; ⑥ comfirmed or suspected bladder perforation; ⑦gross hematuria; ⑧cystitis with severe bladder irritation that may affect the evaluation; ⑨participat in other clinical trials within 3 months; ⑩alcohol or drug addiction; ?any risk factors that may increasing the risk of patients. Epirubicin 50 mg was irrigated immediately after the operation(TURBT or laser resection). The patients were randomly divided into BCG15 group, BCG19 group and epirubicin group by the ratio of 2∶2∶1, and the patients were maintained intravescical instillation for 1 year. The recurrence and adverse events of the three groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to predict the risk factors of BCG irrigated therapy failure. Result:By June 15, 2020, the median follow-up duration was 22.1 months(12.1, 32.3), and there was no statistical difference between the groups ( P=0.9024). There were 274 patients enrolled in BCG19 group, 277 patients enrolled in BCG15 group and 130 patients enrolled in the epirubicin group. The drop-off rate was 16.6%(113 cases)and made no difference between groups( P=0.6222). There were no significant difference in age, gender, BMI, or ECOG score( P>0.05). During the follow-up, 116 cases was detected recurrence or progression. The recurrence rate of the three groups was 14.2% and 14.8% in BCG19 group and BCG15 group, and 27.7% in the epirubicin group. There was no difference in recurrence rate between BCG19 and BCG15 group( P=0.9464). The recurrence rate of BCG19 group was lower than that of the epirubicin group ( P=0.0017). The recurrence rate of BCG15 group was lower than that of the epirubicin group ( P=0.0020). There was no difference in the cumulative recurrence free survival rate between BCG19 and BCG15 group (95% CI0.57-1.46, P=0.7173). The cumulative recurrence free survival rate of BCG 19 group was better than that of the epirubicin group( HR=0.439, 95% CI0.26-0.74, P=0.0006), and the cumulative recurrence free survival rate of BCG15 group was better than that of the epirubicin group ( HR=0.448, 95% CI0.29-0.80, P=0.0021). The total incidence of adverse events in 19 BCG19, BCG15 and epirubicin group were 74.5%, 72.6% and 69.8% respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between BCG19 and BCG15 group( P=0.6153). The incidence of adverse events in epirubicin group was lower than that of BCG19( P=0.0051) and BCG15( P=0.0167) groups.There was no significant difference in the incidence of serious adverse events (SAE) among the three groups ( P=0.5064). Log rank test univariate analysis and Cox risk regression model multivariate analysis showed that the history of bladder cancer recurrence( HR=6.397, 95% CI1.95-20.94, P=0.0001)was independent risk factor for BCG irrigation failure. Conclusions:The 2 years’ efficacy of intravesical instillation of domestic BCG is better than than of epirubicin with good tolerance and safety. There is no difference between BCG19 and BCG15 group. BCG doesn’t increase SAE compared with epirubicin. Recurrence status was an independent prognostic factor regarding recurrence-free survival.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation of BCG vaccine in the prevention of early recurrence of middle and high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.Methods From July 2015,patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer aged 18-75 years with informed consent were screened and underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).Immediately intravesical instillation of epirubicin 50 mg was given postoperatively.After pathology was comfirmed,patients was enrolled in group 1 (BCG15) or group 2 (BCG 19) or the control group (epirubicin 18) randomly with SAS 9.3 software.Data of follow-up and Adverse event was collected and analyzed.Results By May 31,2019,531 patients were enrolled in the study.The drop-off rate was 20.1％.167 patients (143 males and 24 females)in group 1,172 patients (141 males and 31 females)in group2 and 84(75 males and 9 females) in the control group with follow-up data were analyzed.There were no significant differences in age,gender,BMI,ECOG score,risk stratification between the three groups (P =0.8641,P =0.2906,P =0.9384,P =0.6126).The median follow-up time makes no statistical difference between the groups (P =0.9251),12.0 (6.0,22.5) months,13.0 (6.0,22.3) months,and 13.0 (7.0,22.3) months.The median recurrence time of the three groups was 4.0 (3.0,6.0) months,4.5 (3.0,9.8) months,4.5 (3.0,8.8) months.There was no statistical difference between the three groups (P =0.2852).Risk stratification in the patients got no significant difference between the three groups (P ＞ 0.05).The 1-year recurrence-free survival rates were 80.0％ in the group 1 and 88.3％ in the group 2 and 73.7％ in the control group.The group 2 was superior to the group 1 and the control group (P =0.0281,P =0.0031).There was no significant difference between group 1 and control group (P =0.2951).There was no significant difference in the cumulative recurrence-free survival between the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2,(95％ CI 0.80-2.43,P =0.2433).The cumulative recurrence-free survival in the group 1 and the group 2 was better than the control group (95 ％ CI 0.31-0.92,P =0.0266;95 ％ CI 0.20-0.65,P =0.0008).All the cases underwent instillation were analyzed for adverse events.The incidence of overall AE(adverse events) in group 1 was 68.5％ (152/222),the incidence of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ AE was 53.2％ (118/222),the incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ AE was 15.3％ (32/222).The incidence of overall AE in the group 2 was 71.8％ (160/223),the incidence of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ AE was 60.1％ (134/223),and the incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ AE was 11.7％ (26/223).The overall AE rate in the control group was 53.2％ (59/111),of which the incidence of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ AE was 42.4％ (47/111),and the incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ AE was 10.8％ (12/111).There was no difference in the incidence of overall AE between the group 1 and the group 2 (P =0.4497).The incidence of AE in the two experimental groups was higher than that in the control group (P =0.0062,P =0.0008).There was no difference in the incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ AE between the three groups (P =0.3902).Conclusions BCG(19 instillation schedule) has a better effect on preventing recurrence after 1 year of bladder surgery,which is superior to epirubicin group.The long-term efficacy of BCG in preventing recurrence and the efficacy of different schedules need to be further followed up.The lower urinary tract symptoms,which are mainly urinary frequency,are one of the causes of case fallout and should be fouced in future.Compared with epirubicin,BCG perfusion does not increase the incidence of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ adverse reactions,and is safe to use.

Objective: To observe the effects of music electro-acupuncture and pulsed electro-acupuncture on locomotor avtivity and hippocampal astrocytes in fast-aging (SAMP8) mice, and to compare the anti-dementia mechanism.Methods: Thirty 8-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group (group M), music electroacupuncture group (group MA), pulsed electro-acupuncture group (group EA) (n=10), with homologous normal aging SAMR1 mice as control group (group C) (n=10) . Acupuncture stimulation was applied to"Baihui" (GV20) 、"Yintang" (GV29) and"Renzhong" (DU26) for 20 min per day for 15 days. The Morris water maze was used to assess learningmemorize ability. Immunohistochemical DAB staining was used to observe GFAP exptession in hippocampus. Detect GFAP protein levels by Western blot in hippocampus. Results: The Morris water maze test showed: Compared with group C, the escape latency were increased (P ＜ 0.01), swimming distance were increased in space exploration experiment in group M (P ＜ 0.01) . Compared with group M, the escape latency were reduced in group MA and EA (P ＜ 0.01, P ＜ 0.05) and the swimming distance were shortened (all P ＜ 0.05) . The immunohistochemical DAB staining showed: Compared with group C, the average optical density of GFAP in the hippocampal CA1 area of group M increased significantly (P ＜0.01); the optical density of GFAP in CA1 area of hippocampus in both groups MA and EA was significantly decreased (all P ＜ 0.01), while the optical density of GFAP in MA group was lower than that of EA group (P ＜ 0.05) . Western blot test showed: Compared with group C, the expression of GFAP protein obviously increased (P ＜ 0.01) . Compared with group M, the expression of GFAP protein obviously decreased and had a downregulation tendency in group MA and EA (all P ＜ 0.05), while the expression of GFAP protein decreased in MA group compare with EA group (P ＜ 0.05) .Conclusion: Both music electro-acupuncture and pulsed electro-acupuncture can improve the learning and memory abilities of SAMP8 mice and decrease the expression of GFAP, which may be related to its mechanism of reducing neuroinflammatory reaction, improving apoptosis and eventually protecting neurons, and music electro-acupuncture has a better tendency than pulsed electro-acupuncture.

Objective To establish a stably overexpressing miR-31 transgenic mouse and detect the expression of miR-31 in the organs and tissues,and to provide qualified tool mice with overexpression of miR-31 in vivo. Methods The miR-31 overexpression vector was constructed by Gateway cloning technology. The vector was injected into fertilized ovum by DNA microinjection technology,then transferred to the pseudopregnant mice and waited for eutocia. Newborn mouse tail DNA was extracted and PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed to identify the positive miR-31 transgenic mice. microRNA was extracted from the organs and tissues of miR-31 transgenic mice and the expression of miR-31 was de-tected by RT-PCR. The expression of Nestin and number of neural stem cells in the nervous system were compared in the positive and WT mice. Results The miR-31 transgenic mice were constructed successfully and bred more than 14 genera-tions in barrier environment. Expression of miR-31 was increased in major organs and tissues. The expression of Nestin and the number of neural stem cells in the positive mice were higher than those in the wild type mice. Conclusions MiR-31 overexpressing transgenic mice are constructed by Gateway cloning technology and the expression of miR-31 is stable in sub-sequent generations. The number of neural stem cells in the nervous system is higher than that in wild-type mice. The miR-31 overexpressing transgenic mice can be a good tool for experimental research of the function of overexpressed miR-31 in vivo and the treatment of nervous system diseases.

Objective To investigate the method of establishing a model of delay eyeblink condi-tioning ( DEC) in no surgical cynomolgus monkey and analyze the related acquisition rule.Methods Using the special monkey chairs to fix 6 adult male cynomolgus monkeys,they were sitting on the chairs and keep-ing awake,and heads could rotate freely during the whole training session.In the experiment,the 6 monkeys were trained in DEC with a tone (500 ms,85 dB) as the conditioned stimulus (CS),paired with a corneal oxygen-puff (100 ms,5 psi) as the unconditioned stimulus (US).There were 120 trials per-session,and 2 sessions per-day.During the experiments,an infrared emitter/detector attached to spectacles for eyeblink re-cording,the data of conditioned response ( CR) and startle response ( SR) were analyzed offline.Result-s Among the 6 cynomolgus monkeys,4 of them completed all of the training process of DEC and 3 monkeys had successful acquisition of DEC.The average CR rate in the last training session reached ( 64.67 ± 2.00)%,(P<0.01);1 monkey only showed a high acquisition rate( 85.00%) at the first training session, and the low CR rate in the next training sessions with the average rate of 18.16%,suggesting that the DEC model was failed to established.The SR rates in 4 cynomolgus monkeys were low with average rate of 5.47%. Conclusion Although the DEC behavior training of the cynomolgus monkey is easy to be influenced by many inside or outside factors,DEC can be obtained under the condition of non surgery and proper braking.