Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype and prognosis of nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma. Methods: Twenty-four resection cases of NUT midline carcinoma diagnosed at the Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China from January 2018 to September 2022, were collected, and retrospectively analyzed for their clinicopathological characteristics. Relevant literature was reviewed. Results: All 24 cases of NUT midline carcinoma occurred in the chest or head and neck, including 14 men and 10 women, with a median age of 40 years. Histological examination showed that the tumors were poorly differentiated, with solid nested or sheet-like arrangement, small to medium-sized cells, sparse cytoplasm and coarse granular chromatin, including 5 cases with abrupt squamous epithelial differentiation. Immunohistochemistry showed that all 24 cases were positive for NUT protein, while 16 cases were p63 positive, 19 cases were p40 positive, 15 out of 18 cases were CK5/6 positive. Follow-up data were obtained for 21 patients (follow-up time range, 1-21 months), of which 11 survived, 10 died, and 3 were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: NUT midline carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with unique histological, immunophenotypic and molecular features. It has a poor prognosis.
Male ; Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Neoplasm Proteins/genetics* ; Nuclear Proteins/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Carcinoma/surgery* ; Testicular Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on Tim3 expression and its co-expression with immune checkpoint molecules 2B4 and LAG3 in spleen natural killer (NK) cells of mice. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice, each weighing (20 ± 2) g, were randomly divided into a high-dose infection group (15 mice), a low-dose infection group (13 mice), and a control group (11 mice). Mice in the high- and low-dose infection groups were inoculated with 2 000 and 50 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolices via the hepatic portal vein, while animals in the control group was injected with an equivalent amount of physiological saline via the hepatic portal vein. Mouse spleen cells were harvested 12 and 24 weeks post-infection, and Tim3 expression and its co-expression with 2B4 and LAG3 in NK cells were detected using flow cytometry. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression (F = 13.559, P < 0.001) and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression (F = 12.465, P < 0.001) in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 12 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis, and the proportion of Tim3 expression was significantly higher in mouse spleen NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(23.84 ± 2.28)%] than in the high-dose infection group [(15.72 ± 3.67)%] and the control group [(16.14 ± 3.83)%] (both P values < 0.01), while the proportion of Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression was significantly higher in mouse spleen NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(22.20 ± 2.13)%] than in the high-dose infection group [(14.17 ± 3.81)%] and the control group [(15.20 ± 3.77)%] (both P values < 0.01). There were significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression (F = 5.243, P < 0.05) and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression (F = 4.659, P < 0.05) in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 24 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis infection, and the proportions of Tim3 expression and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression were significantly lower in mouse spleen NK cells in the high-dose infection group [(20.55 ± 7.04)% and (20.98 ± 7.12)%] than in the control group [(31.38 ± 3.19)% and (31.25 ± 3.06)%] (both P values < 0.05), and there were no significantly difference between the proportions of Tim3 expression and Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression in splenic NK cells in the low-dose infection group [(26.80 ± 6.47)% and (26.48 ± 6.48)%] and the control group (both P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 and LAG3 co-expression in mouse spleen NK cells among groups 12 (F = 2.283, P > 0.05) and 24 weeks post-infection (F = 0.375, P > 0.05). In the low-dose infection group, there were no significant differences in the proportions of Tim3 expression or Tim3 and 2B4 co-expression in mouse spleen NK cells 12 (t = -1.137, P > 0.05) or 24 weeks post-infection (t = -1.658, P > 0.05), and the proportion of Tim3 and LAG3 co-expression increased in mouse spleen NK cells 24 weeks post-infection relative to 12 weeks post-infection (t = -5.261, P < 0.01). In the highdose infection group, there was no significant difference in the proportion of Tim3 expression in mouse spleen NK cells 12 and 24 weeks post-infection (t = -1.546, P > 0.05); however, the proportions of Tim3 co-expression with 2B4 and LAG3 increased in mouse splenic NK cells 24 weeks post-infection relative to 12 weeks post-infection (t = -2.425 and -4.745, both P values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The Tim3 expression and Tim3 co-expression with LAG3 and 2B4 on spleen NK cells is affected by doses of E. multilocularis infection and disease stages, and present different phenotypes during the course of alveolar echinococcosis. NK cells tend to form an immunosuppressive phenotype with the progression of E. multilocularis infection, which facilitates immune escape and chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.
Animals ; Mice ; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2/genetics* ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spleen

Objective: To explore the relationship between environmental factors as urinary cadmium and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in adults. Methods: Case-control study was adopted, including 166 cases and 427 controls. General characteristics of the subjects were collected by a structured questionnaire. FPG, biochemical indexes and urinary cadmium (UCd) were detected respectively, while UCd was corrected with creatinine. Unconditioned logistic regression model was applied to analyze the relationship between UCd and DM. Results: Levels of UCd appeared higher in cases with the following characteristics as: having primary school education (P=0.016), being female (P=0.013), being non-smokers (P=0.014) or non-alcoholic (P=0.025), and with BMI>25.00 kg/m(2) (P=0.040, P=0.025) than those appeared in the control group. Same results were shown in the 60-69 years (P=0.024) old group. Data from the unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that family history of DM (OR=3.19, 95%CI: 1.45-7.03), education status (OR=1.50,95%CI: 1.08-2.08) and UCd (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.08-2.41) were influencing factors on DM. Conclusion: A close association between UCd and DM was noticed. UCd appeared a risk factor on DM that called for setting up related prevention program to reduce the exposure of Cd and to control the risk on DM.
Adult ; Cadmium/urine* ; Case-Control Studies ; China/epidemiology* ; Creatinine ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Risk Factors ; Socioeconomic Factors

OBJECTIVES: To establish multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci, and explore its application value for the degraded materials in forensic medicine. METHODS: The multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci was established using a six-dye fluorescence labeling technology and its application value in forensic medicine was assessed. RESULTS: A six-dye fluorescence labeling miniSTR amplification kit was developed, which enabled 15 autosomal STR loci, Amelogenin locus and DYS391 to be typed simultaneously. This method showed good specificity and could provide stable and accurate typing results with a sensitivity of 50 pg. This system also provided a good test result for the normal biological sample of actual cases. CONCLUSIONS The multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci has application value for degraded and trace materials with the advantages of high sensitivity and database compatibility, which can be used for forensic casework.
Amelogenin ; DNA Fingerprinting ; DNA Primers ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective: To analyze the spatial distribution of tuberculosis (TB) and identify the clustering areas in Qinghai province from 2014 to 2016, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of TB. Methods: The data of pulmonary TB cases confirmed by clinical and laboratory diagnosis in Qinghai during this period were collected from National Disease Reporting Information System. The visualization of annual reported incidence, three-dimensional trend analysis and local Getis-Ord G(i)(*) spatial autocorrelation analysis of TB were performed by using software ArcGIS 10.2.2, and global Moran's I spatial autocorrelation analysis were analyzed by using software OpenGeoDa 1.2.0 to describe and analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and high incidence areas of TB in Qinghai from 2014 to 2016. Results: A total of 20 609 pulmonary TB cases were reported in Qinghai during this period. The reported incidences were 101.16/100 000, 123.26/100 000 and 128.70/100 000 respectively, an increasing trend with year was observed (trend χ(2)=187.21, P<0.001). The three-dimensional trend analysis showed that the TB incidence increased from northern area to southern area, and up-arch trend from the east to the west. Global Moran's I spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that annual reported TB incidence in different areas had moderate spatial clustering (Moran's I values were 0.631 3, 0.605 4, and 0.587 3, P<0.001). And local G(i)(*) analysis showed that there were some areas with high TB incidences, such as 10 counties of Yushu and Guoluo prefectures (Gande, Banma and Dari counties, etc., located in the southwest of Qinghai), and some areas with low TB incidences, such as Huangzhong county, Chengdong district and Chengbei district of Xining city and Dachaidan county of Haixi prefecture, and the reported TB incidences in the remaining areas were moderate. Conclusion: The annual reported TB incidence increased year by year in Qinghai from 2014 to 2016. The distribution of TB cases showed obvious spatial clustering, and Yushu and Guoluo prefectures were the key areas in TB prevention and control. In addition, the spatial clustering analysis could provide the important evidence for the development of TB prevention and control measures in Qinghai.
China/epidemiology* ; Cluster Analysis ; Disease Notification/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Spatial Analysis ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Tuberculosis/microbiology* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/ethnology*

Objective: To assess the association and intensity of baseline TC level with the incidence of lung cancer in men in China. Methods: Since May 2006, all the male workers, including the employees and the retirees in Kailuan Group were recruited in the Kailuan male dynamic cohort study. Information about demographics, medical history, anthropometry and TC level were collected at the baseline interview, as well as the information of newly-diagnosed lung cancer cases during the follow-up period. According to guidelines for blood lipids in Chinese adults and the distribution in the population, TC level was classified into five groups as followed: <160, 160-, 180-, 200- and ≥240 mg/dl, with the second quintile group (160- mg/dl) serving as the referent category. Cox proportional hazards regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to evaluate the association and the nonlinear association between baseline TC level and the risk of lung cancer in the men. Results: By December 31, 2014, for the 109 884 men, a follow up of 763 819.25 person-years was made with a median follow-up period of 7.88 years. During the follow up, 808 lung cancer cases were identified. After adjustment for age, education level, income level, smoking status, alcohol consumption level, history of dust exposure, FPG level and BMI, HR (95%CI) of lung cancer for men with lower TC level (<160 mg/dl) and higher TC level (≥240 mg/dl) were 1.34 (1.04- 1.72) and 1.45 (1.09-1.92), respectively, compared with men with normal TC level (160- mg/dl). The results didn't change significantly after exclusion of newly diagnosed cancer cases within 2 years of follow up and subjects with the history of hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Our results showed that TC might be associated with higher risk of lung cancer. Men with lower TC level or higher TC level had higher risk for lung cancer. Keep moderate TC level might be one of the effective precaution for the prevention of lung cancer.
Adult ; Asian People ; China/epidemiology* ; Cholesterol/blood* ; Cohort Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lipids ; Lung Neoplasms/ethnology* ; Male ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection and explore the influence factors and their interaction on HIV/HCV co-infection of patient's access to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods: A face to face interviews were conducted among 750 patients at two MMT clinics in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The questionnaires information included demographic characteristics, HIV and HCV infection status, history of drug abuse, urine test for morphine, high risk sex behaviors, needle sharing, dropped out etc. Methods of χ(2) test one-way, multivariate logistic regression and interactions were used to analyze the related factors of HIV/HCV co-infection. Results: The study subjects included 750 participants, 18.31% (127/691) of patients were co-infected with HIV and HCV. The HIV/HCV co-infection rate in patients who shared needles with others or dropped out of treatment was 35.84% (81/226) and 19.88% (64/322) respectively, which were higher than those who have never shared needles or dropped out (9.89%, 46/465 and 17.07%, 63/369). Logistic regression analysis results showed that after adjusted for confounding factors, patients who shared needles (OR=4.50, 95%CI: 2.72-7.43) and dropped out of treatment (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.04-2.80) were more likely to be infected with HIV/HCV. Interaction analysis showed that sharing needles and dropping out of treatment exist additive effect on co-infection of HIV and HCV (RERI=4.21, AP=0.44, SI=1.95). Conclusions: Needle sharing and dropping out of treatment are associated with HIV/HCV co-infection. Health education, psychological counseling and other measures should be taken to reduce needle sharing and dropping out of MMT.
China/epidemiology* ; Coinfection/epidemiology* ; Female ; HIV Infections/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis C/diagnosis* ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Methadone/therapeutic use* ; Morphine ; Needle Sharing ; Opiate Substitution Treatment ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sexual Behavior ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous/drug therapy* ; Substance-Related Disorders

Objective: To explore the relationship between the status of HBsAg-positive infection of mothers and the non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine of their infants. Methods: A total of 225 pairs of mothers and their infants were recruited in our cohort from June 2011 to July 2013. Infants were given three doses of hepatitis B vaccine at hour 24, first month and month 6(t)h respectively and were followed up for one year after birth. HBV serological markers and HBV DNA in the peripheral blood of both mothers and infants were detected by Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay and fluorescence quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: Six HBV infection models were detected in HBsAg-positive mothers, and "HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), anti-HBc (+)" (model one) and "HBsAg (+), anti-HBe (+), anti-HBc (+)" (model two) accounted for 92.5%(208/225) of all the models. Rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to mothers in model one was lower than those in model two, the differences are statistically significant (χ(2)=4.80, P=0.029). The rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants showed a downward trend with the rising of HBeAg level in their mothers (χ(2)=4.86, P=0.028). Results from the unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that the HBeAg of the HBsAg-positive mothers was significantly correlated with the low risk of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants (OR=0.598, 95%CI: 0.378-0.947). The positive rate of serum HBV DNA in HBsAg-positive mothers was 54.2%, while the rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBV DNA positive mothers was similar to those infants born to HBV DNA negative mothers (χ(2)=0.22, P=0.640). Conclusions: "HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), anti-HBc (+)" and "HBsAg (+), anti-HBe(+), anti-HBc (+)" were the common models seen in HBsAg-positive mothers, and the rate of non/low-response to hepatitis B vaccine was different between the two models. HBeAg of HBsAg-positive mothers might have positive effects on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants but the mechanisms remained not clear. HBV DNA of the HBsAg-positive mothers did not seem to be correlated with the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants.
Adult ; Biomarkers/blood* ; DNA, Viral/blood* ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Female ; Hepatitis B/prevention & control* ; Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood* ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood* ; Hepatitis B Vaccines/pharmacology* ; Hepatitis B e Antigens/blood* ; Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control* ; Mothers ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology*

Objective: To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer risk in Chinese males. Methods: Information on alcohol consumption and outcomes were collected on a biennial basis among males in Kailuan Cohort (2006-2015). In addition, electronic databases of hospitals affiliated to Kailuan Community, Insurance Systems of Kailuan Community and Tangshan were also used for supplementary information retrieval. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI of baseline frequency and type of alcohol consumption associated with lung cancer risk in males. Non-drinkers were used as control group. Results: A total of 101 751 males were included and 913 new lung cancer cases were identified in the Kailuan male cohort study, with a total follow-up time of 808 146.56 person-years and a median follow-up time of 8.88 years by 31 December 2015. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the HR of former drinkers, occasional drinkers (<1/day) and drinkers (≥1/day) were 1.30 (95%CI: 0.90-1.88), 0.80 (95%CI: 0.64-1.01) and 1.04 (95%CI: 0.85-1.27), respectively, compared with non-drinkers. In addition, drinking beer/red wine (HR=0.91, 95%CI: 0.69-1.20) and white wine (HR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.83-1.19) showed no significant association with lung cancer. The results were similar when stratified analysis were conducted. Conclusion: Our study results don't support the hypothesis that alcohol consumption is significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer in males.
Adult ; Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Cohort Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Objective: To understand the epidemiologic characteristics and spatial-temporal distribution of hepatitis E in Shanghai between 2006 and 2016. Methods: The reported incidence of hepatitis E and health facilities' information between 2006 and 2016 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The geographic information were from Shanghai Surveying and Mapping Institute. The map scale was 1∶750 000. Global and local autocorrelation, and spatial-temporal detection methods were applied to determine the spatial-temporal characteristics of hepatitis E. Software ArcGIS 10.1 was used to analyze global and local spatial auto correlation of hepatitis E spatial clusters. Software SaTScan 9.4.4 was used to conduct scan for exploring the areas of hepatitis E temporal spatial clusters. Results: A total of 6 048 cases of hepatitis E were reported in Shanghai during 2006-2016. The average incidence was 2.14/100 000. Spatial auto correlation analysis indicated that there was significant spatial positive correlations and spatial-temporal clustering of hepatitis E in Shanghai, and the "high-high cluster" was mainly located in the downtown of the city. Conclusion: Understanding the spatial-temporal clustering areas of hepatitis E cases in Shanghai from 2006 to 2016 is important to the reasonable allocation of public health resources and effective prevention and control of hepatitis E.
China/epidemiology* ; Cities ; Cluster Analysis ; Hepatitis E/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis