Objective:To explore the effect of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) combined with Kangfuxin liquid wet compress and oxygen blowing method on the post chemotherapy oral mucositis (OM) in patients with hematological malignancies.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2023, convenience sampling was used to select 120 patients with post chemotherapy OM in the Department of Hematology of the Affiliated Huai'an First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 60 cases in each group. The control group received Kangfuxin liquid wet compress, while the observation group carried out a combination of UV-C irradiation and oxygen oral blowing method on the basis of the control group. This study compared the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score before and two days after treatment, the healing status of OM after treatment on the 5th day, and the healing time of OM between the two groups of patients.Results:A total of 108 patients completed the study, with 52 in the control group and 56 in the observation group. After two days of treatment, the VAS scores of both groups of patients were lower than those before treatment, and those of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). On the 5th day of treatment, the healing rate of OM in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=5.425, P<0.05). The healing time of OM in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.458, P<0.05) . Conclusions:The combination of UV-C, Kangfuxin liquid and oxygen blowing method can alleviate pain, improve the healing rate of OM, and shorten the healing time of post chemotherapy OM in patients with hematological malignancies, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) and electron density map (EDM) generated by non-contrast dual-layer spectral detector CT in acute pulmonary embolism(APE).Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 27 patients (41 lesions) who underwent CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) using dual-layer spectral detector CT and were diagnosed with APE in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from October 2022 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received a dual-layer spectral detector CT non-contrast scan. Based on the non-contrast scan data, conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic images (PI), virtual monoenergetic images (40, 70, 100 keV VMI), electron density maps (EDM), and effective atomic number maps (Z eff) were respectively reconstructed. Taking CTPA as the gold standard, the detection rate of APE in different reconstruction images of non-contrast scan were evaluated. The vascular lesion was used as the pulmonary embolism group and the corresponding position of the normal vessel at the same level of the diseased vessel as the control group, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the differences of CT values on PI and 40, 70, and 100 keV VMI (CT PI, CT 40 keV, CT 70 keV, CT 100 keV) as well as the ED values on the EDM, and the Z eff value on the Z eff images between the 2 groups. Parameters with statistically significant differences were included in a multifactor logistic regression, resulting in the construction of a logistic regression model. Receiver operator characteristic curve and area under curve (AUC) were applied to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of different spectral quantitative parameters and logistic regression model in identifying pulmonary embolism group from normal control group. Results:The detection rates of APE on PI, EDM, Z eff map, and EDM and Z eff map fusion images were 14.6% (6/41), 82.9% (34/41), 51.2% (21/41), and 97.6% (40/41), respectively. CT PI, ED, CT 40 keV, CT 70 keV and CT 100 keV in pulmonary embolism group were statistically higher than those in control group ( Z values were 1 009.00, 1 024.50, 1 038.00, 1 079.00 and 1 076.00, respectively, P<0.05). Finally, CT PI, CT 40 keV, and CT 100 keV were selected to construct the logistic regression model. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the logistic regression model for distinguishing the embolism group from the control group were 0.771, 0.769, 0.744, and 0.756, respectively. Conclusion:Non-contrast images of dual-layer spectral detector CT VMI and EDM have some clinical value in detecting and diagnosing APE.

Background Diabetes is a major threat to public health across the world. Studies have shown that exposure to p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) is closely related to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the relevant molecular mechanism is not clear. Objective To investigate the effects of p,p'-DDE on H19 differentially methylated region (DMR) methylation and insulin secretion of rat insulinoma cells (INS-1 cells). Methods INS-1 cells were cultured with different concentrations (0, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 75 µmol·L⁻¹) of p,p'-DDE for 24 h, and the viability of INS-1 cells was detected by CCK-8 method. INS-1 cells were exposed to 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 µmol·L⁻¹ p,p'-DDE for 24 h in subsequent experiments. The methylation levels of 24 CpG sites in H19 DMR were analyzed by bisulfite genomic sequencing. The expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression levels of IGF2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) proteins were detected by Western blotting. The insulin secretion function of INS-1 cells was determined by glucose-stimulatedinsulin secretion test (5 and 25 mmol·L⁻¹ glucose, respectively). Results Compared with the control group, the viability of INS-1 cells increased significantly after treatment with 12.5 µmol·L⁻¹ p,p'-DDE; however, it was significantly inhibited after treatment with 50 or 75 µmol·L⁻¹ p,p'-DDE (P<0.01); therefore, 50 µmol·L⁻¹ was chosen as the maximum concentration of exposure for subsequent experiments. The 25 µmol·L⁻¹ p,p'-DDE treatment decreased the methylation levels of CpG18 and CpG22-CpG24 sites in H19 DMR, and the 50 µmol·L⁻¹ p,p'-DDE treatment decreased the methylation levels of CpG10-CpG24 sites (P<0.05 or P<0.05). Multiple concentrations (12.5, 25, and 50 µmol·L⁻¹) of p,p'-DDE down-regulated the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of IGF2 and the protein relative expression levels of IGF1R. The transcription level of IGF2 decreased to 67.8%, 68.6%, and 62.5% of the control group, the protein level of IGF2 decreased to 73.3%, 79.5%, and 80.9% of the control group, and the protein level of IGF1R decreased to 54.8%, 25.6%, and 12.9% of the control group, respectively (P<0.01). In the high glucose context, p,p'-DDE at selected concentrations inhibited the insulin secretion levels to 85.0%, 58.6%, and 49.5% of the control group, respectively (P<0.01). Conclusion p,p'-DDE could down-regulate methylation level of H19 DMR, interfere the IGF2/IGF1R signaling pathway, and inhibit insulin secretion of islet cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency. METHODS: Trio whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the pedigree. Pathogenicity of the identified variant was predicted based on the latest recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Prenatal diagnosis was provided for subsequent pregnancy through Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Trio WES showed that the proband has carried compound heterozygous c.68delG and c.796G>C variants of NAGS gene, for which the mother and father were respectively heterozygous carriers. Neither variant was reported previously. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the c.68delG variant was classified as "likely pathogenic" (PVS1+PM2), while the c.796G>C variant was classified as with "uncertain significance" (PM2+BP4). Sanger sequencing validated the above findings, and only detected the heterozygous c.796G>C variant in the amniotic fluid sample. The fetus was followed up till 6 month after birth with no obvious abnormality. CONCLUSION The compound heterozygous c.68delG and c.796G>C variants of the NAGS gene probably underlay the disorder in this pedigree, and the resulth asenabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this pedigree.
Amino-Acid N-Acetyltransferase/genetics* ; China ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Urea Cycle Disorders, Inborn/genetics* ; Whole Exome Sequencing

Objective: To assess the clinical value of uterine curettage ultrasound in the evaluation of cesarean section scar pregnancy (CSP) after uterine arterial chemoembolization (UAE). Methods: Retrospective analysis were performed in 42 patients who took uterine curettage within 24-48 hours after UAE treatment in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2015 to June 2018. The ultrasonic manifestations were graded and classified before UAE. The intraoperative and postoperative complications, time of β-human chorionic gonadotrophin declined to normal limits were evaluated, and the formation of hematoma and hematoma absorption time were followed up by ultrasound. Results: UAE was performed successfully in all patients. The ultrasound-guided scar pregnancy was successfully completed. The uterus was successfully retained in all patients.Among the 42 patients, 18 cases were 3 scores group, and 24 cases were 4 scores group according to the ultrasonic scoring system. Two cases were type Ⅰgroup, 25 cases were type Ⅱ group, and 15 cases were type Ⅲ group according to the ultrasonic classification. The amount of intraoperative complications, postoperative mass formation and absorption time were significantly different between 3 scores group and 4 scores group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, postoperative mass formation and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) value among different ultrasonic classification groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Ultrasonography has clinical application value in evaluating the prognosis of CSP treated with UAE. Ultrasonic scoring system can evaluate the efficacy and is helpful for predicting clinical outcome of CSP.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between calf circumference and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) index, handgrip strength and gait speed in the elderly in Shanghai, and to explore the optimal cut-off point of calf circumference as a simple proxy marker of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function.Methods:A total of 2 294 participants were recruited from physical examination centers in Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University and 4 communities (954 males and 1 340 females) with an average age of (71.6±8.7) years. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), Upper (UMM) and lower (LMM) limbs skeletal muscle mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The ASM index (ASM/height 2) were calculated.Gait speed was measured.Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength using an electronic hand dynamometer.Height, weight, right calf circumference and waist circumference were measured. Results:The age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and gait speed were not statistically different (all P>0.05) between both genders. Height, weight, ASM, ASM/height 2, UMM, LMM, handgrip strength, calf circumference were significantly higher in men than in women (all P<0.05). The calf circumference of the elderly with age ≥ 80 was significantly lower than that of the 70-79 age group and 60-69 age group ( P<0.05). The calf circumference of older women (age≥80) was significantly lower than that of the elderly women in the 70-79 age group and 60-69 age group ( P<0.05). Calf circumference was correlated negatively with age( P<0.01) and positively with ASM/height 2, height, weight, BMI, handgrip strength, UMM and LMM( P<0.01). There was no correlation between calf circumference and gait speed ( P>0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the cut-off value of calf circumference for low muscle mass was 35.1 cm for male(specificity, 0.721; sensitivity, 0.803, ROC, 0.809) and 33.6 cm for female(specificity, 0.774; sensitivity, 0.778; ROC, 0.827). Conclusions:Calf circumference decreases with ageing in the elderly. The optimal cut-off value of calf circumference for low muscle mass is 35.1 cm for males and 33.6 cm for females. We should pay attention to the importance of calf circumference in evaluation and diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Objective:To classify the ultrasound features of ovarian tumors by modified gynecology imaging reporting and data system(mGI-RADS), and explore the clinical value of mGI-RADS in differentiating of benign and malignant tumors.Methods:The 242 ultrasound images of the adnexal mass from 221 patients with ovarian tumor who underwent ultrasound scan and proceeded surgeries in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 2017 and December 2019 were involved in the retrospective analysis and compared with the pathological results. According to the latest ultrasound terminology for adnexal masses proposed by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA), the adnexal masses were classified. The suspeted malignant sings were screened for mGI-RADS. Using GI-RADS and mGI-RADS classification systems, all the adnexal masses were double-blindly classified by two senior doctors and their diagnostic efficiencies were evaluated.Results:Among the suspected malignant signs proposed by IOTA, resistance index (RI)<0.5, central blood flow signal, ascites, irregular cystic wall with uneven thickness separation, mass composition (solid component ≥30% and silent shadow attenuation), and papillary structure≥7 mm, showed retatively higher OR values(14.282, 10.372, 9.653, 8.832, 5.851, 4.506, respectively. Using GI-RADS and mGI-RADS classification systems, the diagnostic consistency by the two senior doctors in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms was good(Kappa=0.767, P<0.05). Grade Ⅳ was divided into three subtypes (Ⅳa, Ⅳb, Ⅳc) by the mGI-RADS, and their positive predictive values for malignant ovarian masses were 69.0%, 90.4% and 92.9% respectively. When a cut-off value >mGRⅣ was used to distinguish the benign and malignant adnexal tumors, the AUC was the largest, and its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 93.4%, 93.1%, 90.4%, 95.2% and 93.2%, respectively. Conclusions:The mGI-RADS has a high clinical value in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors.

Objective:To evaluate the myocardial reserve effect in rabbits′ model of myocardial inshemia-reperfusion by layer-specific strain of speckle tracking imaging and low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography(LDDSE).Methods:Forty rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: ischemia-reperfusion group (IR group) and pharmacological postconditioning group (ATP-PostC group). Echocardiography examinations were performed at baseline, 60 min after ligation (before and after dobutamine stress), and 120 min after reperfusion (before and after dobutamine stress). The size of each chamber was measured and the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) was calculated and the heart rate was recorded. The longitudinal strain of endocardium(SLsys-endo), longitudinal strain of myocardium(SLsys-mid), longitudinal strain of epicardium(SLsys-epi) were acquired. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC) and Evans blue staining were applied in two rabbits randomly selected from each group at 60 min after ligation, dobutamine stress and 120 min after reperfusion, respectively.Results:①After coronary artery ligation, LVEF decreased in both groups( P<0.05), SLsys-endo, SLsys-mid, and SLsys-epi decreased in two groups( P<0.01). After low dose dobutamine stress, the SLsys-endo, SLsys-mid and SLsys-epi in the two groups increased, which was different from that after lagation( P<0.05). ②After 120 min reperfusion, the longitudinal strain of the myocardium of both groups increased compared with that after lagation( P<0.01, P<0.05), and the increase in ATP-PostC group was significantly higher than that in IR group( P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the IR group and the first LDDSE( P<0.05). After LDDSE again, the SLsys-endo and SLsys-mid in the two groups further increased, which was different from that after reperfusion ( P<0.05). And the SLsys-endo and SLsys-mid were higher in ATP-PostC group than those in IR group ( P<0.05). ③Pathological results showed that there was no significant difference in myocardial infarct size between IR group and ATP-PostC group at 60 min after ligation ( P>0.05). After 120 min reperfusion, the percentage of myocardial infarct size in the IR group was significantly higher than that in the ATP-PostC group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Layer-specific strain of STI combined with LDDSE can early detect regional myocardial dysfunction and accurately assess myocardial reserve function, and with endocardial longitudinal strain being more sensitive.

Objective:To explore the main influencing factors for physical performance assessed by the short physical performance battery(SPPB)in the elderly in communities in Shanghai.Methods:A total of 500 elderly subjects from four communities in Shanghai who met the inclusion criteria with 165 males and 335 females aged 60-95 years(70.5±7.8)years were enrolled.A questionnaire was used to assess the general situation.International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form(IPAQ-SF)was used to assess physical activity(PA). The appendicular skeletal muscle mass(ASM)was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the relative skeletal muscle mass index(RSMI). The lower extremity muscle strength(quadriceps strength, QS)was measured by a hand-held dynamometer.Lower body muscle quality(LB-MQ) was ascertained by taking the ratio of strength to muscle mass for lower extremity.SPPB score was used to assess physical activity, including full tandem test, 4-meter walking speed test and five timed chair stands test.Results:The age, RSMI, ASM and quadriceps strength were higher, and the body fat content was lower in males than in females(all P<0.001). There were no significant differences in BMI, SPPB scores, LBMQ, and PA between males and females( P>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that SPPB score was negatively correlated with age( r=-0.615, P<0.001)and body fat content( r=-0.103, P=0.022), but SPPB score was positively correlated with quadriceps strength( r=0.351, P<0.001), RSMI( r=0.134, P=0.003), LBMQ( r=0.268, P<0.001)and amount of PA( r=0.204, P<0.001), however, SPPB score had no relationship with gender( r=0.068, P=0.132). Conclusions:Aging and frailty are the main factors for the decline of physical performance in the elderly.Participating physical activity, reducing body fat, maintaining muscle mass, and especially increasing muscle quality, may be the main interventions to prevent the further deterioration of physical performance in the elderly.

Objective: To investigate the effects of micronutrient supplementation for the elderly on plasma homocysteine level and cognitive function in institutional older adults. Methods: A total of 98 older adults with the score≤11 by mini nutritional assessment short-form aged 65-100 years were enrolled and assigned to either intervention group or control group (n=49 each), with either a package of micronutrient pack or placebo daily, for three months. Fasting blood samples were collected both at baseline and the end of study to detect serum vitamin B₁₂, folate and plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations. Global cognitive function was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The paired t test was used to compare the continuous variables between the two groups after intervention. The relationship between changes in MMSE score and changes in plasma Hcy concentrations was examined by least-squares linear regression. Results: Eighty-two patients completed the study, and 17 patients withdrew from the study due to diarrhea and hospital discharge with the drop rate of 17.3%. Compared to the control group, concentrations of serum vitamin B₁₂ (128.8±34.8 vs 13.3±16.0 pmol/L, P=0.003) and folate (21.1±1.6 vs 0.6±0.5 nmol/L, P<0.01) significantly increased in the intervention group over 3-month supplementation, while plasma Hcy levels were remarkably reduced (-5.3±0.7 vs 1.7±0.3 μmol/L, P<0.01). The incidences of deficiency of folate, deficiency of serum vitamin B₁₂and high Hcy all decreased in intervention group. Although individual item scores in MMSE were not changed markedly, change of total MMSE score in intervention group were higher than that in the control group (1.2±3.0 vs -0.2±2.5, P<0.05). Conclusions The supplementation of the micronutrient pack in long-term care facilities can reduce the incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia, and improve the total MMSE score.