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In this research, the characteristics of nickel-titanium (NiTi) powders produced by electrode induction melting inert gas atomization (EIGA) technique for additive manufacturing (AM) technology are investigated using various powder characterization technologies. The results show that the particle size distribution (PSD) of pre-alloyed NiTi powders prepared by EIGA has the range of 10 μm to 180 μm. The mean particle size distribution (D50) of the powder is 75 μm. The oxygen increase of the powder is only 0.005% compared to the raw rod. According to the requirements of the characteristics of the metal powder material used for AM, the powders are sieved into three categories, P1 (15-63 μm), P2 (63-150 μm), and P3 (>150 μm), respectively. The flow rates of P1 and P2 are 19.3 and 17.5 s·(50 g)-1, respectively. The surface, crosssectional microstructure, phase structure, and martensitic transformation temperature of the pre-alloyed NiTi powders with different particle sizes are investigated. The results show that powders of different particle sizes are primarily spherical or nearly spherical. The grain size of powders reduces with the decreasing of particle size. Both the bar stock and the powders of P1, P2, and P3 mainly exhibit the B2 phase. Comparing the powders P1, P2, and P3, the transformation temperature reduces with the decrease of particle size. A high density (99.55%) pre-alloyed NiTi specimen is successfully produced by selective laser melting (SLM) technology using P1 powders. The results indicate that the pre-alloyed NiTi alloy powder is appropriate for AM, which also has a good reference value for researchers producing AM powders.

OBJECTIVE: A metabolism score for visceral fat (METS-VF) is an innovative method to access abdominal fat and visceral fat. So far, the relationship between the METS-VF index and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has remained unclear. We investigated the relationship between the METS-VF index and COPD prevalence utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A binary logistic regression analysis was performed using NHANES 2007-2018 data to assess the relationship between the METS-VF index and COPD prevalence. The relationship was verified by fitted smooth curves, generalized additive models, threshold effect analyses, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: In total, 7,680 subjects were recruited for the study, including 772 self-reported having COPD. The METS-VF index was positively related to COPD prevalence when adjusted for all covariates. The METS-VF index was classified by quartiles, and participants who scored highest on METSVF were at a greater risk of COPD than those who scored lowest. According to a threshold effect analysis, the METS-VF index was negatively correlated with COPD prevalence with a METS-VF index <7.00, without statistical significance. Once the METSVF index exceeded 7.00, there was a robust positive correlation between the METS-VF index and COPD prevalence. In the analysis of subgroups, the METS-VF index was positively correlated with COPD prevalence among subjects who were male, aged 40-59, and without asthma or hypertension. The results were robust in sensitivity analyses. METS-VF showed a significantly better diagnostic value for COPD than Body Mass Index (BMI). CONCLUSIONS: The METS-VF index has a non-linear and positive correlation with COPD prevalence in the middle-aged and elderly American population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different fungal agents on the bacterial community structure and biodiversity in the rhizosphere soil of wheat (Triticum aestivum) infected with cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera avenae) were analyzed. Field experiments were conducted on plots with severe wheat cyst nematode disease. The control group (X1) was not treated with bacteria. The fungi Trichoderma viride, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Aspergillus niger and T. spinosum were applied to the experimental treatments (X2~X4). The experimental group (X6) was treated with the nematicide abamectin. Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to monitor the changes in bacterial community structure and metabolic types in the wheat rhizosphere soil in the six experimental groups. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that the wheat rhizosphere soil bacteria that are pathogens were primarily concentrated in 13 phyla, 26 classes and 98 genera. Among them, the dominant bacteria primarily included Proteus, Actinomyces, Acetobacter and Bacteroides. The analysis of bacterial community metabolic type showed that the bacteria in the wheat rhizosphere soil could fix nitrogen, perform nitrification, reduce nitrate, and photosynthesize when the four groups of fungal agents were added at much higher levels than those of the control group. These metabolic activities contributed to promoting the cycle between nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen to increase soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the extended model of the dynamics of a thin plasma layer under the influence of a short laser pulse with a constant magnetic field. The model predictions show good correspondence to the single and multi-particle particle-in-cell simulations. It is also demonstrated that polarization of the attosecond extreme ultraviolet radiation generated by a short intense laser pulse interacting with a thin foil could be tuned using an external magnetic field via the Faraday effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined efficacy of low-calorie diets and aerobic training on the nutritional status of obese patients with early type 2 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 120 consecutive obese patients with early type 2 diabetes were admitted to our hospital between August 2021 and December 2022. The patients enrolled were equally and randomly allocated into the control group (60 cases, given conventional diabetes diet intervention) and the study group (60 cases, given a low-calorie diet intervention combined with aerobic training). The parameters, including the nutritional status, fasting insulin (FINS), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipid level, and quality of life, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Before treatment, there were no measurable differences in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and hemoglobin (Hb) between the two groups (p>0.05), whereas two months after treatment, the FBG, 2hPG, and HbAIc levels were greatly lower, and the levels of ALB, PA, and Hb were significantly higher in the study group than those in the control group (p<0.05). Before treatment, no statistically significant differences were found in FINS and HOMA-IR values between the two groups (p>0.05). Two months after treatment, however, the study group showed lower FINS and HOMA-IR values as compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) between the two groups (p>0.05), while the four levels in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group two months after treatment (p<0.05). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in scores of physiological, psychological, social, and therapy-related problems between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05), whereas the abovementioned scores were evidently higher in the study group than control group two months after treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A low-calorie diet intervention combined with aerobic training exerted good effects in terms of greatly enhancing the nutritional status among obese patients with early type 2 diabetes mellitus, which was deemed appropriate for clinical promotion and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the interference of a series of strong human activities, such as the rapid expansion of built-up land and massive infrastructure construction, the issue of landscape fragmentation in mountain cities has become highlighted. Therefore, the city of Guiyang in southwestern China is selected as a representative of a typical mountain city in this study. Multiple landscape fragmentation indices and the human disturbance index (HDI) are used to analyze the response of the landscape to human disturbances in a mountain city. The results reveal that the gradient zone with a relatively flat topography is a significant region for the substantial changes of the HDI and landscape fragmentation indices. The changes of the HDI and landscape fragmentation indices are found to be similar in the gradient zone of the slope, topographic relief, and topographic position index, but different in each gradient zone of the elevation. Positive correlations are found between the HDI and the landscape fragmentation indices except largest patch index (LPI) in most terrain gradient zones. The research results can be used as important indicators of ecosystem monitoring in mountain cities and provide a scientific basis for the landscape planning of mountain cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial system plays key roles in our society by performing its functions like risk-sharing and information transferring etc. A domain modelling framework of the financial system is proposed using a general domain modelling tool, called function-context-behaviour-principle-state-structure (FCBPSS), which is based on a set of core concepts as well as system decomposition. Domain modelling of systems is a good way to understand and study complex systems in unexpected circumstances. Case studies of the management and improvement regulation strategy for the financial system in abnormal contexts are shown to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of this proposed domain model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are adult stem cells of neural crest origin, are readily available, have good self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation properties, can differentiate into a variety of cells, are abundant, less harmful to donate, have no ethical issues, low immunogenicity, and therefore, are widely used as seed cells in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a single- stranded non-coding small RNA consisting of about 22 nucleotides, which plays an important regulatory role in various aspects of cellular activities, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this paper, we review the regulatory role of small RNA in the differentiation of DPSCs and its mechanism in the past 5 years. This paper aims to reveal the important role of miRNAs in differentiation in DPSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), differentiation, and DPSCs were extensively searched in three databases from 2014 to 2021. These databases include PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase. RESULTS: Our study reviews the microRNAs (miR-145, miR-143-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-488, miR- 218, miR-125a-3p, miR-27a-5p, miR-223, miR-21, miR-143, miR-215, miR-219a-1-3p, miR-31, miR- 496, miR-218, miR-24-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-196a, miR-188-3p, miR-424, miR-378a, miR-135, miR- 124) in the differentiation of DPSCs. CONCLUSIONS: A large body of evidence supports the involvement of miRNAs in differentiation associated with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), although the mechanisms involved are not yet clear. Most of the current studies are from in vitro studies, but the ultimate goal is to apply these studies to the clinic, and studies involving in vivo models are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-cell RNA sequencing is a cutting-edge genomic analysis technique performed at the individual cell level, offering researchers a powerful tool to investigate intercellular differences in gene expression and functional characteristics. In recent years, its application in ophthalmology has expanded rapidly, leading to numerous significant research outcomes. This review focuses on the latest advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing within the field of ophthalmology, summarizing its development, methodologies, advantages, limitations, and clinical relevance. The aim is to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-IgG)-associated disease (MOGAD) with different MOG-IgG seroconversions, and to analyze the factors affecting the conversion. Methods: Retrospective study. Patients diagnosed with MOGAD in the Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2019 to April 2023 were included and the follow-up ended in May 2024. The clinical and imaging characteristics of MOG-IgG negative conversion group and non-negative conversion group were compared. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of MOG-IgG negative conversion. Results: A total of 51 patients were enrolled, including 23 males and 28 females, aged (38.3±16.4) years. There were 14 cases (27.5%) in the negative conversion group and 37 cases (72.5%) in the non-negative conversion group. The proportion of patients with initial serum MOG-IgG titer<1∶100 (10/14) and the proportion of patients with first attack (11/14) at the inception in the negative conversion group were higher than those in the non-negative conversion group [40.5% (15/37), 21.6% (8/37), P <0.05]. The annual relapse rate (ARR) of the negative conversion group was [ M ( Q 1 , Q 3 )]0 (0, 0.2) and was significantly lower than that of the non-negative conversion group 0.5(0.1, 1.0) ( P =0.001). No spinal cord involvement was found in the clinical classification and imaging of the negative conversion group, and 7/14 of the optic nerve MRI was only involved in the intraorbital segment, which was higher than that of the non-negative conversion group [13.5%, (5/37), P =0.018]. The median follow-up time was 18.1 (14.3, 37.3) months, and the median time from initial onset to serum MOG-IgG negative was 4.5 (2.8, 11.5) months in the negative conversion group, two cases in the negative conversion group relapsed after continuous negative conversion, one case relapsed with MOG-IgG positive and the other with negative. The first attack at the inception ( OR =86.788, 95% CI : 1.436-5 244.198, P =0.033) and the low initial serum MOG-IgG titer ( OR =10.840, 95% CI : 1.239-94.845, P =0.031), the more likely MOG-IgG seroconversion would be negative. Conclusions: Only the orbital segment of the optic nerve involvement without spinal cord involvement was more common in patients with MOG-IgG negative conversion. MOGAD patients with a first clinical attack and low initial MOG-IgG titer were more likely MOG-IgG seroconversion negative.

Congenital defects and genetic diseases in the fetus are the focus of prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. Obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, medical imaging (ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging), clinical laboratory, pathology, and other disciplines are mostly involved in this multidisciplinary work on maternal and infant health care, which aims to prevent birth defects in strict accordance with laws, regulations, and pertinent industry standards, such as the Notice of the National Health Commission on Issuing the Basic Standards for Prenatal Screening Technical Medical Institutions and the Basic Standards for Prenatal Diagnosis Technical Medical Institutions (Guowei Maternal and Child Letter [2019] No. 297). To further support the implementation of prenatal screening and diagnosis work and streamline workflow, this study has compiled the timing, inspection, and testing procedures of various projects in each link from the standpoint of the disease clinical laboratory diagnostic pathway. This approach improves communication amongst various disciplines in prenatal screening and diagnosis work and offers clinical service quality, and it also helps improve the standard of the birth population and prevent and controll severe birth defects.

Genetic features are currently unknown in myelinated retinal nerve fibers (MRNF). For a 20-year-old asymptomatic female with unilateral MRNF, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) by standard workflow protocol to produce contiguous long-read sequences with Illumina DNA PCR-Free Prep. After tagmentation, libraries were sequenced on separate runs via NovaSeq 6000 platform at 2 x 150bp read length. Gene variants included rs2248799, rs2672589, rs7555070, rs247616&#95;T and rs2043085&#95;C all associated with an increased macular degeneration risk, and seven novel variants of uncertain significance. For optic disc enlargement, variants rs9988687&#95;A, rs11079419&#95;T, rs6787363 and rs10862708&#95;A suggested an increased risk for this condition. In contrast, modeling revealed retinal detachment risk was reduced by variants identified at rs9651980&#95;T, rs4373767&#95;T, and rs7940691&#95;T which were among five other previously unreported variants. WGS data placed proband at the 66th and 64th percentiles for disc anomaly and retinal detachment risk, respectively. Additionally, risk determined from 16 loci associated with age-related macular degeneration found the patient to be at the 18th percentile for this diagnosis (i.e., below average genetic predisposition). Fundoscopic findings showed mean RNFL thickness was lower with MRNF (77 OS vs. 96?m OD) and RNFL symmetry was impaired (43 %) but stable between 2020 and 2023. Rim area and cup volume were also substantially different (2.33 OS vs. 1.34mm2 OD, and 0.001 OS vs. 0.151mm3 OD, respectively). As the first known evaluation of MRNF via WGS, these data reveal a mixed picture with variants associated with different risks for potentially related ocular pathologies. In addition, we identify multiple new variants of unknown significance. Factors affecting gene expression in MRNF require further study. Key words: Whole genome sequencing, Retina, Myelination, Anatomy, Gene variants.

The individualized precision management of hereditary pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) syndromes (PPGLs) based on molecular diagnosis and molecular subtype is becoming more popular. The newly discovered MAX germline mutation-associated PPGLs are autosomally dominant and rare. To raise awareness and explore the effective management of individual diagnosis and treatment, the relevant literature published between January 2011 and February was systematically reviewed. There were a total of 101 patients in the 77 families, involving all 5 exons, containing 44 types of MAX germline mutations and mostly concentrated in exons 3 and 4 (64.4%), the main mutations were nonsense mutations and missense mutations (72.3%), and some were large fragment deletions or insertions, intron variant, gene fusion mutations were relatively infrequent. Furthermore, about 10% of the patients had a paternal parent-of-origin effect. Among the 101 patients, 96 (95.0%) developed PHEO including 15 metastatic PHEO, 61 bilateral PHEO and 35 unilateral PHEO. The age of diagnosis was (31.7±10.9) years (range: 13 to 80 years). The male to female ratio was 1.2∶1. Eleven were accompanied with chest and abdominal PGL. Eight (7.9%) were accompanied by functional pituitary adenoma. And 12 (11.9%) developed other neuroendocrine tumors (NET), of which 8 were accompanied by PHEO, including 4 hyperparathyroidism, 1 gangliocytoma and neuroblastoma, 1 pancreatic NET, 1 medullary thyroid carcinoma and 1 C cell hyperplasia. Six presented concomitant non-NET, including 1 tongue squamous cell carcinoma, 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma, 1 prostate cancer, 1 renal oncocytoma, 1 breast cancer with renal oncocytoma, and 1 thoracic chondrosarcoma with multifocal adenocarcinoma of lung. The remaining 5 cases (5.0%), including 4 other NET (2 ganglioblastoma, 1 abdominal neuroblastoma and 1 pancreatic NET) and 1 asymptomatic child, did not present PHEO. The MAX germline mutation may cause a novel multiple endocrine neoplasia, which can be described as type 5. A comprehensive baseline assessment of neural crest cell-derived diseases such as PPGL, pituitary adenoma, hyperparathyroidism, and/or gangliocytoma (neuroblastoma) was recommended for all people with MAX germline mutations, and the risk of bilateral and/or metastatic PHEO should also be considered. In contrast, patients with PPGLs combined with other NET, such as functional pituitary adenoma, should undergo genetic testing and pedigree screening that includes at least the MAX gene.

Evaluation of neobladder function in patients with long-term survival and no recurrence after laparoscopic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal Xing's neobladder. The clinical data of laparoscopic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal Xing's neobladder in long-term survival patients with bladder cancer treated in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from July 2013 to July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. All 17 patients underwent the surgery by the same surgical team, including 15 males and 2 females, whose mean age at the time of operation was (55.9±7.6) years. Thepostoperative urinary function and renal function were summarized. All operations were successfully completed. The mean operative time was (340±62) min. All patients were followed up for a long time, with a median follow-up time of 80(70, 96) months, Urinary continence was achieved in 17 (100%)casesduring the day and 13 (76.5%) cases at night, with a median bladder volume of 350 (200, 400) ml. All patients had good urinary control after surgery, and no hydronephrosis or creatinine increase was found in reexamination.After the application of Xing's neobladder operation, the patient maintained acceptable urinary control status after the operation, and the long-term follow-up effect was satisfactory.

Objectives: To investigate the proportion of different histological types and CT enhanced imaging features of primary middle mediastinal lesions in order to improve the understanding of these tumors and the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients with primary middle mediastinal lesions and clear histological classifications diagnosed and treated at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2012 to December 2022. Clinical, imaging, and pathological data were collected and classified according to tumor histological classifications. CT imaging manifestations such as tumor location, size, morphology, edge, boundary, internal components, enhancement characteristics, and surrounding tissue invasion were evaluated and recorded. Results: The histological types of the primary middle mediastinal lesions from the 84 patients included mesenchymal tumors, anterior intestinal cysts, giant lymph node hyperplasia, substernal goiter, neuroendocrine carcinoma, lymphohematopoietic system tumors, and mesothelioma, accounting for 28.6%, 27.4%, 14.3%, 3.6%, 11.9%, 9.5%, and 4.8%, respectively. Mesenchymal tumors included peripheral nerve sheath tumors, vascular tumors, adipogenic tumors, solitary fibrous tumors, and synovial sarcoma, accounting for 54.2%, 20.8%, 12.5%, 8.3%, and 4.2%, respectively. The above tumors had diverse imaging manifestations and specific imaging features. Mature fat were found in 3 cases of liposarcoma; Calcification was observed in 2 cases of thyroid nodules and 7 cases of giant lymph node hyperplasia; Enhanced scanning showed significant enhancement in 2 cases of solitary fibrous tumors, 3 cases of thyroid nodules, and 11 cases of giant lymph node hyperplasia; Mediastinal large lymph nodes was observed in 6 cases of lymphoma and 3 cases of mesothelioma; High invasiveness was observed in 4 cases of mesothelioma and 9 cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma. Conclusion: Mediastinal tumors have low incidence rate and rich histological types, and their imaging manifestations are diverse. Preoperative differential diagnosis can be made according to their specific imaging characteristics.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of endovascular embolization of posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysms on concomitant oculomotor nerve palsy (OMNP) and factors affecting the effect of treatment., Materials and Methods: Patients with the Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP were retrospectively enrolled for endovascular treatment of the aneurysms. All patients had the endovascular management. The clinical effect, degree of OMNP, size of the aneurysm, type of treatment, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and time from onset to treatment were analyzed on the resolution of OMNP., Results: Ninety-six patients with 99 Pcom aneurysms were enrolled and treated endovascularly, with the success rate of 100%. Immediately after endovascular treatment, 75 aneurysms (75.75%) got complete occlusion, and 24 (24.24%) nearly complete occlusion. Followed up for 3-18 (mean 8.52±0.56) months, complete resolution of the OMNP was achieved in 63 patients (65.63%), partial resolution in 21 (21.88%), and non-recovery in the other 12 (12.50%). The degree of OMNP at onset, SAH, and time from onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the resolution of OMNP. Univariate analysis revealed that younger age of the patient, degree of OMNP at onset, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP. Multivariate analysis revealed that the younger age, degree of OMNP at onset, and time from disease onset to treatment were significantly (P<0.05) associated with the recovery of OMNP., Conclusion: Endovascular embolization of Pcom aneurysms concomitant with OMNP can effectively improve the OMNP symptoms, especially for patients with moderate and a shorter history of OMNP. Younger age, degree of oculomotor nerve palsy at onset, and time from onset to treatment may significantly affect recovery of oculomotor nerve palsy., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Objective: To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups. Results: Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P >0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P <0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P <0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion: Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between 1p/16q loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and 1p gain in Wilms tumor and their clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis. Methods: A total of 175 Wilms tumor samples received from the Department of Pathology, Beijing Children's Hospital from September 2019 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The histopathologic type and presence of lymph node involvement were evaluated by two pathologists. The clinical data including patients'gender, age, tumor location, preoperative chemotherapy, and tumor stage were summarized. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was done to detect 1p/16q LOH and 1p gain and their correlation with the clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results: Among the 175 samples, 86 cases (49.1%) were male and 89 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was (3.5±2.9) years, and the median age was 2.6 years. There were 26 (14.9%) cases with 1p LOH, 28 (16.0%) cases with 16q LOH, 10 (5.7%) cases of LOH at both 1p and 16q, and 53 (30.3%) cases with 1q gain. 1q gain was significantly associated with 1p LOH ( P <0.01) and 16q LOH ( P <0.01). There were significant differences ( P <0.01) between 1q gain, 1p LOH and 16q LOH among different age groups. The rate of 16q LOH in the high-risk histopathological subtype (50.0%) was significantly higher than that in the intermediate-risk subtype (13.6%, P <0.05). The frequency of 1q gain, 1p LOH, and 16q LOH in children with advanced clinical stages (Ⅲ and Ⅳ) was significantly higher than that in children with early clinical stages (Ⅰ and Ⅱ). 1q gain, 1p LOH, and 16q LOH showed no significant correlation with gender, unilateral or bilateral disease, chemotherapy, or lymph node metastasis. The progression-free survival (PFS) time for patients with 1q gain and 1p LOH was significantly shorter than those without these aberrations ( P <0.05). Additionally, the PFS time of patients with 16q LOH was slightly shorter than those with normal 16q, although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ disease exhibiting 1q gain or 1p LOH had a significantly higher relative risk of recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. Conclusions: 1p/16q LOH and 1q gain are associated with age, high-risk histological type, and clinical stage in Wilms tumor. 1q gain and 1p LOH are significantly correlated with the prognosis of Wilms tumor.

Objective: To explore the application of modified urethral separation method in artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and its influence on the results of urethral pressure profilometry. Methods: A prospective collection of clinical data was conducted on 25 patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent modified urethral separation method in AUS implantation and underwent urethral pressure profilometry in Beijing Hospital, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University and the Second Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin Medical University from March 2019 to June 2023. The improved urethral separation method was to borrow part of the white membrane tissue of the cavernous body while freeing the dorsal side of the cavernous body of the urethra. The circumference of the urethra, sleeve size, and urethral pressure were recorded, the patient's autonomous urinary control before and after surgery and the changes of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) score, incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QoL) score, urinary frequency score, nocturia score were compared. Follow-up was conducted in the clinic or by telephone at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after activation of the device, and once a year thereafter. Local skin status and urine control were assessed, residual urine volume was measured by ultrasound and subjective score scale was completed. Results: All patients were male, aged 27-85 (65.8±15.7) years old. The circumference of the cuff used in this study was 4.0 cm in 4 patients (16.0%), 4.5 cm in 16 patients (64.0%), 5.0 cm in 4 patients (16.0%), and 5.5 cm in 1 patient (4.0%). Among them, the urethral circumference matched the cuff size in 14 cases (56.0%), the urethral circumference was smaller than the cuff size in 4 cases (16.0%), and the urethral circumference was larger than the cuff size in 7 cases (28.0%). Preoperative urodynamic examination showed that the maximum urethral pressure (MUP) was (78.0±25.9) cmH 2 O, (1 cmH 2 O=0.098 kPa) and the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was (53.4±26.6) cmH 2 O. The MUP of AUS device in the inactivated state was (88.0±26.5) cmH 2 O, which was not significantly higher than that before operation ( P >0.05). The MUCP was (68.2±24.5) cmH 2 O, which was significantly higher than that before operation ( P <0.05). The MUP and MUCP of the AUS device in the activated state were (146.6±25.2) cmH 2 O and (123.0±28.3) cmH 2 O, which were significantly higher than those before surgery and in the inactivated state (both P <0.001). All patients in the group reached the social urinary control standards at the first month of device activation. During a follow-up period of 2-50 months, 22 patients (88.0%) used the initial AUS device and all met social urinary control standards. The AUS device was replaced in 1 case. One patient died of cerebrovascular accident. One patient removed the device due to complications. The number of pads [ M ( Q 1 , Q 3 )] used in 25 patients before and after operation was 4.5 (3.0, 6.5) and 1 (0, 1) respectively, with statistically significant differences ( P <0.001). ICI-Q-SF score, I-QoL score, urinary frequency score and nocturia score of 25 patients were significantly improved after surgery (all P <0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 20.0% (5/25), including 2 cases of painless hematuria, 1 case of infection, 1 case of urethral erosion, and 1 case of dysuria. Except for one patient who experienced urethral erosion and had his sleeve removed, the remaining four patients regained social urination control with active support treatment, and no symptoms recurred until the last follow-up. Conclusion: The modified urethral separation method has no significant effect on urethral pressure in patients with SUI, and can increase the volume of peri-urethral tissue in the cuff, thereby reducing the risk of intraoperative urethral injury and the incidence of postoperative urethral erosion.

Objective: To investigate the etiology composition and clinical characteristics of bilateral optic disc swelling(ODS). Methods: The medical records of all newly diagnosed bilateral ODS patients admitted to the neurology ward of Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively searched to classify the etiology, obtain demographic and clinical information, and compare the differences in clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 131 patients with bilateral ODS were included, including 56 males and 75 females, aged 15-73 (39±14) years. The most common cause of the bilateral ODS was increased intracranial pressure (ICP)(56/131, 42.7%), followed by optic neuritis (ON)(40/131, 30.5%). Other causes included vascular optic neuropathy (13/131, 9.9%), pseudopilledema (9/131, 6.9%); uveitis (6/131, 4.6%), toxic optic neuropathy (3/131, 2.3%) and unknown causes (4/131, 3.1%). Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (43/56, 76.8%) was the most common etiology for papilledema. In the comparison of the two main causes of intracranial hypertension and the clinical characteristics of ON in ODS, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of age, gender, complaints of ocular pain or headache, and hemorrhage of optic disc( P >0.05). Visual acuity abnormalities and low vision were more common in ON group than the increased ICP group[36/40(90%) vs 33/56(58.9%), P =0.001; 35/80(43.8%) vs 22/112(19.6%), P <0.001], while severe papilledema was more common in increased ICP group[38/112(33.9%)vs 9/80(11.3%), P <0.001]. Conclusions: The most common cause for bilateral ODS is increased ICP, but it can also be triggered by a variety of other causes. Optic neuritis(ON) is the most important differentiating disease in the study of Chinese patients.

To explore the clinical features and influencing factors of first-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) within 1 year after delivery. A single center, observational cohort study was used to retrospectively analyze 12 patients with first-onset NMOSD within 1 year after delivery hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Beijing Tong Ren Hospital from June 2015 to June 2018(short as the postpartum onset group). 12 patients with first-onset NMOSD without 1 year after delivery hospitalized in our department during the same period were selected (short as the control group). The results showed the next recurrence interval in the postpartum onset group was longer than the control group [the postpartum onset group: (6.1±3.5) years, the control group: (1.6±1.5) years, t= 3.622, P =0.005], the times of relapses were less than the control group [the postpartum onset group: (1.8±1.4) times, the control group:4.0 (3.0, 7.3) times, Z =-3.122, P =0.002], and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of the last follow-up was lower than the control group [the postpartum onset group: 3.0(2.3, 3.9), the control group: 4.5(4.0, 6.0), Z =-3.358, P =0.001] with statistically significant differences. The recurrence rates of 1 year, 3 years and 5 years in the postpartum onset group (0%, 16.7%, 33.3%) were lower than control group (58.3%, 83.3%, 91.7%) with statistically significant differences ( χ 2 =8.000, P =0.014; χ 2 =10.667, P =0.003; χ 2 =8.711, P =0.009). After the second delivery, the recurrence rate in postpartum onset group was 100% ( n =3) and in control group was 50%( n =2), but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ 2 =2.100, P =0.429). In the postpartum onset group, combination of autoimmune disease was consistent with positive in serum AQP-4 antibody moderately ( Kappa =0.5, P =0.046). Positive in other autoimmune antibodies were consistent with positive in serum AQP-4 antibody moderately ( Kappa =0.5, P =0.046). Combination of autoimmune disease were consistent with positive in serum other autoimmune antibodies well ( Kappa =0.667, P =0.021). In conclusion, the first-onset NMOSD within 1 year after delivery have longer next recurrence interval, less times of relapses, lower relapse rate, better long-term prognosis of central nervous system, and they have trend to suffering from recurrent after the second delivery. For the females, combined with autoimmune disease or autoimmune antibody, who are ready for pregnancy, could detect serum AQP-4; if serum AQP-4 positive, they are recommended to prevent the occurrence of NMOSD after delivery.

Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of post-ischemic treatment of nalmefene in alleviating the lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the Sirt 1/Nrf 2/HO-1 axis. Methods: A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into six groups equally ( n =10): the sham group, the model group(I/R), the nalmefene group, the nalmefene+EX527 group, the nalmefene+ML385 group, the nalmefene+Fe-citrate group (nalmefene+Fe group). The sham group without drug treatment was not treated with ischemia-reperfusion. The pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion model was established by occlusion of the left pulmonary hilum in the model group without drug treatment. After ischemic treatment, the nalmefene group was injected with nalmefene (15 μg/kg) via the tail vein at 5 minutes before reperfusion. The nalmefene+EX527 group, the nalmefene+ML385 group, and the nalmefene+Fe group were injected intraperitoneally with EX527 (5 mg/kg), ML385 (30 mg/kg), Fe-citrate(15 mg/kg), respectively, 2 h before moulding and then injected with nalmefene (15 μg/kg) via the tail vein at 5 minutes before reperfusion. All rats were sacrificed three hours after reperfusion, and the specimens from the upper lobe of the left lung tissue were preserved. The degree of lung tissue injury and the wet/dry weight ratio were assessed in each group of rats. Fe 2+ , MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 content, GSH activity and the expression levels of Sirt1, Nrf2, HO-1, ACSL4 and GPX4 were determined. Results: Compared with the sham group, the wet/dry weight ratio, lung tissue injury score, ACSL 4 expression level, Fe 2+ , TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA content, Sirt 1, Nrf 2, HO-1 messenger RNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased ( P< 0.01), while GPX 4 expression level and GSH activity were significantly decreased in the model group ( P< 0.01). Compared with the model group, wet/dry weight ratio, lung tissue injury score, ACSL 4 expression level, Fe 2+ , TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA content decreased significantly ( P< 0.01), Nrf 2, HO-1 messenger RNA and protein, GPX 4 expression, and GSH activity were significantly increased in the nalmefene group and the nalmefene+EX527 group ( P< 0.01). Sirt 1 messenger RNA and protein expression increased significantly in the nalmefene ( P <0.01) and the nalmefene+EX527 groups ( P >0.05). In the nalmefene+ML385 group, the wet/dry weight ratio, lung tissue injury score, TNF-α and IL-6 content were decreased significantly ( P <0.01), while Sirt 1 messenger RNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased ( P <0.01), but there were no significant changes in Nrf 2, HO-1 messenger RNA and protein expression levels, ACSL 4 and GPX 4 expression levels, Fe 2+ , MDA content, and GSH activity ( P >0.05). In the nalmefene+Fe group, wet/dry weight ratio, lung-injury score, TNF-α, IL-6, MDA content were decreased significantly ( P< 0.01), messenger RNA and protein expression levels of Sirt 1, Nrf 2, HO-1, and GSH activity were increased significantly ( P< 0.01), but there were no significant changes in Fe 2+ content, ACSL 4 and GPX 4 expression levels ( P >0.05). Compared with the nalmefene group, in the nalmefene+EX527 group, the nalmefene+ML385 group and the nalmefene+Fe group, wet/dry weight ratio, lung tissue damage score, ACSL 4 expression level, TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA content were significantly increased ( P <0.01), the expression level of GPX 4 and GSH activity were significantly decreased ( P <0.01). The expression levels of Sirt 1, Nrf 2, HO-1 messenger RNA and protein were significantly decreased in the nalmefene+EX527 group ( P <0.01). The expression levels of Nrf 2, HO-1 messenger RNA and protein decreased significantly in the namemefene+ML385 group ( P< 0.01), but there was no significant change in Sirt 1 messenger RNA and protein expression level ( P >0.05). Sirt 1, Nrf 2, HO-1 messenger RNA-protein expression levels did not change significantly in the nalmefene+Fe group ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Post-ischemic treatment with nalmefene hydrochloride may alleviate pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the Sirt 1/Nrf 2/HO-1 axis.

Objective: To analyze the correlation between peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS) level and clinical characteristics of patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods: From January 2007 to November 2020, newly diagnosed patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were stratified into EOS<100 cells/μl group and EOS≥100 cells/μl group, taking 100 cells/μl as the cut-off value. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, lung function and laboratory indexes were compared between the two groups. Results: The median EOS count of patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD was 100 (40, 180) cells/μl. 50.2% (160/319) had blood eosinophil counts ≥100 cells/μl, and 11.0% (35/319) had blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/μl. In comparison with EOS<100 cells/μl group, EOS≥100 cells/μl group were older ( P =0.035), had higher body mass index ( P =0.008), and had lower forced respiratory volume in the first second ( P =0.017), had higher the ratio of residual volume to total lung volume ( P =0.010), and had lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ( P =0.008). Arterial partial pressure of oxygen was significantly reduced in EOS≥100 cells/μl group ( P =0.039). The peripheral blood EOS count was negatively correlated with forced vital capacity, forced breathing volume in the first second, carbon monoxide diffusion, peak expiratory flow, and maximum mid expiratory flow as a percentage of expected values ( r (s)=-0.22, -0.18, -0.19, -0.19, -0.19, P =0.000, 0.001, 0.003, 0.008, 0.002), and positively correlated with the ratio of residual air volume to total lung volume ( r (s)=0.17, P =0.002) . Conclusion: There was a correlation between blood EOS count and pulmonary function parameters, can proide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of chnoric obstuctive pulmmory disease in clinical practice.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, on-site dust monitoring and individual protection of the patients with artificial stone-related silicosis. Methods: In March 2022, the literature on artificial stone-related silicosis published from January 1965 to February 2022 was searched in China Journal Full-text Database, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, EMbase and PubMed. Chinese and English search terms include "silica dust""silica dust""silicosis""artificial stone""pneumoconiosis", etc. References were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted. The epidemiological characteristics, natural course of disease, workplace dust concentration and individual protection level of patients with artificial stone-related silicosis were analyzed by systematic review. Results: A total of 30 literatures were included, including 7 cohort studies, 14 cross-sectional studies, 3 case-control studies and 6 case reports. A total of 1358 patients with artificial stone-related silicosis were diagnosed from 1997 to 2020, with an average age of 41.5 years old and an average dust exposure time of 11.3 years. Among them, 36.2% (282/778) had progressive mass fibrosis or accelerated progressive silicosis at first diagnosis. Chest imaging showed diffuse small nodule shadow, pulmonary fibrosis, and silico-alveolar proteinosis. Pulmonary function showed restricted or mixed ventilation disorder with or without decreased diffusion volume. The disease progressed rapidly, with progressive mass fibrosis, respiratory failure, and even death. Patients engaged in artificial quartz stone processing, with high concentration of silica including ultra-fine particles, most of which were dry operation, lack of on-site ventilation measures and no effective personal protection. Conclusion: The artificial stone processing workers suffer from artificial stone-related silicosis due to dry cutting, lack of on-site dust removal facilities and personal protective measures, and the disease progresses rapidly, leading to poor prognosis.

Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors and treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: A descriptive method was used to analyze the prevalence and treatment of anemia in CKD patients based on regional health data in Yinzhou District of Ningbo during 2012-2018. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent influence factors of anemia in the CKD patients. Results: In 52 619 CKD patients, 15 639 suffered from by anemia (29.72%), in whom 5 461 were men (26.41%) and 10 178 were women (31.87%), and anemia prevalence was higher in women than in men, the difference was significant ( P <0.001). The prevalence of anemia increased with stage of CKD (24.77% in stage 1 vs . 69.42% in stage 5, trend χ 2 test P< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that being women (a OR =1.57, 95% CI : 1.50-1.63), CKD stage (stage 2: a OR =1.10, 95% CI : 1.04-1.16;stage 3: a OR =2.28,95% CI : 2.12-2.44;stage 4: a OR =4.49,95% CI :3.79-5.32;stage 5: a OR =6.31,95% CI : 4.74-8.39), age (18-30 years old: a OR =2.40,95% CI : 2.24-2.57, 61-75 years old: a OR =1.35,95% CI :1.28-1.42, ≥76 years old: a OR =2.37,95% CI :2.20-2.55), BMI (<18.5 kg/m 2 :a OR =1.29,95% CI : 1.18-1.41;23.0-24.9 kg/m 2 :a OR =0.79,95% CI : 0.75-0.83;≥25.0 kg/m 2 :a OR =0.70,95% CI : 0.66-0.74), abdominal obesity (a OR =0.91, 95% CI : 0.86-0.96), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a OR =1.15, 95% CI : 1.09-1.22), cancer (a OR =3.03, 95% CI : 2.84-3.23), heart failure (a OR =1.44, 95% CI : 1.35-1.54) and myocardial infarction (a OR =1.54, 95% CI :1.16-2.04) were independent risk factors of anemia in CKD patients. Among stage 3-5 CKD patients with anemia, 12.03% received iron therapy, and 4.78% received treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) within 12 months after anemia was diagnosed. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia in CKD patients was high in Yinzhou. However, the treatment rate of iron therapy and ESA were low. More attention should be paid to the anemia management and treatment in CKD patients.

Fusarium species are important cereal pathogens that cause severe production losses to major cereal crops such as maize, rice, and wheat. However, the causal agents of Fusarium diseases on cereals have not been well documented because of the difficulty in species identification and the debates surrounding generic and species concepts. In this study, we used a citizen science initiative to investigate diseased cereal crops (maize, rice, wheat) from 250 locations, covering the major cereal-growing regions in China. A total of 2 020 Fusarium strains were isolated from 315 diseased samples. Employing multi-locus phylogeny and morphological features, the above strains were identified to 43 species, including eight novel species that are described in this paper. A world checklist of cereal-associated Fusarium species is provided, with 39 and 52 new records updated for the world and China, respectively. Notably, 56 % of samples collected in this study were observed to have co-infections of more than one Fusarium species, and the detailed associations are discussed. Following Koch's postulates, 18 species were first confirmed as pathogens of maize stalk rot in this study. Furthermore, a high-confidence species tree was constructed in this study based on 1 001 homologous loci of 228 assembled genomes (40 genomes were sequenced and provided in this study), which supported the "narrow" generic concept of Fusarium (= Gibberella ). This study represents one of the most comprehensive surveys of cereal Fusarium diseases to date. It significantly improves our understanding of the global diversity and distribution of cereal-associated Fusarium species, as well as largely clarifies the phylogenetic relationships within the genus. Taxonomic novelties: S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, New species: S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, Fusarium erosum S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, Fusarium fecundum S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, Fusarium jinanense S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, Fusarium mianyangense S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, Fusarium nothincarnatum S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai, Fusarium planum S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai. Fusarium sanyaense Han SL, Wang MM, Ma ZY, Raza M, Zhao P, Liang JM, Gao M, Li YJ, Wang JW, Hu DM, Cai L (2023). Fusarium weifangense S.L. Han, M.M. Wang & L. Cai. Citation: Han SL, Wang MM, Ma ZY, Raza M, Zhao P, Liang JM, Gao M, Li YJ, Wang JW, Hu DM, Cai L (2023). Fusarium diversity associated with diseased cereals in China, with an updated phylogenomic assessment of the genus. Studies in Mycology 104 : 87-148. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.104.02., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2023 Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute.)

Objective: To examine the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of elderly patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and the impact of nutrition and underlying diseases on the prognosis of elderly patients with MCL. Methods: retrospectively analyzed 255 elderly patients with MCL from 11 medical centers, including Peking University Third Hospital between January 2000 and February 2021. We analyzed clinical data, such as age, gender, Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score, and treatment options, and performed univariate and multivariate prognostic analysis. We performed a comprehensive geriatric assessment on elderly MCL patients with medical records that included retraceable underlying disease and albumin levels, and we investigated the impact of basic nutrition and underlying disorders on MCL prognosis in the elderly. Results: There were 255 senior individuals among the 795 MCL patients. Elderly MCL was more common in males (78.4%), with a median age of 69 yr (ages 65-88), and the majority (88.6%) were identified at a late stage. The 3-yr overall survival (OS) rate was 42.0%, with a 21.2% progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The overall response rate (ORR) was 77.3%, with a 33.3% total remission rate. Elderly patients were more likely than younger patients to have persistent underlying illnesses, such as hypertension. Multivariate analysis revealed that variables related with poor PFS included age of ≥80 ( P =0.021), Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ ( P =0.003), high LDH level ( P =0.003), involvement of bone marrow ( P =0.014). Age of ≥80 ( P =0.001) and a high LDH level ( P =0.003) were risk factors for OS. The complete geriatric assessment revealed that renal deficiency was associated with poorer OS ( P =0.047) . Conclusions: Elderly MCL patients had greater comorbidities. Age, LDH, renal function, bone marrow involvement, and Ann Arbor stage are all independent risk factors for MCL in the elderly.

Objective: Total neoadjuvant therapy has been used to improve tumor responses and prevent distant metastases in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Patients with complete clinical responses (cCR) then have the option of choosing a watch and wait (W&W) strategy and organ preservation. It has recently been shown that hypofractionated radiotherapy has better synergistic effects with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors than does conventionally fractionated radiotherapy, increasing the sensitivity of microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer to immunotherapy. Thus, in this trial we aimed to determine whether total neoadjuvant therapy comprising short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) combined with a PD-1 inhibitor improves the degree of tumor regression in patients with LARC. Methods: TORCH is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, phase II trial (TORCH Registration No. NCT04518280). Patients with LARC (T3-4/N+M0, distance from anus ≤10 cm) are eligible and are randomly assigned to consolidation or induction arms. Those in the consolidation arm receive SCRT (25Gy/5 Fx), followed by six cycles of toripalimab plus capecitabine and oxaliplatin (ToriCAPOX). Those in the induction arm receive two cycles of ToriCAPOX, then undergo SCRT, followed by four cycles of ToriCAPOX. Patients in both groups undergo total mesorectal excision (TME) or can choose a W&W strategy if cCR has been achieved. The primary endpoint is the complete response rate (CR, pathological complete response [pCR] plus continuous cCR for more than 1 year). The secondary endpoints include rates of Grade 3-4 acute adverse effects (AEs) etc. Results: Up to 30 September 2022, 62 patients attending our center were enrolled (Consolidation arm: 34, Induction arm:28). Their median age was 53 (27-69) years. Fifty-nine of them had MSS/pMMR type cancer (95.2%), and only three MSI-H/dMMR. Additionally, 55 patients (88.7%) had Stage III disease. The following important characteristics were distributed as follows: lower location (≤5 cm from anus, 48/62, 77.4%), deeper invasion by primary lesion (cT4 7/62, 11.3%; mesorectal fascia involved 17/62, 27.4%), and high risk of distant metastasis (cN2 26/62, 41.9%; EMVI+ 11/62, 17.7%). All 62 patients completed the SCRT and at least five cycles of ToriCAPOX, 52/62 (83.9%) completing six cycles of ToriCAPOX. Finally, 29 patients achieved cCR (46.8%, 29/62), 18 of whom decided to adopt a W&W strategy. TME was performed on 32 patients. Pathological examination showed 18 had achieved pCR, four TRG 1, and 10 TRG 2-3. The three patients with MSI-H disease all achieved cCR. One of these patients was found to have pCR after surgery whereas the other two adopted a W&W strategy. Thus, the pCR and CR rates were 56.2% (18/32) and 58.1% (36/62), respectively. The TRG 0-1 rate was 68.8% (22/32). The most common non-hematologic AEs were poor appetite (49/60, 81.7%), numbness (49/60, 81.7%), nausea (47/60, 78.3%) and asthenia (43/60, 71.7%); two patients did not complete this survey. The most common hematologic AEs were thrombocytopenia (48/62, 77.4%), anemia (47/62, 75.8%), leukopenia/neutropenia (44/62, 71.0%) and high transaminase (39/62, 62.9%). The main Grade III-IV AE was thrombocytopenia (22/62, 35.5%), with three patients (3/62, 4.8%) having Grade IV thrombocytopenia. No Grade V AEs were noted. Conclusions: SCRT-based total neoadjuvant therapy combined with toripalimab can achieve a surprisingly good CR rate in patients with LARC and thus has the potential to offer new treatment options for organ preservation in patients with MSS and lower-location rectal cancer. Meanwhile, the preliminary findings of a single center show good tolerability, the main Grade III-IV AE being thrombocytopenia. The significant efficacy and long-term prognostic benefit need to be determined by further follow-up.

To investigate the risk factors of poor prognosis and recurrence in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. A single center, observational cohort study was used to retrospectively analyze 44 patients with anti NMDAR encephalitis hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Beijing Tong Ren Hospital from January 2014 to October 2020. The results showed that the interval from onset to immunotherapy in the poor prognosis group was significantly longer than that in the good prognosis group ( t =2.045, P =0.047), and the course of disease in the poor prognosis group was significantly longer than that in the good prognosis group ( t =4.127, P =0.000 2). The number of patients with clinical manifestations of dyskinesia was significantly increased (Fisher exact test: P =0.014). The patients with abnormal brain MRI in the poor prognosis group were significantly more than those in the good prognosis group (Fisher exact test: P =0.017), and the patients with slow wave>50% in the poor prognosis group were significantly more than those with slow wave <50% (Fisher exact test: P <0.001). Patients with the first onset of immunotherapy time <3 months, long course of disease, high intracranial pressure, and high cerebrospinal fluid protein are prone to relapse. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with dyskinesia, abnormal brain MRI, and slow wave EEG more than 50% were risk factors for poor prognosis ( OR values were 4.687, 4.978, and 24.500, respectively; P values were 0.018, 0.016, and 0.000, respectively). The time of first-line immunotherapy for the first onset<3 months was the risk factor for recurrence ( OR 17.231, P =0.010). In conclusion, dyskinesia, abnormal brain MRI and slow wave of EEG more than 50% may be the risk factors for poor prognosis of patients. The duration of immunotherapy less than 3 months after the first onset might be the risk factor for recurrence.