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Yanhua Zhao,1 Min Liao,1 Jiahui Niu,1 Lili Wang,1 Jiandong Zhang2 1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Henan University, Jinming Campus, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education, Henan University, Jinming Campus, Kaifeng, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jiandong Zhang, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education, Henan University, Jinming Campus, Kaifeng, 475001, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 1833 7192 620, Email zhangjd111@126.comPurpose: In recent years, research on interpersonal emotion regulation has garnered increasing attention. Extrinsic emotion regulation (EER) or the regulation of others’ emotions is associated with individual personal relationships and mental health outcomes. However, investigations into why people engage in extrinsic emotion regulation are relatively rare. The current study aimed to identify the underlying factor structure of the motives of extrinsic emotion regulation, based on the Extrinsic Emotion Regulation Motives Scale (EERMS), to examine how these factors related to people’s moral identity and social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic.Participants and Methods: The participants of this study were 464 adults (73.1% females) from China who completed an online survey based on EERMS and other related measures. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was utilized to examine the underlying structure of EER motives followed by a bifactor EFA (bi-EFA).Results: Analyses revealed that the bi-EFA model, with an overarching factor (other-oriented empathetic concern) and three specific factors (self-orientation, reciprocation, and obligation), was best applied to the data. These factors were differently associated with social well-being indicators (moral self-identity, peer relationship quality, and perceived social support).Conclusion: This preliminary study supports the use of a hierarchical perspective to understand the different dimensions of motives for extrinsic emotion regulation.Keywords: other-oriented empathetic concern, extrinsic emotion regulation motives, moral identity, peer relationship, social support

Fajie Huang,1 Siqi Zheng,2 Peng Fu,1 Qianfeng Tian,1 Ye Chen,1 Qin Jiang,1,* Meiling Liao1,* 1School of Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Fujian Institute of Education, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Meiling Liao; Qin Jiang, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, University New District, Fuzhou, 350122, People’s Republic of China, Email Liaoml@fjmu.edu.cn; jiangqin@fjmu.edu.cnPurpose: Many university students will experience statistical anxiety. Consequentially, the relationship between such anxiety and learning performance has been of concern to various educational researchers. To date, however, there has been no consistent resolution to this problem. Because previous studies have mainly used the perspective of variant-centered analysis rather than taking into account individual differences, this study argues that the different classes of statistical anxiety among university students may be an important influencing factor.Participants and Methods: In this study, 1607 Chinese university students who had just completed a statistics course were assessed using the Statistical Anxiety Scale, Statistics Learning Self-Efficacy Scale, and Learning Engagement Scale, and an exploratory study was conducted to determine whether university students’ statistical anxiety could be divided into different classes. Latent profile and network psychometrics analyses were then used to analyze the data.Results: (1) The latent profile analysis found that university students’ statistical anxiety could be divided into three different latent classes: mild test anxiety, moderate text anxiety, and severe statistical anxiety. (2) The correlation analysis showed that the relationships among the three latent classes of statistical anxiety and learning performance were not entirely consistent, indicating that there was heterogeneity in the statistical anxiety of these university students. (3) Further network psychometrics analysis showed that the statistical anxiety network structure of the three latent classes has different core nodes that reflected the most important symptoms of statistical anxiety.Conclusion: There is heterogeneity in university students’ statistical anxiety that can be divided into three latent classes. These core nodes in the statistical anxiety networks of the three latent classes were different, helping statistics instructors to better understand the nature of these latent classes, take different intervention measures for different latent classes of university students.Keywords: statistical anxiety, latent profile analysis, network psychometrics analysis, learning performance, educational strategy

Annealing Mg-implanted homoepitaxial GaN at temperatures above 1400 °C eliminates the formation of inversion domains and leads to improved dopant activation efficiency. Extended defects, in the form of inversion domains, contain electrically inactive Mg after post-implantation annealing at temperatures as high as 1300 °C (one GPa N2 overpressure), which results in a low dopant activation efficiency. Triple-axis x-ray data reveal that implant-induced strain is fully relieved after annealing at 1300 °C for 10 min, indicating that strain-inducing point defects formed during implantation have reconfigured and inversion domains are formed. However, annealing at temperatures of 1400–1500 °C (one GPa N2 overpressure) eliminates the presence of the inversion domains. While residual defects, such as dislocation loops, still exist after annealing at and above 1400 °C, chemical analysis at multiple dislocation loops shows no sign of Mg segregation. Meanwhile, an overall decreasing trend in the dislocation loop density is observed after annealing at the higher temperatures and longer times. Additionally, once inversion domains are formed and the samples are cooled to room temperature, they are shown to dissolve with subsequent annealing above 1400 °C. While such defects have been observed before, the important finding that such defects can be dissolved with a short, higher temperature step is key. Earlier work [Breckenridge et al., J. Appl. Phys. Lett. 118, 022101 (2021)] addressing electrical measurements of these types of samples showed that annealing at 1400 °C leads to a dopant activation efficiency that is an order of magnitude higher than that observed at 1300 °C. This work complements earlier work by identifying the inversion domains, which incorporate Mg, and points to the benefits, in terms of defect density and p-type dopant activation, of using higher temperature (>1400 °C) annealing cycles to activate Mg in GaN, even if the Mg-containing inversion domains had been formed during lower temperature annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cong You, Zhiwei Wu, Mingyi Liao, Xiaoying Ye, Longnian Li, Tao Yang Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Skin and Immune Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Longnian Li; Tao Yang, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Skin and Immune Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8614770833995 ; +8618720732351, Email li_longnian@foxmail.com; danny20021068@sina.comPurpose: To compare treatment duration, influencing factors, and costs among intravenous antibiotic groups combined with 2% mupirocin ointment for treating staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS).Patients and Methods: Sex, age, onset days before admission, febrile status, white blood cell (WBC) count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were recorded as baseline characteristics for 253 included patients. The antibiotic sensitivity results were statistically compared by Cochran’s Q test. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare days and the total costs of hospitalization with different intravenous antibiotic applications. Mann–Whitney U-tests or Spearman’s rank correlation tests were used for the univariate analysis. Finally, a multivariate linear regression model was employed to determine the variables with statistical significance.Results: The sensitivity rates of oxacillin (84.62%), vancomycin (100%), and mupirocin (100%) were significantly higher than those of clindamycin (7.69%) (p< 0.0001). The duration of intravenous ceftriaxone administration was significantly longer than that of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefathiamidine, and cefuroxime (p< 0.01). The total hospitalization costs for cefathiamidine were significantly higher than those for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime (p< 0.05). According to the multiple linear regression, ages ≥ 60 months old were correlated with shorter treatment duration (β=− 1.48, [95% CI: − 2.29, − 0.66] for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and β=− 1.44, [95% CI: − 2.06, − 0.83] for cefathiamidine, and β=− 0.96, [95% CI: − 1.58, − 0.34] for cefuroxime) (all p< 0.01). In multivariate analysis for cefathiamidine, higher WBC count (β=0.05, [95% CI: 0.01, 0.10], p< 0.05) and CRP level (β=1.12, [95% CI: 0.14, 2.10], p< 0.05) were associated with longer treatment course.Conclusion: Oxacillin resistance was rare, and clindamycin resistance was high in pediatric patients with SSSS in our district. Intravenous amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime combined with topical mupirocin were favorable due to a shorter intravenous treatment course and lower costs. Younger age, elevated WBC count, and CRP levels could indicate a longer course of treatment with intravenous antibiotics.Keywords: staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Staphylococcus aureus, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalosporins, mupirocin, intravenous antibiotic treatment course

Cong You,1 Mingyi Liao,1 Mei Wang,2 Leran Zhao,3 Longnian Li,1 Xiaoying Ye,1 Tao Yang1 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology; Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Skin and Immune Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Dermatology and Venereology, the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Tao Yang, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Skin and Immune Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8618720732351, Email danny20021068@sina.comPurpose: We investigated the influence of amoxicillin pre-exposure on treatment outcomes, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) culture, the presence of drug-resistant genes, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) in CT clinical strains. Additionally, we explored the effect of different antimicrobial combinations on CT.Patients and Methods: Clinical data of 62 patients with CT infection were recorded. Of these, 33 had pre-exposure to amoxicillin and 29 did not. Among patients with pre-exposure, 17 received azithromycin and 16 received minocycline. Among the patients without pre-exposure, 15 received azithromycin and 14 received minocycline. All patients underwent microbiological cure follow-ups one month after completing the treatment. 23S rRNA gene mutations, acquisition of tet(M) and tet(C) were detected using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and PCR, respectively. The MICs and FICs of azithromycin, minocycline, and moxifloxacin, alone or in combination, were determined using the microdilution and checkerboard methods, respectively.Results: More cases of treatment failure occurred in pre-exposed patients, in both treatment groups (P < 0.05). No 23S rRNA gene mutations or tet(M) and tet(C) acquisitions were found. More inclusion bodies were cultured from patients without amoxicillin pre-exposure than from those with pre-exposure (P < 0.0001). The MICs of all antibiotics were higher in pre-exposed patients than in those without pre-exposure (P < 0.01). The FICs of azithromycin plus moxifloxacin were lower than those of the other antibiotic combinations (P < 0.0001). The synergy rate of azithromycin plus moxifloxacin was significantly higher than those of azithromycin plus minocycline and minocycline plus moxifloxacin (P < 0.001). The FICs of all antibiotic combinations were comparable between isolates from the two patient groups (all P > 0.05).Conclusion: Pre-exposure to amoxicillin in CT patients may inhibit CT growth and decrease sensitivity of CT strains to antibiotics. Azithromycin plus moxifloxacin may be a promising treatment regimen for genital CT infections with treatment failure.Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, amoxicillin, minimal inhibitory concentrations, fractional inhibitory concentrations, persistent infection

Cong You,1 Kun Wang,1 Mingyi Liao,1 Luying Zhang,1 Mintong He,1 Xiaoying Ye,1 Yongzhang Qin,2 Tao Yang1 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology; Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Skin and Immune Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Tao Yang, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Centre for Skin and Immune Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8618720732351, Email danny20021068@sina.comAbstract: Condylomata lata are flat-topped, moist papules or plaques usually found in the anogenital area as cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis. Here, we present a unique case of a solitary interdigital condyloma latum of secondary syphilis in a 16-year-old female sex worker without other cutaneous findings. Sexual contact history, histopathology, including direct detection of Treponema pallidum, and serological tests were essential for the diagnosis of this case. The patient reached serological cure with two doses of intramuscularly delivered penicillin G benzathine. Owing to the dramatic rise in the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis, medical workers should be aware of the atypical skin manifestations of secondary syphilis in adolescents who are at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases to avoid the progression to late syphilis and further transmission to sexual partners.Keywords: interdigital condyloma latum, secondary syphilis, female adolescent

Songzhi Kong,1 Lijiao Lv,1 Jiaqi Guo,1 Xiaohong Yang,1 Mingneng Liao,1 Tianyang Zhao,1 Haiyang Sun,1 Shuqun Zhang,1 Wenjie Li2 1School of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524001, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Songzhi Kong, School of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, 1 Haida Road, Mazhang District, Zhanjiang, 524088, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-759-238-3679, Email kongsongzhi@gdou.edu.cn Wenjie Li, Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, People’s Avenue, Xiashan District, Zhanjiang, 524001, People’s Republic of China, Email dglwj.135@163.comBackground: Photoaging decreases quality of life and increases the risk of skin cancer, underscoring the urgent need to explore natural, high-efficacy, anti-skin photoaging (SP) active substances.Methods: In this study, a gel (CS/CSCPs/β-GP gel) was prepared using chitosan (CS) and sodium β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) through crosslinking with small molecular CSCPs as the carried drug. We evaluated its structural characteristics and properties. The effect of CS/CSCPs/β-GP gel on the degree of ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin aging of mice was investigated through comparative analysis of skin damage, the integrity of collagen tissues and elastic fibers, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), and tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) after repeated UV irradiation in a nude mice SP model.Results: The results showed that CS/CSCPs/β-GP gel was successfully prepared and had the desired characteristics. Compared with CSCPs alone, the CS/CSCPs/β-GP gel more evidently improved typical photoaging characteristics on mouse dorsal skin. It also increased the moisture content, causing the skin to become glossy and elastic. Pathological skin analysis revealed that this peptide-carrying gel can effectively inhibit epidermal thickening, reduce tissue inflammatory infiltration, suppress collagen fiber degradation, increase the collagen content, alleviate structural elastic fiber damage, and significantly inhibit abnormal MMP-3 expression. In addition, biochemical analysis showed that the CS/CSCPs/β-GP gel can effectively inhibit the elevated expressions of ROS and key proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in photoaging skin tissues and promote expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.Conclusion: SP can cause many clinical skin diseases, such as solar freckle-like nevus, solar keratosis, cutaneous melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. CSCPs are a high-efficacy anti-SP natural active substance and CS/CSCPs/β-GP gel can synergistically enhance the CSCPs’ anti-SP effect. The mechanism is likely related to the inhibited activation of ROS/nuclear transcription factor-κB signaling and the expression of downstream inflammatory factors.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: cod skin collagen peptides, temperature-sensitive gel, chitosan, skin photoaging, ROS/NF-κB

Rui Yang,1 Jiayan Huang,1 Min Liao,1 Jianbo Huang,1 Binyang Gao,1 Huan Zhang,1 Jie Zhou,1 Jinshun Xu,2 Qiang Lu1 1Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Ultrasound Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China; 2Ultrasound Medical Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qiang Lu, Department of Ultrasound, Laboratory of Ultrasound Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 13882175090, Email luqiang@scu.edu.cn Jinshun Xu, Ultrasound Medical Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 18708491127, Email jsxu86@163.comBackground: Microwave dynamic therapy (MDT) as a novel reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based therapeutic modality has been explored as a promising modality for cancer treatment. However, the intrinsic hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) restricted the effectiveness of the MDT. The aim of this study is to develop an oxygen-sufficient nanoplatform with multi-modal imaging capability for enhanced MDT against hypoxic tumors.Methods and Materials: The liquid perfluorocarbon-based nanoplatform PFP@IR780@O2 was constructed by the phospholipid hydration and sonication method. Then, the characteristics, intracellular uptake process, and subcellular localization of PFP@IR780@O2 were verified. Additionally, the abilities of ROS generation, the anti-hypoxia capability, multi-mode imaging capabilities, and MDT efficacy of the nanoplatform were evaluated via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, the in vivo biocompatibility and toxicity were also evaluated.Results: The prepared nanoparticles PFP@IR780@O2 exhibited suitable size, improved stability, elevated dissolved oxygen level, enhanced cellular uptake, and mitochondria targeting capacity. Additionally, PFP@IR780@O2 demonstrated in vitro and in vivo multimodal imaging capabilities involving ultrasound, fluorescence, and photoacoustic imaging. In vivo studies also indicated that nanoparticles were safe and capable of accumulating in the tumor site after intravenous injection. Furthermore, the PFP@IR780@O2 nanoplatform mediated MDT could effectively alleviate the hypoxic TME, and elevate ROS concentration, thereby resulting in significant tumor growth inhibition.Conclusion: Overall, the oxygen-sufficient nanoplatform with multi-bimodal imaging capability demonstrated improved MDT efficiency, indicating a promising strategy for treating hypoxic tumors.Keywords: nanomedicine, perfluorocarbon, reactive oxygen species, tumor hypoxia relief

Tingfeng Xu,1,&ast; Liying Ren,1,&ast; Minjun Liao,1,2,&ast; Bigeng Zhao,1 Rongyu Wei,1 Zhipeng Zhou,3 Yong He,4 Hao Zhang,3 Dongbo Chen,5 Hongsong Chen,5 Weijia Liao1 1Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 5Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, Beijing, 100044, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weijia Liao, Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 773 2833021, Fax +86 773 2822703, Email liaoweijia288@163.com Hongsong Chen, Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 10 88325724, Email chenhongsong2999@163.comPurpose: Microvascular invasion (MVI) impairs long-term prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to develop a novel nomogram to predict MVI and patients’ prognosis based on radiomic features of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT).Patients and Methods: HCC patients who underwent curative resection were enrolled. The radiomic features were extracted from the region of tumor, and the optimal MVI-related radiomic features were selected and applied to construct radiomic signature (Rad-score). The prediction models were created according to the logistic regression and evaluated. Biomarkers were analyzed via q-PCR from randomly selected HCC patients. Correlations between biomarkers and radiomic signature were analyzed.Results: A total of 421 HCC patients were enrolled. A total of 1962 radiomic features were extracted from the region of tumor, and the 11 optimal MVI-related radiomic features showed a favor predictive ability with area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.796 and 0.810 in training and validation cohorts, respectively. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor number, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, and radiomics signature were independent risk factors of MVI. The four factors were integrated into the novel nomogram, named as CRM, with AUCs of 0.767 in training cohort and 0.793 in validation cohort for predicting MVI, best among radiomics signature alone and clinical model. The nomogram was well-calibrated with favorable clinical value demonstrated by decision curve analysis and can divide patients into high- or low-risk subgroups of recurrence and mortality. In addition, gene BCAT1, DTGCU2, DOCK3 were analyzed via q-PCR and serum AFP were identified as having significant association with radiomics signature.Conclusion: The novel nomogram demonstrated good performance in preoperatively predicting the probability of MVI, which might guide clinical decision.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, microvascular invasion, preoperative noninvasive diagnosis, contrast-enhanced CT, biologic correlation

Yangnan Hu,1,&ast; Dan Li,2,&ast; Hao Wei,3,&ast; Shan Zhou,1 Wei Chen,1 Xiaoqian Yan,1 Jaiying Cai,1 Xiaoyan Chen,1 Bo Chen,4 Menghui Liao,1 Renjie Chai,1,5 Mingliang Tang1,5,6 1State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, People’s Republic of China; 4Materials Science and Devices Institute, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People’s Republic of China; 5Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Renjie Chai; Mingliang Tang Email renjiec@seu.edu.cn; mltang@suda.edu.cnIntroduction: Neuroregeneration is a major challenge in neuroscience for treating degenerative diseases and for repairing injured nerves. Numerous studies have shown the importance of physical stimulation for neuronal growth and development, and here we report an approach for the physical guidance of neuron orientation and neurite growth using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and magnetic fields (MFs).Methods: SPIO nanoparticles were synthesized by classic chemical co-precipitation methods and then characterized by transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The cytotoxicity of the prepared SPIO nanoparticles and MF was determined using CCK-8 assay and LIVE/DEAD assay. The immunofluorescence images were captured by a laser scanning confocal microscopy. Cell migration was evaluated using the wound healing assay.Results: The prepared SPIO nanoparticles showed a narrow size distribution, low cytotoxicity, and superparamagnetism. SPIO nanoparticles coated with poly-L-lysine could be internalized by spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations less than 300 μg/mL. The neurite extension of SGNs was promoted after internalizing SPIO nanoparticles with or without an external MF, and this might be due to the promotion of growth cone development. It was also confirmed that SPIO can regulate cell migration and can direct neurite outgrowth in SGNs preferentially along the direction imposed by an external MF.Conclusion: Our results provide a fundamental understanding of the regulation of cell behaviors under physical cues and suggest alternative treatments for sensorineural hearing loss caused by the degeneration of SGNs.Keywords: physical cues, neurites orientation, hearing loss, cochlear implants, migration

Siming Li,1,* Wentao Xu,1,* Minjun Liao,1,2,* Yuanping Zhou,2 Jun Weng,1 Liying Ren,1 Junxiong Yu,1,3 Weijia Liao,1 Zhaoquan Huang1,4 1Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pathology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weijia LiaoLaboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail liaoweijia288@163.comZhaoquan HuangDepartment of Pathology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail 191990449@qq.comBackground: Currently, there is still a lack of effective biomarkers for the recurrence monitoring and survival prognosis assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative (≤ 20 ng/mL) after radical resection.Methods: The clinicopathological data of 606 patients (303 in the AFP-negative group and 303 in the AFP-positive group) who underwent radical resection of HCC were analyzed retrospectively.Results: The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to lymphocyte count ratio (GLR) of patients in the AFP-negative group was lower than that in the AFP-positive group (p < 0.001). The GLR level of the early-recurrence group was higher than that of the non-early-recurrence group (p =0.003). GLR had fair accuracy in predicting the early-recurrence of HCC patients [c-index=0.654 (95% CI=0.606– 0.702); AUC=0.681 (95% CI=0.625– 0.733)]. Univariate analysis showed that patients with tumor size < 5 cm, no microvascular invasion, single tumor, no metastasis, BCLC stage 0–A, no recurrence, and GLR ≤ 45.0 had longer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) among AFP-negative HCC patients. In addition, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that tumor size < 5 cm (p =0.003), no recurrence (p < 0.001), and GLR < 45.0 (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of longer OS.Conclusion: GLR may be a potential indicator for early recurrence monitoring and prognosis evaluation in HCC patients with AFP-negative after radical resection.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, AFP-negative, GLR, prognosis, early-recurrence

Ziqing Wang,1,2 Weijie Liao,2,3 Fuhai Liu,2,4 Tingpeng Yang,2 Weidong Xie,2,3 Meijian Liao,3,4 Dayong Gu,5 Yaou Zhang2,3 1School of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People’s Republic of China; 2State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China; 3Key Laboratory in Healthy Science and Technology, Division of Life Science, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221104, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yaou ZhangState Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-755-2603-6884Email zhangyo@sz.tsinghua.edu.cnDayong GuDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-13602601597Email wanhood@163.comPurpose: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to be involved in many human diseases. In this study, we aimed to reveal the role and molecular mechanism of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM)-related inflammation.Methods: To explore the relationships between the expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 and inflammatory factors in the blood of T2DM patients, we analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) expression microarrays of T2DM patients and expression microarrays of PBMC treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the GEO database. The relationship between EPB41L4A-AS1 and phospho-p65 was explored by Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence. The interactions between EPB41L4A-AS1 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) were also verified through quantitative real-time PCR, WB, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Glycolysis and mitochondrial stress were detected by Seahorse.Results: EPB41L4A-AS1 showed very low expression, which was significantly negatively correlated with levels of inflammatory factors in PBMCs of T2DM patients and PBMCs treated with LPS. These results were verified by cell experiments on PBMC and THP-1 cells. Knockdown of EPB41L4A-AS1 led to the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 and thus activated the NF-κB signaling pathway; it also reduced the enrichment of H3K9me3 in the MYD88 promoter and increased expression of MYD88. Overall, EPB41L4A-AS1 knockdown promoted the level of glycolysis and ultimately enhanced the inflammatory response.Conclusion: EPB41L4A-AS1 knockdown activated the NF-κB signaling pathway through a MYD88-dependent regulatory mechanism, promoted glycolysis, and ultimately enhanced the inflammatory response. These results demonstrate that EPB41L4A-AS1 is closely associated with inflammation in T2DM, and that low expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 may be used as an indicator of chronic inflammation and possible diabetic vascular complications in T2DM patients.Keywords: inflammation, diabetes, EPB41L4A-AS1, NF-κB, MYD88

Yicheng Li,1– 3,* Zhengli Li,2,* Kangjian Deng,2,* Minjun Liao,2,4 Shengguang Yuan,1,2 Zhaoquan Huang2,5 1Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 3Second Clinical Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 4Science Experiment Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Pathology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhaoquan Huang; Shengguang YuanLaboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail 477922581@qq.com; yuanshengguang6@163.comPurpose: Preoperative fibrinogen levels are associated with the development, recurrence and metastasis of malignant tumors. This study was designed to investigate the clinical value of preoperative fibrinogen/lymphocyte count ratio (FLR) index in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Patients and Methods: The clinical data of 479 patients with HCC who underwent radical resection were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between FLR and clinicopathological features was analyzed by chi-square test or non-parametric test. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method.Results: The optimal cut-off value of FLR was determined as 1.6 according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, in order to predict prognosis for HCC patients after radical resection. It was further found that FLR level was correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, microvascular invasion and prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression analyses found that FLR was an independent predictor for postoperative OS (overall survival) (p = 0.002) and PFS (progression-free survival) (p = 0.001) in patients with HCC; and the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS and PFS of HCC patients in the FLR ≤ 1.6 level group were significantly higher than those in the FLR > 1.6 level group.Conclusion: Preoperative FLR level is a novel and effective predictor of prognosis in patients with HCC, and elevated FLR level is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, FLR, prognosis, recurrence

We have collected near-infrared to X-ray data of 20 multi-epoch heavily reddened SDSS quasars to investigate the physical mechanism of reddening. Of these, J2317+0005 is found to be a UV cutoff quasar. Its continuum, which usually appears normal, decreases by a factor 3.5 at 3000 Å, compared to its more typical bright state during an interval of 23 days. During this sudden continuum cut-off the broad emission line fluxes do not change, perhaps due to the large size of the broad-line region (BLR), r > 23/(1+z) days. The UV continuum may have suffered a dramatic drop out. However, there are some difficulties with this explanation. Another possibility is that the intrinsic continuum did not change but was temporarily blocked out, at least toward our line of sight. As indicated by X-ray observations, the continuum rapidly recovers after 42 days. A comparison of the bright state and dim states would imply an eclipse by a dusty cloud with a reddening curve having a remarkably sharp rise shortward of 3500 Å. Under the assumption of being eclipsed by a Keplerian dusty cloud, we characterized the cloud size with our observations, however, which is a little smaller than the 3000 Å continuum-emitting size inferred from accretion disk models. Therefore, we speculate that this is due to a rapid outflow or inflow with a dusty cloud passing through our line of sight to the center.

Dan Zhang, Meixia Liao, Tingfang Liu Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Tingfang LiuInstitute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86-755-26036425Email liutf@mail.tsinghua.edu.cnPurpose: To analyse the quality control circle (QCC) implementation status, tool modification and promotion in hospitals in mainland China.Methods: Data were collected from the 2013– 2018 National Quality Control Circle Competition of Chinese Hospitals. A total of 1913 participating QCCs implemented by 34,023 hospital staff from 915 hospitals across 31 provinces and municipalities were included in this study to analyse the characteristics of QCC implementation status in mainland China, using descriptive analyses.Results: The majority of participating QCCs came from central and eastern hospitals. Most of the QCCs were carried out in tertiary hospitals and focused on themes of safety and patient care. The QCC has been modified in terms of its classification, implementation process, participation mechanism, and ways of dissemination. A series of promotion strategies have been made to promote the implementation of QCCs nationwide, including establishing a professional promotion organization, developing standardized training programmes, and organizing QCC academic events.Conclusion: After years of promotion, QCCs are widely used in hospitals and have been modified to fit the practice of healthcare institutions. The QCC promotion strategies in China can offer valuable insights for other countries that are also making efforts to continuously improve care quality in healthcare institutions.Keywords: quality control circle, promotion strategy, quality improvement

Zheng Lu,1,* Chunlei Wu,2,3,* Jiange Zhang,2,4,* Yu Ye,2,5 Zhifu Zhang,2,6 Ming Liao,2 Lin Huang,2 Jiarong Tian,2 Aihua Tan,2 Zengnan Mo1,2 1Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China; 2Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China; 3Urology Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui City, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China; 5Emergency Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Urology, Minzu Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zengnan MoDepartment of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/ Fax +86 0771-5353342Email zengnanmo@hotmail.comObjective: To evaluate the effect of the drinking frequency and years on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a large Chinese male population.Methods: The current data were obtained from a consecutive series of 3,229 men aged 18– 79 who participated in a routine physical examination in Fangchenggang First People’s Hospital, Guangxi, China. During a face-to-face interview, the detailed demographic variables about alcohol consumption, potential confounding factors were collected. LUTS were assessed by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and defined as total LUTS, irritative (IRR) and obstructive (OBS) symptoms, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of total LUTS, IRR and OBS symptoms affected by alcohol consumption.Results: The prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS was 8.3% and apparently increased with age (P< 0.001). A significant distribution presented in age, alcohol consumption, BMI, cigarette smoking, education attainment and hypertension among different strata of LUTS severity (P< 0.05). Men who drank 1– 2 times per week were less likely to have OBS symptoms (OR=0.45, 95% CI=0.29– 0.70) regardless of age (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33– 0.82) or multivariate adjusted (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33– 0.83). Nevertheless, we did not observe a significant negative or positive association presented between drinking years and the risk of total LUTS, OBS and IRR symptoms.Conclusion: The current results imply that moderate drinking frequency may be protective against LUTS, and drinking years did not relate to worsening or improving LUTS.Keywords: observational study, alcohol consumption, urinary tract, epidemiology

Yuan Gao,1 Junping Wen,1 Shaojun Wang,1 Xuebin Xu,2 Zeqiang Zhan,1 Zhengquan Chen,1 Jie Bai,1 Xiaoyun Qu,1 Hongxia Zhang,1 Jianmin Zhang,1 Ming Liao1 1National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine Development, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Microbiology, Shanghai Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ming Liao; Jianmin ZhangNational and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No. 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 020 85290240; +86 020 85280240Fax +86 020 85290240; +86 020 85285282Email mliao@scau.edu.cn; junfeng-v@163.comPurpose: Carbapenem resistance is rarely reported in Salmonella Typhimurium, especially from a food origin. Here, we report a plasmid-mediated mobile carbapenem-resistant blaNDM-5 gene in Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from pork in Shanghai, China in 2016.Patients and Methods: In July 2016, the S. Typhimurium SH160 strain was recovered from minced pork meat purchased from a supermarket in Yangpu District, Shanghai, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, multi-locus sequence typing, conjugation, S1-PFGE, southern hybridization, whole-genome sequencing and data analysis were performed.Results: This isolate was found to be a ST34 strain and resistant to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and most other commonly used antibiotics. The blaNDM-5 gene was harbored by a 46161-bp IncX3 plasmid which was found to be transferable. The IncX3 plasmid contains a composite cassette, consisting of ISSwil-IS3000-ΔISAba125-IS5-blaNDM-5-bleMBL-trpF-dsbC-IS26-ctuA1-ΔumuD. In addition, this strain was found to harbor an additional 161706-bp IncHI2 plasmid which carries nine resistant genes, such as aadA1, aadA3, aph(3ʹ)-la, sul1, sul2, sul3, floR, cmlA and dfrA12.Conclusion: We reported the S. Typhimurium with transferable IncX3 plasmid harboring blaNDM-5 gene from minced pork. We characterized the complete genetic features of the plasmid, which demonstrated the potential for spreading in different bacterial pathogens. Therefore, extensive surveillance and monitoring for carbapenem-resistant bacterium in the food chain and public health are urgently required.Keywords: S. Typhimurium, pork, blaNDM-5, public health

Yicheng Li,1,2,* Wentao Xu,1,* Pu Chen,1,* Minjun Liao,1,3 Wanying Qin,1 Weijia Liao,1 Zhaoquan Huang1,4 1Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 2Second Clinical Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 3Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Pathology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weijia LiaoLaboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail liaoweijia288@163.comZhaoquan HuangDepartment of Pathology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail 191990449@qq.comBackground: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between serum iron levels and the prognosis and risk of recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: A total of 253 HCC patients who underwent radical resection were involved in this study.Results: According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut-off value for preoperative serum iron in the assessment of HCC postoperative prognosis was 94 ug/dL. The overall survival (OS) of patients in the high iron group was significantly better than that in the low iron group (p < 0.001). The recurrence rate of patients in the low iron group was higher than that in the high iron group (p = 0.011). Correlation analysis showed that preoperative serum iron level was correlated with tumor size >5 cm (χ2 = 11.590, p < 0.001), recurrence (χ2 = 5.714, p = 0.017) and microvascular invasion (χ2 = 5.087, p = 0.024). In addition, univariate analysis showed that OS and disease-free survival (DFS) of HCC patients with high iron level were better than those with low iron level. Furthermore, multivariate COX proportional hazards regression analysis showed that serum iron ≤94 μg/dL, tumor size >5 cm, and microvascular invasion were independent predictors for shorter OS and DFS in HCC patients after operation, while recurrence was for shorter OS.Conclusion: Patients with low preoperative serum iron level had worse postoperative survival and higher recurrence rate in HCC. Preoperative serum iron is an independent predictor of HCC patients. For HCC patients with low iron levels, prognosis of patients may be improved if appropriate iron is supplemented.Keywords: HCC, serum iron, prognosis, recurrence, survival rate

Zeqiang Zhan,1 Xuebin Xu,2 Zhen Gu,3 Jianghong Meng,4 Xiayidan Wufuer,5 Mingliu Wang,6 Meilian Huang,7 Jianhui Chen,8 Chunmei Jing,9 Zhiying Xiong,1 Mei Zeng,10 Ming Liao,1 Jianmin Zhang1 1National and Regional Joint Engineering Laboratory for Medicament of Zoonoses Prevention and Control, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Animal Infectious Diseases Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; 2Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China; 3Emerging Infections Program China Office, Beijing, 102206, China; 4Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA; 5Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Urumchi 830001, China; 6Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Disease Prevention and Control Center, Nanning 530028, China; 7Xiamen City Children’s Hospital, Xiamen 361006, China; 8Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou 350001, China; 9Chongqing City Children’s Hospital, Chongqing 400014, China; 10Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200336, ChinaCorrespondence: Mei ZengDepartment of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, ChinaEmail zengmeigao@aliyun.comJianmin ZhangCollege of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, No. 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510642, ChinaTel +86 20 8528 0240Fax +86 20 8528 5282Email junfeng-v@163.comPurpose: Human infections caused by invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) are highly prevalent worldwide. However, data for such infections in China are scarce. This study reports the epidemiology of iNTS in China.Methods: INTS isolates were recovered from blood and other clinical specimens collected during 2007–2016 across five provinces (Shanghai, Xinjiang, Fujian, Guangxi, and Chongqing) in China. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the agar dilution method and molecular epidemiology was performed using standard microbiological techniques.Results: A total of 178 iNTS isolates were recovered from approximately 9700 patient specimens during 2007–2016. The predominant serovars were Salmonella Enteritidis (57/178, 32%), Salmonella Choleraesuis (47/178, 26.4%), and Salmonella Typhimurium (24/178, 13.5%). Up to 50 isolates (28.1%) were from patients who were ≤1 year of age, while 28 (15.7%) were from patients who were ≥60 years. Among these isolates, high rates of resistance to nalidixic acid (114/178, 64%), sulfisoxazole (59%), ciprofloxacin (15.2%), and cefotaxime (8.4%) were found. Moreover, 53.4% (95/178) exhibited multidrug resistance, and 3.9% (7/178) showed co-resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin. Steadily increasing numbers of nalidixic acid, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, but decreasing numbers of multidrug resistance isolates were detected during the study period. Detection of quinolone genes in 114 nalidixic acid-resistant isolates showed that 58.3% (67/114) harbored plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes [aac(6´)-Ib-cr, qnrA, qnrB, oqxAB, qepA, qnrS, and qnrD] and 98.2% (112/114) exhibited mutations in quinolone resistance determining regions [gyrA, parC, and parE]. Furthermore, we detected beta-lactamases genes in the ceftriaxone-resistant isolates. The most common were blaTEM-1 (93.3%), followed by blaCTX-M-55 (40%), blaCMY-2 (33.3%), and blaOXA-1 (33.3%). Finally, a range of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were detected among the Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium isolates.Conclusion: High rates of multidrug resistance and steadily increasing cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin-resistant iNTS could pose a significant challenge for the effective treatment of salmonellosis in China.Keywords: invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella, fluoroquinolones, multidrug resistant, beta-lactamases, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, China