ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and influencing factors of post-surgical radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for patients with low- and intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Subjects and methods: A retrospective analysis of 423 low- and intermediate-risk DTC patients admitted to the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2005 to December 2020 was performed. All patients were treated with surgery, had a postoperative pathological diagnosis, and were treated with RAI, including 89 males and 334 females. Recurrence risk stratification: 143 cases were low-risk, and 280 cases were intermediate-risk. Results: The excellent response (ER) rate for low- and intermediate-risk were 93.7% and 78.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in age, cumulative dose of [131I], and pretreatment stimulated-Tg (pre-Tg) levels between the low- and intermediate-risk groups (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the cumulative dose of 131I and pre-Tg levels between ER and the non-ER group (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.799 in the low-risk group, and 0.747 in the intermediate-risk group for the ROC curve by ER status of pre-Tg. The ER rate with RAI treatment decreased with an increase in pre-Tg levels. Conclusion: Pre-Tg was an important factor for RAI treatment decision-making and prognostic evaluation and differed between low-risk and intermediate-risk DTC. Aggressive RAI therapy was recommended for low-risk DTC with pre-Tg ≥ 20.0 ng/mL and in intermediate-risk group with pre-Tg ≥ 10.0 ng/mL.

Abstract Objective We describe the development and structure of a novel mobile application in a mixed model of prenatal care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we assess the acceptability of this mobile app in a cohort of patients. Methods First, we introduced a mixed model of prenatal care; second, we developed a comprehensive, computer-based clinical record to support our system. Lastly, we built a novel mobile app as a tool for prenatal care. We used Flutter Software version 2.2 to build the app for Android and iOS smartphones. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the acceptability of the app. Results A mobile app was also built with the main attribute of being connected in real-time with the computer-based clinical records. The app screens detail information about activities programmed and developed in the prenatal care according to gestational age. A downloadable maternity book is available and some screens show warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The acceptability assessment was mostly rated positively regarding the characteristics of the mobile app, by 50 patients. Conclusion This novel mobile app was developed as a tool among pregnant patients to increase the information available about their pregnancies in the provision of a mixed model of prenatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fully customized to the needs of our users following the local protocols. The introduction of this novel mobile app was highly accepted by the patients.

Abstract Benign recurrent meningitis, also known as Mollaret’s meningitis (MM), is characterized by recurrent headache, fever, meningeal irritation and sterility of cerebrospinal fluid examination, which is rare in clinic. Although with clear diagnostic criteria, there are still many unclear aspects of its pathogenesis, and treatment of this disease. The author reported a case of benign recurrent aseptic meningitis, who had three episodes of acute headache with or without fever. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone, acyclovir and cefazoxime for the first time, cefazoxime, cefimidazole and mebendazole for the second time, and piperacillin and acyclovir for the third time. The results showed that the patient did not recover completely in the first two times and fully recovered at the third time. Based on the current research, the author believes that for MM, mainly symptomatic relief, indomethacin should be recommended, and too much antiviral treatment is not needed.

Resumen Objetivo: La percepción de los enfermeros sobre sus comportamientos para mantener húmedo el instrumental quirúrgico ha sido poco estudiada. Métodos: La encuesta que utilizó un cuestionario sobre la información demográfica del encuestado y una escala de percepción y comportamiento de las enfermeras de diseño propio para mantener húmedos los instrumentos quirúrgicos se realizó con 360 enfermeras de un hospital en China. Resultados: La puntuación total de la escala de percepción-conducta de las enfermeras para mantener húmedo el instrumental quirúrgico fue de 139.93 ± 15.145. La puntuación de la escala de percepción-conducta de las enfermeras para mantener húmedos los instrumentos quirúrgicos varió con la edad, la duración del servicio y el cargo, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05). El tiempo de servicio fue el principal factor que influyó en la percepción de los enfermeros sobre sus comportamientos para mantener húmedo el instrumental quirúrgico. Conclusión: Se debe ofrecer a las enfermeras un entrenamiento intensivo sobre el mantenimiento de la humedad del instrumental quirúrgico por su inadecuada percepción al respecto. El cambio de creencias y comportamientos de salud de las enfermeras debe basarse en el desarrollo de la actitud correcta.

Abstract Background: Nurses' perception toward their behaviors for keeping surgical instruments moist has been rarely studied. Methods: The survey which utilized a questionnaire regarding respondent's demographic information and a self-designed nurses' perception-behavior scale for keeping surgical instruments moist was conducted with 360 nurses from a hospital in China. Results: Total score of nurses' perception-behavior scale for keeping surgical instruments moist was 139.93 ± 15.145. Score of nurses' perception-behavior scale for keeping surgical instruments moist varied with age, length of service, and job title, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Length of service was the main factor affecting nurses' perception toward their behaviors for keeping surgical instruments moist. Conclusions: Nurses should be offered intensive training on keeping surgical instruments moist due to their inadequate perception on it. The nurses' change in health beliefs and behaviors must be based on developing the right attitude.

ABSTRACT The coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic and the measures implemented for its control meant the interruption of prenatal care, with potential risk to maternal and fetal health. However, conventional in-person prenatal care would imply exposure and risk of infection in patients and health care providers. The Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal (INMP) has incorporated teleconsultation as part of a new model of mixed prenatal care, which aims to reduce in-person appointments and, therefore, the contact and risk of viral transmission. The prenatal care package performs essential activities to care for pregnant women of specific gestational ages with a greater impact on perinatal and maternal outcomes. This new model could be generalized nationally and be part of the solution to the disparities of healthcare in Peru, through policies for the use of telemedicine in prenatal care that facilitate its implementation, as well as its sustainability after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMEN La pandemia del coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) y las medidas instauradas para su control significaron la interrupción de la atención prenatal, con potencial riesgo en la salud materna y fetal. Por otro lado, la atención prenatal convencional presencial implicaría exposición y riesgo de infección en pacientes y proveedores de salud. El Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal (INMP) ha incorporado la teleconsulta como parte de un nuevo modelo de atención prenatal mixto, cuyo objetivo es disminuir las citas presenciales y, por tanto, el contacto y riesgo de transmisión viral. El paquete de atención prenatal incluye actividades esenciales para atender gestantes en edades gestacionales específicas con mayor impacto en los desenlaces perinatales y maternos. Este nuevo modelo podría generalizarse a nivel nacional y ser parte de la solución a las disparidades de atención en el Perú, mediante políticas del uso de la telemedicina en la atención prenatal que faciliten su implementación, así como su sostenibilidad después de la pandemia de COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: Explorar o papel preditivo do dímero D para a mortalidade de pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC). Métodos: Revisão sistemática e meta-análise. Foram realizadas buscas nos seguintes bancos de dados: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE e Cochrane Library, desde seu início até 26 de julho de 2020. Estudos explorando a relação entre níveis de dímero D no sangue e mortalidade por PAC foram selecionados. Nesta meta-análise, foram calculadas taxa de mortalidade, sensibilidade, especificidade, razão de verossimilhança positiva e razão de verossimilhança negativa. Resultados: A busca identificou 1.073 artigos, dos quais 8 (totalizando 2.126 pacientes) foram incluídos nesta meta-análise. A taxa de mortalidade combinada da amostra total foi de 0,10 (IC95%: 0,08-0,14). Os níveis de dímero D no sangue dos não sobreviventes foram significativamente maiores do que os dos sobreviventes (diferença da média ponderada = 1,03 mg/L [IC95%: 0,81-1,26]; p < 0,00001). A área sob a curva summary ROC para o melhor valor de corte de dímero D como preditor de mortalidade foi de 0,848 (ep = 0,046), e razão de verossimilhança negativa combinada para dímero D dentro da faixa de normalidade foi de 0,24 (IC95%: 0,11-0,53). Conclusões: O dímero D no sangue pode ser útil para a avaliação inicial do risco de mortalidade de pacientes com PAC. Níveis de dímero D dentro da faixa de normalidade indicam baixo risco de mortalidade. Em virtude do pequeno tamanho da amostra do nosso estudo, nossos achados devem ser explorados e validados em estudos futuros com amostras maiores.

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the predictive roles of D-dimer for the mortality of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library from their inception to July 26, 2020. Studies exploring the relationship between blood D-dimer levels and CAP-related mortality were selected. In this meta-analysis, we calculated mortality rates, sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios, and negative likelihood ratios. Results: The search identified 1,073 articles, 8 of which (a total of 2,126 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled mortality rate of the overall sample was 0.10 (95% CI, 0.08-0.14). The levels of blood D-dimer in the nonsurvivors were significantly higher than those in the survivors (weighted mean difference = 1.03 mg/L [95% CI, 0.81-1.26]; p < 0.00001). The area under the summary ROC curve for the optimal cutoff value of D-dimer as a predictor of mortality was 0.848 (SE = 0.046), and the pooled negative likelihood ratio for D-dimer within the normal range was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.11-0.53). Conclusions: Blood D-dimer might be helpful for the initial assessment of mortality risk of patients with CAP. D-dimer levels within the normal range indicate low risk of mortality. Because of the small sample size in our study, our findings should be further explored and validated in future studies with larger sample sizes.

The microstructure and texture distribution of a Ti-1023 forged disk were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction. The finite element method was used to simulate temperature and strain distribution in order to investigate the relationship of the α/β forging process with microstructure and texture distribution. A bimodal microstructure and rolling textures with large inhomogeneity were observed in the disk. A plate-like and a necklace-like morphology and volume fraction variations of the primary α phase were observed in different regions with different forging conditions, such as temperature, deformation, position, and high density of flow lines. Texture sharpness distribution of the β phase was in good agreement with the strain distribution, which suggests deformation may play the most important part in the texture inhomogeneity. A weak cube texture was obtained near the center of the disk, and fiber textures were found near the rim of the disk. The primary α phase also exhibited a transverse texture, which is favored by large deformation.

ABSTRACT A fermentative acetic acid producing strain, named CSJ-3, was isolated from sludge and identified as Pseudomonas sp. on the basis of 16S rRNA gene analysis. The effects of cultivation conditions on the production of acetic acid by Pseudomonas sp. CSJ-3 were investigated in batch fermentation, and the maximum yield of acetic acid reached up to 0.49 % during 30 h cultivation under the optimum growth condition, including fermentation temperature of 37.0 ºC, fermentation pH of 4.50, ethanol concentration of 8 %, carbon source (glucose) amount of 10 g/L, and rotation speed of 120 r/min. When ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was used for the mutation in culture medium to improve the yield of acetic acid, the results showed that the yield of acetic acid reached up to 0.59 %. UV and FTIR confirmed that acetic acid was the major fermented product.

Objective: Recent genome-wide association studies have identified a significant relationship between the NT5C2 variant rs11191580 and schizophrenia (SCZ) in European populations. This study aimed to validate the association of rs11191580 polymorphism with SCZ risk in a South Chinese Han population. The relationship of this polymorphism with the severity of SCZ clinical symptoms was also explored. Methods: A case-control study was performed in 462 patients with SCZ and 598 healthy controls. Rs11191580 was genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. A total of 459 SCZ patients completed the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) evaluation. Data were analyzed by PLINK software. Results: We confirmed an association of the rs11191580 polymorphism with SCZ risk in South Chinese Han under a dominant genetic model (ORadj = 0.769; 95%CIadj = 0.600-0.984; padj = 0.037). PANSS scores showed a significant association between variant rs11191580 and total score (padj = 0.032), lack of response scale score (padj = 0.022), and negative scale score (additive: padj = 0.004; dominant: padj = 0.016; recessive: padj = 0.021) after data were adjusted for age and sex. Conclusion: NT5C2 variant rs11191580 conferred susceptibility to SCZ and affected the clinical symptoms of SCZ in a South Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND: Reprimo (RPRM), a highly glycosylated protein, is a new downstream effector of p53-induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M checkpoint, and a putative tumor suppressor gene frequently silenced via methylation of its promoter region in several malignances. The aim of this study was to characterize the epigenetic inactivation and its biological function in BC cell lines. METHODS: The correlation between RPRM methylation and loss of mRNA expression was assessed in six breast cancer cell lines by methylation specific PCR (MSP), 5'-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment and RT-PCR assays. MDA-MB-231 cells were chosen to investigate the phenotypic effect of RPRM in cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell death, cell migration and invasion. RESULTS: In the cancer methylome system (CMS) (web-based system for visualizing and analyzing genome-wide methylation data of human cancers), the CpG island region of RPRM (1.1 kb) was hypermethylated in breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue; more interesting still was that ERa(+) tumors showed higher methylation intensity than ERa(-). Downregulation of RPRM mRNA by methylation was confirmed in MDA-MB-231 and BT-20 cell lines. In addition, overexpression of RPRM in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in decreased rates of cell migration, wound healing and invasion in vitro. However, RPRM overexpression did not alter cell viability, phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation or G2/M cell cycle transition. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these data suggest that RPRM is involved in decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro, acting as a potential tumor suppressor gene in the MDA-MB-231 cell line.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about metabolic factors in cirrhotic patients in China. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the prevalence of both metabolic factors and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver cirrhosis in China. METHODS: The medical records of 1,582 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis from June 2003 to July 2013 at Daping Hospital (Chongqing, China) were retrospectively reviewed through a computer-generated search. RESULTS: Serum hepatitis B virus surface antigen was present in 1,083 (68.5%) patients, and hepatitis B was found to be the only etiological factor in 938 (59.3%) of all patients. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension were observed in 229 (14.5%), 159 (10.1%), and 129 (8.2%) patients, respectively. From 2012-2013, the proportion of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver cirrhosis increased to 3.2%, whereas the average proportion of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver cirrhosis in the previous ten years was 1.9%. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was much higher in males than in females (6.3% vs. 3.7%, respectively, p=0.036). Obesity and diabetes mellitus did not significantly increase the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in the whole cirrhotic group. The presence of hepatitis B virus was the only risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although hepatitis B virus remains the main etiology of liver cirrhosis in China, steatohepatitis-related liver cirrhosis is increasing in frequency. Hepatitis B virus was the sole significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in the whole cirrhotic group in the present study, in contrast to obesity and diabetes mellitus, for which only a trend of increased hepatocellular carcinoma was found.