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BackgroundThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has prevailed globally since November 2021. The extremely high transmissibility and occult manifestations were notable, but the severity and mortality associated with the Omicron variant and subvariants cannot be ignored, especially for immunocompromised populations. However, no prognostic model for specially predicting the severity of the Omicron variant infection is available yet. In this study, we aim to develop and validate a prognostic model based on immune variables to early recognize potentially severe cases of Omicron variant-infected patients.MethodsThis was a single-center prognostic study involving patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection. Eligible patients were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts. Variables were collected immediately after admission. Candidate variables were selected by three variable-selecting methods and were used to construct Cox regression as the prognostic model. Discrimination, calibration, and net benefit of the model were evaluated in both training and validation cohorts.ResultsSix hundred eighty-nine of the involved 2,645 patients were eligible, consisting of 630 non-ICU cases and 59 ICU cases. Six predictors were finally selected to establish the prognostic model: age, neutrophils, lymphocytes, procalcitonin, IL-2, and IL-10. For discrimination, concordance indexes in the training and validation cohorts were 0.822 (95% CI: 0.748-0.896) and 0.853 (95% CI: 0.769-0.942). For calibration, predicted probabilities and observed proportions displayed high agreements. In the 21-day decision curve analysis, the threshold probability ranges with positive net benefit were 0~1 and nearly 0~0.75 in the training and validation cohorts, correspondingly.ConclusionsThis model had satisfactory high discrimination, calibration, and net benefit. It can be used to early recognize potentially severe cases of Omicron variant-infected patients so that they can be treated timely and rationally to reduce the severity and mortality of Omicron variant infection.

Objective: To study the value of serum PCSK9 for evaluating the severity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients with carotid atherosclerosis who were treated in our hospital between May 2014 and September 2016 were selected as group A (n=69), type 2 diabetic patients without carotid atherosclerosis were selected as group B (n=79) and healthy subjects were selected as group C (n=55). Serum levels of SPCSK9, lipid metabolism indexes and oxidative stress indexes of three groups of subjects were detected. Results: Serum proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), CyPA, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), PON-3, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostaglandin F-2α(8-iso-PGF2α) levels of group A and group B were significantly higher than those of group C (P

Potential correlation of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 variants and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II polymorphisms has been suggested in patients with cervical cancer, so far little information is available about the possible interaction between E6 variants and HLA class II variability during the obviously accelerated progression to cervical cancer in young women. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between the HPV16 E6 variants and HLA-DRB1, DQB1 alleles in a Chinese young cervical cancer population. The HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 polymophisms were genotyped by low-resolution polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequence-specific primer. HPV16 E6 DNA was tested by Sanger fluorescent dye dideoxy-termination technique. The difference of DRB1, DQB1 polymorphisms between young cervical cancer patients (≤35ys, n=61) and older ones (>35ys, n=85) and the association with E6 variants were analyzed. Results showed that the distribution pattern of HLA-DRB1, DQB1 alleles was different between young cervical cancer patients and older ones. The allele frequency of DQB1*0501 in young patients was significantly lower than older ones (6.6% vs. 23.5%, p

The clinical application of conventional peptide drugs, such as the HIV-1 fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide, is limited by their short half-life in vivo. To overcome this limitation, we developed a new strategy to extend the in vivo half-life of a short HIV-1 fusion inhibitory peptide, CP24, by fusing it with the human IgG Fc-binding peptide (IBP). The newly engineered peptide IBPCP24 exhibited potent and broad anti-HIV-1 activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.2 to 173.7 nM for inhibiting a broad spectrum of HIV-1 strains with different subtypes and tropisms, including those resistant to enfuvirtide. Most importantly, its half-life in the plasma of rhesus monkeys was 46.1 h, about 26- and 14-fold longer than that of CP24 (t1/2 = 1.7 h) and enfuvirtide (t1/2 = 3 h), respectively. IBP-CP24 intravenously administered in rhesus monkeys could not induce significant IBP-CP24-specific antibody response and it showed no obvious in vitro or in vivo toxicity. In the prophylactic study, humanized mice pretreated with IBPCP24 were protected from HIV-1 infection. As a therapeutic treatment, coadministration of IBP-CP24 and normal human IgG to humanized mice with chronic HIV-1 infection resulted in a significant decrease of plasma viremia. Combining IBP-CP24 with a broad neutralizing antibody (bNAb) targeting CD4-binding site (CD4bs) in gp120 or a membrane proximal external region (MPER) in gp41 exhibited synergistic effect, resulting in significant dose-reduction of the bNAb and IBP-CP24. These results suggest that IBP-CP24 has the potential to be further developed as a new HIV-1 fusion inhibitor-based, long-acting anti-HIV drug that can be used alone or in combination with a bNAb for treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection.

To evaluate the surgical technique and efficacy of the resection of parapharyngeal space neoplasm via styloid diaphragm approach.Thirty-three cases underwent the resection of parapharyngeal space tumors via styloid diaphragm approach from Jan 2005 to Jan 2011 were reviewed. Of the cases, 28 were with benign tumors treated by surgery alone, and 5 were malignant tumors treated by surgery plus postoperative radical radiotherapy.The parapharyngeal neoplasms in all cases were completely resected via styloid diaphragm approach. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 13 months to 7 years (median = 4.6 years). No tumor recurrence was found in 30 cases, but 3 cases experienced tumor recurrence, including 1 chondrosarcoma (3 years after surgery and chemoradiotherapy), 1 chordoma and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma (5 years after surgery and radiotherapy). Severe postoperative complications were not observed, but 2 cases showed mild mouth askew and fully recovered after 3 months, and 1 case was complicated with hoarseness and cough symptoms that disappeared after heteropathy.Resection of parapharyngeal neoplasms via styloid diaphragm approach is an ideal surgical technique, with well-exposed surgical field, less tissue injury, and less postoperative complication.

The faults of agricultural industry chain are the key problem of our country, and the key to solve this problem is to turn the existing traditional production mode to the new industrial mode of production. Based on the analysis of current situation, it studies the informational service mode which caters to integrating agricultural industrial chain, with a method of starting from modern information technology. By integrating a variety of interactive model, trying to combine farmers’ needs with the platform closely, integrate and extend the agricultural industry chain and pour the information-based establishments into produce antenatal, produce medium, postpartum sales of agricultural products. Thereby promote the development of agriculture.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 gene mutation is considered an important genetic change in cervical lesion progression. To explore the possible association of specific HPV16 E6 sequence variations with the development of invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in young women, we examined the distribution of HPV16 E6 variants in a Chinese cervical SCC population and analyzed the difference between younger patients (≤35 years, n = 50) and older ones (>35ys, n = 71). Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced by Sanger fluorescent dye dideoxy-termination method. Analysis revealed that the most frequently found variation in this Chinese population was the EV (As) lineage (65.45%). In addition, the EV (As) lineage seems more common and uniform in younger patients than other lineages, and it may be associated with early age at diagnosis of cervical SCC in young women.

To discuss the application of medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator in front of inner malleolus for repairing small wounds around ankle.From Jan. 2005 to Jun. 2009, 10 cases with small wounds around ankle were treated with medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator. The flap size ranged from 7.5 cm x 2.8 cm to 13.0 cm x 5.0 cm. The wounds at the donor sites were covered with skin grafts.All the 10 flaps and skin grafts were survived with primary healing. The patients were followed up for 6-12 months with satisfactory cosmetic results. The 2-point discrimination was 4-6 mm when the proximal end of saphenous nerve was not injured, and it was 9-10 mm when the nerve was injured or cut off. The patients could walk with no occurrence of ulcer in flaps or donor site.The medial planta island flaps pedicled with anterior tibial artery perforator can effectively repair the small wounds around ankle with reliable blood supply.

To investigate the polymorphism of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles among young women with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and elucidate its relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 infection.From January 2005 to August 2009, 166 women diagnosed with cervical SCC at our hospital were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups based on age, including 59 cases in young age group (≤ 35 yrs) and 107 cases in non-young age group. In the mean time, 50 cases with uterine myoma treated by hysterectomy were selected as controls. HPV 16 DNA in cervical tissues was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 typing were carried out by PCR-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) and the allele frequencies calculated.(1) The allele frequency of HLA DQB1*0301 at 29.6% was detected among HPV 16 positive cervical SCC cases in young age group. And it was significantly higher than 12.9% of non-young age group (P0.05). The allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*04 and -DRB1*09 were significantly higher among HPV 16 negative cervical SCC cases in young age group as compared with non-young age group (14.1%, 26.6% vs 5.9%, 10.5%) (P0.05). The HLA-DRB1*07 allele was not detected among HPV 16 negative cervical SCC cases in young age group, But 14 cases (9.2%) were detected in non-young age group (P0.05). (2) The allele frequencies of HLA-DQB1*0501 at 7.4% and 6.3% respectively were detected among HPV 16 positive and negative cervical SCC cases in the young age group. And they were significantly lower than 25.8% and 20.4% of non-young age group (P0.05).The distribution patterns of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles among young women with cervical SCC are different from those of older ones. And it has something to do with the HPV 16 infection status.

To investigate the role and significance of FHIT genes depletion, p53 overexpression and HPV16/18 infection in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical carcinoma (CC).Tumor samples taken from 52 cases of CIN and 69 cases of CC were processed by immunohistochemistry (SP) to determine the expression of FHIT genes and p53 protein, by in situ hybridization to detect HPV16/18 infection, and were compared with those in 18 cases of normal cervical tissues as control.(1) The FHIT expression was positive in normal cervical tissue with no depletion occurred, and was 30.8% in CIN. It was significantly higher in CIN III and carcinoma groups than that in normal and CIN I/II groups (P0.01). The depleted expression of FHIT in infiltrating cervical carcinoma group was 66.7% (46/69), significantly higher than that in normal and CIN groups (P0.01). Along with the decreasing of cell differentiation, the negative rate of FHIT raised. (2) The positive expression of p53 in CC group was 56.5% (39/69) and the HPV16/18 was 84.1% (58/69), both higher than that in CIN and normal groups (P0.05). (3) In CIN and CC groups, the positive rate of p53 in cases with positive or negative FHIT expression was similar (P0.05). (4) There is a negative correlation between FHIT and p53 expression. The rate of HPV16/18 infection in the depleted expression of FHIT group was significantly higher than that in FIHT normal expression group (P0.01).(1) The FHIT-depletion is related with cervical carcinogenesis. It may be used as a marker to serve mass screening of CIN-high risk subjects and diagnostic indicator for early cervical carcinoma. (2) Depleted expression of FHIT is frequently associated with p53 over-expression in CIN and CC subjects, but there is no direct correlation between them. (3) HPV16/18 infection may probably be the common cause leading to altered FHIT and p53 expression.

To study the technique of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and its application value in the diagnosis of sex chromosomal count abnormality in ovarian carcinoma cell. Biotin labeled alpha satellite X chromosome DNA(pBamX7) probe was hybridized with pre-treated slides of ovarian carcinoma cell interphase nucleus in 18 cases of ovarian carcinoma specimens. The slides were treated with Avidin-FITC and Anti-avidin, amplified with an additional layer and counter-stained with PI in antifade solution. The hybridization signals as well as interphase nucleus settings were observed with WIB filters under fluorescence microscope Olympus AX-70, and the number of interphase nucleus in the ovarian carcinoma cell was counted. It was observed under the microscope that the Biotin labeled pBamX7 probe showed green hybridization signals. Cytoplasm counter-stained with PI showed reddish orange. Increased chrosome X copy number was observed in 11/18(61%) ovarian carcinoma specimens, of which the rest 7 (39%) had no increase of chrosome X copy number. Gain of X chrosome had a certain incidence in ovarian cancers, which played a role in the recurrence and development of ovarian cancers. Its significance needs further investigation.

Development, survivorship, reproduction and procreation isolation of Schizotetranychus bambusae from the bamboo species Phyllostachys pubescens and Neosinocalamus affinis reared on different host plants were evaluated in laboratory. The results showed that the population of S. bambusae from Phyllostachys pubescens (PhS) failed to complete its life cycle when reared on the leaf of N. affinis. When the population of S. bambusae from N. affinis (NeS) was reared on the leaf of P. pubescens, the survivorship and fecundity decreased. The rm, lambda and Ro were 0.0391, 1.0399 and 2.5542, respectively. At 27 degrees C, when the PhS was reared on P. pubescens, rm, lambda and Ro were 0.1415, 1.1520, and 15.6298, respectively, whereas NeS was reared on N. affinis, rm, lambda, and Ro were 0.0993, 1.1044, and 10.0622, respectively. Reciprocal cross test between PhS and NeS showed tht the two populations could mate, but laid unfertilized eggs that produced male only, indicating the existence of reproductive isolation.