The usefulness of measuring n-butyric acid concentration as a new indicator of blood decomposition in forensic autopsy

In forensic medicine, although various alcohols have been reported as indicators of decomposition in collected blood, no studies have examined short-chain fatty acids as indicators. In this study, the blood n-butyric acid concentration was quantified, and the association between n-butyric acid and decomposition was investigated to determine whether the detection of n-butyric acid could be a new indicator of decomposition. Among the forensic autopsies performed from 2016 to 2018 in our laboratory, the cases were divided into decomposed (n = 20) and non-decomposed (n = 20) groups based on macroscopic findings. Blood samples collected at the time of autopsy were derivatized with 3-nitrophenylhydrazine hydrochloride after solid-phase extraction. The n-butyric acid concentration was measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, ethanol and n-propanol were measured using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the concentrations of n-butyric acid between the decomposed and non-decomposed groups (0.343 ± 0.259 [0.030–0.973] and 0.003 ± 0.002 [0.001–0.007] mg/mL, respectively). In the decomposed group, n-butyric acid was detected at high concentrations, even in cases where n-propanol was low. These results suggest that n-butyric acid is more likely to be an indicator of blood decomposition than n-propanol.     

Pan-cancer proteomic map of 949 human cell lines

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Demarcation of arteriopulmonary segments: a novel and effective method for the identification of pulmonary segments

ObjectiveEach pulmonary segment is an anatomical and functional unit. However, it is fundamentally difficult to precisely distinguish every pulmonary segment using the conventional pulmonary intersegmental planes from computed tomography images. Building arteriopulmonary segments is likely to be an effective way to identify pulmonary segments.MethodsThe thoracic computed tomography images of 40 patients were collected. The anatomic structures of interest were extracted in the transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes using the semi-automated segmentation tools provided by Amira software. The intrapulmonary vessels were subsequently segmented and reconstructed. The distributions of the pulmonary arteries, veins, and bronchi were observed. In patients with pulmonary masses, the mass was also reconstructed.ResultsThe three-dimensional reconstructed images showed the branches of the pulmonary artery ramified up to their eighth order covering the entire lung as well as evident intersegmental gaps without pulmonary arteries. The segmental artery was closely accompanied by the segmental bronchi in 486 pulmonary segments (90% of total number of segments). The size and spatial location of the pulmonary mass within a pulmonary segment were also clearly visible.ConclusionsDemarcation of arteriopulmonary segments can be used to precisely distinguish every pulmonary segment and provide its detailed anatomical structure before pulmonary segmentectomy.     

Robust antibody response after a third BNT162b2 vaccine compared to the second among immunocompromised and healthy individuals,a prospective longitudinal cohort study

PurposeAs protection from COVID-19 following two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine showed a time dependent waning, a third (booster) dose was administrated. This study aims to compare the antibody response following the third dose versus the second and to evaluate post-booster seroconversion.MethodsA prospective observational study conducted in Maccabi Healthcare Services. Serial SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG tests, 1,2,3 and 6 months following the second vaccine dose and one month following the third were obtained. Neutralizing antibody levels were measured in a subset of participants. Per individual SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG titer ratios were calculated one month after the booster administration compared to titers one month following the second dose and prior to booster.ResultsAmong 110 participants, 56 (51%) were women. Mean age was 61.7 ± 1.9 years and 66 (60%) were immunocompromised. One month after third dose, IgG titers were induced 7.83 (95 %CI 5.25–11.67) folds and 2.40 (95 %CI 1.90–3.03) folds compared to one month after the second, in the immunocompromised and immunocompetent groups, respectively. Of the 17 immunocompromised participants who were seronegative after the second dose, 4 (24%) became seropositive following the third. Comparing the titers prior to the third dose, an increase of 50.7 (95 %CI 32.5–79.1) fold in the immunocompromised group and 25.7 (95 %CI 19.1–34.7) fold in and immunocompetent group, was observed.ConclusionA third BNT162b2 vaccine elicited robust humoral response, superior to the response observed following the second, among immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.     

基于移动医疗的妊娠期盆底肌训练对产后尿失禁发生的影响：一项基于随机对照试验设计的探索性研究

背景 孕产妇尿失禁（UI）发病率高，严重影响了女性生活质量。研究表明，盆底肌训练是UI有效的防治手段，本研究前期进行了一项随机对照试验（RCT），结果发现相比于常规宣教，基于移动医疗APP的盆底肌训练并未显现出预防优势，其原因需要进一步深入探讨。 目的 本研究拟对一项基于APP的妊娠期盆底肌训练的干预研究的阴性结果进行探索性分析，旨在探讨产后UI预防效果的影响因素以及获益的亚组人群。 方法 本研究数据来源于前期开展的一项RCT，采用方便抽样法，于2020年6—10月在南方医科大学深圳医院产科门诊招募了126例研究对象，采用随机数字表法分为干预组与对照组，每组各63例。对照组采用常规护理，干预组在此基础上使用"有爱屋"APP进行尿失禁自我管理，干预周期为2个月。产后42 d随访时收集两组产后相关资料，包括产后42 d UI发生情况。以产后是否发生UI为结局指标，将研究对象分为病例组和对照组，采用Logistic回归分析探讨混杂因素及其与干预方式之间的交互作用对产后UI发生的影响。针对Logistic回归分析的结果进行分层分析，探讨是否存在能从APP干预中获益的亚组人群。 结果 病例组和对照组阴道分娩史、入组时存在UI、Broome盆底肌自我效能量表（BPMSES）得分比较，差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。Logistic回归分析结果显示，入组时存在UI是产后发生UI的危险因素〔OR=15.897，95%CI（4.724，53.495），P<0.001〕；BPMSES得分与干预方式的交互作用可影响产后UI的发生〔OR=1.034，95%CI（1.017，1.051），P<0.001〕。分层分析结果显示，入组时存在UI症状的孕妇，干预组产后UI发生率低于对照组（χ2=4.18，P=0.041）；入组时不存在UI症状的孕妇，两组产后UI发生率比较，差异无统计学意义（χ2=1.89，P=0.284）。 结论 推荐有UI症状的孕妇使用"有爱屋"APP或许可预防产后UI的发生。而对于妊娠期没有UI症状的人群使用"有爱屋"APP预防产后UI发生的证据尚不充分。另外，不管有无UI症状，盆底肌训练自我效能高的孕妇有望从APP干预中获益。     

Nipple leiomyoma: A rare neoplasm with a broad spectrum of histologic appearances

Cutaneous leiomyomas are rare benign smooth‐muscle tumors. These lesions are distinguished based on their cell of origin and are subclassified as pilar leiomyoma, angioleiomyoma, and genital‐type leiomyoma. Nipple leiomyoma is the least common genital‐type leiomyoma, arising from the dartoic muscle cell of the nipple. Histologic examination of the lesion is necessary for definitive diagnosis, and these uncommon tumors can pose a diagnostic challenge. We describe herein a series of six nipple leiomyomas with a spectrum of histologic appearances.     

Percutaneous renal mass biopsy: historical perspective,current status,and future considerations

Introduction: Percutaneous renal mass biopsy has evolved over the last decade with improvements on previous pitfalls including low tissue yield, high non-diagnostic rates, and complications. As understanding of tumor biology and natural history of renal cortical neoplasms has improved, percutaneous renal mass biopsy is poised to have an expanding role in an area characterized by individualized management and refined risk stratification.

Areas covered: This review summarizes the evolution of renal mass biopsy to its current state with respect to outcomes, indications, and clinical guidelines.

Expert opinion: With improved understanding of differential biological potential of renal cortical neoplasms combined with technical improvements in diagnostic yield and accuracy, utilization of renal mass biopsy is becoming an important adjunct to patient care in a broad range of clinical scenarios, including active surveillance, thermal ablation, and use of primary systemic therapy in localized and advanced settings.     

面肌痉挛微血管减压术中异常肌反应变化特点与术后疗效关系探究

目的探究面肌痉挛患者微血管减压术(MVD)中异常肌反应(AMR)的变化特点与术后疗效的关系。方法回顾性分析73例MVD术中采用AMR全程定量化监测患者的AMR变化特点,减压操作前AMR阈值较基础阈值升高≥1倍为A1组、1倍为A2组,手术结束时AMR完全消失为B1组、未消失为B2组,B2组中AMR阈值较基础阈值升高≥1倍为B2a组、1倍为B2b组,对各组的术后疗效进行对比分析。结果 A1组21例中,19例立即治愈,1例延迟治愈,1例未愈; A2组52例中,35例立即治愈,9例延迟治愈,8例未愈。A1组较A2组疗效好(P=0. 046)。B1组50例中,42例立即治愈,5例延迟治愈,3例未愈; B2组23例中,12例立即治愈,5例延迟治愈,6例未愈。B1组较B2组疗效好(P=0. 003)。B2 a组的治愈比例较B2 b组高(分别为14/16、3/7),差异有统计学意义(P=0. 045)。结论 AMR在术中的变化特点对术者有重要参考意义,AMR在减压前升高、在手术结束时完全消失、未消失但升高较基础阈值≥1倍者术后疗效相对较好。