Rationale and Aim: We should know the results of varicose vein treatment methods before we can inform patients about them This study retrospectively examined the clinical results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), and cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE) methods. Methods: This retrospective study presented the outcomes of the procedures performed in the cardiovascular surgery clinic of a private hospital in Osmaniye in the south of Turkey. No sampling was performed. The study population consisted of 1256 patients who were diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and underwent endovenous varicose veins treatment between February 2011 and April 2016. The sample consisted of 1073 patients who underwent CAE (n=431), RFA (n=230), and EVLA (n=412). No patients underwent bilateral EVLA, RFA, or CAE at the same session. Results: The majority of the participants were women (79.59%). Most participants belonged to CEAP 2 and CEAP 3 classes (84.72%). The EVLA, RFA, and CAE groups had a mean 1-year occlusion rate of 97.57%, 98.26%, and 95.59%, respectively. There was no significant difference in pre- and post-procedure VCSS scores between the groups. All groups had the most complications in the first month. There was a significant reduction in complications over time in all groups. None of the patients developed complications in the fifth year. Pain, paresthesia, ecchymosis, pigmentation, induration, burn, DVT, and phlebitis were significantly more common in the EVLA group. The complications were least common in the CAE group. Conclusions: CAE, RFA, and EVLA have similar long-term results. Therefore, CAE is recommended to patients with CVI who want to get rid of varicose veins and improve their quality of life.

SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS - CoV - 2) in the viral spike (S) encoding a SARS - COV - 2 SPIKE D614G mutation protein predominate over time in locales revealing the dynamic aspects of its key viral processes where it is found, implying that this change enhances viral transmission. In this paper, we strongly combine topology geometric methods for generalized formalisms of k - nearest neighbors as a Tipping–Ogilvie and Machine Learning application within the quantum computing context targeting the atomistic level of the protein apparatus of the SARS - COV - 2 viral characteristics. In this effort, we propose computer - aided rational drug design strategies efficient in computing docking usage, and powerful enough to achieve very high accuracy levels for this in - silico effort for the generation of AI - Quantum designed molecules of GisitorviffirnaTM, Roccustyrna_gs1_TM, and Roccustyrna_fr1_TM ligands targeting the COVID - 19 - SARS - COV - 2 SPIKE D614G mutation by unifying Eigenvalue Statements into Shannon entropy quantities as composed on Tipping–Ogilvie driven Machine Learning potentials for nonzero Christoffel symbols for Schwarzschild (DFT) ℓneuron (ι) : == == φ∘D∘r2∘S∘r102 (1+∑) == == (A∧A’ (p)) • ⋱⋯⊗⋱⋯ •e− ρ (rr) −−¯σ − ¯σσ¯ǫ −i_+02 (1− ) 2} () ) improver for Chern - Simons Topology Euclidean Geometrics. I also arrived at a new Zmatter derived finite ‐ dimensional state integral with a symplectic ω == == (i~)−1 (dx/x) ∧ (dy/y) model for computing the analytically continued “holomorphic blocks” on an appropriate quantum Hilbert space H that compose physical Chern ‐ Simons partition function to put pharmacophoric elements back together.

In this article, we first describe a Liouville-type theorem. We also consider higher order semi-linear parabolic equations with a non-linear infinite memory term.Then prove some results of local existence of such an equation with an infinite memory of nonlinear terms are given and displayed.

The conversion of land uses was frequent in the saline-alkali reclamation region of the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China. However, the knowledge of the combined effects of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry for soil and enzyme under different land use patterns is limited. We investigated soil C, N, P stoichiometry and soil extracellular enzyme activities of three representative land use patterns (Alfalfa artificial grassland, AG; wheat-maize rotation field, WM; native grassland, PC). The results showed that the average soil stoichiometry of AG, WM, and PC was 31.32: 1.74: 1, 34.05: 1.46: 1, and 26.58: 1.14: 1 respectively, indicating that the level of C and N in the YRD was low. The AG was beneficial to promote the mineralization of C, N, and P, but its effect on the sequestration of C and P was not as good as WM. The average enzyme stoichiometry of AG, WM, and PC was 0.96: 0.76: 1, 0.94: 0.74: 1, and 0.86: 0.73: 1 respectively, which deviated from 1: 1: 1, and were significantly correlated with soil stoichiometry, indicating that enzyme stoichiometry in the YRD was nutrient dependent rather than homeostasis. Meanwhile, according to the vector analysis of enzyme stoichiometry, PC could alleviate C limitation of soil microorganisms. Collectively, land use changes affected C, N, P stoichiometry, and should further change the biochemical cycle and microbial nutrient limitation. Therefore, we argued that conversion and proper conduct of land should be cautions for the degraded land restoration and ecological security, and develop perennial legume forage and conservation tillage for crops should be taken for soil healthy and sustainable development.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of single ascending doses of Naoqingzhiming tablet after oral administration in healthy Chinese subjects. Methods: This study adopted randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose ascending trial design. Healthy Chinese subjects were sequentially enrolled into one of six cohorts (180, 360, 720, 1080, 1620, 2160 mg). Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals, and the plasma concentrations of echinacoside were determined by a validated LC–MS/MS method. PK parameters were estimated via non-compartmental methods. Tolerability was evaluated by monitoring adverse events (AEs), physical examination, laboratory assays, vital signs, and 12-lead ECG. Results: The single ascending dose of Naoqingzhiming tablet (180-2160 mg) were well tolerated in all enrolled subjects, without serious adverse events and adverse events leading to withdrawal from the study. After single-dose administration of Naoqingzhiming tablet, echinacoside was absorbed with a Tmax at 1.25-1.75 h and declined with a t1/2 of 2.42-3.33 h. However, the proportionality coefficients for Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of echinacoside were not fully contained in the pre-defined 90 % CI criterion (0.91-1.09). As a result, the dose proportionality could not be concluded statistically within the dosage range of this study. Conclusion: Our study provided the initial safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profiles of Naoqingzhiming tablet, and could enable further clinical development in vascular dementia patients.

Cases with coexistence of myeloproliferative neoplasms related gene mutations and BCR-ABL are rare. Herein, A 61-year-old female was identified as CML with BCR-ABL gene fusion and CALR exon 9 mutation, which is eventually diagnosed Chronic myeloid leukemia with CALR mutation.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic gynecological surgery in regional anesthesia (RA) from the point of view of the surgeon, anesthesiologist and patient. Design: Prospective cohort study Setting: University Hospital Federico II of Naples Population: Women planned to undergo gynecologic laparoscopy surgery for benign pathology. Methods: Women were assigned, according to their preference, to either RA (Group A) or general anesthesia (GA)(Group B). Surgical, anesthesiological and postoperative recovery data were recorded. Statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding social, demographic, medical and psychiatric data. Statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding social, demographic, medical and psychiatric data. Main outcome mesure: The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes included mobilization, length of hospital stay, global surgeons and patient satisfaction, intraoperative pain assessment in Group A. Results: Immediate postoperative pain was significantly lower in Group A 0 vs 2 (p<0.001), also at 6 h 1.5 vs 3 (p =0.004), with no significant differences at 24 h. The secondary outcome demonstrated early patient’s mobilization (p<0.001) as well as early discharge (p<0.001) and greater patient’s satisfaction for the Group A. A maximum pain score of 3 points out of 5 was recored through the entire surgery. Conclusion: RA showed to decrease the impact of surgical stress and to guarantee a quicker recovery without compromising surgical results. As well as different surgical approaches can be selected to treat different pathologies, RA technique could be a viable option for patients. Keywords: gynecological surgery; regional analgesia; postoperative pain.

Thrombocytopenia can cause substantial morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. There are multiple etiology factors and various mechanisms associated with thrombocytopenia, of which drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP) deserves attention. Herein, we describe a case of severe thrombocytopenia during intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization that was probable to be associated with vancomycin. In addition, clinical studies evaluating thrombocytopenia caused by vancomycin were systematically reviewed and 6 studies with acceptable quality were included and analyzed. By revealing the process of identifying this case of DITP and reviewing relevant clinical studies, a risk alert of vancomycin related severe hematotoxicity should be focused on.

Objectives. Compared with the general population, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) could be at greater risk of psychological distress following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study assessed the psychological consequences of COVID-19 on the mental health of CCS. Methods. In December 2020, we interviewed through an online self-report questionnaire 580 5-year CCS participating in the French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (FCCSS) cohort. We first compared the mental health score of CCS with that observed in the French general population of the same age and gender. Subsequently, combining clinical and patient-reported outcomes, we studied predictors of the mental health score of CCS. Results. External comparisons revealed that the mental health score of CCS was similar to that observed in the general population. Among CCS, almost 42% stated that their psychological state had been worse during the lockdown. Predictors of poorer mental health included, among others, female gender, reporting a change of his/her occupational situation, having a relative who had been hospitalized or had died following COVID-19, and a greater perceived infection risk. Conclusion. Given the pre-existing vulnerability of some CCS to mental distress, the additional psychological consequences of COVID-19 in vulnerable survivors should receive attention from health care providers.

Objective: To examine the associations between a history of recurrent miscarriage (RM) and obstetric and perinatal outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: A large tertiary maternity hospital in Shanghai, China. Population: 118,375 deliveries booked for antenatal care and delivery between 01/2014 and 08/2021. Methods: Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared among 1,994 women (1.83%) with a history of two or more miscarriages (RM), 11,477 women (10.55%) with a history of one miscarriage, and 95,321 women (87.62%) with no history of miscarriage, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for potential confounders. Main Outcome Measures: Obstetric complications included gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia (sub-classified as preterm and term preeclampsia), placenta previa, placenta accrete, foetal distress, and preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM). Perinatal outcomes included mal-presentations, induction, post-partum haemorrhage, preterm birth, stillbirth, Apgar score <7, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal sex, and congenital malformation. Results: There was an increased risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy for women with a history of RM, including placental dysfunction disorders [preterm preeclampsia (odds ratio [OR]=1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.50), PPROM (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.10-1.75), preterm birth (OR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.19-1.64)], and abnormal placentation (placenta previa [OR=1.79; 95% CI: 1.38-2.34], and placenta accrete [OR=4.25; 95% CI: 2.84-6.37]), after adjusting for relevant confounders. Conclusions: Significant associations existed between RM and adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes like placental dysfunction disorders and abnormal placentation. Careful surveillance is required in pregnancies following RM, for early detection of possible complications.

The risk for the emergence of novel viral zoonotic diseases in Uganda is high due to favourable climatic conditions, high biodiversity, and attendant anthropogenic factors, thus warranting a broad investigation of potential disease-causing agents in animals. In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize viruses in blood samples from cattle from five selected districts of Uganda (Kasese, Hoima, Gulu, Soroti and Moroto), using both pan-PCR and metagenomic RNA sequencing approaches. From a total of 175 blood samples, we identified 8 viral species belonging to 4 families ( Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Reoviridae and Rhabdoviridae) and 6 genera ( Hepacivirus, Pestivirus, Orthobunyavirus, Coltivirus, Dinovernavirus and Ephemerovirus). Four of the identified viruses were novel and have been tetantively named as Zikole virus (Family: Flaviviridae), Zeboroti virus (Family: Reoviridae), Zebtine virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae) and Kokolu virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae). In addition, Bovine hepacivirus, Obodhiang virus and Schmallenberg virus were detected for the first time in Ugandan cattle. We also identified Aedes pseudoscutellaris reovirus, a hitherto insect-specific virus, in animals from Kasese and Hoima districts, respectively. Our findings reveal that cattle in Uganda harbor a broad range of viruses including novel viruses of unknown zoonotic potential. These results highlight potential serious implications for the management of animal health and their productivity while protecting the public from risks of zoonotic disease transmission.

In this study, we investigate the existence and multiplicity of solutions for a fractional discrete $p-$ Laplacian equation on $ \mathbb{Z} $, via the mountain pass lemma and Ekeland’s variational principle. Under suitable hypotheses on functions $V$ and $f$, we prove that this equation admits at least two nonnegative and nontrivial homoclinic solutions when the real parameter $\lambda >0$ is large enough.

Background and Purpose: Melatonin has shown beneficial effects on obesity, both in humans and experimental models, via regulating the altered circadian rhythm and thus ameliorating the gut dysbiosis associated with this metabolic condition. However, its clinical use is limited, mostly due to its short half-life. Agomelatine is an agonist of the melatonin receptors that could be used to manage obesity and offer a better profile than melatonin. Experimental Approach: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high fat diet and orally treated for five weeks with agomelatine, or melatonin or metformin, used as control drugs. Metabolic profile, inflammatory status, vascular dysfunction and intestinal microbiota composition were assessed. Key Results: Agomelatine lessened body weight gain, enhanced glucose and lipid metabolisms, and improved insulin resistance. It also reduced the obesity-associated inflammatory status and endothelial dysfunction, probably linked to its effect on gut dysbiosis, consisting of the restoration of bacterial populations with key functions, such as short chain fatty acid production. Conclusions and Implications: Agomelatine can be considered as a novel therapeutic tool for the management of human obesity and its associated comorbidities.

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations of a patient with Okihiro syndrome/Duane-radial ray syndrome (DRRS) and his family and to carry out genetic testing in order to specify the biological pathogenesis. Methods: Clinical data of the patient and his family were collected. Genomic DNA in the peripheral blood of the proband and his family members was extracted. whole exome were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing, and the mutation sites of the proband and his parents were validated by Sanger sequencing. Results: The patient was diagnosed with Okihiro syndrome that characterized by abnormalities of bones in the arms and hands (radial ray malformations, absence of thumbs) and sensorineural hearing loss. A pathogenic heterozygous c.3060delG variant has been identified in exon 4 of the SALL4 gene in the proband by whole exome sequencing (WES), which is a frameshift mutation that changed the amino acid sequence of the SALL4 protein from 1053 to 1076 . This variant resulted in a longer SALL4 protein. The variant was a de novo mutation, as the parents of the proband showed no variation at this site. This variant has not been included in the database and has not been reported in the literature. Conclusion: The de novo heterozygous c.3060delG variant was the molecular pathological cause of Okihiro syndrome in this study. The variant detected in this case expanded the database of SALL4 variants.

We perform all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to study the effects of the N-linked glycans on the stability of the spike glycoprotein in SARS-CoV-2. After a 100 ns of simulation on the spike proteins without and with the N-linked glycans, we found that the presence of glycans increases the local stability in their vicinity; even though their effect on the full structure is negligible.

Objective: To estimate time trends in the frequency of severe perineal tears (SPT) in Portugal and its relationship with episiotomy. Design: Nationwide register-based study by using the national inpatient database. Setting: All Portuguese public hospitals Population: All women with a singleton vaginal delivery between 2000 and 2015 Methods: Time-trend analysis using joinpoint regression models was performed to identify time trends in the prevalence of SPT and of risk factors, including episiotomy. Poisson regression models were fitted to assess the association between episiotomy and SPT. Main Outcome Measures: Annual percentage change (APC) with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) in the prevalence of SPT and its risk factors. Adjusted relative risk (RR) and respective 95% CI. Results: From 908,889 singleton vaginal deliveries, 20.6% were instrumental deliveries, 76.7% with episiotomy and 0.56% were complicated by SPT. SPT decreased among women with non-instrumental deliveries and no episiotomy from 2009 onwards (1.3% to 0.7%), whereas SPT kept increasing in women with episiotomy for both non-instrumental (0.1% in 2000 to 0.4% in 2015) and instrumental deliveries (0.7% in 2005 to 2.3% in 2015). Episiotomy was associated with a decrease in SPT with adjusted RR varying between 2000 and 2015 from 0.18 (95%CI:0.13-0.25) to 0.59 (95%CI:0.44-0.79) for non-instrumental deliveries and from 0.45 (95%CI:0.25-0.81) to 0.50 (95%CI:0.40-0.72) for instrumental deliveries. Conclusions: Episiotomy rate could safely further decrease as the main factor driving SPT rates seems to be an increase in awareness and reporting of SPT particularly among women who underwent an episiotomy.

Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) were found to participate in multiple signaling pathways and are considered one of the most critical parts of the early event of intercellular signaling. Of the many, the ERECTA family (ERf) consists of three genes: ERECTA, ERL1and ERL2. Each of the three genes can combine with other proteins to regulate multiple signaling pathways from plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation. Although it is indispensable, the detailed information about ERf manipulated signaling pathways is still largely elusive. Here we are tempted to summarize the essential roles of ERf in aerial morphogenesis, including shoot apical meristem, stem, and reproductive organ development. This review would provide better insights into the role of ERf in modulating several intercellular signaling pathways.

The Diels-Alder (DA) reaction between hexachlorocyclopentadiene and 1,2-dichloroethylene has been studied using the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) through Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The electronics structure of the reagents has been characterized through the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and the Conceptual DFT (CDFT). The DA reaction of hexachlorocyclopentadiene with 1,2-dichloroetylene proceeds via a synchronous or low asynchronous one-step mechanism. Based on the conducted research, two-step mechanism with biradical intermediate was completely ruled out. BET study of the DA reaction shows that this reaction is topologically characterized by nine different phases. The reaction begin by the rupture of the double bonds in substrate molecules. Formation of first C-C sigma bond takes place in phase VII, while the second C-C sigma bond take place in the phase IX. Formation of these two single bonds takes place by sharing the non-bonding electron densities of the two pairs of pseudoradical centers.

Background The Influenza Viruses are responsible for more than 5 million of severe cases and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths every year worldwide. Developing countries support 99% of deaths caused by Influenza in children under age of 5. This paper aims to determine the dynamics of influenza viruses in African transmission areas identifying regional seasonality for appropriate decision making and development of regional preparedness and response strategies. Methods We used data from the fluMart website collected by Influenza national programmes for seven period of transmission (2013-2019). We calculate weekly proportions of positive influenza cases and follow the trend of the transmission in countries in the Africa continent to determine the circulation and seasonality. Results AH1N1 is the predominated influenza A circulated in all the African areas of transmission. In 2016, the A(H3N2) virus was only supplanted in North Africa. The Yamagata lineage B virus, which had been circulating in West Africa until this period, has reappeared in Southern and Eastern Africa. In 2019, a proportional co-circulation of pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 and A(H3N2) influenza viruses is detected in eastern and central Africa. Conclusions The influenza viruses circulating in Africa are the same in the other continents. They generate various epidemic periods during the year. Epidemic season extends from May to August in the southern zone while it extends from August to April in northern zone. In the tropical band of the African continent, the influenza seasons start in the East and end in the West. Key words: Influenza surveillance, Africa, circulation, saisonality

Background: The annual incidence of pediatric cancer in Bangladesh is around 9,000 cases per year. Over 80% of children die without proper diagnosis and adequate treatment. No systematic study has investigated the scale and nature of the socio-economic problems faced by these families on a day-to-day basis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study among 54 families in Bangladesh who had children with cancer. Results: Majority children were male (n=39, 72.2%) and most (n=38, 70.4%) were aged 6–15 years. The most common diagnosis was acute lymphocytic leukemia (n=25, 46.3%), followed by blood cancer (n=20, 37%). Many parents had stopped working because of their child’s cancer diagnosis (n=28, 51.9%). Seventeen (31.50%) families had a monthly income of USD 117–188; however, many families (n=21, 38.90%) spent more per month (e.g., USD 471–1,179) for their child’s treatment than their monthly income. Low income and high expenditure placed families under financial pressure as no external financial support was available to meet these costs. Participants also reported psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Social issues were also of concerns, including avoidance by others because of fear, lack of awareness about cancer, stigma in rural communities, and low quality of facilities. Conclusion: This study revealed that childhood cancer has a substantial impact on parents’ socioeconomic status, and many families face financial, social, and psychological challenges. This highlights the need for urgent collaborative action to address these problems.

Cinnamomum burmannii is an important medicinal and industrial plant as its key source for natural borneol (D-borneol), one of the precious materials and widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Here, we report a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly of Mei Pian Tree (C. burmannii (chvar. Borneol)), a chemotype of C. burmannii containing high content of natural borneol. The assembled genome size was 1.14 GB with a scaffold N50 of 94.30 Mb, while 98.77% of the assembled sequences were anchored on 12 pseudochromosomes including 41549 protein-coding genes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed C. burmannii and C. micranthum，shared two Lauraceae unique ancestral whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, and strong collinearity was detected between these two species. The analysis for repetitive sequence indicated the outbreak of LTR-RTs insertion made a great contribution to the size difference of genomes between C. burmannii and C. micranthum. Pathways and transcriptome analysis demonstrated differential expression of genes involve in MEP may be the main factors for D-Borneol production differences between the two chemotypes (chvar. Borneol/Wild). We also identified and their differential expressions were further analyzed in various biological tissues. Finally, we constructed the genome database (CAMD; http://www.cinnamomumdatabase.com/) of Cinnamomum species. The present study provided the first high quality genome of C. burmannii and comprehensive analysis of the biosynthesis pathway of natural borneol. We also provided novel insights into the molecular basic for chemotypes. These results will shed light on the understanding of the evolution of Lauraceae plants and genetic improvement of this commercially important plant.

Introduction: Pulse oximetry is currently used to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children. However, its use in infant has not yet been well studied. Aim: To develop a screening criterion using pulse oximetry to identify infant with probable OSA. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study including infants <1 year of age with features of upper airway obstruction or requiring home oxygen, to find associations between obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index (OAHI) in infant polysomnography (PSG) and parameters in pulse oximetry by Spearman Rho’s correlation. And using the parameter with strongest correlation, by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve to identify a cut-off with highest Youden index to screen for probable OSA (OAHI >2 per hour). Results: A total of 27 infants were studied. The index of oxygen desaturation with SpO2 <90% per sampled hour (ODI<90%) had the best correlation with OAHI (r = 0.52, p = 0.005). Using the cut-off of ODI<90% more than 1.3 per hour, the sensitivity and specificity for identifying OAHI >2 per hour was 77% and 71% respectively. Conclusion: Infant pulse oximetry can be a useful tool to screen for probable infant OSA especially for paediatric units not offering infant PSG service.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene-silencing process elicited by double-stranded RNAs. This methodology can be used for analyzing loss-of-function phenotypes and has highly contributed for cells molecular biology research field. This study was conducted in order to optimize siRNA transfection and virus-mediated short-hairpin RNA (vshRNA) for silencing CXCL12 mRNA in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-hMSC) intending further studies on its role in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the bone marrow niche. CXCL12 mRNA levels transient reduction was observed after siRNA transfection for silencing CXCL12 mRNA. However, there were no significant differences in intracellular CXCL12 protein levels or in cultures supernatant. On the other hand, the transduction of CXCL12-targeting vshRNA resulted in downregulation of the CXCL12 mRNA and protein levels in both intracellular compartment and culture supernatant of BM-hMSCs. Our results demonstrated very high level of transduction efficiency, without repeated rounds of infection, neither cell sorting nor antibiotic selection and with no major changes in cell viability or morphology. Thus, the current study presents an effective method for functional virus transduced BM-hMSC. In addition, this study discusses the requirement for testing candidate sequences and shRNA screening before confirming their effectiveness. Additionally, this study demonstrated that a gene reporter as green fluorescent protein (GFP) signal is not necessary closely correlated with knockdown efficiency.

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been the mainstay of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Left atrial sphericity (LASP) was proposed as a new predictor of AF recurrence following ablation. While, evidence supporting this theory is conflicting. Objective: To clarify whether LASP is associated with increased risk of AF recurrence post PVI through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: All studies evaluating the association between LASP and AF recurrence post-PVI were included by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, EMBASE and CNKI until August 1st, 2021. Two investigators performed screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the studies independently. Results: Ten articles with a total of 1608 patients were finally included. Results were presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a random model was used. Higher LASP increases the risk of AF recurrence post PVI (HR =1.08, 95% CI1.02-1.14). Sub-group analysis showed that different modalities of measuring LASP (MRI and CT) had no significant impact on the odds. Funnel plot (Begg’s test, P=0.043) showed publication bias. Conclusion: LASP is associated with increased risk of AF recurrence post PVI