Nutrient use efficiencies, losses, and abatement strategies for peri-urban dairy production systems

Manure management is an important aspect of urban livestock production that has a profound impact on metropolitan living. Data were collected from 28 dairy farms in peri-urban Beijing and analysed to determine farm nitrogen and phosphorus flows and costs associated with various manure management options to reduce nutrient losses. Dairy production in peri-urban Beijing was characterized by its use of high protein diets (16.3-17.0% crude protein), high reliance on imported feeds (92-98%), and low manure recycling (3.0-10.8%). Farms of 900-2000 cattle showed lower use efficiencies than farms of <900 cattle. Costs of manure handling ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 Yuan kg^-1 milk. Among various manure treatment options, biogas digesters with aerobic lagoons had the lowest N losses and costs, justifying their investments. In conclusion, peri-urban dairy production systems were contrasting with traditional systems and within their own systems in nutrient use efficiency and losses, which was mainly decided by their farm size. To improve the nutrient use efficiencies and reduce losses, farmers and managers of peri-urban dairy production system should have a full awareness of different feed intake and manure management.

[Evaluation of maxillary three-dimensional changes in maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction based on the cone-beam computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To use the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) changes of maxillary landmarks in the maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction and with rapid palatal expansion, and to provide some clinical suggestions for the early treatment of Class III malocclusion.

METHODS

A total of 36 maxillary retrusive patients were included and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction group, RPE/C) or the control group (rapid palatal expansion group, RPE). Randomization was accomplished with permuted block randomization based on participation sequence. The patients in the RPE/C were treated for 10 weeks (0.5 mm/d) with the repetition of two-week palatal expansion and two-week palatal constriction. The patients in the RPE were taught to complete rapid palatal expansion for 2 weeks (0.5 mm/d ). The patients were instructed to come to the office for the follow-up to ensure the correct procedures. Damaged expanders were repaired (or replaced) and rebanded quickly. Sequential CBCT images including pretreatment (T1), post-expansion (T2) and post-protraction (T3) were required for 3D reconstruction, establishment of landmarks, measurement and analysis by Mimics 10.01.

RESULTS

There was significant forward movement of subspinale (A) in the RPE/C after the treatment with (3.06±1.29) mm, compared with RPE (2.16±1.27) mm, P<0.05. There were more symmetrical changes of the landmarks in the RPE/C and there was no statistic significance of the entire treatment time between the two groups. Moreover, the maxillary skeletal landmarks had the following 3D changes of a forward and downward movement during the expansion stages T2-T1, a forward and upward movement during the protraction stages T3-T2 and a forward and downward movement during the total treatments T3-T1 compared with the control group. And the width between the bilateral landmarks increased during the expansion stages T2-T1, narrowed down during the protraction stages T3-T2 and increased during the total treatments T3-T1.

CONCLUSION

The maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction provided clinical benefits on maxillary advancement and symmetrical changes in the orthopedic treatment of the patients with maxillary retrognathism and it required further study on the orthodontic analysis and measurements of CBCT.

Establishment of a new fish cell line from the caudal fin of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus and its susceptibility to iridovirus

A new cell line derived from the caudal fin of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (TOCF) was successfully established and characterized. TOCF cells grew well at 28° C in L-15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS). The cell line has been subcultured in more than 100 passages. Molecular characterization of 18S ribosomal (r)RNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) confirmed that the TOCF cells were derived indeed from T. ovatus. TOCF cells have a modal chromosome number of 54. It was further showed that TOCF cells were transfected successfully with pEGFP-N3 and pDsRED-N1 plasmid, suggesting that TOCF cells could be used to research gene functions in vitro. Viral susceptibility tests showed that TOCF cells were susceptible to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), observed by the occurrence of the cytopathic effect (CPE) with the formation of inclusion bodies. In addition, the expression of major capsid protein (MCP) gene of SGIV changed during virus infection in TOCF cells. Thus, our present results described the characteristic of a TOCF cell line that could be a valuable tool for genetic manipulation, as well as isolation and propagation of iridovirus studies.

Highly sensitive flexible three-axis tactile sensors based on the interface contact resistance of microstructured graphene

The lack of high-performance tactile sensors, especially for pressure/force, is a huge obstacle for the widespread application of intelligent robots. Current pressure sensors are often operated in the high range of pressure and normal direction, showing a little ability in the low range of pressure and three-axis direction simultaneously. Herein, a highly sensitive flexible tactile sensor with three-axis force sensing capacity is presented by combining microstructured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) arrays and a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film. The deformation of microstructured rGO/PDMS results in a change in the contact area between the rGO film and electrode, leading to a high sensitivity of -1.71 kPa-1 in the low range pressure of 0-225 Pa with a fast response time of 6 ms at a large feature size of 100 μm. To realize three-axis sensing, a sensing unit was built up, which was composed of the adjacent four parts of patterns and electrodes underneath a bump. A mechanical model of the exerted spatial force was established to calculate each axis force component via the deformation of the rGO/PDMS pattern. The experimental results show that the current difference between the adjacent two parts has a strong relationship with the applied force. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated a 3 × 3 array sensor for arbitrary force sensing. Our tactile sensor would be used in transmitting information from a gentle spatial force and would exhibit broad applications as e-skin in integrated robots.

Inverse association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and type 2 diabetes mellitus among a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Plasma homocysteine concentrations have been reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with controversial findings. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and T2DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A cross-sectional study including 19,085 eligible participants derived from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort was conducted. Plasma homocysteine concentrations were measured by Abbott Architect i2000 Automatic analyzer and T2DM was defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria. Logistic regression model was used to explore the association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and T2DM. The prevalence of T2DM was 19.0% in the whole population (mean age 62.9 years), 21.8% in males, and 17.1% in females. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, compared with those in the lowest quintile, the OR (95% CI) of T2DM was 1.05 (0.92-1.21), 0.99 (0.86-1.14), 0.90 (0.78-1.05), and 0.77 (0.66-0.90) for quintile 2 to quintile 5 of homocysteine concentrations after adjustment for potential confounders (P for trend < 0.0001). Homocysteine concentrations were associated with decreased T2DM prevalence risk (OR = 0.88 per SD increase of homocysteine concentration; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93). A significant interaction between homocysteine concentrations and drinking status on T2DM prevalence risk was observed (P for interaction = 0.03). The inverse association of plasma homocysteine concentrations with T2DM prevalence risk was observed in non-drinkers but not in current drinkers.

CONCLUSION

Plasma homocysteine concentrations were inversely correlated with T2DM among a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.

Associations between daily cooking duration and the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population: A cross-sectional study

Experimental and epidemiological studies indicated that ambient air pollution was positively associated with diabetes. Few studies investigated the associations between household air pollution, for example, daily cooking duration and diabetes or prediabetes. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the associations of daily cooking duration with the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among a middle-aged and elderly population. A total of 26 089 individuals (11 250 males and 14 839 females) derived from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort study were included. Daily cooking duration was assessed by questionnaire. Diabetes and prediabetes were identified according to the criterion of American Diabetes Association. No significant association was observed between daily cooking duration and the prevalence risk of diabetes (odds ratio[OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval[CI]: [0.81-1.16], P for trend = .74); however, longer daily cooking duration was associated with higher prevalence risk of prediabetes (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07-1.47; P for trend = .003) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.41; P for trend = .005). Our study suggested that daily cooking duration was not associated with diabetes but with higher prevalence risk of prediabetes/hyperglycemia in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.

Rapid and sensitive detection of redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) infection by aptamer-coat protein-aptamer sandwich enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA)

Redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) is one of the most devastating pathogens in the aquaculture of the grouper, Epinephlus sp., worldwide. The early and rapid diagnosis of RGNNV is important for the prevention of RGNNV infection. In this study, an aptamer (A10)-based sandwich enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA) was developed for RGNNV diagnosis. This sandwich ELASA showed high specificity for the RGNNV coat protein (CP) and virions in virus-infected cells and tissues. At the optimized working concentration of 200 nM of aptamer, the ELASA could detect RGNNV in the lysates of as few as 4 × 10³ RGNNV-infected GB cells. Incubation for 10 min was sufficient to produce accurate results. The sandwich ELASA was most stable at incubation temperatures of 4-25°C, but could still distinguish RGNNV-infected samples from the controls at 37°C. It could detect RGNNV infection in brain lysates diluted 1/10, with results consistent with those of reverse transcription PCR, although with 10% less sensitivity. The main equipment required includes dissection tools, a water bath, Pierce™ Streptavidin Coated Plates and a microplate reader. The sandwich ELASA has great potential utility for the rapid and sensitive diagnosis of RGNNV in its early stages by fish farmers.

Short- and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of elderly patients undergoing surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there are few studies on short- and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in such patients. The purpose of this study was to report both short- and long-term outcomes of MIE in elderly patients with ESCC.

METHODS

A total of 273 patients with ESCC underwent MIE at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2016. Patients were divided into elderly (≥70 years) and nonelderly (<70 years) groups based on age at the time of surgery. Groups were compared with regard to general preoperative data, intraoperative data, postoperative 30-day complications and their severity, pathological result, recurrence, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.

RESULTS

The elderly group was characterized by higher Charlson Comorbidity Index >2 and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Comparisons of other general preoperative data showed no significant differences. In addition, there were no significant differences in short-term outcomes except for postoperative 30-day complication rate. Although 30-day postoperative complication rate was higher in the elderly group compared with the nonelderly group, the incidence of major complications was similar between groups. Cancer recurrence, 5-year OS, and 5-year DFS rates also were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Although elderly patients with ESCC had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index and ASA grade, they could achieve short- and long-term outcomes of MIE similar to those of nonelderly patients.

Genome-wide association analysis identifies potential regulatory genes for eumelanin pigmentation in chicken plumage

Plumage color in chicken is determined by the proportion of eumelanin and pheomelanin pigmentation. As the main ingredient in plumage melanin, eumelanin plays a key role in the dark black, brown and grey coloration. However, very few studies have been performed to identify the related genes and mutations on a genome-wide scale. Herein, a resource family consisting of one backcross population and two F2 cross populations between a black roster and Yukou Brown I parent stockbreed was constructed for identification of genes related to eumelanin pigmentation. Chickens with eumelanin in their plumage were classified as the case group, and the rest were considered the control group. A genome-wide association study of this phenotype and genotypes using Affymetrix 600K HD SNP arrays in this F2 family revealed 13 significantly associated SNPs and in 10 separate genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 5. Based on previous studies in model species, we inferred that genes, including NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) and sonic hedgehog (SHH), may play roles in the development of neural crest cells or melanoblasts during the embryonic period, which may also affect the eumelanin pigmentation. Our results facilitate the understanding of the genetic basis of eumelanin pigmentation in chicken plumage.

Establishment and characterization of a cell line from the head kidney of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus and its application in toxicology and virus susceptibility

A cell line derived from the head kidney of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (TOHK) was established and characterized in this study. The TOHK cells grew most rapidly at 28° C and the optimum foetal bovine serum concentration in L-15 medium was 10%. The TOHK cells have a diploid chromosome number of 2N = 54. The transfection efficiency of TOHK cells was 7·5% at the 15th passage and 72% at the 40th passage. The transfection efficiency in TOHK cells was high, so these cells are suitable for foreign gene expression. The cytotoxic effects of heavy metals and extracellular products from Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio alginolyticus were demonstrated in TOHK cells, so this TOHK cell line could also be applied in environmental monitoring of heavy metals and pathogenic bacteria. TOHK cell line showed high virus susceptibility, such as grouper nervous necrosis virus (GNNV) and Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). Then, TOHK cell line could be used for the study of viral pathogenesis and the development of antiviral strategies.

The determination and application of (87) Sr/(86) Sr ratio in verifying geographical origin of wheat

As ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio plays a significant role in authenticating the geographical origin of foodstuff, it is important to identify where the ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr signature in food comes from, and the methods of ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio analysis in food and environmental samples. Wheat with three genotypes, soil and groundwater samples were collected from three regions of China during harvest time of 2014. The ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratios in the samples were determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometer in order to investigate the possible source of ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr in wheat, and the concentrations of Rb and Sr in wheat and soils were also detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and combined with ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio in order to trace the geographical origin of wheat. The ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio, the contents Rb and Sr, and Rb/Sr ratio of wheat and soil samples showed significant differences among three regions. The ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratios and the concentrations of Rb and Sr in soils were higher than those in corresponding wheat. The ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio in wheat was identical to that corresponding soil NH₄ NO₃ extracts (labile fraction of soil) and groundwater. Wheat uptake more Rb than Sr. 3D distribution of ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr, Rb and Sr could identify wheat samples from different regions clearly. The ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio of wheat reflects the ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio of the associated environment including soil and groundwater. It is expected that the use the parameters of ⁸⁷ Sr/⁸⁶ Sr ratio, the contents of Rb and Sr will allow to trace geographical origin of wheat. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

We performed a meta-analysis to identify the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and preterm birth. In this study, we studied the effects of SLE, SLE disease activity, a history of nephritis and active nephritis on preterm birth. Searches were conducted before 20 May 2016 of PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library of literature and article reference lists. Eleven observational case-control studies and thirteen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled relative risk (RR) for the risk of preterm birth in SLE patients versus controls was 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.72-3.32); for active SLE patients versus inactive was 2.98 (95% CI: 2.32-3.83); for SLE patients with a history of lupus nephritis versus those without nephritis it was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.35-1.95); and for SLE patients with active nephritis versus those with quiescent nephritis it was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.17-2.70). In summary, this study identified a significant association in the above results. This association was more significant in active SLE patients versus inactive. With respect to SLE itself, active inflammation (such as disease activity) may be more hazardous for the management of the pregnancy. This suggests that it is essential to control disease activity in order to achieve a better outcome of SLE pregnancy.

[A review of progress in research of effect of air pollutants on fetal growth]

Slow fetal growth is a global public health concern because it might be associated with many diseases later in life. With the progress of technology to measure long-term air pollution exposure. Many epidemiological studies have evaluated the effects of maternal air pollutant exposure on fetal growth. In this paper, we summarize the research progress in this field after the analysis on the related literatures retrieved from the databases of Medline and Web of Science.

FSH and eCG impact follicles development and expression of ovarian FSHR and caspase-9 in mice

The study aimed to investigate the effects of FSH and eCG on the ovarian and follicular development, expression levels of FSHR and caspase-9 of ovaries in vivo. One hundred and five prepuberty mice were allocated into FSH-1, FSH-2, FSH-3, eCG-1, eCG-2, eCG-3 groups and control group (CG). Mice in FSH-1, FSH-2 and FSH-3 were intramuscularly injected with 5, 10 and 20 IU FSH twice (on day 0 and 4), respectively. Mice in eCG-1, eCG-2 and eCG-3 were intraperitoneally injected with 10, 20 and 40 IU eCG on day 0 and 4. Mice in the CG were injected with 0.5 ml normal saline on day 0 and 4. Left and right ovaries of each mouse were dissected aseptically on days 7, 14 and 21, respectively. The results showed that on days 14 and 21 the ovarian sizes and follicle numbers of FSH-3 and eCG-3 groups were greater than CG (P<0.05). FSHR mRNA of FSH-2 and eCG-1 were higher than CG on days 14 and 21 (P<0.05). FSHR proteins of FSH-3 were higher than CG on days 14 and 21 (P<0.05). Caspase-9 mRNA in FSH and eCG groups was less than CG. There were positive correlations between follicle numbers and FSH and eCG doses. FSHR protein expressions had positive correlations between ovarian weights and sizes of ovary and follicle numbers (r=0.971, P<0.05) in FSH-treated mice. Serum FSH concentrations of FSH-2, FSH-3, eCG-2 and eCG-3 groups were greater than that of CG. In conclusion, eCG and FSH promoted the ovarian development, follicle genesis, FSH secretion, FSHR mRNA and protein expressions in ovaries of mice. FSH and eCG inhibited the expression of ovarian caspase-9 mRNA.