Effects of Different Selenium Sources on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity and Meat Quality of Local Chinese Subei Chickens

Despite increasing evidence indicating the essential involvement of selenium (Se) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of commercial broilers, the effects of different Se sources on local Chinese Subei chickens is unclear. A total of 360 50-day-old male chickens were individually weighed and randomly allocated to four treatment groups. Chickens in each of the four groups were fed diets supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg as sodium Se (SS), Se-enriched yeast (SY), selenomethionine (Met-Se), or nano red element Se (Nano-Se) for 40 days. At the end of the experiment, one bird of approximately average weight from each cage was selected and slaughtered, and blood and breast muscles samples were collected. The results showed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, body weight gain, or feed to gain ratio among treatments (P > 0.05). Dietary SY, Met-Se, and Nano-Se supplementation increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum and breast muscles and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde in serum and carbonyl in breast muscles compared with the SS group (P < 0.05). Moreover, SY, Met-Se, and Nano-Se supplementation increased pH_45min, total protein solubility, and myofibrillar protein solubility, as well as decreased the shear force value compared with the SS group (P < 0.05). In addition, birds in the SY and Met-Se groups exhibited lower cooking loss compared with the SS group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, organic Se and Nano-Se supplementation resulted in an improvement of antioxidant capacity and meat quality in local Chinese Subei chickens relative to inorganic Se.

[Status and related factors for gestational weight gain of Chinese pregnant women during 2010-2012]

Objective: To examine the status and related factors for gestational weight gain of Chinese pregnant women at different trimesters in 2010-2012. Methods: Participants were from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012. Using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, we recruited 2 805 singleton pregnant women with gestational age 13 weeks or more from 31 provinces of China. A standard questionnaire was used to collect general information and pre-pregnancy weight; body weight and height of pregnant women were measured using a unified weighing scale and stadiometer, dietary intake during the previous year was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression was used to analyze potential factors associated with appropriate gestational weight gain. Results: Among 2 805 pregnant women, 1 441 were in the second (13-27 weeks) and 1 364 in the third trimesters (≥28 weeks) . In the 2(nd) trimester, 229 cases (15.9%), 440 cases (30.5%) and 772 cases (53.6%) were insufficient gestational weight gain, appropriate gestational weight gain and excessive gestational weight gain respectively. So were 256 cases (18.8%), 474 cases (34.8%), 634 cases (46.5%) in the 3(rd) trimester respectively. In the multivariate unconditional logistic model, less fruit intake was associated with insufficient weight gain for women in the 2(nd) trimester (OR (95%CI): 1.58 (1.06-2.34)). Pregnant women with Han ethnicity who live in the small/medium city had lower risk of insufficient weight gain in the 3(rd) trimester (OR (95%CI): 0.58 (0.34-0.98)). Those pregnant women with physical activity <1 hour/day had a higher risk of excessive weight gain (OR (95%CI): 1.33 (1.02-1.73)). Conclusion: The prevalence of appropriate gestational weight gain was low in China. Our study suggests that pregnant weight gain is associated with fruit intake, types of residential area and physical activity.

[Diet and nutrition interventions prevent gestational diabetes mellitus]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, with rising trend over the years. Dietary nutrient intake (protein, fat and fatty acids, carbohydrate, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, zinc, selenium and inositol et al.), dietary pattern and probiotics may be related to GDM occurrence. Dietary factors are modifiable factors for preventing GDM. The study reviewed the roles of these dietary factors in preventing GDM. Results showed that plant-based dietary pattern may lower the risk of GDM and dietary pattern characterized with high animal protein, high fat and low carbohydrate may increase the risk of GDM. It warrants further studies that nutrient supplementation may prevent pregnant women from GDM. Diverse diet based on plant and cereal food should be promote for healthy and appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.

[Prevalence of calf muscle cramps and influencing factors for pregnant women in China during 2010-2012]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of calf muscle cramps and possible influencing factors for pregnant women in China. Methods: Using a multi-stage stratified probability proportional to size cluster randomization sampling method during 2010-2012. A total of 3 582 pregnant women were investigated at 150 counties from 31 provinces in China mainland. Information on calf muscle cramps, demographic socio-economic status, pregnancy information, and the physical activities was collected through questionnaires. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect food intake of pregnant women. Dynamic cluster analysis was used to assess dietary pattern. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the possible influencing factors for calf muscle cramps. Results: The prevalence of calf muscle cramps was 32.9% (1 180/3 582) in Chinese pregnant women, which was 11.6% (87/748), 28.2% (420/1 492), and 50.2% (673/1 342), respectively, during the first, second and third trimester. There were significant differences between them (χ(2)=349.16, P<0.001). Dietary patterns of the pregnant women were classified into three groups, which called relatively balanced pattern, high vegetables and fruits pattern, and high dairy pattern. Among the three groups, the prevalence of calf muscle cramps was 32.0% (952/2 971), 37.2% (186/500), and 37.8% (42/111), with significant differences (χ(2)=6.39, P=0.041). The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the second and third trimester was 2.96 (2.28-3.83), and 8.02 (6.16-10.44), respectively, comparing with the first trimester. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the women taking calcium before pregnant was 1.45 (1.19-1.76), comparing with the one who was not taken. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the women who had been diagnosed by pregnancy-induced hypertension was 5.76 (2.06-16.12), comparing with the one who had not been diagnosed. The OR (95%CI) values of calf muscle cramps in the high vegetables and fruits pattern and high dairy pattern was 1.13 (0.91-1.41), and 1.18 (0.76-1.81), respectively, comparing with the relatively balanced pattern. Conclusion: The prevalence of calf muscle cramps was relatively high in Chinese pregnant women, which was significantly different among three trimesters. The residential areas, occupation, and pregnancy-induced hypertension might be related to the prevalence of calf muscle cramps. However, there was no significant difference among different dietary patterns.

[The use and pitfalls of large randomized controlled trials]

Modern epidemiology is the art and science of investigating quantitatively regularities or general laws regarding applied healthcare issues. The validity of epidemiological studies is primarily determined by the study design and the precision by the sample size. Large randomized controlled trial (RCT) is thus the most rigorous and most precise epidemiological study design. Due to ethical concerns, RCTs can however be used only to evaluate medical interventions. Rigorousness of study design and sample size required for a study are inversely related to the anticipated size of effect to be evaluated: the smaller the effect, the more rigorous the study design and larger the sample size are required. Thus, large RCTs are necessary and called upon when and only when the effectiveness to be proved is relatively small; large effectiveness can be verified with small or medium-sized RCTs or even observational studies. In the stages of scientific research, large RCTs are confirmatory rather than original investigations on new hypotheses, whereas the value of a study is ultimately determined by the importance and novelty of the research question rather than methodology and the P value. Overemphasis on large RCTs has been causing: 1) overemphasis on interventions of small or moderate effect; 2) overemphasis on confirmatory studies and on size of study and funding and weakening original creative work; 3) increasing the risk of research resources, medical activities, and patients' well-being being hijacked by pharmaceutical companies.

[Dietary intake status of Chinese lactating women during the first month postpartum in 2013]

Objective: To assess the dietary intake status of Chinese lactating women during the first month postpartum. Methods: Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance, children aged 0-5 years and lactating women (2013). A total of 55 counties from 30 provinces in China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) were selected using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. A group of 3 623 lactating women, at 1-6 months after delivery, were investigated in the study. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on frequencies and amounts of food consumed. Differences in food consumption rates and dietary intake in lactating women having different characteristics were analyzed and compared. Results: To eliminate abnormal values, 3 300 lactating women were included in the study. During the first month postpartum, food types with higher consumption rates were animal products (98.2%, 3 239) and vegetables (90.7%, 2 987), in addition to cereals (100%) and liquids (100%). The consumption rate of fruits was 67.4% (2 222) and the lowest consumption rate was for dairy products (38.3%, 1 262). The median intake of cereals, vegetables, fruits and animal products were 247.8, 150.0, 40.0 and 178.6 g/d, respectively. The daily median intake of dairy products and soybean/nut products was 0.0 g/d. Overall, the lactating women consumed 895.7 ml/d liquids. About 49.3% (1 627) of the subjects consumed less than the recommended intake for animal products in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). More than 50% of the lactating women consumed less than the recommended intakes for the other types of food, especially dairy, soybean/nut and liquids. The consumption rates for dairy products were 26.9%, 29.4%, 31.8% and 33.8% and those for soybean/nut products were 33.9% , 35.8% , 37.5% and 41.7% for the lactating women living in rural areas, with educations at junior high school level and below, with average family incomes under 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who work as household mothers, respectively. These consumption rates for dairy and soybean/nuts were significantly lower than those in women living in cities (48.4%, 55.0%), with an education level of senior high school or above (48.8%, 55.7%), with average family income over 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 (45.5%, 52.8%) and who work outside the home (43.7%, 49.4%). P values were <0.05 for all comparisons. Conclusion: The daily intake of all foods by lactating women during the first month postpartum was lower than the levels recommended in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). The consumption rate of dairy and soybean/nut products during this time period was low, especially for those living in rural areas, with education levels of junior high school and below, with average family incomes less than 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who are housemothers.

[The status of postpartum weight retention and its associated factors among Chinese lactating women in 2013]

Objective: To analyze the status of postpartum weight retention and its associated factors among Chinese lactating women in 2013. Methods: This study was based on the databank of Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. Using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method, we enrolled 12 514 women, at 0-24 months postpartum, from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region). Questionnaires were used to collect data on basic characteristics, physical activity, lifestyle, food intake, pre-pregnancy weight, weight before delivery, disease history during pregnancy, delivery date, delivery mode, parity and breastfeeding information. Current body weight and height of each subject were measured. Postpartum weight retention in each subject was calculated as the difference between pre-pregnancy and current weights. High postpartum weight retention was defined as ≥5 kg. Survey sample weights were calculated according to the sampling design and number of children under 2 years old from 2010 population census data of China. Associated factors of high postpartum weight retention were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 9 972 women were included in this study. P₅₀ (P₂₅-P₇₅) of weight retention for participants was 3.6 (0.2-7.3) kg and high weight retention accounted for 41.5% of the subjects (4 134/9 972). The weighted means (SE) of weight retention was 3.5 (0.1) kg, and it was at 0 to <3, 3 to <6, 6 to <9, 9 to <12, 12 to <18 and 18 to <24 months postpartum were 5.3 (0.2), 4.5 (0.2), 3.8 (0.2), 3.1 (0.2), 2.8 (0.2) and 3.0 (0.2) kg, respectively. The weighted proportion of high postpartum weight retention was 37.4% (95%CI: 36.0%-38.9%). Compared with women aged under 25 years old, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 1.31 for women over 30 years old. Compared with women at 18 to <24 months postpartum, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 2.67, 1.61 and 1.31 for women at 0 to <3, 3 to <6 and 6 to <9 months postpartum, respectively. Compared with women having a pre-pregnant BMI from 18.5 to <25.0 kg/m², the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 1.30 and 0.67 for women having pre-pregnant BMI <18.5 kg/m² and ≥25.0 kg/m², respectively. Compared with women having appropriate gestational weight gain, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 0.47 and 2.24 for women having low and excessive gestational weight gains, respectively. Compared with farmers, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 1.44 for housewives. (P<0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Postpartum weight retention in Chinese lactating women is at an intermediate level. High postpartum weight retention is primarily associated with age, postpartum period, pre-pregnant BMI, gestational weight gain and career. The key control factor for weight retention is gestational weight gain, and 1 year postpartum is critical period for weight recovery.

[RET/PTC rearrangement affects multifocal formation of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective:RET/PTC gene rearrangement can lead to aberrant activation of tyrosine kinase receptors, which is a common mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study focuses on the association of RET/PTC rearrangements with PTC clinical factors. Methods: From January 2011 to December 2013, a total of 114 patients with PTC were enrolled in this study. Clinicopathological parameters, lifestyle, and thyroid hormone levels were collected. RET/PTC rearrangements were detected by TaqMan PCR and verified by Sanger sequencing.Data were analyzed with SPSS software, including chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and Logistic regression. Results:RET/PTC rearrangements were not found in all paracancerous normal thyroid tissues, and were detected in 23.68% (27/114) of PTC. Further analysis revealed no correlation between RET/PTC rearrangement and thyroid function, clinicopathologic parameters, and lifestyle in the total PTC group or in the subgroup of patients with concomitant diseases (including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and nodular goiter). But in the subgroup of PTC without concomitant disease, RET/PTC rearrangement was associated with tumor multifocal (P=0.018), and RET/PTC-positive PTC patients had an increased risk of tumor multifocal (OR=5.57, 95% CI 1.39-22.33). It was also found that RET/PTC rearrangement was associated with an abnormal increase in TSH level of one month after surgery (P= 0.037). Conclusion: Nodular goiter and Hashimoto 's thyroiditis may be a confounding factor in PTC. RET/PTC rearrangement may play an important role in the occurrence of thyroid carcinoma multifocal after exclusion of this confounding factor.

[The impact of broadened diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus in China]

Objective: The burden of chronic disease has been continuously increasing in China since the early 1980s. Besides the worsening of risk factors, the change in diagnostic criteria is very likely an important explanation for the increase in the prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, three commonest, major chronic conditions that can lead to major vascular events and deaths. This study aims to estimate the contribution of changes in diagnostic criteria to the increase in the prevalence of the three conditions in China. Methods: The data from two representative nation-wide surveys in China in 2002 and 2009, with 145 254 and 8 813 adults included respectively, were used to estimate the prevalence rate of the three conditions and the proportion attributable to the change in diagnostic criteria around year 2000. The new and old cutoff values for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia were 140/90 and 160/95 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), 5.7 and 6.2 mmol/L, and 7.0 and 7.8 mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence was standardized according to the distribution of age, sex and rural-urban residence of the 2000 national census of the country so as to compare between the old and new diagnostic criteria and project the situation for the entire country. Results: The standardized prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus for the entire Chinese adult population in 2002 was 8.21%, 1.71% and 1.43% according to the immediate previous diagnostic criteria, and 19.18%, 3.53% and 2.66% according to the new criteria. In 2009, the prevalence was 11.89%, 9.34% and 4.29% according to the old criteria, and 24.78%, 18.36% and 6.55% according to the new criteria. The total cumulative prevalence of the three conditions was increased by 124% in 2002 and 95% in 2009 as a result of change in diagnostic criteria. Put it differently, the change in diagnostic criteria increased the number of the three conditions from 2002 to 2009 by approximately 359 million and could increase the annual drug costs by some 271 billion RMB if all the conditions are treated. The drug costs alone of treating all the three conditions could consume 56% of the total health budget of the Government in 2010. Conclusion: About half of the number of the three conditions is a result of the change in diagnostic criteria. These criteria were adopted from western populations, which are designed to meet the population need and suit healthcare resources available in these countries. It is important for China to consider the resources available and needs and values of the population in addition to the benefits, harms and costs of treatment in determining the cutoff values for defining these conditions for drug interventions.

[Gait analysis at the early stage after direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the result of operation and gait analysis at the early stage after direct anterior approach (DAA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

In this study, 20 patients who suffered from necrosis of femoral head or developmental dysplasia of the hip were scheduled to undergo THA. The basic information and visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Harris score before and after surgery were recorded. All of the patients finished the gait analysis before the surgery and 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the surgery, the data were compared with those of normal adult people.

RESULTS

Their hospital stay after the operation was 3.3 d, the VAS score after the operation was no more than 4 points, the positions of prosthesis were satisfactory, and there was no dislocation. The gait analysis results contained step speed, stride, the range of motion (ROM) of hip and knee. The step speed before the surgery (preoperation, Pre) was 0.64 m/s, 6 weeks after the surgery (6W) was 0.77 m/s, 12 weeks after the surgery (12W) was 1.07 m/s, and the control group was 1.19 m/s. The stride at Pre, 6W, 12W, and control group were 43.15 steps/min, 51.42 steps/min, 55.52 steps/min, and 57.15 steps/min, respectively. The ROM of hip joint at Pre, 6W, 12W, and control group were 31.00°, 39.62°, 40.40°, and 45.67°, respectively. The ROM of knee joint at Pre, 6W, 12W, and control group were 50.52°, 59.28°, 67.29°, and 70.42°, respectively. The results of the gait analysis showed that the gait recovery after the direct anterior total hip arthroplasty was very fast and at the 12th week after surgery the gait of the patients was close to the normal adult people.

CONCLUSION

The direct anterior approach is one of the choosable approach of the THA, and this kind of surgery has a better recovery of gait after the operation, and at the end of 12 weeks after the surgery the gait is very close to the normal adult people. But we also need more studies to prove this conclusion.

[Difference in imaging and metal metabolism between hepatic and cerebral type Wilson disease]

Objective: To evaluate the difference of metal metabolism, damage to structure and functional activity in brains between hepatic and cerebral type Wilson disease (WD). Methods: Forty patients with WD, including 20 with cerebral type and 20 with hepatic type, and 20 age-matched healthy controls in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between Jul 2013 and May 2016 were enrolled.All study subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) of the brain.Six regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen.The values of fractional anisotropy (FA), λ in ROIs were determined on DTI, FA and fiber volumes between ROIs were also determined on DTI.The values of amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (REHO) in ROIs were determined on rs-fMRI.The values of corrected phase (CP) were calculated on SWI.The copper and iron content were measured.The difference of imaging and metal metrics between cerebral type and hepatic type WD were evaluated. Results: DTI metrics differed between patients with the cerebral and hepatic types of WD.ALFF values in the caudate nucleus, and thalamus were lower (P=0.037, 0.040), and REHO values in the caudate nucleus were lower (P=0.029), in patients of cerebral type than in hepatic type patients.CP values of the right caudate nucleus and left putamen in cerebral type WD patients were lower than in hepatic type patients (P=0.020, 0.23). The serum iron content of hepatic type WD patients was higher than the normal (P=0.013), and the urine copper content was higher than the cerebral type patients (P=0.021). Conclusions: Metal deposition and damage to the structure and functional activity in the brain may occur in hepatic type WD patients.The structural and functional activity damage of the brain in hepatic type is less severe than that in cerebral type patients, while the metal deposition is not significant different between hepatic and cerebral type.

[Prevalence of and risk factors for delayed onset of lactation in Chinese lactating women in 2013]

Objective: To study the prevalence of delayed onset of lactation (later than 3 days) in lactating women in China and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods: Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance-Mothers, from mothers with children under 2 years of age (in 2013). A total of 11 178 women who were lactating or had lactated were selected from 55 counties of 30 provinces (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) in China, using the multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. Basic information, including onset of lactation, initiation of breastfeeding, breastfeeding difficulties and breastfeeding knowledge were collected using a questionnaire investigation. The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation were analyzed by the weighted processing of complex sampling from the 6^th national population census data. A multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with delaged onset of lactation. Results: Among 11 178 lactating women, 3 388 had an onset of lactation later than 3 d. The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was 30.3%. After complex weighting, the prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was 31.2% (95% CI: 25.7%-36.8%) for lactating women in China. Delivery by Caesarean section (OR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.06-1.53) and initiating breastfeeding ≥4 h (OR= 2.34, 95%CI: 1.76-3.11) were the negative factors for delayed onset of lactation. Compared with those living in large cities, lactating women living in medium or small cities (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.05-1.84) had a higher risk of delayed onset of lactation. Compared with the lactating women doing housework, the risk of delayed onset of lactation was lower (P<0.05) among those whose occupations were as leaders of Enterprises/Institutions (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.47-0.99), in catering and service trades (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.43-0.86), in agriculture/forestry/fishery/herdsmen fields (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.44-0.96) and who were unemployed (OR= 0.64, 95%CI: 0.46-0.90). Breastfeeding education during pregnancy might lower the risk of delayed onset of lactation (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98). Conclusion: The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was relatively high for Chinese lactating mothers. Caesarean section and late initiation of breastfeeding were the primary risk factors. Lactating mothers living in medium or small cities and those doing housework appear to be high-priority groups for intervention. Based on our findings, breastfeeding education during pregnancy is recommended to lower the risk of delayed onset of lactation.

[Focus on nutrition of lactating women and promoting maternal and child health]

Breastfeeding has been existing from the beginning of human beings. The focus has usually been on breast milk and breastfed infants. However, there have been a few studies on nutrition and health status of lactating women worldwide. Many of these studies suggested that the nutrition and health status of the women not only can affect milk volume and nutrient contents, but also may have short- and long-lasting effects on their health status. Therefore, more research should focus on breastfeeding and the improvement of nutrition and the health status of lactating women.

[Risk factors for prevalence of folic acid deficiency in Chinese lactating women in 2013]

Objective: The study aimed to assess the folic acid status of lactating women in China and to analyze factors related to folic acid deficiency in these subjects. Methods: The data on lactating women were extracted from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. By a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, 10 331 lactating women were selected for the study. The lactating women, 0-24 months postpartum, were from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China, excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain general information and dietary intake during the previous one month period was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 20% of the total number of lactating women were randomly selected to analyze serum folic acid. Finally, 1 894 lactating women, with questionnaire results and serum folic acid data, were included in the study. Serum folic acid concentrations were analyzed using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Folic acid deficiency was defined as a serum folic acid level <2 ng/ml. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with folic acid deficiency in these women. Results: After excluding abnormal values, 1 894 lactating women were included in the study. Based on our findings, the prevalence of folate deficiency was 3.0% (56/1 894) in lactating women in China. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 0.3% (1/388), 1.3% (7/550), 6.0% (38/639) and 3.2% (10/317) in larger, medium or small cities, general rural counties and poor rural counties, respectively. The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was 6.3% (17/269) and 2.4% (39/1 623) for minority and Han ethnic groups, respectively, and was 6.3% (52/823) and 0.4% (4/1 071) for subjects in northern and southern areas of China, respectively. Binary unconditionally logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with folic acid deficiency in the lactating women. The results showed that, compared with those living in the south and those in the Han ethnic group, those living in the north and belonging to the minority ethnic group had a greater risk of folic acid deficiency, with (OR=3.63, 95% CI: 1.64-8.05) and (OR=5.42, 95% CI: 1.75-16.74), respectively. With each month of age during childhood, the prevalence of folic acid deficiency decreased by 10% (OR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.85-0.96). Compared with low income subjects, those with middle incomes had OR (95%CI) of 0.25 (0.10-0.60) for folic acid deficiency. A lesser intake of cereal was associated with a greater risk of folic acid deficiency in lactating women (OR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.18-7.79). A lesser intake of tubers was a protective factor for folic acid deficiency in lactating women (OR=0.29, 95% CI:0.12-0.70). Conclusion: The folic acid status of Chinese lactating women has, in general, recently improved. However, living in northern areas, during early lactating periods, belonging to an ethnic minority, living in rural areas, having a low income, lower intake of cereal and excessive intake of tubers were risk factors for folic acid deficiency in lactating women. In these women, folic acid intervention should be considered a priority.

[Biomechanics analysis of the impact of maxillofacial injury on skull base damage]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of maxillofacial injury on skull base.

METHODS

A three-dimensional(3D)finite-element model of cranio-maxillofacial bone was established by CT scan data. A lead cylinder in base diameter of 3 cm was designed as an impactor. There regions(upper right maxilla, left infraorbital margin and left zygomatic body)subjected to an impact at the speed of 8.6 m/s(about 30 km/h)was simulated. Thirteen landmarks at the skull base were selected. The values of stress at the end of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 ms were obtained, and the results were analyzed.

RESULTS

The dynamic process of the fracture of the jaw and the stress distribution and conduction of the skull base were successfully simulated in three parts of the face. When the impact was on the right maxillary bone region, the stress values of the three points(medial foramen rotundum, medial foramen rotundum, anterior clivus reached the peak at each time point, 26.2, 22.4, 21.5 MPa(t=0.5 ms)and 70.0, 55.0, 45.0 MPa(t=1.0 ms)and 38.0, 26.5, 39.5 MPa(t=1.5 ms)and 26.0, 19.0, 23.0 MPa(t=2.0 ms), respectively. When the impact was on the left margo infraorbitalis orbitaeta region, the stress values of the two points(medial left foramen rotundum, posterior clivus)reached the peak at each time point, 8.8, 16.0 MPa(t=0.5 ms)and 10.0, 18.0 MPa(t=1.0 ms)and 5.5, 6.0 MPa(t=1.5 ms)and 11.5, 12.5 MPa(t=2.0 ms), respectively. When the impact was on the body of left zygomatic bone, the stress values of posterior clivus were 45.0 MPa(t=0.5 ms), 40.0 MPa(t=1.0 ms), 12.0 MPa(t=1.5 ms), 42.5 MPa(t= 2.0 ms), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the difference of stress distribution and conduction of maxillofacial and skull base bone, the speed and the path of force transfer to the skull base were different. Finite-element dynamic simulation can be used for the biomechanics research on maxillofacial trauma.

Systematic review with network meta-analysis: comparative effectiveness and safety of strategies for preventing NSAID-associated gastrointestinal toxicity

BACKGROUND

Many strategies are used to prevent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated gastrointestinal toxicity, but the comparative effectiveness remains unclear.

AIM

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of clinical strategies for preventing gastrointestinal toxicity induced by NSAIDs.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library (from their inception to May 2015) were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events in patients taking nonselective NSAIDs, selective cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 inhibitors or nonselective NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors plus gastroprotective agents [proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor antagonists, misoprostol]. Both pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Analyses were based on 82 trials including 125 053 participants. Network meta-analysis demonstrated that selective COX-2 inhibitors + PPIs [Risk ratio (RR), 95% Credible Interval (CrI): ulcer complications 0.07, 0.02-0.18], selective COX-2 inhibitors (RR, 95% CrI: ulcer complications 0.25, 0.15- 0.38; symptomatic ulcer 0.12, 0.04-0.30), nonselective NSAIDs + PPIs (RR, 95% CrI: ulcer complications 0.28, 0.18-0.41; symptomatic ulcer 0.11, 0.04-0.23), nonselective NSAIDs + misoprostol (RR, 95% CrI: ulcer complications 0.47, 0.24-0.81; symptomatic ulcer 0.41, 0.13-1.00) were associated with significantly lower risk of clinical gastrointestinal events compared with nonselective NSAIDs. For all effectiveness endpoints, selective COX-2 inhibitors + PPIs was associated with the lowest absolute event probability and the highest rank, followed by selective COX-2 inhibitors and thirdly by nonselective NSAIDs + PPIs.

CONCLUSION

The combination of selective COX-2 inhibitors plus PPIs provides the best gastrointestinal protection, followed by selective COX-2 inhibitors, and thirdly by nonselective NSAIDs plus PPIs.

Effects of Coated Compound Proteases on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients and Apparent Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids for Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of coated compound proteases (CC protease) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen (N) and energy, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) and nutrients in diets for pigs. In Exp. 1, 12 crossbred barrows (initial body weight: 20.14±1.71 kg) were housed in individual metabolism crates and allotted into 2 treatments with 6 piglets per treatment according to weight in a randomized complete block design. The 2 diets were corn-soybean meal basal diets with (0.2 g/kg) or without CC protease supplementation. The CC protease supplementation increased (p<0.05) the digestible and metabolizable N and energy values and the digestibility and retention rate of N in the diet. The ATTD of energy and nutrients had been improved (p<0.05) in the diet supplemented with CC protease. In Exp. 2, 12 crossbred barrows (initial body weight: 20.79±1.94 kg), fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum, were blocked by body weight into 2 groups with 6 pigs each. The diets were the same as those in Exp. 1. The CC protease increased (p<0.05) the AID of crude protein and some essential AA including arginine, isoleucine and leucine. The AID and ATTD of energy and nutrients had been improved (p<0.05) by supplemental CC protease, but the hindgut digestibility of nutrients was unaffected. Overall, the CC protease improved the ATTD of N and energy and AID of some indispensible AA and nutrients in the corn-soybean meal diet for pigs. Therefore, the CC protease supplement could improve the utilization of protein in the corn-soybean meal diet and thus contribute to lower N excretion to the environment.

Nine traditional Chinese herbal formulas for the treatment of depression: an ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology review

Depression is a major mental disorder, and is currently recognized as the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. However, the therapeutic effect of antidepressants remains unsatisfactory. For centuries, Chinese herbal formulas (CHFs) have been widely used in the treatment of depression, achieving better therapeutic effects than placebo and having fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants. Here, we review the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology studies of nine common CHFs: "banxia houpo" decoction, "chaihu shugansan", "ganmaidazao" decoction, "kaixinsan", "shuganjieyu" capsules, "sinisan", "wuling" capsules, "xiaoyaosan", and "yueju". Eight clinical trials and seven meta-analyses have supported the theory that CHFs are effective treatments for depression, decreasing Hamilton Depression Scale scores and showing few adverse effects. Evidence from 75 preclinical studies has also elucidated the multitarget and multipathway mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect of the nine CHFs. Decoctions, capsules, and pills all showed antidepressant effects, ranked in descending order of efficacy. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, these CHFs have flexible compatibility and mainly act by soothing the liver and relieving depression. This review highlights the effective treatment choices and candidate compounds for patients, practitioners, and researchers in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In summary, the current evidence supports the efficacy of CHFs in the treatment of depression, but additional large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials and sophisticated pharmacology studies should be performed.

Evaluation of left atrial function by speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Left atrial (LA) function plays a key role in maintaining optimal cardiac output. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but whether LA functional abnormalities also occur in patients with SLE is unknown. Toward this aim we evaluated left atrial function and volume by strain and strain rate derived from speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and their associations with LVDD. Sixty SLE patients were compared with age- and gender-matched normal controls. The LA strain (S) and strain rate (SR) during systole, early diastole and late diastole (SRs, SRe and SRa, respectively) were measured by STE. The LA volume index (LAVI), traditional parameters of LA and left ventricular diastolic function also were analysed. Global strain and positive SRe were significantly reduced in the SLE group compared with the control group (26.2% ± 9.5% vs 32.5% ± 9.8% and −2.4 ± 1.0 s−1 vs −3.1 ± 1.2 s−1, both p < 0.05). The SRs in the SLE and control groups were not significantly different (2.1 ± 0.7 s−1 vs 2.4 ± 0.8 s−1, p = 0.2). The positive SRa was increased in the SLE group compared with the control group (−2.1 ± 0.8 s−1 vs −1.6 ± 0.5 s−1, p < 0.05) and the LAVI was larger in the SLE group than in the control group (32.4 ± 8.0 vs 25.8 ± 7.1 ml/m2, p < 0.001). Patients with SLE exhibiting varying grades of LVDD displayed significant differences in LA parameters, including LAVI, SRs, SRe and SRa (all p < 0.05). Multivariate linear analysis additionally revealed that SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) was independently and inversely associated with global strain, SRs and positive SRe. LA functions were changed in SLE patients, demonstrating impairment in conduit function, decrease in storage function and increase in pump function. Meanwhile, the magnitude of this impairment was predictively associated with the severity of LVDD. The results from this study demonstrate that STE is capable of detecting various aspects of LA functional impairment during SLE progression, and should be further explored as a diagnostic tool for improving the outcomes of SLE patients.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP): prokaryotic expression, purification, and preparation of a polyclonal antibody

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) plays important roles in promoting cancer occurrence and in the development of bone metastases. To increase our knowledge of the biological functions of PTHrP, the prokaryotic expression vector pET-PTHrP was successfully constructed and the His-PTHrP fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. Anti-PTHrP polyclonal antibody was then prepared from rabbits. Finally, the goat tissue expression profile of PTHrP was analyzed by Western blot with the anti-PTHrP polyclonal antibody. The results showed that the expression of PTHrP in goat mammary glands was significantly higher than that in other organs. This indicates that PTHrP may play important roles in the goat mammary gland. The antibody prepared will be a useful tool for detecting PTHrP and will be valuable in future studies investigating the role of PTHrP in calcium metabolism in the goat model.

An animal experimental study of porous magnesium scaffold degradation and osteogenesis

Our objective was to observe the biodegradable and osteogenic properties of magnesium scaffolding under in vivo conditions. Twelve 6-month-old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. The chosen operation site was the femoral condyle on the right side. The experimental group was implanted with porous magnesium scaffolds, while the control group was implanted with hydroxyapatite scaffolds. X-ray and blood tests, which included serum magnesium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were performed serially at 1, 2, and 3 weeks, and 1, 2, and 3 months. All rabbits were killed 3 months postoperatively, and the heart, kidney, spleen, and liver were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The bone samples were subjected to microcomputed tomography scanning (micro-CT) and hard tissue biopsy. SPSS 13.0 (USA) was used for data analysis, and values of P<0.05 were considered to be significant. Bubbles appeared in the X-ray of the experimental group after 2 weeks, whereas there was no gas in the control group. There were no statistical differences for the serum magnesium concentrations, ALT, BUN, and CREA between the two groups (P>0.05). All HE-stained slices were normal, which suggested good biocompatibility of the scaffold. Micro-CT showed that magnesium scaffolds degraded mainly from the outside to inside, and new bone was ingrown following the degradation of magnesium scaffolds. The hydroxyapatite scaffold was not degraded and had fewer osteoblasts scattered on its surface. There was a significant difference in the new bone formation and scaffold bioabsorption between the two groups (9.29 ± 1.27 vs 1.40 ± 0.49 and 7.80 ± 0.50 vs 0.00 ± 0.00 mm3, respectively; P<0.05). The magnesium scaffold performed well in degradation and osteogenesis, and is a promising material for orthopedics.

Development and performance evaluation of an electromagnetic-type shock wave generator for lipolysis

This study aims at the design and development of electromagnetic-type intermittent shock wave generation in a liquid. The shock wave generated is focused at a focal point through an acoustic lens. This hardware device mainly consists of a full-wave bridge rectifier, 6 capacitors, a spark gap, and a flat coil. A metal disk is mounted in a liquid-filled tube and is placed in close proximity to the flat coil. Due to the repulsive force existing between the coil and disk shock waves are generated, while an eddy current is induced in the metal disk. Some components and materials associated with the device are also described. By increasing the capacitance content to enhance electric energy level, a highly focused pressure can be achieved at the focal point through an acoustic lens in order to lyse fat tissue. Focused pressures were measured at the focal point and its vicinity for different operation voltages. The designed shock wave generator with an energy intensity of 0.0016 mJ/mm(2) (at 4 kV) and 2000 firings or higher energy intensities with 1000 firings is found to be able to disrupt pig fat tissue.

QAM accommodated double-side band fast OFDM based on IDCT

In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally prove that sub-carriers in double-side band fast orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DSB-FOFDM) are orthogonal over a symbol interval independent of the signal phase and amplitude. Therefore, the commonly utilized DSB-FOFDM is quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) accommodated; while previously DSB-FOFDM was usually modulated by amplitude shift keying (ASK) or binary phase shift keying (BPSK). In our proof-of-concept experiments, bit error ratio (BER) performance of 10 Gb/s quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulated DSB-FOFDM was equivalent to that of 10 Gb/s QPSK modulated OFDM after 500 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) transmission. 10 Gb/s QPSK modulated DSB-FOFDM largely outperformed the commonly utilized 4-ASK modulated DSB-FOFDM in BER performance. Additionally, BER performance of 10 Gb/s 16-QAM modulated DSB-FOFDM was equivalent to that of 10 Gb/s 16-QAM modulated OFDM after 500 km SSMF transmission.

Transcriptome analysis of glioma cells for the dynamic response to γ-irradiation and dual regulation of apoptosis genes: a new insight into radiotherapy for glioblastomas

Ionizing radiation (IR) is of clinical importance for glioblastoma therapy; however, the recurrence of glioma characterized by radiation resistance remains a therapeutic challenge. Research on irradiation-induced transcription in glioblastomas can contribute to the understanding of radioresistance mechanisms. In this study, by using the total mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, we assayed the global gene expression in a human glioma cell line U251 MG at various time points after exposure to a growth arrest dose of γ-rays. We identified 1656 genes with obvious changes at the transcriptional level in response to irradiation, and these genes were dynamically enriched in various biological processes or pathways, including cell cycle arrest, DNA replication, DNA repair and apoptosis. Interestingly, the results showed that cell death was not induced even many proapoptotic molecules, including death receptor 5 (DR5) and caspases were activated after radiation. The RNA-seq data analysis further revealed that both proapoptosis and antiapoptosis genes were affected by irradiation. Namely, most proapoptosis genes were early continually responsive, whereas antiapoptosis genes were responsive at later stages. Moreover, HMGB1, HMGB2 and TOP2A involved in the positive regulation of DNA fragmentation during apoptosis showed early continual downregulation due to irradiation. Furthermore, targeting of the TRAIL/DR5 pathway after irradiation led to significant apoptotic cell death, accompanied by the recovered gene expression of HMGB1, HMGB2 and TOP2A. Taken together, these results revealed that inactivation of proapoptotic signaling molecules in the nucleus and late activation of antiapoptotic genes may contribute to the radioresistance of gliomas. Overall, this study provided novel insights into not only the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance in glioblastomas but also the screening of multiple targets for radiotherapy.

Upregulated Hoxc6 expression is associated with poor survival in gastric cancer patients

Human Hox genes (Homeobox) have crucial roles in development and differentiation, regulating numerous processes including apoptosis, receptor signalling, differentiation, motility and angiogenesis. Aberrant expression of Hoxc6 gene has been reported in several tumor tissues and cancer cell lines. The prognostic significance of Hoxc6 in gastric cancer remains largely unknown.This study was aimed to investigate the clinical significance of Hoxc6 in gastric cancer.Total RNA of paired tissue samples (n=25) and a tissue microarray containing 161 paired tissues from patients with gastric cancers at different stages were collected. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunochemistry assay were carried out to investigate the expression of Hoxc6. Hoxc6 mRNA was increased in gastric cancer tissues ( 16 of 25) compared with the adjacent normal mucosa (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical detection showed that expression of Hoxc6 was associated with the depth of tumor invasion (P<0.05). Patients with higher expression levels of Hoxc6 had a shorter overall survival rate (P<0.05).Hoxc6 might contribute to the progression of gastric carcinogenesis and may be a significant predictor of poor survival in patients with gastric cancer after curative operations.