[Association between frailty and sleep duration among people aged 50 years and over]

Objective: To investigate the association between sleep duration and frailty among people aged 50 years and over. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from the first wave of World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health in China. Frailty index was constructed on the proportion of deficits, out of the 40 variables. A two-level (individual level and community level) linear model was performed to identify the related factors on frailty. All the models were stratified by age, gender, residence (urban/rural). Restricted cubic spline was performed to graphically evaluate the dose-response association between self-reported sleep duration and frailty. Results: A total of 13 175 individuals aged 50 years and over participated in this study. Without adjusting on any confounding factors, shorter or longer sleep duration significantly increased the risk of weakness compared with normal sleep time (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.71-2.44; OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.12-1.63). After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, residence, education, family assets, vegetable, smoking, drinking and physical activity, a positive association between short sleep duration and frailty was noticed compared with normal sleep time (aOR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.27-2.01). The results of stratified analysis on sex, age and urban and rural areas showed that, after adjusting for gender, age, residence, education level, family assets, intake of vegetables and fruits, smoking, drinking and physical activity, only shorter sleep duration was positively correlated with the risk of weakness. In addition, among people aged 65 years and over, adjusted for confounding factors, the risk of weakness increased by 91%, compared with normal sleep time (aOR=1.91, 95%CI: 1.46-2.49). The dose-response curve also showed that the sleep duration and frailty present an approximate "U" shaped relationship. Conclusion: Short sleep duration might be associated with frailty.

[Association between low handgrip strength and air pollution among people aged 50 years and over]

Objective: To examine the association between long-term exposure to ambient PM(2.5) combined with indoor air pollution and handgrip strength among people aged 50 and over. Methods: Data were from the first wave of World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health in China. Ambient annual concentration of PM(2.5) was estimated by using the satellite data we also investigated the use of fuels and chimneys as indoor air pollution. A two-level (individual level and community level) linear model was applied to examine the association between long-term exposure to ambient PM(2.5) combined with indoor air pollution and the handgrip strength. Results: A total of 13 175 individuals aged 50 years and over were included for analysis. The handgrip strength was (26.67±0.54) kg. Ambient PM(2.5) was found to be significantly associated with the risk of decreased handgrip strength. Outdoor PM(2.5) concentration was negatively correlated with handgrip strength (β=-0.23, 95%CI: -0.31 - -0.14) decrease in handgrip strength after adjusting for gender, age, residence, education, household assets, intake of vegetables and fruits, smoking and drinking, physical activity. In rural area, compared to those who used solid fuel, use of clean fuel increased (β=1.41, 95%CI: 0.36-2.46) handgrip strength. But in urban area, we did not find any statistically significant association between the use of clean fuel and handgrip strength (β=0.19, 95%CI: -0.95-1.32). Conclusion: This study found that long-term exposure to ambient PM(2.5) combined with indoor air pollution was significantly associated with low handgrip strength among people aged 50 years and over, this suggested that ambient PM(2.5) might serve as one of the risk factors for low physical function seen in the people aged 50 years and over.

[Project profile: Study on global AGEing and adult health in China]

With accelerating and rapid ageing in China, there is an urgent need to collect reliable, valid and cross-nationally comparable data on health in the elderly to provide basis for richer and empirical analysis on the changing health over one's life course and compression of morbidity. To meet the demands of this growing special population, planning and preparing on related social protection mechanisms (health and pension systems) should also based on evidence-based decision-making process. Based on long-term follow-up, large scale cohort study is indispensible for the etiology of common chronic diseases and disabling conditions. This study aims to introduce the background, project objectives, contents, baseline characteristics, strength and weakness as well as prospect, related to the Study on global AGEing and adult health in China.

Graft interposition for preventing Frey's syndrome in patients undergoing parotidectomy

BACKGROUND

Frey's syndrome is characterised by transient flushing and sometimes facial sweating in the area of the auriculotemporal nerve. It most commonly occurs after parotidectomy, but other causes may include submandibular gland surgery, mandibular condylar fracture, obstetric (forceps) trauma, sympathectomy and metabolic disease. Although the pathophysiology of Frey's syndrome remains controversial, the generally accepted hypothesis is that it occurs as the result of injury to the auriculotemporal nerve.There is currently no clear evidence to establish the efficacy and safety of the different methods used for the treatment of Frey's syndrome, therefore the prevention of this symptom during surgery is important. The main method used for prevention is the interposition of a graft between the skin flap and the parotid bed during surgery. Biomaterials, allograft or autograft can be used for this purpose.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects and safety of biomaterial, allograft or autograft interposition for the prevention of Frey's syndrome in patients undergoing parotidectomy, and to identify its effect on prevention and delayed occurrence.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the Cochrane ENT Trials Register; Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 2); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; CINAHL; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 5 February 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with parotid disease (including tumours, inflammation, trauma etc.) undergoing parotidectomy with a minimal follow-up period of six months. We planned to include trials with interventions including biomaterial, allograft or autograft interposition alone or in combination with other surgical techniques. We included trials that compared any graft interposition and no graft interposition, or different graft interpositions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcome measures were incidence rate of Frey's syndrome assessed clinically (Minor's starch-iodine test) and other complications (postoperative infection, subjective painful or restricted cervical movement, scar spread, rejection of the graft, complications related to the donor site such as accessory nerve injury and haematoma). Our secondary outcome measures were incidence rate of Frey's syndrome assessed by participants (by questionnaire) and sweating area assessed by Minor's starch-iodine test. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three RCTs (124 participants), two of which we assessed as at high risk of bias and one at unclear risk of bias. All studies were hospital-based and recruited participants undergoing superficial parotidectomy. Most participants were diagnosed with benign lesions of the parotid gland. Participants were followed up for more than six months. The studies evaluated the two comparisons shown below:Sternocleidomastoid muscle flap versus no flapTwo studies assessed this comparison. Both assessed the effects of the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap procedure on the incidence rate of Frey's syndrome assessed clinically but neither showed a significant difference between groups (risk ratio (RR) 0.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00 to 1.23; 24 participants and RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.73; 36 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We did not pool the data due to the high heterogeneity (I² = 87%).One study found that the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap may result in little or no difference in other complications including haematoma (RR 2.18, 95% CI 0.09 to 50.16; 36 participants; low-certainty evidence), subjective painful or restricted cervical movement (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.14 to 2.05; 36 participants; low-certainty evidence) and scar spread in the cervical region (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.05 to 10.54; 36 participants; low-certainty evidence). Both studies reported the incidence rate of Frey's syndrome assessed by participants, with one reporting no events in either group and the other finding no evidence of a difference (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.26; 36 participants; low-certainty evidence).Acellular dermal matrix versus no graftOnly one study assessed this comparison. Use of an acellular dermal matrix graft may result in little or no difference to the incidence rate of Frey's syndrome (assessed clinically) in comparison with the no graft group, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.25; 30 participants; very low-certainty evidence).Acellular dermal matrix may slightly increase the wound infection rate compared with control (RR 17.00, 95% CI 1.02 to 282.67; 64 participants; low-certainty evidence). Acellular dermal matrix may result in little or no difference to the incidence of seromas or sialoceles (RR 2.33, 95% CI 0.66 to 8.23; 64 participants; low-certainty evidence). Acellular dermal matrix may result in little or no difference to the incidence rate of Frey's syndrome (assessed by participants) in comparison with the no graft group (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.04; 64 participants; low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for the effectiveness of graft interposition in preventing Frey's syndrome is of low or very low certainty. The use of acellular dermal matrix may be associated with an increase in the wound infection rate, and little or no difference in the incidence of seromas or sialoceles. Further studies are needed to draw reliable conclusions.

P6290Enhanced IL-6/pSTAT3/fibroblast signaling pathway contributes to spontaneous postoperative atrial fibrillation in a novel simulated cardiac surgery mouse model

Background

Cumulative evidences have shown that IL-6 in atrium might play an important role in the pathogenesis of postoperative AF (POAF) via activation of atrial fibrosis in patients undergoing CABG. However, whether atria produces IL-6 after the stimulation of CABG and its causal relationship with spontaneous POAF (sPOAF) and its specific pathways is still unclear.

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that atrium will produce IL-6 after CABG and causes sustained sPOAF (ssPOAF) through activating pSTAT3-mediated fibroblast proliferation.

Methods

To determine the causal relationship between IL-6 and sPOAF, IL-6−/− and wild type (WT) mice were both divided into three groups (10 mice/group): CABG group (NAI, mimic CABG), anti-inflammatory group (AI, mimic CABG with pericardial administration of methylprednisolone for 3 days via chest tube), and control group (anesthesia only). Mice were monitored for ssPOAF for 7 days using implanted telemetry device. Another two sets of mice, using the same models mentioned above, were euthanatized at 48th hours postoperatively. The atria of one set animals were excised and separated into pericardium (PC), pulmonary vein (PV), left atrium (LA), and right atrium (RA) and cultured for 4 hours. IL-6 levels in the supernatant were measured at 10 min and 4 hours of culture using ELISA test. The region producing the largest amount of IL-6 in the other set of animals was harvested for analyzing expressions of IL-6, pSTAT3/STAT3, connexin 43 and 40, fibroblast deposition, and collagen I and III. Path analysis was performed to determine the causal relationship of CABG induced IL-6 release, pSTAT3/fibroblast signaling, and the onset of ssPOAF.

Results

40% NAI-WT mice developed ssPOAF (Figure 1A) which was completely protected in IL-6−/− and AI groups. IL-6 was produced by all 4 atrial regions at 4hrs after CABG stimulation with the LA producing the highest amount. Western blotting (Figure 1B), RT-CPR, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence all showed a significantly upregulation of IL-6, pSTAT3/STAT3, fibroblasts, collagen I and III, and downregulation of Cx40 an 43 in NAI-WT mice, but not in IL-6−/− and AI mice. IL-6 was colocalized with vimentin to a large extent in cytoplasm (Figure 1C). IL-6 had strong positive correlation with pSTAT3/STAT3, collagen I and III (all r>0.700, P<0.001), moderate and weak negative correlation with Cx40 and 43 (r=−0.505, P<0.001; r=−0.307, P=0.048, respectively). Path analysis (Figure 1D) revealed that every 1 unit increase in IL-6 upregulated a 0.589 unit increase in ssPOAF, which was mediated by pSTAT3/collagen indirectly and collagen I/ collagen III directly.

Conclusion

Our study, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, established a novel pathophysiological role of IL-6/pSTAT3/fibroblast signaling in the pathogenesis of ssPOAF and demonstrated that inhibition of atrial IL-6 might be a potential novel sPOAF prevention strategy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The National Natural Science Foundation (No.81170170)

[Pathogenic characteristics of viral gastroenteritis among pediatric inpatients under five years old during 2014-2017]

Objective: To conduct a viral pathogen surveillance program on pediatric inpatients less than five years old with acute gastroenteritis in Shanghai and to better understand the pathogenic spectrum and molecular features in the target population, for setting up programs on control, prevention, medication and vaccine applications of the diseases. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from inpatients less than 5 years old who were admitted to a pediatric hospital for having acute gastroenteritis. Information related to demographic, clinical and epidemiological features of the patients was also collected. Laboratory assays including ELISA, real-time PCR and nested PCR, were performed to detect the presence of pathogens as rotavirus, calicivirus, astrovirus and adenovirus. Results: A total of 1 018 samples were collected (male 671 and 347 female), with the positive detection rate as 40.57% which peaked from autumn till winter, annually. Calicivirus and rotavirus A presented with the highest detection rates (24.75% and 13.95% respectively). The lowest detection rate was found in the 0-6 month-olds (32.20%). 65% of the patients with positive virus had received antibiotic treatment prior to the hospitalization. However, no statistically significant difference was seen, regarding the rates of antibiotic medication in the virus positive or negative populations (P>0.05). Data from the Rotavirus genotype analysis revealed that G9P[8] genotype was the predominant strain, and causing majority of rotavirus infections in all the age groups. Conclusions: Among the inpatients under 5 years of age in Shanghai, the positive detection rate for Calicivirus was higher than that for rotavirus group A, suggesting the necessity to carefully monitor the changes regarding the pathogenic spectrum and subtypes of the virus. Antibiotics should also be attentively administered, together with the development of suitable vaccine.

[Etiologic and epidemiologic features of acute respiratory infections in adults from Shanghai, during 2015-2017]

Objective: To analyze the etiologic and epidemiological characteristics of adult acute respiratory infections in Shanghai during 2015-2017. Methods: Data was collected from outpatients with acute respiratory infections who visited the Fever Clinics in three hospitals of different levels in three administrative regions of Shanghai, from 2015 to 2017. Basic information and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from cases in line with the inclusion criteria. Multiplex RT-PCR and bacterial cultures were performed to detect the respiratory pathogens. Results: A total of 806 individuals were enrolled from 2015 to 2017. Respiratory pathogens were identified in 73.45% (592/806) of the cases, with the virus detection rate as 66.75% (538/806). It was found that the major respiratory pathogens for virus detection were influenza A in 326 (40.45%), influenza B in 116 (14.39%), rhinovirus/enterovirus in 39 (4.84%) of the cases. The overall detection rate of bacteria was 16.13% (130/806), including Klebsiella pneumoniae in 90 (11.17%) cases, Staphylococcus Aureus in 46 (5.71%) cases. Other kind of bacteria were not detected in our study. The detection rates on Mycoplasma pneumoniae was 5.33% (43/806) and on Chlamydia pneumonia was 0.37% (3/806). Co-infection with multiple pathogens was detected in 18.61% (150/806) of the cases, including 135 with double infection (accounting for 90.00%), 14 with triple infection and 1 with quadruple infection (accounted for 9.33% and 0.67%, respectively). Among the 150 cases with co-infections, the main identified pathogens were influenza A, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Pathogens of acute respiratory infections that identified among the outpatients from the Fever Clinics at different time, region or population, the characteristics were different (P<0.001). Conclusions: In 2015-2017, outpatients with acute respiratory infections in Shanghai were mainly caused by influenza virus or other viruses, however dynamically with its composition, time, region and characteristics of the population. It is necessary to strengthen and combine related medical and preventive services and to develop the appropriate strategies regarding clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The Chinese National Twin Registry: a 'gold mine' for scientific research

The Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) currently includes data from 61 566 twin pair from 11 provinces or cities in China. Of these, 31 705, 15 060 and 13 531 pairs are monozygotic, same-sex dizygotic and opposite-sex dizygotic pairs, respectively, determined by opposite sex or intrapair similarity. Since its establishment in 2001, the CNTR has provided an important resource for analysing genetic and environmental influences on chronic diseases especially cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the CNTR has focused on collecting biologic specimens from disease-concordant or disease-discordant twin pairs or from twin pairs reared apart. More than 8000 pairs of these twins have been registered, and blood samples have been collected from more than 1500 pairs. In this review, we summarize the main findings from univariate and multivariate genetic effects analyses, gene-environment interaction studies, omics studies exploring DNA methylation and metabolomic markers associated with phenotypes. There remains further scope for CNTR research and data mining. The plan for future development of the CNTR is described. The CNTR welcomes worldwide collaboration.

[Seasonality and etiological characteristics of infectious diarrhea in outpatients of 18 or above-year-old in Shanghai, 2014-2017]

Objective: To understand the seasonality and etiological characteristics of infectious diarrhea in adults from Shanghai. Methods: Adult patients with diarrhea who had visited the enteric disease clinics in 22 hospitals that carrying on the Diarrhea Comprehensive Surveillance sentinel programs in Shanghai during 2014-2017, were surveyed. Stool specimens were collected according to the different intervals of sampling and detected for 12 bacteria and 5 viruses. Concentration ratio and circular distribution method were used for data analysis. Results: From 2014 to 2017, a total of 9 573 stool specimens were collected from the targeted diarrhea patients ≥18 years old (n=96 067), through the Shanghai Diarrhea Comprehensive Surveillance program. The positive rate of detection was 46.44%. Seasonal peaks of infectious diarrhea were both seen in summer (bacteria peak, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, etc.) and in winter (virus peak, Norovirus, etc.). Both bacterial and viral infections presented seasonal concentration (Raleigh's test P<0.001) but more obvious with bacterial infection. Viral infection accounted for 60.19% of the cause of infectious diarrhea. The top five predominant pathogens appeared as Norovirus, Rotavirus, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Salmonella spp.. Conclusions: Among the adult outpatients with infectious diarrhea in Shanghai, obvious seasonality was seen, with peaks in both summer and winter. Viral infection with Norovirus in particular, appeared as the predominant source of infection. Active, continuous and comprehensive diarrhea-related surveillance programs would be able to monitor the changing dynamic of pathogen spectrum, and lead to the adoption of targeted preventive measures.

Lightweight mesh versus heavyweight mesh for laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine if the prognoses of inguinal hernia patients improved with the application of lightweight mesh (LWM).

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched for randomized controlled trails related to laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair with different prosthetic meshes. Data were extracted and analyzed using the guidelines of the Cochrane handbook. The primary endpoints were recurrence and chronic postoperative inguinal pain. The second endpoints encompassed acute postoperative pain, foreign body sensation, seroma, infection, and numbness. Data were processed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

The heavyweight mesh (HWM) had a distinctive advantage for recurrence (RR 2.30; 95% CI 1.21-4.38; P = 0.01), with comparable results for postoperative pain (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.37-2.22; P = 0.83), foreign body sensation (RR 1.18; 95% CI 0.91-1.51; P = 0.21), seroma(RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.75-1.01; P = 0.06), infection (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.31-2.34; P = 0.75), and numbness, compared to LWM.

CONCLUSION

HWM had a distinctive advantage over LWM with regard to recurrence. The two types of prosthetic meshes had equivalent outcomes for postoperative pain, seroma, foreign body sensation, infection, and numbness. Studies focused on defect sizes and fixation methods are warranted for further stratification.

The predictive value of joint detection of serum amyloid protein A, PCT, and Hs-CRP in the diagnosis and efficacy of neonatal septicemia

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of joint detection of serum amyloid A (SAA), plasma procalcitonin (PCT), and whole blood hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the diagnosis and efficacy of neonatal septicemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 195 cases of neonatal septicemia patients admitted to our hospital from March 2013 to May 2017 were selected as observation group, and 100 healthy newborns in the same period were selected as control group. Before treatment, all newborns were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serum SAA, PCT, and hs-CRP three indicators respectively, and differences between expressions of PCT, HS-CRP, SAA in the serum of children (effective group) who improved after treatment and patients in ineffective group were observed.

RESULTS

Three indexes of SAA, PCT, and hs-CRP in study group were significantly higher than those in control group before treatment, while three indexes of SAA, PCT, and hs-CRP in effective group were significantly lower than those in ineffective group after treatment, with statistical significance (p<0.05). By drawing the ROC curve, it was found that the AUC area, specificity, and sensitivity of joint detection were better than those of the single item detection.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint detection of SAA, PCT, and hs-CRP has high diagnostic value in neonatal septicemia and is worthy of clinical application.

Application of Multiple Genetic Markers in Determination of Full and Half Sibling Relationship： A Case Report

Abstract

Objective To investigate the application of the comprehensive use of multiple genetic markers in full and half sibling relationship testing through the identification of a case of suspected sibling relationship. Methods Genomic DNA were extracted from bloodstain samples from 4 subjects （ZHANG-1, ZHANG-2, male; ZHANG-3, ZHANG-4, female）. Autosomal STR loci, X-STR, Y-STR loci and polymorphisms of mtDNA HV-Ⅰ and Ⅱwere genotyped by EX20 STR kit, X19 kit, Data Y24 STR kit, and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results According to autosomal STR based IBS scoring results, full sibling relationships were indicated among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4, but those were not indicated between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4. According to autosomal STR based FSI and HSI, with ITO method and discriminant function method, full sibling relationships among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4 were indicated, and half sibling relationships between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4 were also indicated. X-STR and mtDNA sequencing results showed that all the 4 samples came from a same maternal line, and Y-STR results showed that ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 did not come from a same paternal line, which supported the half sibling relationship between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4, verified by parental genotype reconstruction based on autosomal STR genotyping. Conclusion For the identification of sibling relationships, it is effective to have reliable results with the mutual verification and support of multiple genetic markers （autosomal STR, sex chromosomal STR and mtDNA sequence） and calculations （IBS, ITO, discriminant function method and family reconstruction）.

[Influence of environmental factors on the two-species biofilm formed by Streptococcus oligofermentans and Streptococcus mutans]

Objective: To study the influence of environmental factors on the two-species biofilm formed by the combinations of Streptococcus oligofermentans (So) with Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Streptococcus sanguinis (Ss) with Sm so as to evaluate the role of So in maintaining the microecological balance of the oral cavity. Methods: Single-and two-species biofilms were grown on saliva-coated surfaces (glass tube and 96-well plate). Colony-counting method and safranin staining method were used to measure the biofilms formed under various oxygen conditions (aerobic and anaerobic), sucrose conditions (0%, 1% and 5% sucrose concentrations) and pH conditions (5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0). Results: Comparing the numbers of Sm in two co-cultures under various conditions, Sm counts in So+Sm group [(7.70±2.46)×10(8) CFU/ml] were significantly lower than those in Ss+Sm group [(9.00±1.13)×10(8) CFU/ml] in aerobic environment (P<0.05). Sm counts in So+Sm group [(2.80±0.52)×10(8) CFU/ml] were also significantly lower than those in the Ss+Sm group [(4.00±1.25)×10(8) CFU/ml] in anaerobic environment (P<0.05). The Sm counts in So+Sm group [(8.90±0.82)×10(8) CFU/ml] were significantly higher than those in Ss+Sm group [(7.50±1.73)×10(8) CFU/ml] in 0% sucrose environment (P<0.05). The Sm counts in So+Sm group [(5.70±2.94)×10(8) CFU/ml] were significantly lower than those in Ss+Sm group [(10.30±3.21) ×10(8) CFU/ml] in 1% sucrose environment (P<0.05). The Sm counts in So+Sm group [(6.10±1.71)×10(8) CFU/ml] were also significantly lower than those in Ss+Sm group [(7.40±1.20)×10(8) CFU/ml] in 5% sucrose environment (P<0.05). The Sm counts in So+Sm group [(3.50±1.50)×10(8) CFU/ml] were significantly lower than those in Ss+Sm group [(10.70±2.80)×10(8) CFU/ml] in pH7.0 environment (P<0.05). Comparing the formation of biofilm after 24 h cultivation, the Sm counts in So+Sm group were significantly lower than those in Ss+Sm group both in aerobic and anaerobic environments (P<0.05). The Sm counts in So+Sm group were significantly higher than those in Ss+Sm group in 0% sucrose environment (P<0.05). The Sm counts in So+Sm group were significantly lower than those in Ss+Sm group in 1% and 5% sucrose and pH 7.0 environments (P<0.05). Both So and Ss had no inhibitory effect on Sm in pH5.5 and pH8.0 environments. Conclusions: In the in vitro two-species co-culture systems, So showed stronger inhibitory effects than Ss on Sm and its inhibitory ability might influenced by various environmental factors.

Evaluating the impact of an insulin pump discontinuation action plan on patient or caregiver confidence and anxiety

Aims

Insulin pump failure and adverse events are common and therefore anticipatory education is recommended. Research in other chronic diseases shows written action plans improve confidence and adherence during an acute deterioration. However, no similar data exists for patients with type one diabetes mellitus provided with anticipatory education via an insulin pump action plan. This study evaluates whether an insulin pump action plan improves patient and caregiver confidence in managing a potential pump failure without a subsequent increase in anxiety.

Methods

Adults with type one diabetes mellitus and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions across four New Zealand diabetes services participated. Participants completed a questionnaire examining pump-related adverse events and self-reported confidence and anxiety in managing pump failure. An insulin pump action plan and focused education by their diabetes team was provided, with a follow-up questionnaire at least 3 months later.

Results

174/270 pump patients participated initially, with a follow-up response rate of 84.5% (147/174). Despite prior provision, many could not recall having an insulin pump action plan at study commencement (101/174, 58%), and of these 92% stated they would have liked one. Patients had good levels of confidence in the reliability of their pump and infusion sets/sites (Likert scores of 4.4/5 and 3.95/5) which was not undermined by the insulin pump action plan. Confidence in managing a potential pump failure showed a small but significant increase (3.66/5 to 3.95/5, p = 0.004) present in both adults and parents, with anxiety also showing a small increase (2.16/5 to 2.38/5, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Patient recall of prior insulin pump action plan education is poor, with the vast majority of patients interested in further written anticipatory education regarding potential pump failure. The provision of an insulin pump action plan increases self-reported confidence in managing unexpected pump failure with a small associated increase in anxiety.

Autonomous Robotic Intracardiac Catheter Navigation Using Haptic Vision

While all minimally invasive procedures involve navigating from a small incision in the skin to the site of the intervention, it has not been previously demonstrated how this can be done autonomously. To show that autonomous navigation is possible, we investigated it in the hardest place to do it - inside the beating heart. We created a robotic catheter that can navigate through the blood-filled heart using wall-following algorithms inspired by positively thigmotactic animals. The catheter employs haptic vision, a hybrid sense using imaging for both touch-based surface identification and force sensing, to accomplish wall following inside the blood-filled heart. Through in vivo animal experiments, we demonstrate that the performance of an autonomously-controlled robotic catheter rivals that of an experienced clinician. Autonomous navigation is a fundamental capability on which more sophisticated levels of autonomy can be built, e.g., to perform a procedure. Similar to the role of automation in fighter aircraft, such capabilities can free the clinician to focus on the most critical aspects of the procedure while providing precise and repeatable tool motions independent of operator experience and fatigue.

Microarray expression analysis of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells after inhibition of CDK2

The study aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of CDK2 inhibition in neuroblastoma by bioinformatics analysis. Gene expression profile GSE16480 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from IMR32 between each time point and average expression of all time points. Gene significance was calculated using dSVDsig algorithm of dnet package. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built. Then, integrated with gene significance, a core PPI network was detected by dNetPipeline algorithm in dnet package. Finally, pathway enrichment analysis was performed for genes in network. Totally, 1524 DEGs were identified. CCNA2 (cyclin A2), EXO1 (exonuclease 1), RAD51AP1 (RAD51 associated protein 1), TOP2A (topoisomerase (DNA) II alpha) and CDK1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1) were selected as DEGs with higher connectivity after PPI network analysis. In the network, CCNA2, CDK1, BUB1B (BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B) and CCNB1 (cyclin B1) were involved in cell cycle pathway. Additionally, CCNB1, CDK1, CCNE2 (Cyclin E2), and RRM2B (ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2B) were involved in p53 signaling pathway. Cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway were closely associated with neuroblastoma after CDK2 inhibition. The DEGs, such as CCNA2, CCNB1, CDK1 and RRM2B may be the potential targets for neuroblastoma.

[Analysis on the heritability of diabetes, based on data from the Chinese adult twins]

Objective: To analyze the heritability of diabetes among the Chinese twin adults. Methods: A total of 10 253 same-sex twin pairs aged 25 years and older, were selected from the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) program. Heritability of diabetes was calculated by using the structural equation model. Results: After adjusted for age and gender, the overall heritability rates of diabetes were 0.41 (0.15-0.75), 0.83 (0.72-0.91) and 0.34 (0.04-0.73) in the <45 and ≥45 years twin pairs, respectively. After adjusted for age, rates of heritability appeared as 0.37 (0.05-0.78) and 0.88 (0.79-0.94) in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: Diabetes is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic effect of diabetes seemed stronger on female than that on male twins but was dying down along with ageing.

[Etiology and clinical technology of the food impaction with tight proximal contacts]

Food impaction with tight proximal contacts, also known as kinetic food impaction and food impaction without anatomical structure destruction, is mainly caused by a transient separation in contacts area during mastication. It's an intractable food impaction with high morbidity and low cure rate. There are two kinds of pathogenesis accepted: the shifting of anterior teeth incongruous with adjacent teeth or lack of anterior shifting; lack of food escape grooves. The preferred treatment is occlusal adjustment, but it's difficult to determine the area and extent of selective grinding, to quantify the occlusal adjustment, or to predict the prognosis. This review summarized the pathogenesis and treatment modality for kinetic food impaction in order to provide evidence for future researches and clinical application.

Prophage Diversity of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' Strains in California

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a highly destructive citrus disease and is associated with a nonculturable bacterium, 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'. 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in the United States was first found in Florida in 2005 and is now endemic there. In California, 'Ca. L. asiaticus' was first detected in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles County in 2012 and has now been detected in multiple urban locations in southern California. Knowledge of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strain diversity in California is important for HLB management. In this study, genomic diversity among 10 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains from six California locations were analyzed using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) (Illumina MiSeq and HiSeq) approach. Draft genome sequences of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains were assembled. Sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and nrdB confirmed 'Ca. L. asiaticus' identity. Prophages were detected in all 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains. The California 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains formed four prophage typing groups (PTGs): PTG1, with type 1 prophage only (strains from Anaheim, San Gabriel, and Riverside); PTG2, with type 2 prophage only (strains from Hacienda Heights); PTG1-3, with both type 1 and 3 prophages (a strain from Cerritos); and PTG1-2, with both type 1 and type 2 prophages (a strain from La Habra). Analyses of the terL sequence showed that all California 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains were not introduced from Florida but likely from locations in Asia. Miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements were found in all 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains, yet, a jumping-out event was detected in the 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strain from Cerritos. Altogether, this study demonstrated that the NGS approach focusing on prophage variation was sensitive and effective in revealing diversity of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' strains in California.

Molecular Typing of Cryptosporidium Species Identified in Fecal Samples of Yaks ( Bos grunniens) of Qinghai Province, China

The frequency of Cryptosporidium infection in yaks from Qinghai province, People's Republic of China, was determined from examination of 1,027 fecal samples collected from 979 adult yaks and 48 yak calves during 4 seasons from 7 geographic areas within the province. PCR amplification of extracted DNA was used to characterize the different species of Cryptosporidium oocysts isolated by fecal examination. Twenty-six (2.53%) positive samples were identified and successfully sequenced: 17 Cryptosporidium ryanae (65.38%), 8 Cryptosporidium bovis (30.77%), and 1 Cryptosporidium baileyi (3.85%). The results of the study indicate that autumn is the primary season for transmission of Cryptosporidium to susceptible yak calves given the favorable temperatures and higher altitude of Qinghai province. To our knowledge, C. baileyi, a species predominately associated with birds (avian hosts), is described for the first time in yaks.

[Dietary pattern and its seasonal characteristic in residents of Shanghai, 2012-2014]

Objective: To analyze dietary pattern and its seasonal characteristic in residents of Shanghai. Methods: A representative sample was surveyed and followed up in four different seasons during 2012-2014. Information of food consumption was collected by 3-day 24-hour dietary recall and condiments weighing method. The intake of energy and macronutrients were calculated according to the Chinese Food Composition Table. Results: Annual average daily intake was 191.09 g for grain, 250.69 g for vegetable, 107.23 g for fruit, 223.53 g for animal food, 96.39 g for dairy products, 11.19 g for soy bean and its product, 36.54 g for cooking oil, and 7.57 g for salt. Significant differences were observed in food consumption among different seasons (P<0.05). Annual average daily intake of energy was 2 048.70 kcal, carbohydrates was 241.04 g, protein was 82.35 g, fat was 85.99 g and proportion of energy contributed by fat was 37.99%. Different seasons, age, residential areas, and income were influence factors for food consumption (P<0.05). Conclusions: Energy intake was adequate in residents of Shanghai. Unhealthy dietary pattern, including high proportion of fat and consumption of cooking oil and salt (lower than average intake of large cities, but higher than recommendation), was observed. It is necessary to take appropriate nutrition intervention, and future researches on dietary intake should consider seasonal influences.

[The value of lean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus in the diagnosis of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective: To explore the value of 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus in the diagnosis of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Method: One hundred cases of patients with definitive diagnosis of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were tested by 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus and supine roll test. The affected side was recorded according to the nystagmus direction. After diagnosis, they were treated with canalith repositioning procedure. The canalith repositioning procedure was made according to the supine roll test result when 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmuscannot be induced. Furthermore，the canalith repositioning procedure was made according to the1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmuswhenthe supine roll test cannot diagnose. The patients with canalolithiasis were randomly divided into two groups when both 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmusand the supine roll test can be induced. One group was treated with canalith repositioning procedure based on results of supine roll test and the other group was treated based on the results of1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus. The detection rate and diagnostic coincidence rate of 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus were calculated and the shortterm outcome were evaluated one day after treatment. Result: The detection rate of 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus was 83% and the coincidence rate with the roll test was 90.1%，respectively. There was no significant statistical difference between the treatment effect according to lean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus and supine roll test. Conclusion: Lean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmus cannot be used alone in the diagnosis ofhorizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. They need to be combined with supine roll test. However, when the supine roll test is difficult to demonstrate the affected side, it can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic method. When the results of 1ean nystagmus and sitting to supine positioning nystagmusand the supine roll test are inconsistent, repeat the test and conduct a comprehensive assessment to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis..

Association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism with osteoporosis risk in Chinese postmenopausal women

AIMS

The underlying mechanisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) genetic variation associated with bone mineral density and osteoporosis remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism as well as gene-gene interaction and their haplotype combination with the risk of osteoporosis.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was carried out for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. Generalized multifactor dimension reduction (GMDR) is used to identify the interaction. SHEsis software evaluated the haplotype and logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the SNPs within the VDR and OPG genes and osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The risk of osteoporosis in the VDR-rs2228570 polymorphism T-allele carriers was significantly higher than that in CC (CT/TT versus CC) individuals (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.76 [1.33-2.22]). The risk of osteoporosis was also higher in the G-allele carrier of the OPG-rs3102735 polymorphism than in individuals with the AA genotype (AG/GG vs. AA) (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.65 [1.27-2.14]). However, after adjusting for sex, age, and waist circumference covariates, no significant association of VDR-rs17879735 and OPG-rs2073618 with the osteoporosis risk was revealed. The GMDR method identified that gene-gene interactions were significant, but not for gene/AO interaction. Haplotypes were analyzed with SHEsis software. We did not detect a high-risk haplotype combination associated with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VDR-rs2228570-T and OPG-rs3102735-G and their interactions are related to the increased risk of osteoporosis.

[Effect and mechanism of mulberry leaf polysaccharide on type 1 diabetic nephropathy in rats]

Objective: To observe the effects of mulberry leaf polysaccharide (MLP) on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor blinding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) as well as the expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 mRNA in the kidney of type 1 Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) rats, and to investigate its therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms. Methods: Type 1 DN rat model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozocin (STZ). SD rats were randomly divided into the control, model, insulin and MLP groups, with eight rats in each group. Rats in MLP group were given orally with MLP 200 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks and insulin group rats were given subcutaneously injection of short acting insulin 1 U daily for 8 weeks. The changes in body weight, blood and urine parameters were recorded. Extracellular matrix (ECM) was calculated. The contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in blood serum were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the kidney were evaluated by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results: Compared with rats in control group, blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, 24 h urine protein, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen in the model group rats were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and these parameters of MLP group were significantly lower than the model group (all P<0.01). The contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the blood serum of the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.001), while in the MLP group they were lower than the model group[IGF-1: (0.777±0.018) ng/ml vs (0.864±0.022) ng/ml, P<0.001; IGFBP-3: (0.759±0.016) ng/ml vs (0.846±0.021) ng/ml, P<0.001]. The mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the kidney of the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.001), while in the MLP group they were lower than in the model group (IGF-1: 1.450±0.032 vs 1.810±0.090, P<0.001; IGFBP-3: 1.684±0.018 vs 1.968±0.044, P<0.001). Compared with the model group rats, there were fewer pathological changes of kidney in MLP group rats. Conclusion: MLP has a certain therapeutic effect on DN, which may be achieved by decreasing the contents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in the blood serum and down-regulating the over-expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 mRNA in the kidney.

Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during late gestation on colostrum yield, fatty acid composition, and IgG concentrations in primiparous sows

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation during late gestation on reproductive performance, colostrum yield, colostral fatty acid composition, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in primiparous sows. Twenty-four primiparous Landrace × Large White pregnant sows were randomly selected and assigned to four dietary treatments: 0% (control), 0.75%, 1.50%, and 2.25% CLA supplementation from day 85 of gestation to parturition. During lactation, all sows were fed the same commercial diet. The preweaning mortality of suckling piglets born to dams fed supplemental CLA did decrease linearly (P = 0.01) during lactation. Administration of CLA during gestation increased linearly (P < 0.01) total saturated fatty acids and decreased linearly (P < 0.01) monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in colostrum. The concentrations of CLA isomers were higher (P < 0.01) in colostrum from primiparous sows fed CLA diets than in the control group. Feeding CLA increased (P < 0.05) colostral IgG concentrations, as well as that in the serum of neonatal piglets. In conclusion, 2.25% CLA supplementation in the diet of primiparous sows during late gestation could improve the passive immunity through colostral IgG and the survival of suckling piglets.

Evidence for Weyl fermions in a canonical heavy-fermion semimetal YbPtBi

The manifestation of Weyl fermions in strongly correlated electron systems is of particular interest. We report evidence for Weyl fermions in the heavy fermion semimetal YbPtBi from electronic structure calculations, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, magnetotransport and calorimetric measurements. At elevated temperatures where 4f-electrons are localized, there are triply degenerate points, yielding Weyl nodes in applied magnetic fields. These are revealed by a contribution from the chiral anomaly in the magnetotransport, which at low temperatures becomes negligible due to the influence of electronic correlations. Instead, Weyl fermions are inferred from the topological Hall effect, which provides evidence for a Berry curvature, and a cubic temperature dependence of the specific heat, as expected from the linear dispersion near the Weyl nodes. The results suggest that YbPtBi is a Weyl heavy fermion semimetal, where the Kondo interaction renormalizes the bands hosting Weyl points. These findings open up an opportunity to explore the interplay between topology and strong electronic correlations.

Radiotherapy With Continued EGFR-TKIs for Oligoprogressive Disease in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Study

Introduction: Almost all epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will develop tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resistance. The treatment of oligoprogression is debatable after TKIs resistance. We conducted a real-world retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy and continuation of TKIs in advanced NSCLC patients with oligoprogressive disease after EGFR-TKIs. Methods: From January 2011 to January 2018, we retrospectively analyzed EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with oligoprogression in our institution. 33 patients were treated by radiotherapy and continuation of TKIs. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model to analyze the prognostic factors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of oligoprogression. Variables we selected for analyses included gender, age, smoking status, performance status (PS) score, stage at initial diagnosis, initial resectable, radiotherapy dose, EGFR mutation type, number of metastasis, sites of radiation, T790M status, time of oligometastasis to radiotherapy. Results: 33 patients develop resistance to EGFR TKIs at a median time of 11.0 months. The mPFS and mOS were 6.5 and 21.0 months, respectively. T790M mutation was tested in 8 patients. The mPFS was 11.3 months in T790M mutation positive patients and 6.0 months in negative patients. The mPFS of patients with brain, lung, and bone metastases were 5.7, 6.0, and 13.0 months, respectively. The mPFS in patients who started radiotherapy within or beyond 1 month after oligometastasis was 11.0 months and 5.3 months. The mPFS of patients with postoperative recurrence and initial unresectable were 13.0 and 6.0 months, respectively. Patients with 1 or more than 1 metastatic site showed a mPFS of 11.0 and 4.4 months, respectively. Those who had EGRF exon 21 mutation achieved a mPFS of 11.3 months, whereas those with EGRF exon 19 mutation did worse with a mPFS of 6.5 months. Cox regression model showed no variables significantly correlated with PFS difference. Univariate analysis identified age and smoking status were significantly associated with OS. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that there was no OS-related prognostic factors. Conclusion: Radiotherapy with continued TKIs is an efficacious treatment option in our patients. Age and smoking status were prognostic factors for OS. Our research showed that there was a better survival in patients with T790M mutation, EGRF exon 21 mutation, radiotherapy within 1 month after oligometastasis and bone metastases. However, this was not statistically significant. Prospective studies are needed to validate these clinical results.

Silage review: Mycotoxins in silage: Occurrence, effects, prevention, and mitigation

Ensiled forage, particularly corn silage, is an important component of dairy cow diets worldwide. Forages can be contaminated with several mycotoxins in the field pre-harvest, during storage, or after ensiling during feed-out. Exposure to dietary mycotoxins adversely affects the performance and health of livestock and can compromise human health. Several studies and surveys indicate that ruminants are often exposed to mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, zearalenone, and many other fungal secondary metabolites, via the silage they ingest. Problems associated with mycotoxins in silage can be minimized by preventing fungal growth before and after ensiling. Proper silage management is essential to reduce mycotoxin contamination of dairy cow feeds, and certain mold-inhibiting chemical additives or microbial inoculants can also reduce the contamination levels. Several sequestering agents also can be added to diets to reduce mycotoxin levels, but their efficacy varies with the type and level of mycotoxin contamination. This article gives an overview of the types, prevalence, and levels of mycotoxin contamination in ensiled forages in different countries, and describes their adverse effects on health of ruminants, and effective prevention and mitigation strategies for dairy cow diets. Future research priorities discussed include research efforts to develop silage additives or rumen microbial innocula that degrade mycotoxins.

[Subjective well-being feelings and related factors in people aged 50 years or older in Shanghai: Based on Day Reconstruction Method]

Objective: To evaluate the subjective well-being feelings of people aged ≥50 years in Shanghai by using the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) and explore the related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2009 to June 2010 among people aged ≥50 years selected through multistage random cluster sampling in Shanghai. DRM was used to assess participants' subjective well-being by net effect and U-index. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the related factors. Results: A total of 8 075 participants were included, with average age of 63.1 years. The mean net effect value was 1.24 (95%CI:1.15-1.33), and the mean U-index was 1.55% (95%CI:1.10%-1.99%). After adjusted for demographic factors, univariate liner regression model indicated that age, education level, marital status, family wealth, residence, self-rated health status, WHODAS score and prevalence of chronic disease were associated with subjective well-being, and multivariate liner regression model indicated that higher WHODAS score was associated with lower net effect value (P<0.05). Conclusion: The subjective well-being feelings of people aged ≥50 years in Shanghai might be associated with age, education level, marital status, family wealth, residence, self-rated health status and WHODAS score. Enhanced social support and appropriate social security system might facilitate the improvement of the subjective well-being of the elderly.

Smad7 Promotes Healing of Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis without Compromising Oral Cancer Therapy in a Xenograft Mouse Model

PURPOSE

We previously reported preventive and therapeutic effects of Smad7, a multifunctional protein, on radiotherapy (RT)-induced mucositis in mice without promoting human oral cancer cell survival or migration in vitro. The current study aims to determine whether a Smad7-based biologic can treat existing oral mucositis during radiotherapy for oral cancer and whether this treatment compromises RT-induced cancer cell killing in neighboring oral cancer.Experimental Design: We transplanted human oral cancer cells into the tongues of mice and applied craniofacial irradiation to simultaneously kill tumor cells and induce oral mucositis, thus modeling RT and mucositis in oral cancer patients. We topically applied a recombinant human Smad7 protein fused with the cell-penetrating Tat tag (Tat-Smad7) to the oral mucosa of tumor-bearing mice post RT when oral mucositis began to develop.

RESULTS

Topically applied Tat-Smad7 penetrated cells in both the oral mucosa and oral cancer, attenuating TGFβ and NF-κB signaling as well as inflammation at both sites. Tat-Smad7 treatment alleviated oral mucositis with reductions in DNA damage and apoptosis in keratinocytes, but increased keratinocyte proliferation compared with vehicle-treated mucositis lesions. In contrast, adjacent oral cancer exposed to Tat-Smad7 did not show alterations in proliferation or direct DNA damage, but showed increased oxidative stress damage and apoptosis compared with tumors treated with vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that short-course Tat-Smad7 application to oral mucositis promotes its healing but does not compromise the cytotoxic effect of RT on oral cancer and has context-specific effects on oral mucosa versus oral cancer.

Comparative persistence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in loam or sandy loam soil amended with bovine or swine manure

The fate of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in swine or dairy manure amended into sandy loam or loam soil under field conditions was studied. Soil was amended with manure inoculated with a Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 cocktail, then transferred to 0.22 μm pore size membrane walled vials. The vials were then placed on the surface or at 15 cm depth in the test plots. Pathogen numbers, soil moisture, rainfall, and temperature were measured throughout the three trials (20-47 weeks duration) representing spring or fall application. Survival curves were characterized by having an initial rapid decline in pathogen numbers followed by a slower inactivation phase with an occasional increase in culturable cells. The CT_99.9 values (time to reach a 3 log CFU reduction) varied from 2 to 120 days, with the most rapid decrease being observed on the surface of sandy loam soil. The persistence of pathogens is primarily governed by variations in moisture and temperature, although season of application along with manure and soil type also contribute. To generate more accurate predictive pathogen models, there is a need for laboratory-based trials to mirror the dynamic variation in temperature and soil moisture encountered within the natural environment.

[General plan of Shanghai Diet and Health Survey]

Shanghai Diet and Health Survey (SDHS) was designed to prospectively access local residents' food consumption, energy and nutrient intake, related chemical contaminant exposure, and the seasonal change trend to explore the relationship of diet with health. Data from SDHS can be used as fundamental information and scientific evidences for the development of local nutrition and food safety policies.

Topical Application of Tat-Rac1 Promotes Cutaneous Wound Healing in Normal and Diabetic Mice

The endogenous small GTPase, Rac1, plays a critical role during normal skin wound healing. It remains to be determined whether endogenous Rac1 can be appropriately activated in chronic wounds; if not, whether exogenous Rac1 has therapeutic effects on wound healing. Here we show that Rac1 protein levels were lower in wounds of db/db diabetic mice than wounds in wild type mice during the healing process. To assess the therapeutic potential of exogenous Rac1 in wound healing, we produced a Tat-Rac1 fusion protein that enters into cells through protein transduction. Tat-Rac1 increased proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Topical application of Tat-Rac1 accelerated cutaneous wound closure in vivo in db/db mice as well as wild type mice. Further analyses revealed that Tat-Rac1 had faster re-epithelialization, higher keratinocyte proliferation and migration without an earlier onset of myofibroblast activation than vehicle treated wounds. Tat-Rac1 also reduced inflammation in wounds. Our findings revealed the failure of diabetic wounds to elevate Rac1 expression and suggested a therapeutic strategy utilizing a Rac1-based biologic to compensate for this defect thereby promoting wound healing.

[Incidence of fall related injury in people aged 50 and above and risk factors in 8 provinces in China: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and distribution characteristics of fall related injury in people aged ≥50 years in 8 provinces in China and related physiological, psychological and social risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from adults aged ≥50 years participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE) round 1 in China. Two-level hierarchical logistic model was used to identify the related factors for fall-related injury. All the models were stratified by living area (urban/rural). Results: Estimated incidence of fall related injury (road traffic injury was not included) was 3.2%. Ageing and multiple chronic conditions (OR=2.55, 95%CI: 1.41-4.64) was significantly associated with the incidence of fall related injury in urban area. In rural area, depression (OR=4.33, 95% CI: 2.52-7.42) and multiple chronic conditions (OR=2.46, 95%CI: 1.37-4.41) were associated with the incidence of fall related injury. Conclusions: This study estimated the incidence of fall related injury in adults aged ≥50 years in 8 provinces in China. A significant association between multiple chronic conditions and fall related injury were found in both urban and rural residents. Targeted measures should be taken for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in elderly population.

[Associations of obesity and physical activity with cognition in people aged 50 and above in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the associations of obesity and physical activity with cognition in the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2009 to June 2010 among people aged ≥50 years selected through multistage random cluster sampling in Shanghai. The subjects' body weight, body height, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR), and the data on self-reported physical activity level were collected through questionnaire survey. A comprehensive battery of cognitive tests was conducted to assess subjects' cognitive functions, including verbal recall, forward digit span (FDS), backward digit span (BDS), and verbal fluency (VF). General linear model was used to examine the associations of BMI, WHR and physical activity with cognition. Results: A total of 7 913 participants were included, with a median age of 60 years. Age, sex, education level, income level, BMI, WHR and physical activity level were significantly associated with cognitive scores in univariate analysis. After adjusted for age, sex, education level and income level, BMI was no longer significantly associated with cognitive scores in all cognitive functions (all P>0.01). WHR was significantly associated with VF score (P<0.01). Abdominally obese participants had lower VF score than non-abdominally obese participants (P<0.01). Physical activity level was significantly associated with all cognitive functions (P<0.01). Compared with participants with moderate physical activity level, participants with low physical activity level had lower scores in all cognitive functions (P<0.01). Conclusion: Abdominal obesity and low physical activity level were negatively associated with cognition level in the elderly, suggesting that waist circumference control and physical activity might help maintain cognition in the elderly.

Distribution of the Related Weevil Species Sitophilus oryzae and S. zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Farmer Stored Grains of China

Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are major insect pests of farm-stored grains in China. Moreover, their respective distribution and prevalence are not yet assessed for grain storage facilities in China. The two species are often difficult to identify by morphology because they are immature or their presence is only evident from fragments. Species-specific primers were, therefore, designed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of 34 populations found throughout China and three foreign populations. Following the validation of this molecular-based approach for species identification, the distribution of the two species in China was determined from 68 different grain storage facilities. The results indicate that S. zeamais is prevalent throughout the country whereas S. oryzae is mainly present in the south and the center of China. It is believed that this distribution pattern is in function of ecological adaptation, mostly determined by temperature and the grain species. This is the first report of its kind, demonstrating the distribution of S. zeamais and S. oryzae in grain storage facilities throughout China and analyzed by species-specific primers of COI.