Short communication: Microbiological quality of raw cow milk and its association with herd management practices in Northern China

Contamination of raw milk with bacterial pathogens is potentially hazardous to human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total bacteria count (TBC) and presence of pathogens in raw milk in Northern China along with the associated herd management practices. A total of 160 raw milk samples were collected from 80 dairy herds in Northern China. All raw milk samples were analyzed for TBC and pathogens by culturing. The results showed that the number of raw milk samples with TBC <2 × 10⁶ cfu/mL and <1 × 10⁵ cfu/mL was 146 (91.25%) and 70 (43.75%), respectively. A total of 84 (52.50%) raw milk samples were Staphylococcus aureus positive, 72 (45.00%) were Escherichia coli positive, 2 (1.25%) were Salmonella positive, 2 (1.25%) were Listeria monocytogenes positive, and 3 (1.88%) were Campylobacter positive. The prevalence of S. aureus was influenced by season, herd size, milking frequency, disinfection frequency, and use of a Dairy Herd Improvement program. The TBC was influenced by season and milk frequency. The correlation between TBC and prevalence of S. aureus or E. coli is significant. The effect size statistical analysis showed that season and herd (but not Dairy Herd Improvement, herd size, milking frequency, disinfection frequency, and area) were the most important factors affecting TBC in raw milk. In conclusion, the presence of bacteria in raw milk was associated with season and herd management practices, and further comprehensive study will be powerful for effectively characterizing various factors affecting milk microbial quality in bulk tanks in China.

[Treatment of complicated intra-articular distal radius fractures with extended flexor carpi radialis approach]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the effect of treatment of complicated intra-articular distal radius fractures with extended flexor carpi radialis approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 38 cases with fresh complicated intra-articular distal radius fractures treated by using extended flexor carpi radialis approach in our hospital from October 2012 to March 2015, with 25 males and 13 females. The average age was (52.76±8.62) years (32-64 years). The average time to surgery was (5.42±1.91) d (3-10 d), with left wrist 17 cases and right wrist 21 cases. All the patients were with C3 distal radius fractures according to Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification. The follow-up was conducted 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, including AP and lateral X-ray, wrist extension and flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation, forearm pronation and supination, and grip strength. At the end of 6 and 12 months after operation, all the patients were evaluated by using the modified Garland-Werley score and patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE).

RESULTS

All the patients got good bone union, and their follow-up time was more than 12 months. The average follow-up time was (16.37±2.85) months (12-22 months). The score of modified Garland-Werley evaluation 6 months postoperation was 5.37±2.82, excellent and good rate was 84.21%, the score of modified Garland-Werley evaluation 12 months postoperation was 5.03±2.60, excellent and good rate was 86.84%. The score of PRWE 6 months postoperation was 15.82±8.38, the score of PRWE 12 months postoperation was 12.17±7.58.

CONCLUSION

The extended flexor carpi radialis approach is effective for the treatment of complicated intra-articular distal radius fractures and can avoid the complications of volar and dorsal combination approach.

Geospatial characteristics of measles transmission in China during 2005-2014

Measles is a highly contagious and severe disease. Despite mass vaccination, it remains a leading cause of death in children in developing regions, killing 114,900 globally in 2014. In 2006, China committed to eliminating measles by 2012; to this end, the country enhanced its mandatory vaccination programs and achieved vaccination rates reported above 95% by 2008. However, in spite of these efforts, during the last 3 years (2013-2015) China documented 27,695, 52,656, and 42,874 confirmed measles cases. How measles manages to spread in China-the world's largest population-in the mass vaccination era remains poorly understood. To address this conundrum and provide insights for future public health efforts, we analyze the geospatial pattern of measles transmission across China during 2005-2014. We map measles incidence and incidence rates for each of the 344 cities in mainland China, identify the key socioeconomic and demographic features associated with high disease burden, and identify transmission clusters based on the synchrony of outbreak cycles. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we identify 21 epidemic clusters, of which 12 were cross-regional. The cross-regional clusters included more underdeveloped cities with large numbers of emigrants than would be expected by chance (p = 0.011; bootstrap sampling), indicating that cities in these clusters were likely linked by internal worker migration in response to uneven economic development. In contrast, cities in regional clusters were more likely to have high rates of minorities and high natural growth rates than would be expected by chance (p = 0.074; bootstrap sampling). Our findings suggest that multiple highly connected foci of measles transmission coexist in China and that migrant workers likely facilitate the transmission of measles across regions. This complex connection renders eradication of measles challenging in China despite its high overall vaccination coverage. Future immunization programs should therefore target these transmission foci simultaneously.

[Association between interleukin-18 gene polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by hepatitis B virus]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) IL-18-137G/C (rs187238) and IL-18-607A/C (rs1946518) in interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

METHODS

The subjects were divided into HBV-related HCC group (109 patients), chronic HBV infection group (113 patients), and healthy control group (127 patients). The polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) was used to determine the alleles and genotypes of the two SNPs IL-18-137G/C and IL-18-607A/C. The t-test and chi-square test were used for baseline data. The chi-square test was used to investigate the differences in genotype and allele frequencies across the three groups. Non-conditional logistic regression analysis was used to compare the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for different genotypes/alleles in predicting the risk of HBV-related HCC.

RESULTS

The HBV-related HCC group showed significantly higher AA genotype and A allele frequencies of the SNP IL-18-607A/C than the healthy control group (AA genotype frequency: 29.4% vs 18.1%, χ (2) = 4.152, P < 0.05; A allele frequency: 54.6% vs 44.1%, 5.169, P < 0.05), which were positively correlated with the risk of HBV-related HCC (AA genotype frequency: OR = 1.879, 95% CI: 1.020-3.464; A allele frequency: OR = 1.524, 95% CI: 1.059-2.193). The chronic HBV infection group had a significantly higher A allele frequency of the SNP IL-18-607A/C than the healthy control group (54.0% vs 44.1%, χ (2) = 4.680, P < 0.05), which was positively correlated with the risk of chronic HBV infection (OR = 1.487, 95% CI: 1.037-2.132). The genotype and allele frequencies of the SNP IL-18-607A/C showed no significant differences between the HBV-related HCC group and the chronic HBV infection group (P > 0.05). The genotype and allele frequencies of the SNP IL-18-137G/C showed no significant differences between any two groups of the three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The AA genotype and A allele frequencies of the SNP IL-18-607A/C are positively correlated with the morbidity of HBV-related HCC, and the A allele frequency of the SNP IL-18-607A/C is positively correlated with the morbidity of chronic HBV infection.

[Comparative analysis of the ankle joints in juvenile male soccer players with imaging]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of children male soccer players' ankle imaging features.

METHODS

From October 2015 to February 2016, a total of 32 male children players of two soccer clubs in Guangzhou were enrolled in this study.The ages of all cases were from 10 to 14 years, average age was (11.3±0.9) years.A total of 15 male children in region ordinary primary and secondary school students were set as control group, ages were from 10 to 14 years, average age was (12.1±1.2) years. All objects' ankle were examined by X-ray for positive and lateral positions; routine CT scanning and then on the workstation restructuring for axial, coronal and sagittal slices; and examined by MR. MR scan was with special surface coil for ankle joint for horizontal axis T2WI; coronal T1WI; coronary proton density weighted imaging (PWI); sagittal T2WI with fat suppression; sagittal PWI with isotropic and fat suppression sequence of fast field echo. The ankle bone morphological structures were observed on X-ray; the ankle bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness and sesamoid bone quantity was being observed and measured on CT; and the tenosynovitis, Achilles tendinitis, synovitis, and cancellous bone edema signal were observed on MR.

RESULTS

For study group, a total of 32 cases and 64 ankles joints were completed by X-ray, CT and MR examination.A total of 15 cases and 30 ankles joints were completed by X-ray in control group, 26 ankle joints were completed by CT scan and 22 ankle joints were completed by MR examination.X-ray examination showed there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in ankle bone structure.CT showed that navicular bone CT value was (296±82) HU in research group and navicular bone CT value was (266±107) HU in control group, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). MR showed the incidence of diseases in research group that the tendon sheath peripheral inflammation was 92.2% (59/64), Achilles tendon lesions was 18.8%(12/64), edema of cancellous bone was 73.4% (47/64) , lateral malleous ligaments injuried was 43.8%(28/64), synovitis or effusion in posterior ankle was 87.5% (56/64). The incidence of diseases in control group was that tendon sheath peripheral inflammation was 31.8%(7/22), Achilles tendon lesions was 0/22, edema of cancellous bone was 0/22, lateral malleous ligaments injuried was 0/22, synovitis or effusion in posterior ankle was 54.5% (12/22). There was statistically significant difference between these two groups (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the control group, children's male soccer players ankle bone structure, bone cortex thickness and bone mineral density there were no obvious difference. In the tenosynovitis, Achilles tendinitis, synovitis, bone marrow edema, lateral malleous ligaments injuried were significantly higher than the control group.

Influence of dairy by-product waste milk on the microbiomes of different gastrointestinal tract components in pre-weaned dairy calves

The community structure of colonised bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of pre-weaned calves is affected by extrinsic factors, such as the genetics and diet of the calves; however, the dietary impact is not fully understood and warrants further research. Our study revealed that a total of 6, 5, 2 and 10 bacterial genera showed biologically significant differences in the GITs of pre-weaned calves fed four waste-milk diets: acidified waste milk, pasteurised waste milk, untreated bulk milk, and untreated waste milk, respectively. Specifically, generic biomarkers were observed in the rumen (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, Fibrobacter, Clostridium, etc.), caecum (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Oxalobacter, Odoribacter, etc.) and colon (e.g., Megamonas, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, etc.) but not in the faeces. In addition, the predicted metabolic pathways showed that the expression of genes related to metabolic diseases was increased in the calves fed untreated waste milk, which indicated that untreated waste milk is not a suitable liquid diet for pre-weaned calves. This is the first study to demonstrate how different types of waste milk fed to pre-weaned calves affect the community structure of colonised bacteria, and the results may provide insights for the intentional adjustment of diets and gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Biological mechanism of post-herpetic neuralgia: Evidence from multiple patho-psychophysiological measures

BACKGROUND

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which develops after the resolution of a herpes zoster eruption, is an exceptionally drug-resistant neuropathic pain. The unsatisfactory management of PHN partly results from the difficulty in dissecting out its contributing factors due to the complexity of PHN mechanism.

METHODS

Here, to elaborate our understanding of the PHN mechanism and to establish a basis for effective therapeutic strategies, we comprehensively investigated the contributions of multiple factors to PHN severity.

RESULTS

Based on the comparison of somatosensory detection thresholds (C, Aδ and Aβ fibre thresholds) between affected and unaffected sides, 16 PHN patients with significant sensory deficits and 13 PHN patients without significant sensory deficits were identified and assigned to different groups. The different extents of lesions in the nociceptive system between patients with and without sensory deficits were confirmed using laser-evoked brain responses. Moreover, patients with sensory deficits had more severe pain and psychological disorders, e.g. anxiety and depression. Importantly, chronic pain severity was significantly influenced by various psychophysiological factors (sleep disturbances, psychological disorders and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction) for patients with sensory deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated the contribution of multiple patho-psychophysiological factors to PHN severity, which could help establish a basis for the development of a rational, patient-centred therapeutic strategy.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study revealed the contribution of multiple patho-psychophysiological factors to PHN severity, which expanded our understanding of the underlying PHN mechanism, and helped develop a rational, patient-centred therapeutic strategy targeting towards the corresponding etiology and psychophysiological disorders for individual patient.

[Effect of CIK on long-term survival in the treatment of HCC after RFA combined TACE]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effects of autologous cytokine-induced killer cell(CIK) on the cumulative survival and reactivation rate of hepatitics B virus(HBV) after radiofrequency ablation(RFA) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE).

METHODS

A total of 156 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated from June 2006 to September 2012 in Shengli Oilfield Central Hosptial were divided into control group(RFA, TACE) and research group(RFA, TACE, CIK). According to the tumors number, diameter and vascular invasion condition, the patients were divided into another 4 groups: the high and low risk group with tumor ≤5 cm, the high and low risk group with tumor>5 cm.The prognosis of these groups was analyzed. The effects on HBV reactivation rate between antiviral and unantiviral patients were respectively analyzed .

RESULTS

The ratios of the research and control group over 1-, 3-, 5-year were 75.3%(70/93), 58.9%(53/90), 21.5%(20/93)vs 71.4%(45/63), 55.6%(35/63), 22.2%(14/63)(P>0.05), the ratios of the research and control group in the high risk group with tumor≤5 cm were 75.0%(18/24), 58.3%(14/24), 37.5%(9/24)vs 58.8%(10/17), 41.2%(7/17), 23.5%(4/17)(P<0.05). The incidences of HBV reactivation for the research and control group were 6.0% and 24.3%(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative adjuvant CIK therapy with tumor≤5 cm after RFA combined with TACE is beneficial to the high risk group and decreases the risk of HBV reactivation.

[Genetic Polymorphisms of SNP Located in the 5' Region of VEGF Gene in Han Population in Guangdong]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the genetic polymorphism of SNP located in the 5' region of the vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） gene in Han population in Guangdong and provide basic data for forensic application and population genetics research.

METHODS

The genetic polymorphisms of 4 SNP loci （rs699947, rs1570360, rs833061, rs2010963） within 5' region of VEGF gene of 184 unrelated individuals in Han population in Guangdong were analyzed by DNA micro sequencing technology SNaPshot. The statistical analysis was carried out by PowerMarker v3.25 software.

RESULTS

The genotype distributions of the 4 SNP loci within 5' region of VEGF gene of 184 unrelated individuals in Han population in Guangdong were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05） and 3 kinds of genotypes were detected from each loci. There was high linkage disequilibrium between the rs833061 and rs699947 SNP loci. Six haplotypes were observed, while the frequency of C-G-T-C, C-G-T-G, A-A-C-G and A-G-C-G were more than 10%, which were the main haplotypes. The discrimination probabilities （DP） of rs699947, rs833061, and rs2010963 loci were between 0.583 and 0.634, with the power of exclusion （PE） between 0.133 and 0.144. The DP and PE of haplotypes of 4 SNP were 0.868 and 0.438, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There are great polymorphisms in the 5' region of VEGF gene in Han population in Guangdong, which could be used as genetic indexes for individual identification and paternity testing, as well as association analysis of the related diseases.

Aflatoxin M1 cytotoxicity against human intestinal Caco-2 cells is enhanced in the presence of other mycotoxins

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a class 2B human carcinogen, is the only mycotoxin with established maximum residue limits (MRLs) in milk. Toxicological data for other mycotoxins in baby food, containing cereals and milk, either in isolation or in combination with AFM1, are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of AFM1, ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), and α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), individually and in combinations, in human Caco-2 cells. The tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay demonstrated that (i) OTA and AFM1 had similar cytotoxicity, which was higher than that of ZEA and α-ZOL, after a 72 h exposure; and (ii) the quaternary combination had the highest cytotoxicity, followed by tertiary and binary combinations and individual mycotoxins. Isobologram analysis indicated that the presence of OTA, ZEA, and/or α-ZOL with AFM1 led to additive and synergistic cytotoxicity in most combinations. The cytotoxicity of OTA was similar to that of AFM1, suggesting that OTA in food poses a health risk to consumers. Furthermore, AFM1 cytotoxicity increased dramatically in the presence of OTA, ZEA, and/or α-ZOL (p < 0.01), indicating that the established MRLs for AFM1 should be re-evaluated considering its frequent co-occurrence with other mycotoxins in baby food which contains milk and cereals.

[Minimally invasive surgical techniques of cochlear implantation withround window pathways in young children]

Objective:To discuss the minimally invasive surgical techniques and the effect of cochlear implantation with round window pathways in young children(≤3 years).Method:One hundred and sixty patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearin loss received MED-EL cochlear implantation,including 144 cases of normal middle and inner ear,4 cases of Mondini deformity,12 cases of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.Result:Of 160 patients underwent CIs,148 patients were performed with round window pathways,the rate was 92.5%. Iit's difficult to exposure round window in 12 patients,performing from promontory.All electrodes of 158 cases with unilateral CI and 2 cases with bilateral CI were implanted successfully,in which the CI went normally and electrode array were protected well.All implant devices had worked normally and all patients had performed well during an average follow-up period of 8 month-3 years.Post-operatively complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage,facial nerve injury haven't been found.Conclusion:Cochlear implantation could be performed in patients wit with round window pathways,and it is a safe and effective way in young children.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on dairy calves: Ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial community

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) in the calf starter and milk on ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial community in the first 56 d of life. Thirty Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a texturized calf starter containing 0 (CON), 0.5, or 1% SCFP (XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) of dry matter from d 4 to 56. In addition, the XPC-supplemented calves were fed with 1 g/d SCFP (SmartCare, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) in milk from d 2 to 30. All calves were fed 4 L of colostrum within 1 h of birth and were subsequently fed milk twice daily until weaned on d 56. Rumen fluid was collected by an esophageal tube 4 h after the morning feeding on d 28 and 56 to determine ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acids concentrations. On d 56, 15 (5 per treatment) calves were harvested and slaughter weight, gastrointestinal morphology parameters, and bacteria community were recorded. Papilla length, width, and surface area were measured from 5 locations within the rumen. Villus height, width, surface area, crypt depth, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio were measured in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to test the microbial community of the rumen and duodenum samples on d 28 and 56. Data were analyzed by MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with contrast statements to declare CON versus all SCFP and 0.5 versus 1% SCFP in starter grains. Ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and total volatile fatty acids were not altered by SCFP. However, the supplemented groups exhibited higher ruminal butyrate concentrations coinciding with higher Butyrivibrio and lower Prevotella richness than CON group. Supplementation of SCFP increased papilla length in the rumen. In the small intestine, SCFP reduced crypt depth of jejunum, and increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in all segments of the small intestine, especially when supplemented at a higher dosage in the starter. In conclusion, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products improved gastrointestinal morphology, possibly due to increased Butyrivibrio and decreased Prevotella richness of the rumen fluid, which resulted in an increase in butyrate production, and the effect was slightly greater with the higher dosage of SCFP in the starter.

Association between interleukin-21 gene polymorphisms (rs12508721) and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Interleukin-21 (IL-21), as a multifunctional cytokine, plays an important role in many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of IL-21 gene and susceptibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Chinese population. Studied subjects were divided into three groups: 100 patients with HBV-related HCC, 115 patients with chronic HBV infection and 127 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method was used to genotype the SNPs (rs2221903, rs907715 and rs12508721) within IL-21 gene. Our results showed that IL-21 polymorphisms were associated with the risk of HCC and chronic HBV infection when compared with healthy controls. The rs2221903A/G AG genotype was associated with a higher risk of chronic HBV infection when compared with healthy controls [AG versus AA + GG, P = 0.036, OR = 1.898, 95%CI = 1.038-3.471]. The rs12508721C/T TT genotype was related with a lower risk of chronic HBV infection and HBV-related HCC than in healthy controls [TT versus CT + CC, P = 0.026, OR = 0.451, 95%CI = 0.221-0.920; P = 0.049, OR = 0.482, 95%CI = 0.231-1.005]. No significant difference in the genotype and allele distrubutions of rs907715G/A SNP was observed in the HBV-related HCC group, chronic HBV-infected group and the healthy control group when compared to each other. Our findings suggest that the rs12508721T/C and rs2221903A/G polymorphisms of IL-21 gene are associated with the susceptibility of HBV-related HCC and chronic HBV infection. The genetic variant may in fact cause protection against the HBV-related HCC. However, the function in these SNPs of IL-21 gene needs to clarify the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC further.

Spin-orbit coupling of light in asymmetric microcavities

When spinning particles, such as electrons and photons, undergo spin-orbit coupling, they can acquire an extra phase in addition to the well-known dynamical phase. This extra phase is called the geometric phase (also known as the Berry phase), which plays an important role in a startling variety of physical contexts such as in photonics, condensed matter, high-energy and space physics. The geometric phase was originally discussed for a cyclically evolving physical system with an Abelian evolution, and was later generalized to non-cyclic and non-Abelian cases, which are the most interesting fundamental subjects in this area and indicate promising applications in various fields. Here, we enable optical spin-orbit coupling in asymmetric microcavities and experimentally observe a non-cyclic optical geometric phase acquired in a non-Abelian evolution. Our work is relevant to fundamental studies and implies promising applications by manipulating photons in on-chip quantum devices.

Rapid Increase in Scrub Typhus Incidence in Mainland China, 2006-2014

Scrub typhus is a vector-borne disease, which has recently reemerged in China. In this study, we describe the distribution and incidence of scrub typhus cases in China from 2006 to 2014 and quantify differences in scrub typhus cases with respect to sex, age, and occupation. The results of our study indicate that the annual incidence of scrub typhus has increased during the study period. The number of cases peaked in 2014, which was 12.8 times greater than the number of cases reported in 2006. Most (77.97%) of the cases were reported in five provinces (Guangdong, Yunnan, Anhui, Fujian, and Shandong). Our study also demonstrates that the incidence rate of scrub typhus was significantly higher in females compared to males (P < 0.001) and was highest in the 60-69 year age group, and that farmers had a higher incidence rate than nonfarmers (P < 0.001). Different seasonal trends were identified in the number of reported cases between the northern and southern provinces of China. These findings not only demonstrate that China has experienced a large increase in scrub typhus incidence, but also document an expansion in the geographic distribution throughout the country.

CXCL12 G801A polymorphism and susceptibility to glioma: a case‑control study

Previous studies have demonstrated that the CXCL12 G801A polymorphism is closely correlated with tumor susceptibility. In addition, the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway is closely related to proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of glioma. However, the genetic effects of the CXCL12 G801A polymorphism on glioma risk in Chinese populations remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential associations between the CXCL12 G801A polymorphism with glioma susceptibility and its clinicopathological characteristics. Frequencies of CXCL12 G801A polymorphic variants between glioma patients (N = 750) and healthy controls (N = 750) were assessed using restriction length fragment polymorphism analysis. The association among the CXCL12 G801A polymorphism, glioma grade (WHO classification), and histological type was also evaluated. Our results showed that patients with glioma had significantly higher frequency of the CXCL12-3' A/A genotypes (P = 0.039) as compared with healthy controls. When stratified by the glioma histology, high-grade glioma patients had significantly higher frequency of the CXCL12-3' A/A genotypes (P = 0.019) as compared with low-grade glioma patients. When stratified by the WHO grade, significantly higher frequency of the CXCL12-3' A/A genotype was observed in stage IV glioma patients (P = 0.037). We conclude that the CXCL12 G801A polymorphism is a risk factor that increases susceptibility to gliomas in a subset of the general Han Chinese population.

Effects of replacing wild rye, corn silage, or corn grain with CaO-treated corn stover and dried distillers grains with solubles in lactating cow diets on performance, digestibility, and profitability

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of partially replacing wild rye (Leymus chinensis; WR), corn silage (CS), or corn grain (CG) in dairy cow diets with CaO-treated corn stover (T-CS) and corn dried distillers grains with soluble (DDGS) on performance, digestibility, blood metabolites, and income over feed cost. Thirty tonnes of air-dried corn stover was collected, ground, and mixed with 5% CaO. Sixty-four Holstein dairy cows were blocked based on days in milk, milk yield, and parity and were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. The treatments were (1) a diet containing 50% concentrate, 15% WR, 25% CS, and 10% alfalfa hay (CON); (2) 15% WR, 5% CG, and 6% soybean meal were replaced by 15% T-CS and 12% DDGS (RWR); (3) 12.5% CS, 6% CG, and 5% soybean meal were replaced by 12.5% T-CS and 12%DDGS (RCS); (4) 13% CG and 6% soybean meal were replaced by 7% T-CS and 13% DDGS (RCG). Compared with CON treatment, cows fed RCS and RCG diets had similar dry matter intake (CON: 18.2 ± 0.31 kg, RCS: 18.6 ± 0.31 kg, and RCG: 18.4 ± 0.40 kg). The RWR treatment tended to have lower dry matter intake than other treatments. The inclusion of T-CS and DDGS in treatment diets as a substitute for WR, CS, or CG had no effects on lactose percentage (CON: 4.96 ± 0.02%, RWR: 4.97 ± 0.02%, RCS: 4.96 ± 0.02%, and RCG: 4.94 ± 0.02%), 4% fat-corrected milk yield (CON: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg, RWR: 22.1 ± 0.60 kg, RCS: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg, and RCG: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg), milk fat yield (CON: 0.90 ± 0.03 kg, RWR: 0.86 ± 0.03 kg, RCS: 0.87 ± 0.03 kg, and RCG: 0.89 ± 0.03 kg), and milk protein yield (CON: 0.74 ± 0.02 kg, RWR: 0.72 ± 0.02 kg, RCS: 0.73 ± 0.02 kg, and RCG: 0.71 ± 0.02 kg). Cows fed the RWR diet had higher apparent dry matter digestibility (73.7 ± 1.30 vs. 70.2 ± 1.15, 69.9 ± 1.15, and 69.9 ± 1.15% for RWR vs. CON, RCS, and RCG, respectively) and lower serum urea N (3.55 ± 0.11 vs. 4.03 ± 0.11, 3.95 ± 0.11, and 3.99 ± 0.11 mmol/L for RWR vs. CON, RCS, and RCG, respectively) than cows fed other diets. No significant differences were noted in apparent neutral detergent fiber digestibility among the treatments. Compared with CON treatment, the RWR, RCS, and RCG treatments generated an additional $0.77, $0.70, and $0.81 income over feed cost per cow per day, respectively. In conclusion, feeding diets containing a portion of T-CS and DDGS can improve profitability of the treatment groups without negatively affecting the lactation performance of mid- to late-lactation cows.

Modeling the transmission dynamics of Ebola virus disease in Liberia

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has erupted many times in some zones since it was first found in 1976. The 2014 EVD outbreak in West Africa is the largest ever, which has caused a large number of deaths and the most serious country is Liberia during the outbreak period. Based on the data released by World Health Organization and the actual transmission situations, we investigate the impact of different transmission routes on the EVD outbreak in Liberia and estimate the basic reproduction number R0 = 2.012 in the absence of effective control measures. Through sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, we reveal that the transmission coefficients of suspected and probable cases have stronger correlations on the basic reproduction number. Furthermore, we study the influence of control measures (isolation and safe burial measures) on EVD outbreak. It is found that if combined control measures are taken, the basic reproduction number will be less than one and thus EVD in Liberia may be well contained. The obtained results may provide new guidance to prevent and control the spread of disease.

Effects of calcium oxide treatment at varying moisture concentrations on the chemical composition, in situ degradability, in vitro digestibility and gas production kinetics of anaerobically stored corn stover

The objective of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for calcium oxide (CaO) treatment of anaerobically stored corn stover by in situ and in vitro methods. Four ruminally cannulated, non-lactating, non-pregnant Holstein cows were used to determine the in situ effective degradabilities of dry matter (ISDMD), organic matter (ISOMD), neutral detergent fibre (ISNDFD), in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) and gas production in 72 h (GP72h ) of corn stover. A completely randomized design involving a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement was adopted. Ground corn stover was treated with different levels of CaO (3%, 5% and 7% of dry stover) at varying moisture contents (40%, 50% and 60%) and stored under anaerobic conditions for 15 days before analysis. Compared with untreated corn stover, the CaO-treated stover had increased ash and calcium (Ca) contents but decreased aNDF and OM contents. The moisture content, CaO level and their interaction affected (p < 0.01) the content of aNDF, ash and OM, and the ratio of aNDF/OM. The greatest ISDMD, ISOMD and ISNDFD were observed when stover was treated with 7% CaO and 60% moisture, while no differences (p > 0.01) in these in situ degradability parameters were observed between the stover treated with 5% CaO at 60% moisture content and those treated with 7% CaO at 60% moisture content. Corn stover treated with 5% CaO at 50% moisture had the maximum IVOMD and GP72 h among the treatments, and there was no difference (p > 0.01) between 50% and 60% moisture. Results from this study suggested that 5% CaO applied at 60% moisture could be an effective and economical treatment combination.

Specialized features of the outer hair cell shapes in the cochlear fovea of bats

In this study, we examined the specialized features of the outer hair cells (OHCs) and the stereocilium bundles of the bat cochlear fovea. Bat cochlea hair cells were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the auditory brainstem response thresholds were assessed. The stereocilia bundles of the OHCs were extremely short. The OHC bodies were flask-shaped and cambiform or ball-shape in the cochlear fovea. Digitations in the Deiters cells had exaggerated lengths, and cup formation of the Deiters cell, housed at the bottom of the OHC in the base of the cell, showed a specialized shape. Our results provide the first evidence that different shapes of the OHCs in the cochlea fovea are related to the high-frequency function of auditory response. Echolocating bats have cochlear morphologies that differ from those of non-echolocating animals. Bat cochlear foveae are specialized for analyzing the Doppler-shifted echoes of the first-harmonics of the CF2 component; these are overrepresented in the frequency range around the dominant harmonic of the echolocation calls of bats. However, the OHCs of the bat cochlear fovea have not been fully characterized.

Colostrum quality affects immune system establishment and intestinal development of neonatal calves

The first meal of a neonatal calf after birth is crucial for survival and health. The present experiment was performed to assess the effects of colostrum quality on IgG passive transfer, immune and antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology and histology in neonatal calves. Twenty-eight Holstein neonatal male calves were used in the current study, 24 of which were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: those that received colostrum (GrC), transitional milk (GrT, which was obtained after the first milking on 2-3 d after calving), and bulk tank milk (GrB) only at birth. The 4 extra neonatal calves who were not fed any milk were assigned to the control group and were killed immediately after birth to be a negative control to small intestinal morphology and histology detection. Calves in GrC gained more body weight than in GrT, whereas GrB calves lost 0.4 kg compared with the birth weight. Serum total protein, IgG, and superoxide dismutase concentrations were highest in GrC, GrT was intermediate, whereas GrB was the lowest on d 2, 3, and 7. Apparent efficiency of absorption at 48 h, serum complement 3 (C3), and complement 4 (C4) on d 2, 3, and 7 in GrB was low compared with GrC and GrT. On the contrary, malondialdehyde on d 7 increased in GrB. Calves in GrC had better villus length and width, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth (V/C) value, and mucosal thickness in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, whereas GrT calves had lower villus length and width, crypt depth, and mucosal thickness than those fed colostrum. Villi of calves in GrB were nonuniform, sparse, severely atrophied, and apically abscised, and Peyer's patches and hydroncus were detected. Overall, colostrum is the best source for calves in IgG absorption, antioxidant activities, and serum growth metabolites, and promoting intestinal development. The higher quality of colostrum calves ingested, the faster immune defense mechanism and the more healthy intestinal circumstances they established.

Spatiotemporal Clustering Analysis and Risk Assessments of Human Cutaneous Anthrax in China, 2005-2012

Objective

To investigate the epidemic characteristics of human cutaneous anthrax (CA) in China, detect the spatiotemporal clusters at the county level for preemptive public health interventions, and evaluate the differences in the epidemiological characteristics within and outside clusters.

Methods

CA cases reported during 2005–2012 from the national surveillance system were evaluated at the county level using space-time scan statistic. Comparative analysis of the epidemic characteristics within and outside identified clusters was performed using using the χ² test or Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

The group of 30–39 years had the highest incidence of CA, and the fatality rate increased with age, with persons ≥70 years showing a fatality rate of 4.04%. Seasonality analysis showed that most of CA cases occurred between May/June and September/October of each year. The primary spatiotemporal cluster contained 19 counties from June 2006 to May 2010, and it was mainly located straddling the borders of Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces. In these high-risk areas, CA cases were predominantly found among younger, local, males, shepherds, who were living on agriculture and stockbreeding and characterized with high morbidity, low mortality and a shorter period from illness onset to diagnosis.

Conclusion

CA was geographically and persistently clustered in the Southwestern China during 2005–2012, with notable differences in the epidemic characteristics within and outside spatiotemporal clusters; this demonstrates the necessity for CA interventions such as enhanced surveillance, health education, mandatory and standard decontamination or disinfection procedures to be geographically targeted to the areas identified in this study.

Aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin M1 induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in differentiated and undifferentiated Caco-2 cells

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) are natural mycotoxins that frequently present in food and feed and pose risks to human health. There are few data in the literature regarding the impairment of them in the intestine. Therefore, the present study investigated their cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cells, especially the differentiated ones that resemble mature small intestinal enterocytes. Both undifferentiated (UC) and differentiated (DC) cells were treated with AFB1 and AFM1 at various concentrations for up to 72 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA damage were determined. Data showed that AFB1 and AFM1 significantly inhibited UC and DC cell growth, increased LDH and caused genetic damage in a time- and dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). In comparison, AFB1 was found to be more toxic than AFM1 on both UC and DC. All these cytotoxic outcomes might be associated with intracellular ROS generation, leading to membrane damage and DNA strand break. Additionally, DC was found to be more sensitive to aflatoxins, which might be due to the alteration of enzymes during cell differentiation. The present study provided the first in vitro evidence of DNA damage of DC induced by AFB1 and AFM1.

[Expression characteristics of epithelial markers in human embryonic stem cells differentiating into keratinocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into keratinocytes (K-hESCs) and analyse the expression characteristics of biomarkers of K-hESCs.

METHODS

The hESCs of line H9 were seeded on matrigel in mTeSR1 medium. The hESCs were directly differentiated into keratinocytes in epithelial differentiation medium with bone morphogenetic protein 4, retinoic acid and N2 supplement. The karyotype of K-hESCs was analyzed, comparing the gene expression differences of K-hESCs with human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs), human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs) and HaCaT by Real-time PCR. Molecular characteristics of the cell differentiation were observed throughout the process by immunocytochemical techniques.

RESULTS

H9-hESCs were successfully differentiated into the cells that exhibited characteristics of keratinocytes in epithelial differentiation medium. The karyotype of K-hESCs was 46, XX; and the keratinocyte gene p63 expression in K-hESCs was significantly lower than that in HaCaT (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference of p63 expression in K-hESCs, comparing with that in HGECs and HIOECs (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

H9-hESCs could be directly differentiated into K-hESCs. The gene expression of K-hESCs was similar to that of epithelial cells in the early stage of monolayer cells differentiation with high proliferative activity.

Simultaneous determination of 38 veterinary antibiotic residues in raw milk by UPLC-MS/MS

A selective and rapid method has been developed to determine, simultaneously, 38 veterinary antibiotic residues in raw milk by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). One milliliter of raw milk was diluted with 0.5 mL water and 3 mL acetonitrile, then purified using an Oasis HLB cartridge. The eluates were evaporated by nitrogen drying and then reconstituted to 4 mL with water/acetonitrile (8:1) before being injected into the UPLC-MS/MS system. The results indicated recoveries of 68-118% for 14 β-lactams, 79-118% for eight quinolones, 71-106% for eight sulfonamides, 76-116% for four tetracyclines, 78-106% for three macrolides, and 88-103% for one lincosamides, with coefficients of variation less than 15% for intraday and interday precisions. The limit of quantification for all antibiotics was 0.03-10 μg kg(-1). This methodology was then applied to field-collected real raw milk samples and trace levels of four antibiotics were detected.