Effects of crocin on frozen-thawed sperm apoptosis, protamine expression and membrane lipid oxidation in Yanbian yellow cattle

Glycerol is used as a bovine semen osmotic cryoprotectant that greatly improves the quality of frozen and thawed bovine sperm. However, high glycerol concentrations can have a toxic effect on frozen and thawed bovine sperm. Therefore, this experiment investigated the effect of replacing a portion of the glycerol in a cryoprotectant solution with crocin on the sperm apoptosis, protamine deficiency and membrane lipid oxidation of frozen and thawed Yanbian yellow cattle sperm. The experiment included a control group (6% glycerol) and four treatment groups: I (3% glycerol), II (3% glycerol +0.5 mM crocin), III (3% glycerol + 1 mM crocin) and IV (3% glycerol + 2 mM crocin). Computer assisted semen analysis was used to detect sperm motility, Hoechst 33,342, propidium iodide, and JC-1 staining were used to analyse sperm viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, chromomycin A3 staining was used to detect protamine deficiency and DNA damage, flow cytometry was used for sperm membrane lipid disorder detection and analysis, and real-time quantitative RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of protamine-related genes (PRM2, PRM3), sperm acrosome-associated genes (SPACA3), oxidative stress-related genes (ROMO1) and apoptosis-related genes (BCL2, BAX). Compared to the control group, replacing a portion of glycerol with 1 mM crocin significantly improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorders (p < .05) and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, protamine deficiency (p < .01). The expression level of PRM2, PRM3, SPACA3 and BCL2 significantly increased (p < .05), while the expression levels of ROMO1 and BAX significantly decreased (p < .05). Accordingly, the BCL2/BAX ratio significantly increased (p < .05). In summary, the substitution of a portion of glycerol with crocin in cryoprotective solution improved the quality of Yanbian yellow cattle sperm after freezing and thawing.

[Inflammation grading and sialoendoscopic treatment of 131I radioiodine-induced sialadenitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inflammation grading of ¹³¹I radioiodine-induced sialadenitis based upon sialoendoscopic and sialographic appearances, and to evaluate the results of sialoendoscopic intervention.

METHODS

The patients diagnosed with ¹³¹I radioiodine-induced sialadenitis and underwent sialoendoscopic exploration and intervention procedures in Peking University Hospital of Stomatology from Nov. 2012 to Oct. 2018 were included in this study. The appearances of sialogaphy and sialoendoscopy were analyzed and classified. The treatment options included irrigation with saline and dexamethasone and mechanical dilatation by sialoendoscope. The patients were followed up after treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with ¹³¹I radioiodine-induced sialadenitis were included. There were 5 males and 37 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 ∶7.4. Symptoms included recurrent swelling and pain in the parotid glands, and dry mouth. Sialography showed stenosis in the main duct,and in some cases nonvisua-lization of the branches. Sialoendoscopy showed narrowing of the main duct, and the branch duct atresia was seen. The appearances of sialogaphy and sialoendoscopy were analyzed and classified into 3 groups: (1) Mild inflammation: stenosis and ectasia occurred in the main duct, whereas the 0.9 mm sialoendoscope could pass through easily. (2) Moderate inflammation: one point of severe stricture could be seen in the main duct where 0.9 mm sialoendoscope could not be passed through. (3) Severe inflammation: two points or more of severe strictures or diffused strictures occurred in the main duct. Thirty-three patients with 65 affected glands were examined by both sialography and sialoendoscopy. Eight glands were classified as mild inflammation, 23 glands moderate inflammation, and 34 glands severe inflammation. The duration of follow-up ranged from 3-72 months. The clinical results were evaluated as good in 22 glands, fair in 22 glands, and poor in 19 glands, with an overall effective rate of 69.8% (44/63).

CONCLUSION

The clinical, sialographic and sialoendoscopic appearances of ¹³¹I radioiodine-induced sialadenitis showed their characteristics. We proposed an inflammation grading standard for the ¹³¹I radioiodine-induced sialadenitis based on the appearances of sialography and sialoendoscopy. Sialoendoscopy can significantly alleviate the clinical symptoms, which is an effective therapy, and better for early lesions.

[The pH-Sensitive Potassium Channel TASK-1 Is a Chemosensor for Central Respiratory Regulation in Rats]

TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel-1 (TASK-1) is a "leak" potassium channel sensitive to extracellular protons. It contributes to setting the resting potential in mammalian neurons. TASK-1 channels are widely expressed in respiratory-related neurons in the central nervous system. Inhibition of TASK-1 by extracellular acidosis can depolarize and increase the excitability of these cells. Here we describe the distribution of TASK-1 in the rat brainstem and show that TASK-1 mRNAs are present in respiratory-related nuclei in the ventrolateral medulla, which have been proposed as neural substrates for central chemo-reception in rats. After inhalation of 8% CO2 for 30 and 60 min, TASK-1 mRNA levels in positive-expression neurons were remarkably upregulated. Injection of the TASK-1 blocker anandamide (AEA) into the rat lateral cerebral ventricle, showed a significant excitement of respiratory at 10 min posttreatment, with a marked decrease in inspiratory and expiratory durations and an increased frequency of respiration. We suggest that TASK-1 channel may serve as a chemosensor for in central respiration and may contribute to pH-sensitive respiratory effects. TASK-1 channel might be an attractive candidate for sensing H^(+)/CO2 in several respiratory-related nuclei in the brainstem. It is likely that TASK-1 participates in pH-sensitive chemical regulation in the respiratory center under physiological and pathological conditions.

[Implications, spiritual characteristics and practical significance of Chinese schistosomiasis control culture]

The culture of schistosomiasis control is specific in the history of Chinese culture. Broadly speaking, the culture of schistosomiasis control is a summary of specific social mood, social consciousness and material culture created by Chinese populations during the progress of schistosomiasis control since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Narrowly speaking, the culture of schistosomiasis control is the spiritual culture that is jointly created and nurtured by schistosomiasis control workers since the founding of the People's Republic of China. The spiritual features of Chinese schistosomiasis control culture are characterized by the patriotism and care about the people, the matter-to-fact attitude, the pioneering and enterprising spirit, and the spirit of sacrifice and dedication. The ultimate goal of the research on the culture of schistosomiasis control is to facilitate the achievement of the strategic goal of Healthy China 2030 as scheduled, accelerate the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis, and to promote the sustainable development of schistosomiasis control in China.

[Analysis of baseline liver biochemical parameters in 324 cases with novel coronavirus pneumonia in Shanghai area]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics and liver biochemical parameters of 324 cases admitted with novel coronavirus pneumonia in Shanghai area. Methods: Clinical data and baseline liver biochemical parameters of 324 cases with novel coronavirus pneumonia admitted to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from January 20, 2020 to February 24, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the status of illness: mild type (mild and typical) and severe type (severe and critical).The differences in clinical data and baseline liver biochemical parameters of the two groups were described and compared. The t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used for measurement data. The enumeration data were expressed by frequency and rate, and chi-square test was used. Results: Of the 324 cases with novel coronavirus pneumonia, 26 were severe cases (8%), with median onset of 5 days, 20 cases were HBsAg positive (6.2%), and 70 cases (21.6%) with fatty liver, diagnosed with X-ray computed tomography. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBil), albumin(ALB) and international normalized ratio (INR) of 324 cases at baseline were 27.86 ± 20.02 U/L, 29.33 ± 21.02 U/L, 59.93 ± 18.96 U / L, 39.00 ± 54.44 U/L, 9.46 ± 4.58 μmol / L, 40.64 ± 4.13 g / L and 1.02 ± 0.10. Of which, ALT was > than the upper limit of normal (> ULN), accounting for 15.7% (51/324). ALT and AST > ULN, accounting for 10.5% (34/324). ALP > ULN, accounting for 1.2% (4/324). ALP and GGT > ULN, accounting for 0.9% (3/324). INR > ULN was lowest, accounting for 0.6% (2/324). There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in ALT [(21.5 vs. 26) U / L, P = 0.093], ALP [(57 vs.59) U/L, P = 0.674], and GGT [(24 vs.28) U/L, P = 0.101] between the severe group and the mild group. There were statistically significant differences in AST (23 U/L vs. 34 U/L, P < 0.01), TBil (10.75 vs. 8.05 μmol / L, P < 0.01), ALB (35.79 ± 4.75 vs. 41.07 ± 3.80 g/L, P < 0.01), and INR (1.00 vs. 1.04, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The baseline liver biochemical parameters of 324 cases with novel coronavirus pneumonia in Shanghai area was comparatively lower and the liverinjury degree was mild, and the bile duct cell damage was rare.

[The effects and mechanism of baicalin in a mouse acute hypertensive glaucoma model]

Objective: To explore the potential neuroprotection effects and associated mechanism of baicalin in a rodent acute hypertensive glaucoma model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury. Methods: Experiment research. A rapid and substantial elevation of intraocular pressure was performed to establish an acute hypertensive glaucoma model, and retinal thickness was assessed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. The mice were then randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, hypertension group, and baicalin (50 mg/kg) for hypertension group. The effects of baicalin on the RGCs were evaluated by retrograde transporting of Fluoro-Gold. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukine-1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase were detected by real-time PCR, and the protein levels were measured by Western blot in the retina tissue of acute hypertensive glaucoma model. Purified primary RGC survival under OGD/R stress was measured by flow cytometry, which was also performed to measure the survival rate of RGCs pretreated by different doses of baicalin (2.5 μmol/L, 5.0 μmol/L, and 10.0 μmol/L). The effects of baicalin on primary RGCs co-cultured with mouse microglia cell line BV2 were evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytokine IL-1β in the culture supernatant was measured by immunochemical analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. Results: Retinal tissue injuries and RGC loss were observed both in vivo and in vitro. Retinal thickness was decreased to 87.32%±0.94% at 3 days (t=6.73, P<0.01), 74.86%±2.43% at 5 days (t=13.40, P<0.01), and 63.53%±2.15% at 7 days (t=19.46, P<0.01). Treatment of 50 mg/kg baicalin significantly promoted the RGC survival from 61.32%±5.94% to 89.93%±10.08% (t=4.84, P<0.01). Baicalin alleviated the retinal damages by suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines as revealed by Western blot and real-time PCR. In vitro the RGC survival under OGD/R stress was increased from 51.53%±1.36% to 69.37%±7.09% and 66.23%±4.25% with 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L baicalin administration (t=5.50, 4.53; both P<0.01). BV2 under OGD/R stress did extra damage to RGCs, and baicalin could reverse the damages and increase the survival from 69.37%±7.09% to 73.00%±5.20% (t=2.82, P=0.048) by reducing the release of IL-1β [(39.97±8.76) pg/ml vs. (61.33±5.78) pg/ml, t=4.19, P=0.010]. Conclusion: Baicalin could alleviate retina tissue injury directly and promote the survival of RGCs by downregulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and protecting RGCs from ischemia reperfusion injury. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 376-382).

[Comparison of nucleic acid detection methods in pharyngeal swabs of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children]

Objective: To explore the value of nucleic acid detection methods in pharyngeal swabs in the etiological diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in children. Methods: Four hundred and fifty-four (male 210, female 244) children with pneumonia in Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were enrolled from July, 2018 to October, 2018. Pharyngeal swabs and venous blood were obtained on the first or the second day after hospitalization. Fluorescence detection quantitative amplification of DNA, thermostatic amplification of RNA, MP culture and MP-IgM were used to detect MP simultaneously. MP infection is diagnosed if MP culture is positive or the two of the other three methods are positive. Pharyngeal swabs were acquired and detected using fluorescence quantitative amplification of DNA, thermostatic amplification of RNA and MP culture again for children with confirmed MP infection before discharge. The detection rates and quantitative changes of the three methods were compared, and χ(2) test was used for comparison among groups. Results: A total of 454 hospitalized children with pneumonia were included in this study. The detection rates of fluorescence quantitative amplification of DNA, thermostatic amplification of RNA, MP culture and MP-IgM IgM were 43.6% (198/454), 43.2% (196/454), 40.0% (180/454) and 30.6% (139/454) respectively. The difference of detection rates of the four methods was statistically significant (χ(2)=20.8, P<0.05),but no significant difference between the detection rates of fluorescence quantitative amplification of DNA and thermostatic amplification of RNA was found (χ(2)=0.018, P=0.900). They both had higher detection rates than MP-IgM or MP culture. MP infection is diagnosed if MP culture is positive or the two of the other three methods are positive, and two hundred and nine children were diagnosed as MP infection. In the second test of MP infection in 209 children before discharge, the positive rate of MP culture was 67.5% (141/209), with 39.4% (13/33) changed from negative to positive, and 27.3% (48/176) changed from positive to negative. The positive rate of thermostatic amplification of RNA was 82.3% (172/209), with 16.2% (31/191) turned from positive to negative, and 66.7% (12/18) turned from negative to positive. The positive rate of fluorescence quantitative amplification of DNA was 67.0% (140/209), with 52.9% (18/34) cases changed from negative to positive, and 30.3% (53/175) cases changed from positive to negative. MP-DNA load decreased in 141 cases (67.5%) and increased in 68 cases (32.5%) in the second test among the positive samples tested by fluorescence quantitative amplification of DNA. The detection rates of the four methods in the non-severe group and the severe group were similar, and the differences among the groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). In the second test, the proportion of changing from negative to positive in the severe group was higher than that in the non-severe group, but only the difference in the thermostatic amplification of RNA was statistically significant (P=0.038) and the cases of changing from negative to positive of thermostatic amplification of RNA in the severe group and non-severe group are 7 and 5 respectively. Conclusions: The methods of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid detection have high sensitivity and application value in the etiological diagnosis of acute MP infection in children. The results of fluorescence quantitative amplification of DNA and thermostatic amplification of RNA are highly consistent, and they are both more advantageous than MP-IgM. Repeated testing in the acute phase is helpful to find MP infection children whose first test is negative. The load of MP-DNA did not decrease in some children in the acute stage after antibiotic treatment.

[Comparison of the composition of DJ tube encrustation and original stone and analysis of its causes]

Objective: To compare the composition of DJ tube encrustation and original stone, and to discuss the causes and prevention of encrustations. Methods: Twenty-five patients with DJ tube encrustation (1 case of INLAY OPTIMA(®) tube, Bard Medical, 16 cases of Universa(®) Firm tube, Cook Medical, 8 cases of Polaris™ Loop tube, Boston Scientific) in our institution from Januarry 2018 to April 2019 wereretrospective analyzed. Stones and encrustations were analyzed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis system to compare the differences in composition. Results: 76% (19/25) patients had the exact same DJ tube encrustations composition as the original stone component; 24% (6/25) patients had DJ tube encrustation and original stone composition inconsistent (5 cases of calcium oxalate stone, 1 case of apatite carbonate.) It maybe related to the control of urinary tract infection after ureteral obstruction. The earliest DJ tube with encrustation was a pre-expansion tube before flexible-ureteroscopy, and the indwelling time was only 18 days. Conclusions: DJ tubes of different brands and models have the risk of formation of encrustation. Most of the encrustation has the same composition as the original stone. The prevention of DJ tube scorpion can be started from: (1) removing the DJ tube within 6 weeks or replace it regularly when necessary; (2) selecting the appropriate tube including diameter and model; (3) actively controlling urinary tract infection; (4) treating the metabolic diseases, such as hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, et al, and providing personalized guidance for each patient.

[The clinical decision-making value of prostate specific antigen and its derived indicators in prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 3 lesions]

Objective: To explore the decision-making value of clinical data in prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADS V2) 3 lesions, and to compare the diagnostic value of related data for prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically PCa(csPCa). Methods: From March 2016 to October 2018,a subset of 121 men with 121 PI-RADS 3 index lesions were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 PCa lesions and 14 csPCa lesions, aged from 46 to 91 years with a mean age of (71±9) years. The clinical data of the age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), free PSA (fPSA), f/tPSA, PSA density (PSAD) and prostate volume (PV) were compared between PCa group and non-PCa group, csPCa group and non-csPCa group using univariate analysis, respectively.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficiency of statistically data in detecting PCa and csPCa in men with PI-RADS 3 index lesions. Results: The differences of PSA, f/tPSA and PSAD were all statistically significant (Z=-2.004, -2.527, -2.623, all P<0.05) between PCa group and non-PCa group, and they were all also statistically significant(Z=-2.415, -2.158, -2.870, all P<0.05) between csPCa group and non-csPCa group. Both PSAD had the best diagnostic efficiency, the ROC curve of detecting PCa and csPCa was 0.658 and 0.736, respectively. If used PSAD>0.20 μg·L(-1)·ml(-1) as the biopsy threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of csPCa were 78.6%, 58.9%, 20.0%, 95.4%, and 54.5% (66/121) of the enrolled men can avoid biopsy, resulting only 3 cases of csPCa missed. Conclusion: PSA, f/tPSA, PSAD, especially PSAD can improve the detection efficiency of PCa,especially csPCa in PI-RADS 3 lesions, assisting clinical decision-making.

Effects of bamboo leaf extract on growth performance, meat quality, and meat oxidative stability in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related gene expression of breast meat in broilers. A total of 576 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 6 groups. The control group (CTR) was fed basal diet, while BLE1, BLE2, BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 g BLE per kg feed, respectively. Compared with the CTR group, BLE2 and BLE5 increased average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 D and 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05), BLE1 and BLE2 improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio from 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05). Throughout the trial period, the highest body weight and favorable ADG and feed to gain ratio were observed in the BLE2 group. The drip loss at 24 h and pH at 45 min postmortem of breast meat were linearly improved by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Shear force was significantly lower in BLE2 and BLE3 than that in CTR group. Increasing supplementation of BLE linearly improved free radical scavenging capacity and decreased malondialdehyde content of breast meat during 12 D of storage (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were linearly increased by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase in BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 groups was significantly promoted, and glutathione S-transferase gene expression was increased in BLE2, BLE4, and BLE5 (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) heme oxygennase-1 gene expression was observed in BLE5. In conclusion, broiler supplemented with BLE improved growth performance and meat quality, BLE supplementation might activate Nrf2 pathway to alleviate lipid oxidation and increase antioxidant capacity of breast meat. The dosage of 2.0 to 3.0 g/kg BLE in broiler diet was recommanded.

[Value of contrast - enhanced ultrasonography and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in identification of boundary range and viability of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biologic viability and boundary range of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) by the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI).

METHODS

Totally 27 HAE patients confirmed by pathology underwent CEUS and ARFI examinations.

RESULTS

Gray scale sonography of HAE showed unclear boundary, inhomogeneous, and middle hyperechoic nodules, and the maximum area was (6.08 ± 4.47) cm² in 27 lesions. CEUS of HAE showed non-enhancement in three phases and black hole sign. Circumferential enhancement on the pe riphery of the lesion was synchronized with the liver parenchyma and showed "fast in and slow out". The maximum area was (8.87 ± 4.83) cm². The area of ECUS was larger than gray scale sonography in HAE (t = 2.20, P = 0.03). The mean shear wave velocities (SWVs) of the interior, the boundary range, and the surrounding liver tissues of HAE were statistically different by ARFI (F = 84.538, P < 0.001), and the interior had the highest values.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS and ARFI examinations can detect the biologic viability and boundary range of migrating zone around HAE, which is valuable for guiding treatment, judging curative effect, and predicting prognosis.

Capture Deformation Twinning in Mg during Shock Compression with Ultrafast Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction

Deformation twinning plays a vital role in accommodating plastic deformation of hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) metals, but its mechanisms are still unsettled under high strain rate shock compression. Here we investigate deformation twinning in shock-compressed Mg as a typical hcp metal with in situ, ultrafast synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Extension twinning occurs upon shock compression along ⟨112[over ¯]0⟩ and ⟨101[over ¯]0⟩, but only upon release for loading along ⟨0001⟩. Such deformation mechanisms are a result of the polarity of deformation twinning, which depends on directionality and relative magnitude of resolved shear stress and may be common for Mg and its alloys in a wide range of strain rates.

Growth performance, carcass traits and digestive function of broiler chickens fed diets with graded levels of corn resistant starch

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of graded levels of dietary corn resistant starch (RS) on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient retention, digestive organ index, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and mRNA expression of certain nutrient transporters in broiler chickens.2. A total of 320, 1-d-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, with eight replicates of eight birds in each. These treatments included one corn-soybean control diet, a corn-soybean based diet containing 20% corn starch, and three diets supplemented with 4%, 8% and 12% RS by replacing corn starch with 6.67%, 13.33% and 20% of Hi-Maize 260® (identified as control, RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4, respectively). The feeding period lasted 42 days.3. Performance parameters including feed consumption, feed conversion, body weight gain and percentage of abdominal fat at d 42 of age, nutrient retention (including dry matter, fat, total starch and nitrogen free extract), and apparent metabolisable energy was measured from d 18 to 20 and d 39 to 41 and showed negative linear responses to increasing dietary RS level (P < 0.05). Birds fed the RS3 and RS4 diets showed higher relative weight of duodenum, jejunum and ileum, as well as lower villus height and villus height/crypt depth compared to the control (P < 0.05). The activity of pancreatic trypsin of birds at d 21 and 42 of age decreased linearly in response to the increase of dietary RS level (P < 0.01). There were linear changes in up-regulated mRNA expression of SGLT-1 and down-regulated mRNA expression of GLUT-2 with increasing proportion of RS at d 21 and 42 of age (P < 0.05), respectively.4. It was concluded that feeding broilers with diets containing higher concentrations of RS impaired the development of small intestine, which resulted in lower apparent total tract retention of nutrients and poorer body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass traits of broiler chickens.

[Follow-up study on natural course changes of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome among young and middle aged patients]

Objective: To explore the natural course of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its associated factors in young and middle-aged patients with OSAHS. Methods: A total of 52 young and middle-aged OSAHS patients were recruited in this study from West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients were performed twice overnight polysomnography (PSG) examinations. At the baseline, patients underwent the first PSG and clinical evaluation from September 2009 to September 2017 and the patients received the second PSG from January 2017 to January 2019. During the follow-up period, these patients had no treatment. All patients were categorized into two groups including mild-to-moderate [5/h≤ apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)<30/h] group and severe (AHI ≥ 30/h) group according to the baseline AHI value. Differences in the clinical characteristics and PSG variables between baseline and follow-up were compared in two groups separately using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U test. The general linear correlation analysis was used to explore the factors related to the severity of OSAHS including AHI, the mean oxyhemoglobin saturation and the minimal oxyhemoglobin saturation during the follow-up period. Results: This study recruited 28 OSAHS patients in mild-to-moderate group [mean age, (39.7±10.2) y] and 24 patients in severe group [mean age, (41.0±7.1) y]. Compared to the baseline, there was a significant increase in AHI value [(45.0±25.3) vs (33.6±27.3)/h, P<0.001] in all OSAHS patients. Notably, the increase of AHI was more significant in the mild-to-moderate OSAHS group [(32.1±22.2) vs (13.6±8.7)/h, P<0.05] but not in severe OSAHS patients [(60.7±19.5) vs (58.0±21.5)/h, P>0.05]. A person correlation analysis revealed that the AHI value was positively related to the age (r=0.531, P=0.004) in mild-to-moderate OSAHS patients. Conclusion: The severity of OSAHS is increased with the age in young and middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate OSAHS, but not in those with severe OSAHS.

Extraction of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Antineutrino Spectra at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first extraction of individual antineutrino spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu fission and an improved measurement of the prompt energy spectrum of reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay. The analysis uses 3.5×10^{6} inverse beta-decay candidates in four near antineutrino detectors in 1958 days. The individual antineutrino spectra of the two dominant isotopes, ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, are extracted using the evolution of the prompt spectrum as a function of the isotope fission fractions. In the energy window of 4-6 MeV, a 7% (9%) excess of events is observed for the ^{235}U (^{239}Pu) spectrum compared with the normalized Huber-Mueller model prediction. The significance of discrepancy is 4.0σ for ^{235}U spectral shape compared with the Huber-Mueller model prediction. The shape of the measured inverse beta-decay prompt energy spectrum disagrees with the prediction of the Huber-Mueller model at 5.3σ. In the energy range of 4-6 MeV, a maximal local discrepancy of 6.3σ is observed.

TNF-α Suppresses Autophagic Flux in Acinar Cells in IgG4-Related Sialadenitis

IgG4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) is a newly recognized immune-mediated systemic fibroinflammatory disease that affects salivary glands and leads to hyposalivation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine involved in several salivary gland disorders, but its role and mechanism regarding acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS are unknown. Here, we found that TNF-α level was significantly increased in serum and submandibular gland (SMG) of patients and that serum TNF-α level was negatively correlated with saliva flow rate. Ultrastructural observations of IgG4-RS SMGs revealed accumulation of large autophagic vacuoles, as well as dense fibrous bundles, decreased secretory granules, widened intercellular spaces, swollen mitochondria, and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. Expression levels of LC3 and p62 were both increased in patients' SMGs. TNF-α treatment led to elevated levels of LC3II and p62 in both SMG-C6 cells and cultured human SMG tissues but did not further increase their levels when combined with bafilomycin A1 treatment. Moreover, transfection of Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B in SMG-C6 cells confirmed the suppression of autophagic flux after TNF-α treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed that costaining of LC3 and the lysosomal marker LAMP2 was significantly decreased in patients, TNF-α-treated SMG-C6 cells, and cultured human SMGs, indicating a reduction in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, the ratio of pro/mature cathepsin D was elevated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. TNF-α also appeared to induce abnormal acidification of lysosomes in acinar cells, as assessed by lysosomal pH and LysoTracker DND-26 fluorescence intensity. In addition, TNF-α treatment induced transcription factor EB (TFEB) redistribution in SMG-C6 cells, which was consistent with the changes observed in IgG4-RS patients. TNF-α increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 reversed TNF-α-induced TFEB redistribution, lysosomal dysfunction, and autophagic flux suppression. These findings suggest that TNF-α is a key cytokine related to acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS through ERK1/2-mediated autophagic flux suppression.

[Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis between bacterial necrotizing pneumonia and Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia in children]

Objective: To compare the characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia (MPNP) and bacterial necrotizing pneumonia (BNP), and explore the biomarkers for differentiation of MPNP from BNP. Methods: A retrospective, observational study of 52 necrotizing pneumonia (NP) cases who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2017 was conducted. According to the pathogen causing NP, patients were divided into two groups, BNP and MPNP, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging findings, hospital course and prognosis between these groups were analyzed. Results: This study enrolled 19 boys and 33 girls, and the median ages of patients were 4.4 (0.1-13.8) years old. Of the totally of 52 NP patients, 19 were in the BNP group (9 boys and 10 girls), 33 were in the MPNP group (10 boys and 23 girls). The mean age of MPNP patients was much older than that of BNP patients (5.2 (2.3-13.2) years vs. 1.8 (0.1-13.8) years, Z=-0.128, P<0.01). The number of patients with tachypnea and pleural effusion septation were significantly higher in BNP patients than those in MPNP patients (15 cases vs. 4 cases, χ(2)=23.222, P<0.01; 14 cases vs. 1 case, χ(2)=29.326, P<0.01), which more needed to oxygentherapy (18 cases vs. 12 cases, χ(2)=16.833, P<0.01) and undergo chest drainage (9 cases vs. 4 cases, χ(2)=5.829, P=0.022); while the number of patients required bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in MPNP patients than that in BNP patients (5 cases vs. 32 cases, χ(2)=29.326, P<0.01). The values of white blood cell (WBC) (23.2 (5.2-67.1)×10(9)/L vs. 9.7 (6.3-18.7)×10(9)/L, Z=-4.855, P<0.01), procalcitonin (PCT) (3.69 (0.23-90.15) mg/L vs. 0.28 (0.02-1.44) mg/L, Z=-3.207, P=0.001), C reactive protein (CRP) (160 (94-220) mg/L vs. 90 (5-134) mg/L, Z=-4.337, P<0.01), interleukin (IL)-10 (11.7 (4.2-401.5) ng/L vs. 4.8 (2.0-23.4) ng/L, Z=-2.278, P=0.023), pleural fluid cell count (5 200 (120-50 000)×10(6)/L vs. 790 (68-6 920)×10(6)/L, Z=-3.125, P=0.002), pleural fluid lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (3 990 (589-29 382) U/L vs. 2 211 (673-3 993) U/L, Z=-2.488, P=0.013) in BNP group were significantly higher than those in MPNP group; while the values of pleural fluid glucose(0.43 (0.03-18.00) mmol/L vs. 5.95 (4.27-7.87) mmol/L, Z=-2.795, P=0.005), serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (2.3 (1.0-2.8) ng/L vs. 2.6 (1.3-109.2) ng/L, Z=-2.113, P=0.035) and interferon (IFN)-γ (4.8 (2.6-7.7) ng/L vs. 11.9 (2.9-154.6) ng/L, Z=-2.455, P=0.014) were lower in BNP group than those in MPNP group. Meanwhile, the mean time from the onset of symptoms to the discovery of necrotic lesions was longer in MPNP group than that in BNP group ((20.6±6.4) days vs. (14.6±6.2) days, t=3.029, P=0.004). After treatments, all patients were discharged without death, WBC and PCT recovered more quickly in MPNP group than those in BNP group (12 (0-24) days vs. 0 (0-23) days, Z=-4.484, P<0.01; 10 (5-15) days vs. 0 (0-23) days, Z=-3.244, P=0.001). As to prognosis, 34 cases were followed up, and the results showed that patients recovered without surgical intervention, and chest lesions were resolved within 3.0 (1.0-8.0) months, and the time to necrosis disappearance was similar in the BNP group and MPNP greup (3.0 (1.0-8.0) months vs. 3.0 (1.0-8.0) months, Z=-0.128, P=0.001). In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off values for the age, WBC, CRP, PCT, pleural fluid cell count and pleural fluid glucose were set at 2.4 years of age, 17.2×10(9)/L, 157 mg/L, 1.505 mg/L, 2 630×10(6)/L and 3.73 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: NP is found to be severe and prolonged, yet, reversible through proper therapy, such as rational antibiotics application. The age, WBC, CRP, PCT, pleural fluid cell count and pleural fluid glucose could be used as biomarkers to differentiate MPNP from BNP in children.

[Current practice of implant-based breast reconstruction: results from China national practice questionnaire survey]

Objective: To explore the current clinical practice of implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) in China. Methods: The current survey was sponsored by Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, Committee of Breast Cancer Society and Chinese Society of Breast Surgeons. A survey was mailed to 110 hospitals in China, which have more than 200 breast cancer operations performed in 2017. The survey mainly included questions on the clinical practice of IBBR, sociodemographic and geographical factors associated with IBBR practice, reasons and concerns for selecting IBBR, type and timing of breast reconstruction, and the complications of IBBR. Data were analyzed using χ(2) test, Fisher's exact test or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Results: IBBR was available in 86.4% (95/110) included hospitals. It was predominantly performed breast reconstruction surgery, the proportion of IBBR in all the breast reconstruction was 65.75% (4 296/6 534). However, the rate of IBBR in all the patients received mastectomy was only 7.06% (4 296/60 877). Among all the included hospitals, the number of implant reconstructions performed in 2017 was 24 (57.5) cases (M(Q(R)), range: 2-565 cases). Factors associated with the performance of IBBR including regional per capita gross domestic product (H=10.47, P=0.005) and annual surgery volume (H=8.30, P=0.016). The main reasons for choosing IBBR were relatively simple surgical procedure, short learning curve and short operation time. The effects of adjuvant radiotherapy on prosthesis, postoperative complications and patient satisfaction were the main concerns for implant reconstruction. Compared with delay reconstruction, a higher proportion of IBBR was observed in immediate reconstruction (83.1% vs. 62.0%, χ(2)=12.522, P=0.000). In all, 10.5% (10/95) hospitals reported more than 10% grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ capsular contracture. The incidence of infections need surgical intervention was reported between 10% and 20% by 4.2% (4/95) hospitals. Hospitals with 6% to 10% implant rupture and 6% to 15% implant removal were 1.1% (1/95) and 4.2% (4/95) respectively. Conclusions: IBBR was the most common used surgery in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. However, the proportion of IBBR in patients after mastectomy was still low. Reginal economy, surgery volume of hospitals, lack of specialty training program and the concern about complications and patient's satisfaction were the factors affecting the development of IBBR.

[Current trends of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in China: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: To investigate the current trends of breast reconstruction(BR) after mastectomy in China. Methods: A list of hospitals with more than 200 cases of breast cancer surgery per year nationwide was obtained, and 110 institutions were selected according to the geographical distribution. The research was conducted in the form of a questionnaire survey, and 92.3% (169/183) of the questions were single-choice questions. Information such as demographics of surgeons and hospitals, number of mastectomy and BR, type and timing of BR was included in the survey. Survey formal notification letter was issued by the China Anti-Cancer Association Breast Cancer Committee and Chinese College of Surgeons, Committee of Mammary Surgeons. Questionnaires were sent to the respondents of each center by email. The survey time range was from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. All data were completely collected before September 7, 2018. Results: A total of 110 units participated in the survey. In total, 87.3% (96/110) of the hospitals have conducted BR surgery. The BR after mastectomy was 10.7% (6 534/61 099), among this, implant BR accounted for 65.7%(4 296/6 534), autologous BR accounted for 20.1% (1 312/6 534), and autologous combined implant BR accounted for 14.2% (927/6 534). Immediate reconstruction accounted for 67.6% (4 417/6 534) of BR, while delayed BR accounted for 32.4% (2 097/6 534). In 2017, 77.8% (35/45) of the plastic surgery departments cooperated with general surgery departments. General BR could be conducted after mastectomy accounted for 83.6% (92/110). The proportion of reconstruction was positively correlated with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (r=0.311, P=0.002). The one-step implant-based BR(IBBR) was the most preferred type in immediate BR. Two-step IBBR was the most preferred method in delayed BR. Hospitals that routinely evaluated aesthetics after BR accounted for 64.6% (62/96), while only 16.7% (16/96) of hospitals used patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). The most commonly used PROM tool was BREAST-Q. Conclusions: The overall BR in China is on upward trend, but gap between China and the developed countries still exists. Breast surgery departments should strengthen further cooperation with plastic surgery departments. Simultaneously, the aesthetics evaluation and PROM after BR should be put a high premium.

Research Progress on Chiral Separation Methods and Toxic Effects of Methamphetamine Enantiomers

Abstract

Methamphetamine （MAMP） is a kind of amphetamine-type stimulants （ATS） which contains one chiral carbon atom in its structure. Therefore a pair of enantiomers, S-（+）-MAMP and R-（-）-MAMP exist. R type and S type methamphetamines possess similar physicochemical properties, but has largely different pharmacological and toxic effects. S-（+）-MAMP is the main component of addictive drug "Ice" at present, seriously affecting human health and public safety. The separation analysis and mechanism of toxic effects discussions on MAMP are the current research focuses. This paper reviews the research progress of separation analysis methods and toxic effects of methamphetamine enantiomers to provide reference for forensic study and forensic practice.

Effects of nutrition restriction of fat- and lean-line broiler breeder hens during the laying period on offspring performance, blood biochemical parameters, and hormone levels

To evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition on the performance, blood biochemical indexes, and hormone levels of broiler chicks, two broiler breeder lines (a fat line and lean line) were given either 100% or 75% of the daily feed intake recommended by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture from 27 to 54 wk. All hens were fed the same basal corn-soybean diet. Fertile eggs were collected and hatched. All chicks were fed the same basal diet for 56 d. Then, chick performance, blood biochemical indexes, and hormone levels were measured. The results showed that there were interactions between maternal nutrition and line for some parameters, such as the kidney index, glucose, triglyceride, insulin, glucagon, leptin, and triiodothyronine (P < 0.05). Chicks of the fat line had a lower level of serum glucose, triglyceride, albumin, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, insulin, and thyroxin than those of the lean line (P < 0.05), but the opposite trend was seen for birth weight, heart index, leptin, and triiodothyronine (P < 0.05). Maternal undernutrition decreased the birth weight and thymus index (day 28) of offspring (P < 0.05), but these effects disappeared by day 56. Maternal undernutrition decreased glucose (day 28), urea nitrogen (day 56), creatinine (day 56), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (day 56), creatinine kinase (day 56), and leptin (day 56) levels in the offspring's serum (P < 0.05) but increased creatinine (day 28), total protein (day 28), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (day 28), and glucagon (day 28) levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, different lines have different metabolic processes. Maternal nutrition restriction during the laying period did have effects on the offspring, and the compensation by offspring reduced the effect of maternal nutrition restriction.