[One-night-stand behavior and associated factors among young men who have sex with men in Wuhan, China]

Objective: This present study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of one-night-stand behavior among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Methods: A total of 403 YMSM aged 16 to 25 were recruited through internet promotion, extending activity and HIV VCT in Wuhan. Data was gathered through anonymous questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with one-night-stand behavior. Results: Of the 398 YMSM, 48.99% (195/398) reported having had casual sex in the last 6 months. Of the ones having had casual sex, 34.29% (60/175) and 28.65% (49/171) reported using condoms consistently during anal or oral sexual contacts, respectively. These figures were lower than those of YMSM not having casual sexual contacts [with anal sex as 49.08% (80/163) and oral sex as 38.85% (61/157)]. 76.80% (149/194) of the YMSM reported having had multiple sexual partners, with the figure higher than those without [33.15% (60/181)] (P<0.01). Results from the logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors seemed to be associated with casual sex activities among YMSM, including: often using internet, (OR=4.89, 95%CI: 1.90-12.54), taking illegal drugs (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.60-4.63). Conclusions: YMSM who had engaged in casual sex, practicing unprotected sex or having multiple sexual partners, were recognized as high risk population. Targeted intervention programs are needed to decrease the one-night-stand behavior. Internet intervention strategy seemed an important method to serve the purpose.

[Spatial and temporal characteristics of HIV/AIDS in Hubei province, 2010-2013]

Objective: To understand the spatial and temporal distribution of HIV/AIDS in Hubei province, and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of AIDS. Methods: GeoDa software was used for autocorrelation analysis, SatScan 9.2 software was used for statistical analysis of spatial scanning, and finally geographic information system was used for visualization. Results: A total of 6 952 HIV/AIDS cases were reported during 2010-2013 in Hubei, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that Global Moran's I index was 0.266 (P<0.05), indicating that there was a positive spatial autocorrelation of HIV/AIDS. Global Moran's I index increased year by year (P<0.05), indicating that the increased spatial aggregation of HIV/AIDS during 2010-2013. The local Moran's I index showed that " high-high" clustering areas were in Wuhan, and the number of " high-high" clustering areas increased during 2010-2013. Moreover, the " high-high" clustering areas expanded from Wuhan to surrounding areas. Spatial and temporal scan analysis revealed that 19 counties in Wuhan, Huangshi, Ezhou, Xianning with a radius of 60.01 km (LLR=625.14, RR=3.23) were the main spatial and temporal clustering area during 2012-2013. Conclusion: The spatial changes of HIV/AIDS seemed to be regular from 2010 to 2013 in Wuhan, spatial correlation at provincial level decreased and the " high-high" clustering areas gradually expanded from Wuhan to surrounding areas, indicating that it is necessary to strengthen the AIDS prevention and control in these areas in Hubei.

[Influence of the interforaminal arch form of edentulous mandibles on design of "All-on-4": preliminary research based on conebeam computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To classify the interforaminal arch form of edentulous mandibles by measuring the anterior-posterior distance (A-P distance) of implants planned to be inserted in "All-on-4" protocol using conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) data, and to investigate the influence of the arch form on the "All-on-4" distally tilted implants.

METHODS

Seventy-four CBCT images of edentulous mandibles were collected, including 35 males and 39 females respectively. "All-on-4"implant supported fixed prostheses were designed for these patients based on the CBCT data. The A-P distance was measured in the plane which crossed bilateral mental foramens and was parallel to the occlusal plane. The interforaminal arch form of edentulous mandibles were classified according to the A-P distance. The radian of the jaw arch 7.5 mm mesially to the mental foramen was measured bilaterally, and its correlation with the A-P distance was studied.

RESULTS

The average A-P distance of implant supported fixed prostheses planned in the interforaminal region was (8.5±1.5) mm (minimum 4.5 mm, maximum 11.8 mm). In the study, 12.2% of the subjects' mandibles were classified as square arch form with A-P distances ≤7 mm, 54.0% were classified as ovoid with A-P distances >7 mm and ≤9 mm, 33.8% were classified as tapered with A-P distances >9 mm. Bilaterally, 148 results of the radian of the jaw arch 7.5 mm mesially to the mental foramen were obtained, and the average radian was 15.9°±5.5° (minimum 5.6°, maximum 35.2°). The radian and the A-P distance showed a negative correlation with statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

In this research, the ovoid arch form was the most common type in edentulous mandibles, followed by tapered arch form. The square arch form showed the lowest percentage. As the arch form went squarer, the A-P distance became shorter, the radian of the jaw arch mesially to the mental foramen went greater, and the bone width that distally tilted implants need became bigger. The interforaminal arch form of the edentulous mandible should be analyzed before an implant supported fixed restoration is designed in the interforaminal region. The angle of inclination of distal implants should be reasonable. The bone width of the distal implant site must be adequate. The square arch form contributes negatively to the structure of implant supported fixed prostheses with distal cantilever design.

[Prediction of occult carcinoma in contralateral nodules based on the ultrasonic features of unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of occult carcinoma in contralateral lobes based on the ultrasonic features of unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: The study included 202 consecutives cases of unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma with benign nodules in the contralateral lobe identified by preoperative ultrasound or fine-needle aspiration from June 2014 to December 2015. All patients received total thyroidectomies, and with postoperative pathological examination they were divided into two groups, one including 60 cases with positive occult cancer and another one consisting of 142 cases with negative occult cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the sonographic features of unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma relevant to the occurrence of occult carcinoma in the contralateral nodules. Results: Univariate analysis indicated occult carcinoma in the contralateral lobes was associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(χ(2)=3.955, P=0.047), unclear border (χ(2)=4.375, P=0.036)and multifocality in the ipsilateral(χ(2)=7.375, P=0.007), but not with tumors maximum size, location, A/T, shape, internal structure, internal echo, acoustic halo, calcification, capsular invasion and blood flow signal in the lobe with carcinoma on another side. Multivariate analysis showed unclear border (OR=2.727, P=0.010) and multifocality in the ipsilateral(OR=2.807, P=0.005)of carcinoma were independent predictive factor for contralateral occult PTC. Conclusions: Unclear border and multifocality of PTC in the ipsilateral were closely relevant to the occurrence of occult carcinoma in the contralateral nodules.

Cardiotoxicity evaluation of nine alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptis

PURPOSE

Alkaloids derived from Rhizoma Coptis (RC) has been widely applied to clinical treatments in China. However, the toxicity of RC and the alkaloids from RC remained controversial. The research is designed to clarify the cardiotoxic compounds found in RC.

METHODS

In this study, the real-time cellular analysis cardio system and the high-content analysis were applied to monitor the function of cardiomyocytes (CMs) in the treatment of nine alkaloids in RC. Luciferase-coupled adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay was used to detect cell viability.

RESULTS

The results showed that berberine, palmatine, berbamine, and oxyberberine were cardiotoxic, which resulted in arrhythmia and cardiac arrest on CMs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, berbamine and oxyberberine caused shrinkage and detachment on CMs at 10 μM. Cytotoxicity was induced by these two compounds with decline in cell index and ATP depletion. Cardiotoxicity or cytotoxicity was not observed in the other five alkaloids within 10 μM.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, the cardiotoxicity of the nine alkaloids was evaluated to clarify the cardiotoxic components in RC. Furthermore, the experimental evidences were provided to support the safety of drug application.

[Relation between ultrasonographic characteristics of pathologic myopia posterior staphyloma and retinoschisis]

Objective: To study the ultrasonographic characteristics of pathologic myopia posterior staphyloma and the relation with retinoschisis. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Eighty-seven eyes of 66 pathologic myopia patients with posterior staphyloma were included. Staphyloma morphology and anteroposterior axis of the eyeball were observed by B-scan ultrasonography. Optical coherence tomography was used to explore the retinoschisis. Results: Arc-shaped (10.35%), cone-shaped (22.99%), wedge-shaped (33.33%) and rectangle-shaped (33.33%) posterior staphylomas were found by B-scan ultrasonography. Posterior pole or macular retinoschisis was found by optical coherence tomography in 65 eyes (74.71%), 56 of which (86.15%) were observed to have a rough posterior ocular wall or membranoid attachment by ultrasonography. The anteroposterior axis of arc-shaped posterior staphyloma was shorter than that of staphylomas in the other shapes. Posterior staphyloma morphology was related to retinoschisis(r=0.385, 0.406. P<0.01). The retinoschisis was at the macula in 80.00% of cone-shaped posterior staphyloma, at the wedge-shaped corner in 75.00% of wedge-shaped posterior staphyloma and at the rectangle-shaped corner in 62.50% of rectangle-shaped posterior staphyloma. Conclusions: It is hard to discover retinoschisis of pathologic myopia posterior staphyloma by ophthalmoscopy. Morphologic characters of posterior staphyloma and conditions of posterior eyewall can be showed directly under ultrasonographic examination. B-scan ultrasonography may provide a diagnostic basis for pathologic myopia retinoschisis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 46-52).

[Association between HIV infection and female sex workers in middle aged and old men in a city in Hubei provine, 2014]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the HIV infection status in middle aged and old men and the association between HIV infection and female sex workers in a city in Hubei province and provide evidence for the targeted prevention and control of HIV infection.

METHODS

Ten communities/villages were selected through stratified cluster sampling from the suburban and rural areas of the city. A total of 634 men aged ≥50 years were surveyed by using self-designed questionnaire in December, 2014.

RESULTS

The awareness rate of HIV/AIDS related knowledge was 13.3%(68/513). Among the men surveyed, 63.2%(371/587)thought they couldn't be infected with HIV, 9.1%(52/573)believed that extramarital sex is acceptable, and 32.4%(189/583)considered that commercial sexual behavior is just as well. Among the surveyed men reporting sexual behavior in the past 6 months, 6.6%(15/228)had sex with regular sexual partners, in which 63.6%(7/11)never used condoms, 21.8%(128/586)reported that some friends had commercial sexual behaviors. Among 601 men receiving HIV testing, 7 were HIV positive(1.2%). The HIV detection rates among the men living at 3 communities near red light district were 4.2%(5/119), 1.1%(1/95)and 0.5%(1/192)respectively; while no HIV infections were found in the men living at 2 towns far away from red light district. Seventy seven of 581 men surveyed(13.2%)reported to meet visiting female sex workers and they had higher HIV positive rate(5.2%, 4/77)than those without such experiences(0.6%, 3/504)(P=0.007).

CONCLUSION

The middle aged and old men in this city had low awareness of HIV/AIDs related knowledge, and high-risk sexual behaviors existed among them. HIV positive rate was relatively high in this population, and HIV infection might be associated with sex service.

Absence of Magnetic Thermal Conductivity in the Quantum Spin-Liquid Candidate YbMgGaO_{4}

We present the ultralow-temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity measurements on single crystals of YbMgGaO_{4}, which was recently argued to be a promising candidate for a quantum spin liquid (QSL). In a zero magnetic field, a large magnetic contribution of specific heat is observed, and exhibits a power-law temperature dependence (C_{m}∼T^{0.74}). On the contrary, we do not observe any significant contribution of thermal conductivity from magnetic excitations. In magnetic fields H≥6  T, the exponential T dependence of C_{m} and the enhanced thermal conductivity indicate a magnon gap of the fully polarized state. The absence of magnetic thermal conductivity at the zero field in this QSL candidate puts a strong constraint on the theories of its ground state.

[Status and related factors of self-reported pain among working-age population in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region]

Objective: To describe the status and related factors of self-reported pain among working-age population in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was from the Inner Mongolia fifth health services survey. SPSS 19.0 software package was used for data analysis and χ² test was to compare the prevalence of self-reported pain in population with different characteristics. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors on self-reported pain. Results: A total of 11 480 working-age population was involved in this survey, with prevalence of self-reported pain among working age population as 12.3%. The prevalence rates of moderate and severe pain were 11.6% and 0.7%, respectively. Results from the unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that, in the economically poor population, the risk of self-reported pain was 1.718 times of the relatively rich people (OR=1.718, 95%CI: 1.381-2.831). In the rural areas, the risk of self-reported pain was higher than that in the urban population (OR=2.506, 95%CI: 2.030-3.092) and people with chronic illnesses had 2.880 times higher risk than those who did not have the diseases (OR=2.880, 95% CI: 2.474-3.352). There was an interaction noticed between gender and age. Women at or above 45 years old were more likely to develop self-report pain (OR=1.300, 95% CI: 1.072-1.577). Again, factors as people who were current or former smokers, who were suffering from anxiety or depression, being skinny etc. appeared as independently related to the self-reported pain. Conclusion: In working age population of Inner Mongolia, a high prevalence of self-reported pain was seen. Data showed that people who were poor, age at 45 or older, having history of smoking, with chronic diseases and anxiety/depression were risk factors related to self-reported pain.

[Biological evaluation of three-dimensional printed co-poly lactic acid/glycolic acid/tri-calcium phosphate scaffold for bone reconstruction]

Objective: To biologically evaluate the three-dimensional(3D) printed co-poly lactic acid/glycolic acid/tri-calcium phosphate(PLGA/TCP) scaffold which could be used for repairing oral and maxillofacial bone defects, and to provide experimental evidence for its further research and clinical application. Methods: PLGA/TCP scaffolds were fabricated using low temperature rapid prototyping technique. Micro-CT and scanning electron microscope(SEM) were used to characterize the surface morphology. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded onto the scaffold and stained with the rhodamine phalloidin and calcein acetomethoxy. After that, confocal laser scanning microscope was exploited to observe the features and viability of the cells. Moreover, the cells were co-cultured with the extract of PLGA/TCP and complete medium, respectively. The proliferation capability of the cells was assessed by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day. The PLGA/TCP scaffolds incorporated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2) of 0, 30, 60 μg(i.e. blank control group, low-dose group and high-dose group) were implanted into the latissimus dorsi muscle of the rats, and 6 weeks later, the samples were harvested to estimate the volume and pattern of new bone. Results: The 3D printed PLGA/TCP scaffold possessed a regular and well-defined porous stereo-structure with porosity of (73±3)%. Micro-CT and SEM showed that pore size were (379±32) and (453±29) μm respectively, and distance between layers were (452± 24) and (415±25) μm, and cylinder diameter were (342±24) and (350±28) μm. It also exhibited excellent cell adhesion and growth ability on the exterior and inner surface through rhodamine phalloidin and calcein acetomethoxy staining. The CCK-8 test demonstrated that the absorbance value of extract group on the 1st and 2nd day(0.51±0.08 and 0.63±0.09) were significantly higher than those in the blank control group(0.39± 0.05 and 0.53±0.05)(P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the extract group(0.67±0.06) and the blank control group(0.68±0.04)(P>0.05) on the 3rd day. For in vivo test, there was obvious ectopic new bone formation on the PLGA/TCP scaffold incorporated with rhBMP-2, and this was demonstrated using the histological examination and micro-CT. The bone formation in the low-dose group was similar to the shape of the pre-implanted 3D printed scaffold, while much diversity was revealed in the high-dose group duo to over osteogenesis which was validated by the examinations of gross observation, histology and micro-CT. Conclusions: Customized PLGA/TCP scaffolds can be manufactured by 3D printing technique. The scaffold showed an excellent biocompatibility and ectopic osteogenesis when incorporated with rhBMP-2. However, further research is needed to validate it's effect on repairment of the oral and maxillofacial bone defects.

Structural and biochemical characteristics of chitin-binding protein SeCBP66 from Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)

Peritrophic membrane proteins are important components of the insect peritrophic membrane. A novel cDNA gene encoding a chitin-binding protein, named secbp66, was identified by immunization screening of the cDNA library of Spodoptera exigua. The full length of secbp66 is 1806 bp, which encodes 602 amino acids. The predicted weight of the protein is 64.2 kDa. Bioinformatic analysis showed that a signal peptide composed of 17 amino acids located at the N-terminal of SeCBP66 contained seven tandem putative Type-II functional chitin-binding domains and five potential N-glycosylation sites, but no O-linked glycosylation sites. To study the properties of SeCBP66, recombinant SeCBP66 was successfully expressed in the insect cell line BTI-Tn-5B1-4 with a Bac-to-Bac expression system. A chitin binding experiment showed that the recombinant SeCBP66 protein could bind to chitin strongly. This study of the novel chitin-binding protein SeCBP66 provides a basis for developing new control targets for S. exigua.

[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.

Bulk Fermi Surface of Charge-Neutral Excitations in SmB_{6} or Not: A Heat-Transport Study

Recently, there have been increasingly hot debates on whether a bulk Fermi surface of charge-neutral excitations exists in the topological Kondo insulator SmB_{6}. To unambiguously resolve this issue, we perform the low-temperature thermal conductivity measurements of a high-quality SmB_{6} single crystal down to 0.1 K and up to 14.5 T. Our experiments show that the residual linear term of thermal conductivity at the zero field is zero, within the experimental accuracy. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity is insensitive to the magnetic field up to 14.5 T. These results demonstrate the absence of fermionic charge-neutral excitations in bulk SmB_{6}, such as scalar Majorana fermions or spinons and, thus, exclude the existence of a bulk Fermi surface suggested by a recent quantum oscillation study of SmB_{6}. This puts a strong constraint on the explanation of the quantum oscillations observed in SmB_{6}.

SNP in Differentially Methylated Region Upstream of H19 Gene in Guangdong Han Population

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） and haplotypes in differentially methylated region （DMR） upstream of H19 gene in Guangdong Han population.

METHODS

The PIA typing and restriction enzyme McrBC and HpaⅡ were used to digest the genomic DNA and obtain the individual uniparental DNA template strand. The data of uniparental SNP alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in DMR upstream of H19 gene were obtained by sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 13 SNPs （rs10840167, rs2525883, rs12417375, rs4930101, rs2525882, rs2735970, rs2735971, rs11042170, rs2735972, rs10732516, rs2071094, rs2107425, and rs4930098） and one mutation locus （g7351c） were found. All loci followed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05） by statistical analysis. Except for rs12417375 （DP=0.279） locus, the DP of remaining 12 SNPs were 0.446-0.614, and the g7351c mutation locus （DP=0.013） was the particular loci of the Southern Chinese Han population. Eight haplotypes （designated as haplotype 1-8） were detected, in which 3 haplotypes had not yet been reported and the DP, PIC, PE and H were 0.891, 0.714, 0.524 and 0.758, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtained by PIA typing, the SNP in DMR upstream of H19 gene and its haplotypes genetic marker system have a high determination power and show a good practical value in forensic identification.

[Effects of intubating laryngeal mask airway in prevention of extubation responses in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage during general anesthesia recovery period]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in prediction of extubation responses in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage during general anesthesia recovery period.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage aged 47-71 years, with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)11-15 scores and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, undergoing craniotomy surgery from December 2012 to December 2014 in the Affiliated First Municipal Hospital of Fujian Medical University were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=60): tracheal intubation (Group T) and intubating laryngeal mask airway (Group I), by using a random number table. Variations of invasive arterial blood pressure and responses of endotracheal extubation were compared between two groups before and after extubation.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in ages, sex ratio, preoperative GCS, operation time and the time from the end of operation to Train of Four stimulation (TOF) becoming to 4 between the two groups. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) at the time point of extubation (T3), 1 min (T4), 3 min (T5), 5 min (T6) after extubation were (136±20), (130±16), (128±12), (125±10) mmHg in Group T, and heart rate(HR) at these four time points were (105±11), (96±8), (92±7), (86±6) bpm, respectively. While in group I, MAP were (108±10), (106±8), (105±9), (106±7) mmHg, and HR were (75±8), (76±7), (68±5), (67±6) bpm, respectively. MAP and HR of the two groups at these four time points had significant differences (T3: t=10.91, 17.20; T4: t=13.72, 14.69; T5: t=12.54, 13.35; T6: t=13.39, 11.27; all P<0.01). During recovery, the incidences of extubation responses of group T and group I were 92% and 2%, respectively, and the difference had statistically significant (χ(2)=94.05, P<0.01). The incidences of coughing of group T and group I were 97% and 0, respectively, and the difference had statistically significant (χ(2)=148.69, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Compared with tracheal intubation, ILMA can decrease the incidence of extubation responses and coughing in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage during general anesthesia recovery period, and avoid cere-brovascular accidents.

Effects of anaesthesia on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of LoVo colon cancer cells in vitro

Tumour cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis are crucial steps in tumour metastasis. We evaluated the effect of serum from patients undergoing colon cancer surgery receiving thoracic epidural and propofol anaesthesia on colon cancer cell biology. Patients were randomly assigned to receive propofol anaesthesia with a concomitant thoracic epidural (PEA, n = 20) or sevoflurane anaesthesia with opioid analgesia (SGA, n = 20). Venous blood was obtained before induction of anaesthesia and 24 hours postoperatively. The LoVo colon cancer cells were cultured with patient serum from both groups and the effects on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were measured. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the absorbance value of LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was decreased when compared with SGA (0.302 (0.026) vs 0.391 (0.066), p = 0.005). The inhibitory rate of LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was higher than that from SGA (p = 0.004) 24 h after surgery. The number of invasive LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was reduced when compared with SGA (44 (4) vs 62 (4), p < 0.001). Exposure of LoVo cells to postoperative serum from patients receiving PEA led to a higher luminescence ratio (apoptosis) than those receiving SGA (0.36 (0.04) vs 0.27 (0.05), p < 0.001). Serum from patients receiving PEA for colon cancer surgery inhibited proliferation and invasion of LoVo cells and induced apoptosis in vitro more than that from patients receiving SGA. Anaesthetic technique might influence the serum milieu in a way that affects cancer cell biology and, thereby, tumour metastastasis.

Drastic Pressure Effect on the Extremely Large Magnetoresistance in WTe2: Quantum Oscillation Study

The quantum oscillations of the magnetoresistance under ambient and high pressure have been studied for WTe2 single crystals, in which extremely large magnetoresistance was discovered recently. By analyzing the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations, four Fermi surfaces are identified, and two of them are found to persist to high pressure. The sizes of these two pockets are comparable, but show increasing difference with pressure. At 0.3 K and in 14.5 T, the magnetoresistance decreases drastically from 1.25×10(5)% under ambient pressure to 7.47×10(3)% under 23.6 kbar, which is likely caused by the relative change of Fermi surfaces. These results support the scenario that the perfect balance between the electron and hole populations is the origin of the extremely large magnetoresistance in WTe2.

Relative Importance of the Arcuate and Anteroventral Periventricular Kisspeptin Neurons in Control of Puberty and Reproductive Function in Female Rats

Kisspeptin plays a critical role in pubertal timing and reproductive function. In rodents, kisspeptin perikarya within the hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nuclei are thought to be involved in LH pulse and surge generation, respectively. Using bilateral microinjections of recombinant adeno-associated virus encoding kisspeptin antisense into the ARC or AVPV of female rats at postnatal day 10, we investigated the relative importance of these two kisspeptin populations in the control of pubertal timing, estrous cyclicity, and LH surge and pulse generation. A 37% knockdown of kisspeptin in the AVPV resulted in a significant delay in vaginal opening and first vaginal estrous, abnormal estrous cyclicity, and reduction in the occurrence of spontaneous LH surges, although these retained normal amplitude. This AVPV knockdown had no effect on LH pulse frequency, measured after ovariectomy. A 32% reduction of kisspeptin in the ARC had no effect on the onset of puberty but resulted in abnormal estrous cyclicity and decreased LH pulse frequency. Additionally, the knockdown of kisspeptin in the ARC decreased the amplitude but not the incidence of LH surges. These results might suggest that the role of AVPV kisspeptin in the control of pubertal timing is particularly sensitive to perturbation. In accordance with our previous studies, ARC kisspeptin signaling was critical for normal pulsatile LH secretion in female rats. Despite the widely reported role of AVPV kisspeptin neurons in LH surge generation, this study suggests that both AVPV and ARC populations are essential for normal LH surges and estrous cyclicity.

Reliability and relative validity of three physical activity questionnaires in Taizhou population of China: the Taizhou Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the test-retest reliabilities and relative validities of the Chinese version of short International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-S-C), the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ-C), and the Total Energy Expenditure Questionnaire (TEEQ-C) in a population-based prospective study, the Taizhou Longitudinal Study (TZLS).

STUDY DESIGN

A longitudinal comparative study.

METHODS

A total of 205 participants (male: 38.54%) aged 30-70 years completed three questionnaires twice (day one and day nine) and physical activity log (PA-log) over seven consecutive days. The test-retest reliabilities were evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the relative validities were estimated by comparing the data from physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) and PA-log.

RESULTS

Good reliabilities were observed between the repeated PAQs. The ICCs ranged from 0.51 to 0.80 for IPAQ-C, 0.67 to 0.85 for GPAQ-C, and 0.74 to 0.94 for TEEQ-C, respectively. Energy expenditure of most PA domains estimated by the three PAQs correlated moderately with the results recorded by PA-log except the walking domain of IPAQ-S-C. The partial correlation coefficients between the PAQs and PA-log ranged from 0.44 to 0.58 for IPAQ-S-C, 0.26 to 0.52 for GPAQ-C, and 0.41 to 0.72 for TEEQ-C, respectively. Bland-Altman plots showed acceptable agreement between the three PAQs and PA-log.

CONCLUSION

The three PAQs, especially TEEQ-C, were relatively reliable and valid for assessment of physical activity and could be used in TZLS.

Ammonia concentration and relative humidity in poultry houses affect the immune response of broilers

To investigate the effect of ammonia (NH3) and humidity on the immune response of broilers, broilers were exposed to 30 or 70 mg/kg atmospheric NH3 for 21 days. Additionally, birds were exposed to 35, 60, and 85% relative humidity (RH). The relative weights of lymphoid organs, serum total protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, serum lysozyme, proliferation index of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and splenic cytokine gene expression were determined. Exposure to 70 mg/kg NH3 decreased the relative weight of the spleen during the experimental period, serum lysozyme concentration in the first and second weeks, and serum globulin concentration in the third week. The proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was reduced. High levels of NH3 caused increase in IL-1β gene expression in the experimental period and IL-4 gene expression in the first week. Birds exposed to 85% RH had lower thymus and bursa of Fabricius weights in the third week and serum lysozyme concentration in the first week; IL-1β and IL-4 expressions were higher in the second and third weeks and first and second weeks, respectively, than in birds exposed to 60% RH. IL-4 expression was lower during the first week, and IL-1β expression was higher during the second week with 35% RH than with 60% RH. In conclusion, high NH3 level in the poultry house suppressed the immune response of broiler chickens. Neither high nor low RH benefited the immune response of broilers. Furthermore, there was an interactive effect between NH3 and RH on the immune response of broilers.

Quantum transport evidence for the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal phase in Cd₃As₂

We report the quantum transport properties of Cd₃As₂ single crystals in a magnetic field. A large linear quantum magnetoresistance is observed near room temperature. With decreasing temperature, the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations appear in both the longitudinal resistance R(xx) and the transverse Hall resistance R(xy). From the strong oscillatory component ΔR(xx), a linear dependence of the Landau index n on 1/B is obtained, and it gives an n-axis intercept between 1/2 and 5/8. This clearly reveals a nontrivial π Berry's phase, which is a distinguished feature of Dirac fermions. Our quantum transport results provide bulk evidence for the existence of a three-dimensional Dirac semimetal phase in Cd₃As₂.

Overexpression of corticotropin releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala advances puberty and disrupts reproductive cycles in female rats

Prolonged exposure to environmental stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and generally disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Because CRF expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key modulator in adaptation to chronic stress, and central administration of CRF inhibits the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of CRF in the CeA of female rats alters anxiety behavior, dysregulates the HPA axis response to stress, changes pubertal timing, and disrupts reproduction. We used a lentiviral vector to increase CRF expression site specifically in the CeA of preweaning (postnatal day 12) female rats. Overexpression of CRF in the CeA increased anxiety-like behavior in peripubertal rats shown by a reduction in time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and a decrease in social interaction. Paradoxically, puberty onset was advanced but followed by irregular estrous cyclicity and an absence of spontaneous preovulatory LH surges associated with proestrous vaginal cytology in rats overexpressing CRF. Despite the absence of change in basal corticosterone secretion or induced by stress (lipopolysaccharide or restraint), overexpression of CRF in the CeA significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide, but not restraint, stress-induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion in postpubertal ovariectomized rats, indicating a differential stress responsivity of the GnRH pulse generator to immunological stress and a potential adaptation of the HPA axis to chronic activation of amygdaloid CRF. These data suggest that the expression profile of this key limbic brain CRF system might contribute to the complex neural mechanisms underlying the increasing incidence of early onset of puberty on the one hand and infertility on the other attributed to chronic stress in modern human society.

Neurokinin B receptor antagonism decreases luteinising hormone pulse frequency and amplitude and delays puberty onset in the female rat

The neural mechanisms controlling puberty onset remain enigmatic. Humans with loss of function mutations in TAC3 or TACR3, the genes encoding neurokinin B (NKB) or its receptor, neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R), respectively, present with severe congenital gonadotrophin deficiency and pubertal failure. Animal studies have shown ambiguous actions of NKB-NK3R signalling with respect to controlling puberty onset. The present study aimed to determine the role of endogenous NKB-NK3R signalling in the control of pulsatile luteinising hormone (LH) secretion and the timing of puberty onset, and also whether precocious pubertal onset as a result of an obesogenic diet is similarly regulated by this neuropeptide system. Prepubertal female rats, chronically implanted with i.c.v. cannulae, were administered SB222200, a NK3R antagonist, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid via an osmotic mini-pump for 14 days. SB222200 significantly delayed the onset of vaginal opening and first oestrus (as markers of puberty) compared to controls in both normal and high-fat diet fed animals. Additionally, serial blood sampling, via chronic indwelling cardiac catheters, revealed that the increase in LH pulse frequency was delayed and that the LH pulse amplitude was reduced in response to NK3R antagonism, regardless of dietary status. These data suggest that endogenous NKB-NK3R signalling plays a role in controlling the timing of puberty and the associated acceleration of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone pulse generator frequency in the female rat.

Neurokinin B signaling in the female rat: a novel link between stress and reproduction

Acute systemic stress disrupts reproductive function by inhibiting pulsatile gonadotropin secretion. The underlying mechanism involves stress-induced suppression of the GnRH pulse generator, the functional unit of which is considered to be the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin A neurons. Agonists of the neurokinin B (NKB) receptor (NK3R) have been shown to suppress the GnRH pulse generator, in a dynorphin A (Dyn)-dependent fashion, under hypoestrogenic conditions, and Dyn has been well documented to mediate several stress-related central regulatory functions. We hypothesized that the NKB/Dyn signaling cascade is required for stress-induced suppression of the GnRH pulse generator. To investigate this ovariectomized rats, iv administered with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) following intracerebroventricular pretreatment with NK3R or κ-opioid receptor (Dyn receptor) antagonists, were subjected to frequent blood sampling for hormone analysis. Antagonism of NK3R, but not κ-opioid receptor, blocked the suppressive effect of LPS challenge on LH pulse frequency. Neither antagonist affected LPS-induced corticosterone secretion. Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus NKB neurons project to the paraventricular nucleus, the major hypothalamic source of the stress-related neuropeptides CRH and arginine vasopressin (AVP), which have been implicated in the stress-induced suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A separate group of ovariectomized rats was, therefore, used to address the potential involvement of central CRH and/or AVP signaling in the suppression of LH pulsatility induced by intracerebroventricular administration of a selective NK3R agonist, senktide. Neither AVP nor CRH receptor antagonists affected the senktide-induced suppression of the LH pulse; however, antagonism of type 2 CRH receptors attenuated the accompanying elevation of corticosterone levels. These data indicate that the suppression of the GnRH pulse generator by acute systemic stress requires hypothalamic NKB/NK3R signaling and that any involvement of CRH therewith is functionally upstream of NKB.