[Investigation of risk factors of acute kidney injury after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and 3 years' follow-up]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG),and to compare the effects of AKI on complications after operation and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after 3 years' follow-up.

METHODS

In the study, 299 consecutive patients who underwent scheduled off-pump CABG from January 2010 to March 2012 were included. The patients were divided into AKI group with AKI and control group without AKI after operation. The data during perioperative stage were compared, and multivariable Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the risk factors of AKI. The complications were compared after surgery and the patients were followed up for 3 years to observe the difference of MACCE between the two groups.

RESULTS

AKI occurred in 37.1% patients (111/299). The elevated serum creatinine levels(Wald=9.276, P=0.002, 95%CI 1.006-1.028), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) (Wald=3.469,P=0.063,95% CI 0.950-7.630), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(Wald=4.414,P=0.036,95% CI 0.965-0.999),and implantation of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) before or after operation(Wald=6.745, P=0.009, 95% CI 1.336-7.925)were risk factors of AKI in multivariable logistic regression modeling. More complications occurred in AKI group, such as the duration of mechanic ventilation, the time of ICU and the length of stay post operation, reintubation, pulmonary infection, stroke, hemorrhage of digestive tract, the volume of blood transfusion (plasma and red blood cell) and renal replacement therapy(P <0.05). The difference of mortality rate had no statistical significance between the AKI group and the control group, but two patients died in the AKI group. The difference of MACCE between the two groups had no statistical significance after 3 years' follow-up either.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of AKI was high (37.1%) after off-pump CABG. The elevated serum creatinine levels, COPD, decreased LVEF,and implantation IABP before or after operation were independent risk factors of AKI in multivariable Logistic regression modeling. More complications occurred in AKI group during perioperative period, but the difference of MACCE between the two groups after 3 years' follow-up had no statistical significance.

IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism contributes to coronary artery disease susceptibility in a Chinese population

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a mediator of inflammation and plays an important role in regulating immune responses. To date, several studies have tested the association between IL-8 gene polymorphisms and development of coronary artery disease (CAD), but their results have proved to be inconsistent. We conducted an investigation to assess the relationship between the IL-8 -251A/T (rs4073) sequence variant and CAD in a Chinese population. Between April 2013 and January 2015, 217 patients with coronary angiography-confirmed CAD were enrolled in our study, along with 245 control subjects. IL-8 -251A/T genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. A chi-square test revealed that IL-8 -251A/T genotype distributions significantly differed between CAD patients and control subjects (chi-square = 8.29, P < 0.02). Moreover, multiple-logistic regression analysis showed that individuals carrying TA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.57] and AA (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.21-3.52) genotypes were at increased risk of CAD compared to those with the TT genotype. Under dominant (OR = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.13-2.73) and recessive (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.02-2.37) genetic models, the IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism also significantly correlated with CAD. In conclusion, our results suggest that this variant is an independent risk factor for CAD development under codominant, dominant, and recessive models.

[Correlative factors on prevalence rate of dislipidemia among 1 337 coal miners in Shanxi province]

Objective: To understand the prevalence rate and correlative factors of dislipidemia among Shanxi coal miners and to provide evidence for the development of programs on dislipidemia prevention. Methods: We investigated 1 337 mine workers from a Coal Group in April 2016 and collected data related to their blood biochemistry. We then classified the types in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of " Guidelines for prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults (2007)" , using χ(2) test and unconditional logistic regression model for analysis. Results: The overall prevalence rate of Dislipidemia was 59.1% (790/1 337), with males as 60.4% (708/1 173) and females as 50.0%(82/164) while males appeared higher (χ(2)=6.386, P<0.05). Among the 20-34, 35-49, 50 and above year-old groups, the rates were 68.8%, 58.7%, 49.5%, respectively. Results from the χ(2) test showed that gender, age and body mass index were the influencing factors on dislipidemia (χ(2)=7.117, P<0.01; χ(2)=37.135, P<0.01; χ(2)=7.009, P<0.05), while logistic regression analysis showed that sex, age, body mass index level, systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with dislipidemia (P<0.05). Male miners appeared 1.501 times (OR=1.501, 95%CI: 1.895-2.516) higher than female miners in suffering from the risk of dyslipidemia. In different age groups, risks of dyslipidemia in the 35-49, 20-34 year-old groups were 1.672 (OR=1.672, 95%CI: 1.501-2.392) and 2.369 times (OR= 2.369, 95% CI: 1.275-3.469) higher than the 50 year-old. Group that with high BMI, the risk of dyslipidemia was 1.443 times (OR=1.443, 95%CI: 1.139-1.828) higher than the normal BMI group. Group with abnormal systolic pressure was 1.829 times (OR=1.829, 95%CI: 1.152-2.906) higher than normal systolic pressure group. However, diastolic blood pressure, blood sugar, uric acid, and electrocardiogram findings did not seem to show statistically significant meanings on dislipidemia. Conclusion: Among the coal mine workers, those who were males, aged from 20 to 34, having high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure abnormalities) or with high BMI (≥24.0 kg/m(2)) need to be taken special attention on care and prevention of dislipidemia.

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

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

[Experimental study of GeneXpert(®) system in the diagnosis of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the application value of GeneXpert MTB/RIF for detection of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and resistance to rifampin.

METHODS

A total of 150 samples were collected, including 33 needle aspirates from lymphoid tuberculosis, 23 needle aspirates from spinal tuberculosis, 49 from tuberculous pleural effusions, 24 from cerebrospinal fluid of tuberculous cephalomeningitis, and 21 urinary sediment samples from renal tuberculosis. Smear microscopy, mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and the MTB/RIF method were used to examine these samples and their positive rates were compared. Rifampin susceptibility tests was performed for culture-positive strains using proportion method, which was compared with the result from GeneXpert MTB/RIF method.

RESULTS

Of the 150 cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, 17 samples were smear-positive, with a sensitivity of 11.3% (17/150); 30 were culture-positive with a sensitivity of 20.0% (30/150); and 96 were positive by MTB/RIF method with a sensitivity of 64.0% (96/150). There was a significant difference between MTB/RIF method and the culture method (χ(2)=59.61, P<0.01). The differences were also significant when the MTB/RIF method was compared with the smear method (χ(2)=88.60, P<0.01) or compared with culture plus smear methods (χ(2)=4.26, P<0.05). Separately, the differences were statistically significant between GeneXpert MTB/RIF method and other 2 methods for diagnosis of lymphoid tuberculosis (n=33, χ(2)=20.56, P<0.01 vs. culture method; χ(2)=27.13, P<0.01 vs. smear results) while no difference was found between culture and smear method (χ(2)=0.67, P>0.05), spinal tuberculosis (n=23, χ(2)=12.74, P<0.01 vs. culture method; χ(2)=14.81, P< 0.01 vs. smear method), tuberculous pleurisy (n=49, χ(2)=32.34, P<0.01 vs.culture method; χ(2)=49.69, P<0.01 vs. smear method) and renal tuberculosis (n=21, χ(2)=4.20, P<0.05 vs. culture method; χ(2) =8.40, P<0.01 vs. smear results). The sensitivity for tuberculous meningitis had no difference among these 3 methods (n=24, P>0.05). Rifampicin-resistance of the strains from the 30 culture-positive cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (20.0%, 6/30) exhibited agreement with GeneXpert MTB/RIF test.

CONCLUSION

The simplicity and high sensitivity of GeneXpert MTB/RIF technology make it a good diagnostic test for rapid detection of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and resistance to rifampin.

[Lymphadenectomy using dissection and protection of carotid sheath and main nerves in surgery for benign diseases in the neck]

Objective: To investigate the significance of lymphadenectomy using dissection and protection of carotid sheath and main nerves in treating complex benign disease of neck. Methods: A total of 54 cases with benign diseases in neck who received the protective surgical treatments were reviewed. There were 25 cases of recurrent branchial fistula, 15 cases of lymphoid tuberculosis, 5 cases of cystic hygroma, 5 cases of racemose angioma, and 4 cases of Madelung's disease. According to the location and extent of disease, all cases received operation with dissection and protection of carotid sheath and main nerves to removal lesions with lymphoid tissue and fat-connective tissue. Results: All cases recovered well, and no recurrence occurred with follow-up of 3 to 65 months. There was no other complication except for occurring of Horner syndrome in 1 patient. Conclusion: The protective surgical method has certain application value in the treatment of benign neck diseases that have no indefinite boundary and widely distribute.

The prognostic significance of human epidermal growth factor receptor family protein expression in operable pancreatic cancer : HER1-4 protein expression and prognosis in pancreatic cancer

Background

Prognostic factors aid in the stratification and treatment of cancer. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family members (HER1–4) expression in patients with operable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The expression of individual HER proteins in patient tissue specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Patient follow-up time was between 1.0 and 78.1 months.

Results

Positive expression of HER1, HER2, HER3 and HER4 was detected in 41.4, 60.0, 24.3 and 65.7% of cases, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that HER3 positive expression was associated with decreased median survival time (12.0 vs. 25.6 months for HER3 positive and negative groups, respectively; P = 0.013). Cox’s regression confirmed that positive HER3 expression was an independent predictor of poor survival (RR = 3.684, P = 0.001). In contrast, HER4 negative patients had a significantly decreased median survival time when compared with HER4 positive patients (11.4 vs. 25.6 months, respectively; P = 0.027). However, HER4 was not an independent predictor of survival. No significant association between HER1 or HER2 expression and survival was observed (P = 0.626 & P = 0.859, respectively).

Conclusions

HER3 is an independent prognostic marker for patients with operable pancreatic cancer. HER4 may also be of potential prognostic value in this disease and deserves further attention.

[The application of two occupation health risk assessment models in a wooden furniture manufacturing industry]

Objective: To explore the applicability of 2 different models of occupational health risk assessment in wooden furniture manufacturing industry. Methods: American EPA inhalation risk model and ICMM model of occupational health risk assessment were conducted to assess occupational health risk in a small wooden furniture enterprises, respectively. Results: There was poor protective measure and equipment of occupational disease in the plant. The concentration of wood dust in the air of two workshops was over occupational exposure limit (OEL) , and the C_TWA was 8.9 mg/m³ and 3.6 mg/m³, respectively. According to EPA model, the workers who exposed to benzene in this plant had high risk (9.7×10^-6 ~34.3×10^-6) of leukemia, and who exposed to formaldehyde had high risk (11.4 × 10^-6) of squamous cell carcinoma. There were inconsistent evaluation results using the ICMM tools of standard-based matrix and calculated risk rating. There were very high risks to be attacked by rhinocarcinoma of the workers who exposed to wood dust for the tool of calculated risk rating, while high risk for the tool of standard-based matrix. For the workers who exposed to noise, risk of noise-induced deafness was unacceptable and medium risk using two tools, respectively. Conclusion: Both EPA model and ICMM model can appropriately predict and assessthe occupational health risk in wooden furniture manufactory, ICMM due to the relatively simple operation, easy evaluation parameters, assessment of occupational- disease-inductive factors comprehensively, and more suitable for wooden furniture production enterprise.

[Epidemiological study of hypertension in Dongxiang population of Dongxiang county in Gansu province]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension among Dongxiang population of Dongxiang county in Gansu province, and analyze risk factors of hypertension in this population. Methods: A total of 1 879 Dongxiang residents of Dongxiang county in Gansu province aged 18 years and over were selected in one town and eight villages by random cluster method from April to June in 2014. All subjects were interviewed and physical examination including blood pressure measurement was performed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of hypertension. Results: Prevalence of hypertension in this population was 21.4%(402/1 879). Prevalence of hypertension increased with aging and was 7.9%(35/441) in 18-39 years old people, and 20.2%(151/749)in 40-59 years old people, and 31.3%(216/689)in ≥60 years old people (P<0.01). There were no gender (male vs. female) difference in prevalence of hypertension in 18-39 years old group (8.0%(20/249)vs. 7.8%(15/192), P>0.05) and 40-59 years old group (19.8%(78/393) vs. 20.5%(73/356), P>0.05), while the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in male than in female(34.2%(123/360) vs. 28.3%(93/329), P<0.01)in ≥60 years old group. Prevalence of hypertension was also significantly higher in rural area residents than in county town residents (23.4%(255/1 090) vs.18.6%(147/789), P<0.01). The rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in this population were 24.4%(98/402), 14.7%(59/402) and 5.0%(20/402), respectively. Rates of awareness (22.7%(58/255)vs. 27.2%(40/147), P<0.01), treatment(13.3%(34/255)vs. 17.0%(25/147), P<0.05) and control(3.9%(10/255)vs. 6.8%(10/147), P<0.05) were significantly lower in rural area residents than in county residents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, family history of hypertension, high body mass index, less physical activity and more static state were risk factors of hypertension in this population(P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension is high and awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension are low in adult residents of Dongxiang county in Gansu province. Hypertension prevention focusing on risk factors control and treatment strategies should be enhanced in this population.

[Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation specific antibodies in lung adenocarcinoma: evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and relationship to histologic subtypes]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation specific antibodies in invasive lung adenocarcinomas, and their sensitivity, specificity, as well as relationship to histological subtypes.

METHODS

Immunostaining with EGFR mutation-specific antibodies, del E746-A750 in exon 19 and L858R in exon 21, was performed in tissue microarrays of 884 cases of resection specimens to study the relationship between the immunophenotypes and morphologic subtypes. The sensitivity and specificity of the stains were compared with gene mutations detected by amplified refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR).

RESULTS

Of the 884 cases, the expression of del E746-A750 in exon 19 was 3+ , 2+ , 1+ and 0 in 7 cases (0.79%), 38 cases (4.30%), 129 cases (14.59%) and 710 cases (80.32%), respectively. For L858R in exon 21, 3+ , 2+ , 1+ and 0 staining were seen in 82 cases (9.28%), 93 cases (10.52%), 82 cases (9.28%) and 627 cases (70.93%), respectively. For both antibodies, positive expression (1+ or more) was mainly observed in lepidic, acinar and papillary predominant subtypes, and rarely seen in solid subtype or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (P=0.014 and 0.016). If 1+ to 3+ expression was set as positive, the specificity of exon 19/exon 21 reached 98.59%/92.98%, while the sensitivity was relatively lower (62.86%/88.89%). If 2+ to 3+ expression was read as positive, the specificity and sensitivity were 99.30%/97.37% and 25.71%/74.60% for exon 19/exon 21. If only 3+ expression was considered positive, the specificity was 100.0% for both antibodies, with a low sensitivity (8.57% for exon 19 and 34.92% for exon 21). Of the 18 cases with E746-A750 del in exon 19 based on molecular detection, the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry for exon 19 was 88.89% if a positive cutoff value ≥1+ was used; in contrast, of the 8 cases harboring other deletions in exon 19, only two cases were positive as 1+ .

CONCLUSIONS

Both the EGFR mutation specific antibodies del E746-A750 in exon 19 and L858R in exon 21 demonstrate high specificity and relatively low sensitivity, and are mostly expressed in lepidic, acinar and papillary predominant subtypes, but rarely in solid subtype or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. For cases with 3+ expression, a mutational statue for EGFR is likely. For the 2+ positive cases, the accuracy to predict mutation almost reaches 90%, but molecular detection for confirmation is desirable. For the 1+ and negative cases, DNA-based test is essential to avoid false negativity.

Increased miR-155-5p expression in dermal mesenchymal stem cells of psoriatic patients: comparing the microRNA expression profile by microarray

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have pleiotropic immuno-modulatory effects and pro-angiogenic ability, leading to the presumption that MSCs may be involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis. In a previous study, we reported the specific gene expression profile of dermal MSCs from psoriasis. Inflammation- and angiogenesis-related genes, such as lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha transcription factor (LITAF), dual-specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), vascular endothelial growth factor α (VEGFα), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP5), are abnormally expressed in psoriatic dermal MSCs. As a key regulator of gene expression, miRNA are involved in a wide variety of biological processes; in fact, several miRNAs have been implicated in the development and progression of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. In this study, we compared the miRNA expression profiles of dermal MSCs from patients with psoriasis to those in MSCs from normal individuals by microarray, and found that the pro-inflammatory miRNA miR-155 was significantly overexpressed in psoriatic MSCs (2.44 fold, P < 0.001). Additionally, the expression of miR-155 target gene TAB2 (8.47 ± 1.55 vs 6.38 ± 2.10, P < 0.01,) and the downstream gene iNOS (5.26 ± 2.58 vs 3.73 ± 1.89, P < 0.05) was found to be inhibited in psoriatic dermal MSCs by real-time PCR. Therefore, we speculated that the elevation in miR-155 levels may be an indicator of, or a key regulatory pathway in, the pathogenesis of psoriasis, resulting in functionally impaired dermal MSCs.

Effects of Palygorskite Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Ability, and Mineral Element Content of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate different levels of palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular oxidative status, and mineral element accumulation of broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments with six replicates of eight chicks per replicate. Birds in the four treatments were given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg palygorskite for 42 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, neither 5 g/kg nor 10 g/kg palygorskite inclusion affected growth performance of broilers during the 42-day study (P > 0.05). However, the highest level of palygorskite supplementation at 20 g/kg increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) of broilers (P < 0.001). Yellowness (P < 0.001) and redness (P = 0.003) of breast muscle and yellowness of leg muscle (P = 0.001) were decreased by palygorskite supplementation at the levels of 10 g/kg and especially 20 g/kg. In addition, redness of leg muscle was also reduced by the inclusion of 20 g/kg palygorskite (P = 0.009). In contrast, malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation in the breast muscle was significantly increased by 20 g/kg palygorskite supplementation (P < 0.001). Supplementation of palygorskite at either 10 or 20 g/kg significantly decreased lead (Pb) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.001) or thigh (P = 0.045) and copper (Cu) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.022). In conclusion, growth performance, meat color, and antioxidant capacity of meat would reduce with the increasing level of palygorskite supplementation, whereas a higher level of palygorskite (10 or 20 g/kg) can alter mineral element accumulations in muscles as evidenced by reduced muscular Cu and Pb contents.

[The imaging analysis of the age-related changes on maxillary sinus]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the age-related changes rules of maxillary sinus.Method:The 540 patients (1 080 sides) with normal data of deputy sinus in spiral CT were enrolled,including 270 cases of male and female,age from 7 to 81 years old.They are divided into 9 groups according to the age:Group A at the age of 7-12 years old,Group B at the age of 13-17,Group C at the age of 18-20 years old,Group D at the age of 21-24 years old,Group E at the age of 25-28 years,Group F at the age of 29-35 years old,Group G at the age of 36-40 years old,Group H at the age of 41-65 years old,and Group I is more than 65 years old.By the gender,the patients in each group was divided into male and female groups.There are 30 cases in each group(60 sides).The volumes and the three-dimensional diameters of the maxillary sinus were measured,and the coefficient of gasification of them were calculated.Result:The maxillary sinus volume and 3 D lines have almost the same change trend along with the age between the male and female group;From 7 to 20 ages,they are increased linearly,13 to 17 fastest-growing;18 to 20 years old reached to peak;declined slightly in 21-28 years old,29-35 a second growth peak,and 36 to 40 years old have fallen sharply,to reaching a steady state after 41 years old;The gasification coefficient has no difference among all groups.Conclusion:The volume changes with the age-related on maxillary sinus is in the adolescent stage.It reaches a steady state in the middle and old age stage,and gasification coefficient on maxillary sinus has no age-related changes among all groups.

[Relationship between weather factors and heat stroke in Ningbo city]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the main effects of weather factors on heat stroke.

METHODS

Data from case report on heat stroke was collected in Ningbo city during 2011 to 2014. Temperature threshold, lag effects and interaction of weather factors on heat stroke had been analyzed, using the piecewise regression model, distributed lag non-linear model, response surface model and other methods.

RESULTS

RESULTS showed that temperature and humidity were more correlated with heat stroke than other weather-related factors. Through different models, daily average temperature always presented a better role in predicting the heat stroke, rather than maximum or minimum temperature. Positive association between daily average temperature and heat stroke was obvious, especially at lag 0-1 days, with its threshold as 29.1 (95% CI: 28.7-29.5) ℃ . The cumulative RR of heat stroke at 90(th) percentile of daily average temperature versus 10(th) percentile was 14.05 (95% CI: 7.23-27.31) in lag 0-1 days. The effects of daily relative humidity on heat stroke appeared nonlinear, with low humidity showing a negative effect on heat stroke and could lag for 1-4 days. However, the effect of high humidity was not significant, with the cumulative RR of low humidity and high humidity as 2.35 (95%CI: 1.27-4.33) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.40-1.85) in lag of 0-4 days, respectively. We also noticed that there was an interactive effect of both temperature and humidity on heat stroke. Under high temperature and low humidity, the risk of heat stroke showed the highest.

CONCLUSIONS

Temperature and humidity showed obvious relationship with heat stroke in Ningbo city, with the threshold temperature as 29.1 ℃. Under high temperature and low humidity, the risk of heat stroke became the highest.

Effects of threonine supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, oxidative status, intestinal integrity, and barrier function of broilers at the early age

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of L-threonine (L-Thr) supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant status, and intestinal health of broilers at the early age. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Arbor Acres Plus) were allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates of 8 birds each, and fed a basal diet (analyzed Thr content, 7.87 g/kg) supplemented with 0 (control diet), 1 and 3 g/kg L-Thr for 21 d, respectively. Treatments did not alter growth performance of broilers. Compared with control, 1 g/kg Thr supplementation increased relative weight of spleen (P = 0.013). A higher level of Thr (3 g/kg) increased relative weight of thymus (P = 0.003). The supplementation of 3 g/kg Thr reduced Escherichia coli (P = 0.040) and Salmonella colonies (P = 0.015), whereas increased Lactobacillus colonies (P < 0.001) in the cecal contents. Thr supplementation increased intestinal villus height (P < 0.05), and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.001), and the values for these parameters were intermediate with 1 g/kg Thr. Goblet cell density was increased by Thr supplementation (P < 0.001). The jejunal immunoglobulin G content was increased by the inclusion of Thr (P = 0.002). Broilers fed diet supplemented with 1 g/kg Thr exhibited increased concentrations of jejunal immunoglobulin M (P = 0.037) and secretory immunoglobulin A (P = 0.018). Likewise, 3 g/kg Thr inclusion increased ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content (P = 0.023). The jejunal malondialdehyde accumulation was reduced by Thr inclusion (P = 0.012). A higher level of Thr inclusion also reduced malondialdehyde content in the serum (P = 0.029). The high level of Thr inclusion (3 g/kg) upregulated mucin-2 mRNA expression (P = 0.034), whereas downregulated the mRNA abundances of interferon-γ (P = 0.036) and interleukin-1β (P = 0.031) in the ileum. In conclusion, L-Thr supplementation can improve immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of broilers at an early age.

[HIV prevalence and risk factors among left-behind women in high HIV epidemic rural areas of Yunnan province]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the status of HIV infection and risk factors among those left-behind women (LBW) in high HIV epidemic rural areas.

METHODS

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted between March and May, 2015 in Dehong and Lincang prefectures, Yunnan province, where HIV appeared highly epidemic. Probability Proportion to Size (PPS) sampling method was used, and 500 cases were involved and tested for HIV antibody.

RESULTS

The total rate of HIV infection among LBW was 8.2% (41/500). The rate of HIV infection among LBWs whose husbands were on medication was 22.7% (30/132). Data from Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of HIV infection were: being minorities, education background lower than junior high school, widowed, living in Lincang prefecture, husband infected with HIV but did not consistently use condoms,etc. The rate of HIV infection among other LBWs was 2.8% (10/363). Data from Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of HIV infection would include: aged between 30-40 years, being minorities, education background lower than junior high school, divorced, living in Dehong prefecture, having had multiple-sex partners, husband coming home less than once a year,etc. The rate of HIV infection among drug users whose husbands did not take HIV medication was 20.0% (1/5).

CONCLUSION

HIV prevalence among LBWs in highly HIV epidemic areas was high, and the major risk factors related to their husbands were: being drug users or with HIV infected. Further effort should be made on consistently use of anti-HIV drugs and prevention of inter-marital sexual transmission. Comprehensive intervention should be carried out for LBWs who were having lower education background, being minority and having multiple-sex partners.

Cardiac progenitor cell-derived exosomes prevent cardiomyocytes apoptosis through exosomal miR-21 by targeting PDCD4

Cardiac progenitor cells derived from adult heart have emerged as one of the most promising stem cell types for cardiac protection and repair. Exosomes are known to mediate cell–cell communication by transporting cell-derived proteins and nucleic acids, including various microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we investigated the cardiac progenitor cell (CPC)-derived exosomal miRNAs on protecting myocardium under oxidative stress. Sca1⁺CPCs-derived exosomes were purified from conditional medium, and identified by nanoparticle trafficking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy and western blotting using CD63, CD9 and Alix as markers. Exosomes production was measured by NTA, the result showed that oxidative stress-induced CPCs secrete more exosomes compared with normal condition. Although six apoptosis-related miRNAs could be detected in two different treatment-derived exosomes, only miR-21 was significantly upregulated in oxidative stress-induced exosomes compared with normal exosomes. The same oxidative stress could cause low miR-21 and high cleaved caspase-3 expression in H9C2 cardiac cells. But the cleaved caspase-3 was significantly decreased when miR-21 was overexpressed by transfecting miR-21 mimic. Furthermore, miR-21 mimic or inhibitor transfection and luciferase activity assay confirmed that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) was a target gene of miR-21, and miR-21/PDCD4 axis has an important role in anti-apoptotic effect of H9C2 cell. Western blotting and Annexin V/PI results demonstrated that exosomes pre-treated H9C2 exhibited increased miR-21 whereas decreased PDCD4, and had more resistant potential to the apoptosis induced by the oxidative stress, compared with non-treated cells. These findings revealed that CPC-derived exosomal miR-21 had an inhibiting role in the apoptosis pathway through downregulating PDCD4. Restored miR-21/PDCD4 pathway using CPC-derived exosomes could protect myocardial cells against oxidative stress-related apoptosis. Therefore, exosomes could be used as a new therapeutic vehicle for ischemic cardiac disease.

Hepcidin and iron metabolism associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children: A case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of cardiometabolic disease; however, the association between cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and hepcidin as well as other iron parameters remains unclear in children. The aims of this study were to compare the circulating hepcidin levels and iron metabolism between children with and without CMRFs and to investigate the association between those iron parameters and CMRFs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A case-control study was conducted among 1126 children aged 7-14 years in the case group (n = 563) with CMRFs and the healthy control group (n = 563). Iron parameters, lipids, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. The information on demographics, diet, and physical activities was either children reported or parent reported. Compared with the healthy controls, children with CMRFs had higher levels of hepcidin and lower levels of serum iron, transferrin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR; P < 0.001). Besides, the odds ratios (ORs) for low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were 2.03, 0.21, and 0.33 in children with higher hepcidin, transferrin, and sTfR levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ORs for cardiometabolic risk were 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-0.85, P < 0.05), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.42, P < 0.01) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.36, P < 0.01) in children with higher serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The levels of hepcidin were higher, while those of iron, transferrin, and sTfR were lower in children with CMRF. Hepcidin was positively associated with the risk of low HDL levels, whereas transferrin and sTfR levels negatively correlated with the risk of low HDL levels. In addition, serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels were negatively associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Interactions of allele E of the MC1R gene with FM and mutations in the MLPH gene cause the five-gray phenotype in the Anyi tile-like gray chicken

The Anyi tile-like gray chicken is a Chinese indigenous breed with a gray dilution phenotype, having gray feathers, comb, skin, shanks, and beak, which is valuable for genetic research on pigmentation. However, the genetic basis of the gray dilution phenotype remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic basis of the gray dilution phenotype in the Anyi tile-like gray chicken. We found that all Anyi tile-like gray chickens tested in this study carried at least one E allele, which is responsible for the appearance of black feathers, and some of them carried the FM allele, which is responsible for the black skin phenotype. A single nucleotide polymorphism (C.1909A>G) was identified within the melanophilin (MLPH) gene and was significantly associated with the gray dilution phenotype. Our findings suggest that the E and FM alleles act together to cause the development of the "five-black" phenotype (black feather, comb, skin, shank, and beak), whereas the MLPH mutation results in defective melanosome transport, leading to the development of the "five-gray" phenotype.

Toll-like receptor-4-dependence of the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation

Bone fractures or bones subjected to open conduction and internal fixation are easily infected by bacteria; bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor affecting bone fracture healing. Therefore, the effect of LPS on bone metabolism is relevant for bone healing. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPS on the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 (an LPS receptor) by using real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. We also examined the regulatory role of LPS in osteoblast differentiation by measuring the ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA (essential factors affecting osteoblast differentiation) expression in LPS-treated mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. We also evaluated the effect of TLR-4 on LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation using RNA interference. LPS promotes TLR-4 mRNA and protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and inhibits osteoblast differentiation by downregulating matrix mineralization and ALP activity (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and suppressing the expression ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conversely, RNAi-mediated TLR-4 knockdown abrogates the LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In summary, LPS was shown to inhibit osteoblast differentiation by suppressing the expression of ALP, OCN, and Runx2 in a TLR-4-dependent manner. The results of this study may provide insights into the signal pathway of LPS-induced bone loss or delayed bone fracture healing.

[A clinical study into the vestibular function and therapy of patients with chronic positional symptoms after acute vestibular syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the status of the vestibular function of the patients with chronic positional symptoms after peripheral acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) and the curative effect of the vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). Method:Using caloric test (CT), head shaking nystagmus test (HST), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials as well as ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to estimate the function of semicircular canal and otolith organs. The patients with normal VEMPs are divided as Group A. Otherwise are as Group B. Both groups are treated with VRT. The curative effect is estimated by vestibular symptom index (VSI) and Berg balance scale (BBS). Result:Thirty-three of 37 patients (86.5%) had an abnormal result of CT and HST, with 23 of these patients (65.7%) had an abnormal of both test. Twenty-two patients (59.5%) were in Group A and 15 (40.5%) in Group B. Before the therapy, Group B had a higher score of the balance and dizziness symptoms of VSI (P<0.05), and Group A had a higher score of the BBS (P<0.05). After the therapy, the VSI scores of both groups dropped and scores of the BBS raised. Conclusion:Patients with chronic positional symptoms after peripheral AVS have dynamic vestibular lesions to different extents. Those with otolith organs lesions tend to have a worse function of balance. Nevertheless, patients have a better off after VRT.

Improved Mobility and Bias Stability of Thin Film Transistors Using the Double-Layer a-InGaZnO/a-InGaZnO:N Channel

The amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) were demonstrated based on a double-layer channel structure, where the channel is composed of an ultrathin nitro-genated a-IGZO (a-IGZO:N) layer and an undoped a-IGZO layer. The double-layer channel device showed higher saturation mobility and lower threshold-voltage shift (5.74 cm2/Vs, 2.6 V) compared to its single-layer counterpart (0.17 cm2/Vs, 7.23 V). The improvement can be attributed to three aspects: (1) improved carrier transport properties of the channel by the a-IGZO:N layer with high carrier mobility and the a-IGZO layer with high carrier concentration, (2) reduced interfacial trap density between the active channel and the gate insulator, and (3) higher surface flatness of the double-layer channel. Our study reveals key insights into double-layer channel, involving selecting more suitable electrical property for back-channel layer and more suitable interface modification for active layer. Meanwhile, room temperature fabrication amorphous TFTs offer certain advantages on better flexibility and higher uniformity over a large area.

Violence-related behaviors among adolescents and its association with cognitive emotion regulation strategies

BACKGROUND

Adolescent violence is now regarded as a major public health concern. Despite growing interest in psychographic risk factors for violent behavior, few studies have explored the role of strategies to regulate cognitive emotion in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of adolescent violence behaviors and to identify the relationship between specific strategies to regulate cognitive emotion and forms of violent behavior.Adolescent violence is now regarded as a major public health concern. Despite growing interest in psychographic risk factors for violent behavior, few studies have explored the role of strategies to regulate cognitive emotion in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of adolescent violence behaviors and to identify the relationship between specific strategies to regulate cognitive emotion and forms of violent behavior.

METHODS

We cross-sectionally surveyed 3315 students in grades 7 to 10 using anonymous, self-reporting questionnaires to examine strategies to regulate cognitive emotion and violence-related behaviors in young adolescents. A logistic regression model was used to identify the relationship between specific violent behaviors and strategies to regulate cognitive emotion.

RESULTS

The most commonly reported type of violent behavior was verbal attack (48.6%), while 7.1% of students were involved in fights and 2.4% had been injured in fights. Boys were involved in all forms of violent behavior studied, and did so significantly more often than girls (P<0.05). Logistic regression revealed that six cognitive emotion strategies (self-blame, rumination, planning, reappraisal, catastrophisizing, and blaming others) were associated with violent behaviors, of which catastrophisizing was the most significant factor of all violent behaviors examined that were influenced by this strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Violence-related behaviors, especially verbal attacks, were common among adolescents. Several cognitive emotion regulation strategies were positively associated with specific violent behaviors, but catastrophisizing was strongly related to all forms of violent behavior. Thus, programs targeting adolescent violence must address this and other maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies.