Hydroponic barley supplementation fed with high protein diets improves the production performance of lactating dairy cows

The study investigated the effects of dietary protein level and the inclusion of hydroponic barley sprouts (HB) on lactation performance, blood biochemistry and N use efficiency in mid-lactation dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 crude protein (CP) levels [16.8% and 15.5% of dry matter (DM)], with HB (4.8% of DM, replacing 4.3% of alfalfa hay and 0.5% of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)) or without HB. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows (146 ± 15 d in milk, 40 ± 5 kg/d of milk) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 diets: high protein diet (16.8% CP, HP), HP with HB (HP+HB), low protein diet (15.5% CP, LP), or LP with HB (LP+HB). An interaction between CP × HB on dry matter intake (DMI) was detected, with DMI being unaffected by HB inclusion in cows fed the high CP diets, but was lower in cows fed HB when the low CP diet was fed. A CP × HB interaction was also observed on milk and milk protein yield, which was higher in cows fed HB with HP, but not LP. Inclusion of HB also tended to reduce milk fat content, and feeding HP resulted in a higher milk protein and milk urea N content, but lower milk lactose content. Feed efficiency was increased by feeding HP or HB diets, whereas N efficiency was higher for cows fed LP or HB diets. There was an interaction on the apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and CP, which was higher when HB was fed along with HP, but reduced when fed with LP, whereas the digestibility of ADF was increased by feeding low protein diets. In conclusion, feeding a low protein diet had no adverse effect on cow performance, while feeding HB improved milk and milk component yield, and N efficiency when fed with a high CP diet, but compromised cow performance with a low CP diet.

Health Care Access and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Cross-Lagged Panel Longitudinal Analysis

Objective: The current longitudinal study examined how (1) cognitive measures, including episodic memory, executive function, and global cognition, predict later healthcare access and how (2) healthcare access predicts later cognition. Methods: Drawing a sample (n = 9920) from the Health and Retirement Study dataset, we created a cross-lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal association between cognitive measures and healthcare access from 2012 to 2018. Results: Results revealed that cognitive measures significantly predict later healthcare access, with effects increasing across waves. However, within sub-domains, memory was more predictive of later healthcare access over time compared to executive function. Discussions: Our study suggested an increased link between cognition and healthcare access during aging. Even outside of the context of AD, there are likely both policy-based and practical implications to ensure those experiencing cognitive decline continue to maintain access to care.

[The cases of tracing the source of patients infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 based on wastewater-based epidemiology in Shenzhen]

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an emerging discipline, which has been applied to drug abuse tracking and infectious disease pathogen surveillance. During the COVID-19 epidemic, WBE has been applied to monitor the epidemic trend and SARS-CoV-2 variants etc. In order to detect hidden COVID-19 cases and prevent transmission in the community, wastewater surveillance system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA was developed in Shenzhen. The sewage sampling sites were set up in key places such as the port areas, urban villages and residential communities of Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Yantian districts. From July 26 to November 30, 2022, a total of 369 sewage sampling sites were set up, covering 1.93 million people. Continuous sampling was carried out for 3 hours in the peak period of water use every day. Sewage virus enrichment and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection were carried out by polyethylene glycol precipitation method and RT-qPCR, and a positive water sample disposal process was molded. This article aims to introduce the case of source tracing of COVID-19 infected patients based on urban sewage in Shenzhen. The sewage monitoring of Honghu water treatment plant in Luohu District played an early warning role, and the source of infection was traced. In the disposal of positive water samples in Futian South Road, Futian District, the important experience of monitoring point layout was obtained. In the sewage monitoring of Nanshan village, Nanshan District, the existence of occult infection was revealed. Sharing the experience of tracing the source of COVID-19 patients to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the community based on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Shenzhen, and summarizing the advantages and application prospects of sewage surveillance can provide new ideas for monitoring emerging or re-emerging pathogens that are known to exhibit gastrointestinal excretion in the future.

The ERβ-cAMP signaling pathway regulates estradiol-induced ovine oocyte meiotic arrest

Although 17β-estradiol (E2) and its receptors (ERs) are reported to play important roles in regulating oocyte maturation, the specific mechanism remains unclear. First, we performed immunohistochemistry analyses to determine the expression of the ERα and ERβ proteins in ovine ovarian tissue. Second, E2 (0.5 ng/mL and 1 μg/mL) were added to pre-IVM medium for 0 h, 1 h and 2 h. The effects of E2 (0.5 ng/mL and 1 μg/mL) on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and on oocyte meiotic progression were evaluated by ELISA and DAPI staining respectively. Third, the effects of E2 on the gene and protein expression of ERα and ERβ in COCs were investigated by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Afterward, ERβ and cAMP regulators were added to the 2-h pretreatment medium with or without E2 (0.5 ng/mL) to explore the possible interactions among E2, cAMP and ERβ. The results showed that both ERα and ERβ proteins were expressed in ovine cumulus layers and oocytes. E2 significantly increased intra-COC cAMP levels, maintained oocyte meiotic arrest, and promoted ERβ transcript and protein expression. E2 treatment increased the cAMP concentration, which was enhanced by ERβ agonist treatment and remarkably attenuated by ERβ inhibitor treatment. Forskolin plus IBMX treatment increased ERβ protein expression in COCs (P < 0.05), and this was attenuated by Rp-cAMP treatment. In conclusion, E2 (0.5 ng/mL) increased intra-COC cAMP levels by promoting ERβ expression, thereby maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest. cAMP in COCs has a positive feedback effect on ERβ expression, which provides a novel explanation for the positive role of E2 in regulating ovine follicle development and oocyte maturation.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

Education, Social Engagement, and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Although education and social engagement are considered cognitive reserves, the pathway of both reserves on cognitive function has been rarely studied. This study aimed to examine the underlying mechanism between education, social engagement, and cognitive function.

METHODS

This study used 2-wave data (2010 and 2014) from Health and Retirement Study in the United States (N = 3,201). Education was measured by years of schooling. Social engagement was evaluated by 20 items including volunteering, physical activities, social activities, and cognitive activities. Cognitive function was assessed by a modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. A cross-lagged panel model was fitted to test the mediating mechanism between education, social engagement, and cognitive function.

RESULTS

Controlling for covariates, higher education in early life was associated with better cognitive function in old age (b = 0.211, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.163, 0.259], p < .01). Late-life social engagement partially mediated the association between education and cognitive function (indirect effect = 0.021, 95% CI = [0.010, 0.033], p < .01). The indirect path between education and social engagement via cognition also existed (b = 0.009, 95% CI = [0.005, 0.012], p < .001).

DISCUSSION

Education in earlier life stage may exert a lifelong effect on cognitive function as well as an indirect effect via enhancing late-life cognitive reserve such as social engagement. The cross-lagged effect of social engagement on cognitive function is significant and vice versa. Future research may explore other cognitive reserves over the life course and its underlying mechanism to achieve healthy cognitive aging.

Prognostic Value of Lymph Node-to-Primary Tumor Ratio of PET Standardized Uptake Value for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Recursive Partitioning Risk Stratification Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the prognostic value of the lymph node-to-primary tumor ratio (NTR) of positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value (SUV) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with induction chemotherapy (IC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-seven locoregionally advanced NPC patients with pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) scans between September 2017 and November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent IC plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of SUV NTR. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival rates. The recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed to construct a risk stratification model.

RESULTS

The optimal cut-off value of SUV NTR was 0.74. Multivariate analyses showed that SUV NTR and overall stage were independent predictors for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and regional recurrent-free survival (RRFS). Therefore, an RPA model based on the endpoint of DMFS was generated and categorized the patients into three distinct risk groups: RPA I (low-risk: SUV NTR<7.4 and stage III), RPA II (medium-risk: SUV NTR<7.4 and stage IVa, or SUV NTR≥7.4 and stage III), and RPA III (high-risk: SUV NTR≥7.4 and stage IVa), with a 3-year DMFS of 98.9%, 93.4%, and 84.2%, respectively. ROC analysis showed that the RPA model had superior predictive efficacy than the SUV NTR or overall stage alone.

CONCLUSION

SUV NTR was an independent prognosticator for distant metastasis and regional recurrence in locoregionally advanced NPC. The RPA risk stratification model base on SUV NTR provides improved DMFS and RRFS prediction over the 8th edition of the TNM staging system.

Radiotherapy Alone vs. Concurrent or Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients with Negative Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Post-Induction Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Induction chemotherapy (IC) plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy has been recommended as the standard treatment for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). However, concurrent chemotherapy was associated with increased toxicities, poor tolerance, and low completion rates. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IC+ radiotherapy (RT) and IC+ concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT/AC) in patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 547 NPC patients with negative plasma EBV DNA post-IC were included. Patients were classified into the IC+RT group and the IC+ concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT/AC) group. Locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the variables.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 37 months. The 3-year LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS rates for the whole group were 92.2%, 92.4%, 96.4%, and 84.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS between the IC+RT and the IC+CCRT/AC group both before PSM (3-year rates of 91.1% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.94; 95.6% vs. 91.5%, p = 0.08; 95.2% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.80; 85.9% vs. 84.0%, p = 0.38) and after PSM (90.7% vs. 92.7%, p = 0.77; 96.8% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.29; 94.5% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.57; 84.7% vs. 85.6%, p = 0.96). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that treatment schedule was not an independent predictor for survival rates. Patients in the IC+RT group had fewer treatment-related acute toxicities and better tolerance.

CONCLUSION

IC+RT displayed similar survival outcomes as IC+CCRT/AC for NPC patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA. Our current data seems not to support the routine use of concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy after IC for unselected patients.

Financial Fraud of Older Adults During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created a "perfect storm" for financial fraud targeting older adults. Guided by the Contextual Theory of Elder Abuse, we focused on individual and systemic contexts to examine how older adults became prey to financial fraud.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In July 2020, 998 adults who were 60-98 years of age (93% White; 64% female) completed an online survey about experiences with financial fraud. Participants were recruited from gerontology research registries at Florida State University, University of Pittsburg, Virginia Tech, and Wayne State University.

RESULTS

Over half (65.9%) of the respondents experienced a COVID-19-related scam attempt, with charity contributions (49%) and COVID-19 treatments (42%) being the most common. Perpetrators commonly contacted older adults electronically (47%) two or more times (64%). Although most respondents ignored the request (i.e., hung up the phone and deleted text/e-mail), 11.3% sent a requested payment, and 5.3% provided personal information. Predictors of vulnerability included contentment with financial situation, concern about finances in the aftermath of the pandemic, and wishing to talk to someone about financial decisions. Respondents targeted for a non-COVID-19 scam attempt were less likely to be targets of a COVID-19-related scam.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Older adults who were financially secure, worried about their financial situation, or wished they could speak with someone about their financial decisions appeared susceptible to falling victim to a fraud attempt. The high number of attempts indicates a need for a measurable and concerted effort to prevent the financial fraud of older adults.

Glutamatergic melanocortin-4 receptor neurons regulate body weight

The locus coeruleus (LC), enriched in vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGlut2) neurons, is a potential homeostasis-regulating hub. However, the identity of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, PVNVGlut2::MC4R and LCVGlut2::MC4R regulation of body weight, and axonal projections of LCVGlut2 neurons remain unclear. Conditional knockout of MC4R in chimeric mice was used to confirm the effects of VGlut2. Interscapular brown adipose tissue was injected with pseudorabies virus to study the central nervous system projections. We mapped the LCVGlut2 circuitry. Based on the Cre-LoxP recombination system, specific knockdown of MC4R in VGlut2 neurons resulted in weight gain in chimeric mice. Adeno-associated virus-mediated knockdown of MC4R expression in the PVN and LC had potential superimposed effects on weight gain, demonstrating the importance of VGlut2 neurons. Unlike these wide-ranging efferent projections, the PVN, hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, supraoptic nucleus of the lateral olfactory tegmental nuclei, and nucleus tractus solitarius send excitatory projections to LCVGlut2 neurons. The PVN → LC glutamatergic MC4R long-term neural circuit positively affected weight management and could help treat obesity.

Amylin regulates testosterone levels via steroidogenesis-related enzymes in the central nervous system of male mice

Amylin is a peripheral satiation signal polypeptide co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic β-cells in response to nutrient ingestion. Amylin participates in the eating-inhibitory effect and regulates energy metabolism by acting on the central nervous system (CNS). However, the role of amylin in regulating the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, such as testosterone, through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) remains unexplored. However, only limited evidence is available on the involvement of amylin in steroid synthesis, we hypothesize that amylin regulates testosterone levels via steroidogenesis-related enzymes in the CNS. In this study, we elucidated the effect of intraperitoneal injection of amylin on the protein expression of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, including 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK). Additionally, the effect of amylin on testosterone levels in male mice was examined. Our results suggested that 3β-HSD and CYP17A1 neurons were widely expressed in the CNS of male mice, whereas StAR neurons were mainly expressed in the zona incerta (ZI) and locus coeruleus (LC) regions. Intraperitoneal injection of amylin significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the expression of 3β-HSD, CYP17A1, and StAR in ZI and other areas near the third ventricle (3 V) but increased (p < 0.01) pERK expression, brain testosterone levels, serum FSH, serum LH, and decreased (p < 0.01) serum testosterone levels in mice. In conclusion, amylin regulates testosterone levels via steroidogenesis-related enzymes in the central nervous system of male mice.

Source of perceived social support and cognitive change: an 8-year prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the longitudinal association between overall and individual sources of social support and global cognitive function in older adults.Methods:Data were drawn from three waves (2006, 2010 and 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The analytic sample included participants aged 65 and above who were married and had at least one child (N = 1319). Global cognitive function was measured through a 35-point Telephone Interview Cognitive Screen (TICS). Perceived social support was measured via questions across four sources of support (spouse, child, other family members, and friends). Analyses were conducted using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) with the addition of a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM).

RESULTS

There was no significant association between perceived overall social support and global cognitive function over time (β=-0.02, p=0.19). However, changes in perceived support from children were positively associated with changes in global cognition (β=0.05,p<0.01). In contrast, changes in perceived support from other family members were negatively associated with changes in cognitive function (β=-0.07,p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of examining perceived social support from specific elements of one's social networks, rather than in an aggregated variable. Although the positive effect of perceived support from children may be small to moderate, the findings could provide a target for interventions to protect the cognitive function of older adults.

[Study of the effect of liraglutide on the correlation between NLRP3 inflammasome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To observe the effect of liraglutide on the correlation between nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) infl ammasome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Thirty-nine NAFLD cases (group N) and thirty-nine healthy subjects (group C) were selected from the physical examination center, and their general data were collected to determine the serum levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18. The differences and correlations were analyzed between the two sets of indicators. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal (NC, n=10) and high-fat diet group (HF, n=20). The normal group were fed with normal diet and high-fat diet group were fed with high-fat diet. After 12 weeks of feeding, HF group was randomly divided into HF group (n=10) and liraglutide group (100L, n=10), and were given 0.5 ml/kg sterile isotonic saline and 100 g/kg liraglutide subcutaneously twice a day, respectively. Four weeks later, serum biochemical indicators, liver NLRP3 infl ammasome protein expression, and infl ammatory cytokine conditions were detected in each group. Statistical analysis was performed using t test, oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) or χ² test. Results: There were no statistically signifi cant differences between N and C group in terms of age, gender, diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, erythrocyte distribution width, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), total cholesterol, and total bileacid. Compared with group C, group N had elevated systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, blood creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), NLRP3, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, TG, blood uric acid, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and white blood cell counts, while HDL-Ch and total bilirubin were depleted than group C, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). NLRP3 was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, BMI, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, IL-1β, IL-18, triglycerides, serum uric acid, GGT, ALT, AST, but negatively correlated with total bilirubin and HDL-Ch, and the difference was statistically signifi cant. Compared with NC group, HF group had significantly increased body mass, liver mass, serum biochemical indicators (triglycerides, AST, ALT), liver NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression, and inflammatory cytokines. After treatment with liraglutide, 100L group indicators were signifi cantly decreased when compared to HF group. Conclusion: Compared with healthy subjects, the infl ammation-related indicators, body mass, blood lipids and liver function-related indicators are signifi cantly changed in patients with NAFLD, which is also consistent with the results of rat model study. Liraglutide treatment had improved NAFLD to certain extent in NAFLD rats, so NLRP3 regulation may be one of the mechanisms to improve liver inflammation and steatosis.

Tonifying-Qi-and-Detoxification Decoction attenuated injuries of colon and lung tissues in ulcerative colitis rat model via regulating NF-κB and p38MAPK pathway

Background

Tonifying-Qi-and-Detoxification Decoction (TQDD) is a Chinese medicine compound. This research probed the possible protective effects of TQDD on injuries of the colon and lung tissues in ulcerative colitis (UC) rat model.

Methods

UC rat model was established by colon mucosal tissue sensitization combined with TNBS-ethanol. Ninety-six rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC), model, sulfasalazine (SASP), and TQDD (low, middle, and high dosages) groups. After 4 weeks intervention, all rats were sacrificed. The microstructure of lung tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was utilized to assess the ultrastructure change of alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC-II). The mRNA expressions of Bax, Caspase 3, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NF-κB inhibitor α (IKBα) in tissues were measured via quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to test p38MAPK, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), c-jun and c-fos expressions in tissues.

Results

TQDD alleviated microstructure change of lung tissues, lung cell apoptosis and ultrastructure alterations of AEC-II in UC rat model. Moreover, TQDD suppressed activation of NF-κB pathway in colon and lung tissues. Besides, TQDD inhibited p38MAPK pathway in colon and lung tissues, as well as reduced ATF2, c-jun, and c-fos expressions in colon and lung tissues.

Conclusions

This research confirmed the beneficial effect of TQDD on injuries of colon and lung tissues in UC rat model. TQDD attenuated injuries of lung and colon tissues in colon mucosal tissue sensitization combined with TNBS-ethanol-caused UC model via regulating NF-κB and p38MAPK pathways.

Financial Exploitation of Older Adults During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 created a “perfect storm” for financial exploitation directed at older adults. We invited adults aged 60 and older enrolled in gerontology research registries at Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Wayne State University, and University of Pittsburgh to complete an on-line survey about experiences with financial exploitation by strangers. The 997 respondents ranged in age from 60 to 98 (M = 71.3; SD = 6.8); most identified as White (93.4%), female (64.2%) and living with a spouse/partner (58%). Approximately one-half of respondents (56.87%) reported experiencing a scam attempt about COVID-19 issues. Most contact by scammers was electronic (49%) and frequently occurred two or more times (40%). Most respondents ignored the request (i.e., hung up phone, deleted text/email, threw away mail). However, 9% sent the requested payment, and 4% gave the scammer their personal information. Confidence in financial matters and having attended financial educational programs protected older adults from being scammed.

COVID-19 and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Findings From a National Study

The purpose of our study was to explore changes for long-term care ombudsman programs across the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study team explored the effect of COVID-19 on programs: cases, resident engagement, complaint Investigation and resolution, services, complaints, changes in visitation, and preparedness plans. The research team developed survey items and beta-tested them with state and local LTCOs prior to distributing the survey nationally to State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman in order to characterize experiences of the participants. From 62 state LLTC respondents we learned there were 81.0% fewer cases received, 97.36% were less able to engage with residents, 78.95% were less involved in the engagement of residents in complaint investigation and resolution and there were 71.05% fewer activities involved in investigations. Not surprisingly, there was an 80.0% increase in information that the LTCO provided to the media.

Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® on infant colic - a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

To evaluate the administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12^® (BB-12) on infant colic in breastfed infants, a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study was conducted in Chengdu, China from April 2016 to October 2017 with 192 full-term infants less than 3 months of age and meeting the ROME III criteria for infant colic. After a 1-week run-in the infants were randomly assigned to receive daily BB-12 (1×10⁹ cfu/day) or placebo for 3 weeks. Crying/fussing time were recorded using a 24 h structured diary. The primary endpoint was the proportion of infants achieving a reduction in crying and fussing time of ≥50% from baseline. Parent's/caregiver's health related quality of life was measured using a modified PedsQL^™ 2.0 Family Impact Module and immunological biomarkers were evaluated from faecal samples at baseline and after the 21-day intervention. The percentage of infants achieving a reduction in the daily crying/fussing time ≥50% after the 21-day intervention was significantly higher in the infants supplemented with BB-12 (P<0.001). The mean number of crying episodes was significantly reduced in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (10.0±3.0 to 5.0±1.87 vs 10.5±2.6 to 7.5±2.8, respectively) (P<0.001) and the mean daily sleep duration was markedly increased from baseline to end of intervention in the BB-12 group compared to the infants in the placebo group (60.7±104.0 vs 31.9±102.7 min/day, respectively) (P<0.001). The faecal levels of human beta defensin 2, cathelicidin, slgA, calprotectin and butyrate were statistically higher in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group after the 21-day intervention. At the end of the intervention the parent's/caregiver's physical, emotional and social functioning scores were significantly higher for the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (all P<0.05). Supplementation of BB-12 is effective in reducing crying and fussing in infants diagnosed with infant colic.

Implementation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Smoke-Free Rule: A Socio-Ecological Qualitative Assessment of Administrator and Resident Perceptions

In July 2018, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implemented a mandatory smoke-free rule in public housing. This study assessed administrator and resident perceptions of rule implementation during its initial year in the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). Assessment included nine focus groups (n = 69) with residents and in-depth interviews with administrators (n = 7) and residents (n = 26) from 14 DCHA communities (family = 7 and senior/disabled = 7). Semi-structured discussion guides based on the multi-level socio-ecological framework captured dialogue that was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded inductively. Emerging major themes for each socio-ecological framework level included: (1) Individual: the rule was supported due to perceived health benefits, with stronger support among non-smokers; (2) Interpersonal: limiting secondhand smoke exposure was perceived as a positive for vulnerable residents; (3) Organizational: communication, signage, and cessation support was perceived as a need; (4) Community: residents perceived mobility, disability, weather, and safety-related issues as barriers; and (5) Public Policy: lease amendments were perceived as enablers of rule implementation but expressed confusion about violations and enforcement. A majority of administrators and residents reported favorable implications of the mandated HUD rule. The novel application of a socio-ecological framework, however, detected implementation nuances that required improvements on multiple levels, including more signage, cessation support, clarification of enforcement roles, and addressing safety concerns.

Coarse Alignment of Topic and Sentiment: A Unified Model for Cross-Lingual Sentiment Classification

Cross-lingual sentiment classification (CLSC) aims to leverage rich-labeled resources in the source language to improve prediction models of a resource-scarce domain in the target language. Existing feature representation learning-based approaches try to minimize the difference of latent features between different domains by exact alignment, which is achieved by either one-to-one topic alignment or matrix projection. Exact alignment, however, restricts the representation flexibility and further degrades the model performances on CLSC tasks if the distribution difference between two language domains is large. On the other hand, most previous studies proposed document-level models or ignored sentiment polarities of topics that might lead to insufficient learning of latent features. To solve the abovementioned problems, we propose a coarse alignment mechanism to enhance the model's representation by a group-to-group topic alignment into an aspect-level fine-grained model. First, we propose an unsupervised aspect, opinion, and sentiment unification model (AOS), which trimodels aspects, opinions, and sentiments of reviews from different domains and helps capture more accurate latent feature representation by a coarse alignment mechanism. To further boost AOS, we propose ps-AOS, a partial supervised AOS model, in which labeled source language data help minimize the difference of feature representations between two language domains with the help of logistics regression. Finally, an expectation-maximization framework with Gibbs sampling is then proposed to optimize our model. Extensive experiments on various multilingual product review data sets show that ps-AOS significantly outperforms various kinds of state-of-the-art baselines.

The advanced paraffin-section preparation technique based on multiple cumulus-oocyte complexes rather than ovaries in ovine

Immunohistochemical staining is the important method for the identification of protein expression in mammal ovaries, in particular in the follicles with the potential to develop into cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which are able to support oocyte maturation regardless of in vivo or in vitro. Here, we reported an advanced immunohistochemical method based on an artificial structure gathering multiple COCs by paraffin embedding for rapid and highly sensitive detection of co-expressed proteins in ovine COCs rather than ovaries. Compared with the conventional immunohistochemistry on ovine ovaries, the advanced COC paraffin sectioning technique showed the better immunostaining effect and featured the higher generation rate for COCs, the distincter cumulus layers, and the more simplified procedures. These results indicate that the COC paraffin sectioning technique is highly effectively applied for identification of protein expression in ovine COC.

STAT3-induced upregulation of lncRNA DUXAP8 functions as ceRNA for miR-577 to promote the migration and invasion in colorectal cancer through the regulation of RAB14

OBJECTIVE

Previous reports have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a series of biological processes and cancer in humans. Recently, lncRNA double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) was frequently reported to be aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers and play a functional role. However, the exact expression, function, and mechanism of DUXAP8 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain uncovered.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of DUXAP8 were detected by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The clinical influence of DUXAP8 in HCC patients was statistically analyzed. Luciferase reporter and ChIP assays were carried out for the exploration of whether STAT3 was able to bind to the promoter of DUXAP8. Lost-of-function experiments were carried out for the determination of possible cellular function in CRC cells. The modulating associations between DUXAP8 and miR-577 and RAB14 were further studied in CRC cells.

RESULTS

In this study, we first provided evidence that DUXAP8 was overexpressed in CRC and increasing expression of DUXAP8 indicates advanced clinical progression and poor survival of CRC patients. Then, transcription factor STAT3 was demonstrated to upregulate DUXAP8 in CRC cells. Functional assays via in vitro assays revealed that DUXAP8 knockdown through shRNA in HCT116 and LOVO cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between DUXAP8 and miR-577 was found. In addition, we confirmed that DUXAP8 served as competing endogenous RNA to modulate miR-577, which can modulate RAB14, a well-studied oncogene.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the STAT3-induced up-regulation of DUXAP8 might provide a new perspective for CRC therapy.

Experimental and Statistical Investigation of Reservoir Properties with the Effect of Waterflooding Treatment

An oilfield reservoir over long-term operation may have different petrophysical information, which has a significant impact on oilfield maintenance and finance. Successful oilfield enhanced oil recovery benefits a lot from identifying and analyzing the variations of the critical properties after long-term waterflooding treatments. Since the inspection wells drilled within different development periods contain the core samples that have the petrophysical information at that period, it is necessary to collect and test the samples from different periods to investigate the overall tendency of the petrophysical properties. The samples from four inspection wells, which were drilled in four stages since the very beginning of development, were subjected to in-laboratory core analysis methods to illustrate the variation of some critical parameters in the reservoir. The permeability and porosity variation are revealed clearly by the experimental results. The migration and dissolution of clay minerals play a crucial role in the variation of petrophysical information and pore structure. To quantify the variations above, we applied the multiple linear regression model into our investigation. The dependent variable and all of the predictors in the model come from the experimental results. The quantitative results show the closed correlation between different parameters in the formation. With the development stage moving forward, the weight coefficients for different predictors have multiple trends. The experimental and statistical approach provides a novel understanding of the reservoir properties with the effect of waterflooding treatment.

Neuroanatomy of melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in the mouse brain

Objective

Melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs) are key regulators of energy homeostasis and adipose deposition in the central nervous system. Considering that MC4R expression regions and function-related research mainly focus on the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), little is known about their distribution throughout the mouse brain, although its messenger RNA distribution has been analyzed in the rat. Therefore, MC4R protein localization in mouse neurons was the focus of this study.

Methods

MC4R protein distribution was assessed in mice through immunofluorescence and Western blotting.

Results

MC4R was differentially expressed throughout the arcuate nucleus (ARC), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), raphe pallidus (RPa), medial cerebellar nucleus, intermediolateral nucleus, and brainstem. The highest MC4R protein levels were found in the ARC and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, while they were significantly lower in the parabrachial nucleus and NTS. The lowest MC4R protein levels were found in the PVN; there was no difference in the protein levels between the area postrema and RPa.

Conclusions

These data provide a basic characterization of MC4R-expressing neurons and protein distribution in the mouse brain and may aid further research on its role in energy homeostasis.

Effects of amylin on food intake and body weight via sympathetic innervation of the interscapular brown adipose tissue

Objective: Amylin acts on the lateral dorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT), resulting in anorexic and weight-loss effects and activates thermogenesis in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). In addition, it induces neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-mediated feeding. However, the influence of the intact sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in mediating amylin's effects has not been fully characterised. We investigated whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nNOS, and ChAT activities in the LDT are responsible for amylin's anorexigenic effects and whether this requires an intact SNS.Methods: C57BL/6J mice [wild-type (WT), sham, and sympathetic denervation of IBAT] were used. Food consumption, body weight, and distribution of pERK, nNOS, and ChAT positive neurons in the brain were examined following acute and chronic amylin administration.Results: Food intake was significantly decreased in WT and sham animals following acute amylin injection, but not in the denervated mice. Chronic amylin reduced body weight and serum glucose levels after 6 weeks, but increased insulin levels; no changes were observed in the denervated mice. Acute amylin increased the expression of nNOS, ChAT, and uncoupling protein-1 in the IBAT of WT and sham mice, while no changes were observed in the denervated mice and pERK from the above effect.Conclusions: Intact SNS of IBAT influences amylin-induced suppression of food intake and body weight, thus affecting nNOS and ChAT signalling in the LDT and locus coeruleus.

[Role of immunotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

Concomitant radiochemotherapy has been the standard of care for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), irrespective of histological sub-type or molecular characteristics. Currently, only 15-30 % of patients are alive five years after radiochemotherapy, and this figure remains largely unchanged despite multiple phase III randomised trials. In recent years, immune-checkpoint blockades with anti-PD-(L)1 have revolutionised the care of metastatic NSCLC, becoming the standard front- and second-line strategy. Several preclinical studies reported an increased tumour antigen release, improved antigen presentation, and T-cell infiltration in irradiated tumours. Immunotherapy has therefore recently been evaluated for patients with locally advanced stage III NSCLC. Following the PACIFIC trial, the anti-PD-L1 durvalumab antibody has emerged as a new standard consolidative treatment for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following concomitant platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. Immunoradiotherapy therefore appears to be a promising association in patients with localised NSCLC. Many trials are currently evaluating the value of concomitant immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and/or consolidative chemotherapy with immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable NSCLC.

[Curative effect observation of application of the snare in epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped laryngoscopy]

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare. Method:The clinical data of 42 patients with epiglottic cysts were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-two patients with epiglottis cyst were treated by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare. Result:All 42 cases were completely resected at one time without obvious complications and the cure rate was 100%. Moreover, the short operation time（5-20 min） and the minor hemorrhage（1-10 ml） were observe. There was no recurrence after 6 to 33 months follow-up. Conclusion:The epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare has the advantages of broad vision, easy operation, minimal invasion, rapid recovery and good curative effect, it is worthy to be popularized in clinical application.

[Late-onset upper airway obstruction caused by alkali inhalation injury: a case report]

SummaryAlkalis can produce severe tissue injury through liquefaction. Since the liquefaction loosens tissue planes and allows deeper penetration of the agent, alkali burns tend to be more severe than acid burns. Alkaline substances ingestion and inhalation frequently causes damage to the upper respiratory and digestive tract. Initial presentation of airway alkali burn includes oropharyngeal pain, dysphagia, hoarseness and stridor. Patients with a clear history of caustic ingestion or inhalation could always receive proper management. In this paper, a middle aged female presented with acute upper airway obstruction was introduced. The cause of the airway compromise was finally determined to be alkali inhalation 3 weeks ago. By reviewing this special case, the clinical features and management of airway alkali burn was summarized.

Melanocortin 4 receptor-mediated effects of amylin on thermogenesis and regulation of food intake

AIMS

Amylin, a pancreatic hormone cosecreted with insulin, exerts important anorexic and weight-loss effects. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signalling plays a critical role in energy homeostasis; however, its role on amylin-dependent regulation of food intake and adaptive thermogenesis of interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) are unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of amylin on food intake and thermogenesis on IBAT via the MC4R pathway in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute food consumption and thermogenesis in IBAT were measured in male wild-type (WT) and MC4R-deficient mice following intraperitoneal injection of amylin and SHU9119, an MC3R/4R antagonist, to determine the role of the central melanocortin system on the hypothalamus and IBAT.

RESULTS

Amylin (50 μg/kg) suppressed feeding and stimulated thermogenesis on IBAT via activation of the MC4R system in mice. Pharmacological blockade of MC4R using SHU9119 (50 μg/kg) attenuated amylin-induced inhibition of feeding and stimulation of thermogenesis in IBAT. No changes were observed when SHU9119 was injected alone. Moreover, amylin significantly increased MC4R expression and c-Fos neuronal signals in the arcuate nucleus and significantly increased acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation in the hypothalamus and IBAT and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) expression in the IBAT of WT mice via the MC4R pathway.

CONCLUSION

The melanocortin system was involved in amylin-induced suppression of food intake and activation of thermogenesis in both the hypothalamus and IBAT via modulation of ACC phosphorylation and UCP1 expression.

Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

Efficacy of triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent for preventing stricture formation after large esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Esophageal stricture is a major problem for patients with large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SESCNs) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although many measures could be used as prophylaxis for post-ESD strictures, a well-accepted method has not yet been established. We propose using a triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent (TS-PGA+FCMS) as a novel method to prevent stricture formation after large esophageal ESD. From June 2016 to May 2017, nine patients with SESCNs (≥3/4 of the esophageal circumference) who underwent TS-PGA+FCMS placement immediately after ESD and did not require additional surgical resection were enrolled in this case series. All stents were removed 4-6 weeks post-ESD. The sizes of mucosal defects in 9 patients were 3/4 (n = 1), 4/5 (n = 2), 1/1 (n = 6). The average size of resection was 90.0 mm (range: 60-140 mm). The incidence of stricture was 33.3% (3/9) of patients. No stricture occurred in 3 patients with noncircumferential resection, while stricture occurred in 50% (3/6) patients with circumferential resection. The median number of EBD sessions was 4 (range: 3-4 sessions). No adverse events or recurrences were observed during the median follow-up period of 15.2 months (range: 12-22 months). The TS-PGA+FCMS method is safe and may decrease the incidence of esophageal stricture and the number of EBD sessions after large esophageal ESD.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of extranodal non-hodgkin lymphoma of the sinonasal cavities: a 15-case report]

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestation, imaging and histological features of different histological subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.Method:Fifteen NHL patients of the sinonasal region were collected from the Department of Otolaryngology of Peking University Third Hospital from 2010 to 2016. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed. The clinical characteristics and imaging features of different subtypes were described and analyzed.Result::We analyzed a total of 6 patients with localized sinonasal diffuse large B cell lymphoma and 9 patients with localized sinonasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. The age distribution for these two subtypes is very distinct. The median age of the patients with localized sinonasal extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma was 39 years. There were 5 males and 4 females. Nine sinonasal NHLs were NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, all of which were infected with EBV. The median age of the patients with localized sinonasal diffuse large B cell lymphoma was 64 years. There were 3males and 3 females. Symptoms for patients with SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL were significantly different in epiphora, proptosis, diplopia and nasal congestion (P=0.18, 0.004, 0.18, 0.18). Imaging features for patients with SN-DLBCL and SN-ENKTL were significantly different in tumor extended to orbit and inferior turbinate (P>0.05). Positive staining for CD 56 was detected in 9 patients, for CD 3 in 9 patients, for EBER in 9 patients. The Hans algorithm identified 1 patient with the germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and 5 with the non-GCB subtype.Compared with the control group, the observation group was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion:Early symptoms of epiphora, proptosis, diplopia, and images finding with orbital invasion should be highly suspected of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Positive staining for CD 56 and EBER were detected in all patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, and positive staining for CD20 was detected in all patients with SN-DLBCL.

[Application of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscope in laryngeal microsurgery of patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure]

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical value of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy in laryngeal microsurgery of patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure. Method:The data of 28 patients with difficulty laryngeal exposure underwent microlaryngosurgery with endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique were collected. Result:Surgeries with endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique were completed successfully one-time in all patients. The fully exposure of glottis was 100%. All cases were followed up for 2 to 18 months. No residual disease or recurrence occurred and no obvious complication occurred. Conclusion:Endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique is a useful solution to difficulty laryngeal exposure. It has satisfactory glottis exposure, clear surgical field and fewer complications which is worthy of promotion.

Molecular characterization and expression patterns of ghrelin in the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Ghrelin is a novel growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide, which has been identified as an endogenous ligand for the GH-sretagogue receptor. The sequence and expression of ghrelin has been determined in many species. In this study, to reveal the molecular characterization and expression patterns of ghrelin in the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), the full-length DNA and cDNA encoding ghrelin were cloned from reindeer stomach using genome walking and rapid amplification of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid ends (RACE). The expression of ghrelin in almost all tissues was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The 4076 bp amplicon of the ghrelin gene consisting of 4 exons and 3 introns was cloned from reindeer. Results of cDNA cloning and sequence analysis revealed that the full-length ghrelin cDNA was composed of 539 bp that included a 5'-untranslated region (46 bp), an open reading frame (ORF) (351 bp), and a 3'-untranslated region (142 bp). In addition, ghrelin was expressed in the all tissues examined, with the expression in the abomasum significantly higher than that in other tissues (p<0.05), followed by the pancreas, duodenum, testis and oesophagus. The results show that the expression of ghrelin in the reindeer gastrointestinal tract is extensive, suggesting its may have a role in regulating the digestive function.

[Application of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique in transoral laryngopharyngeal minimally invasive surgery]

Objective: To explore the possibility of endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique applied in transoral laryngopharyngeal minimally invasive surgery and evaluate the advantages of this technique. Methods: Eight patients with huge benign lesions in larynx and pharynx undergoing transoral microsurgery at Peking University Third Hospital between February 2016 and February 2017 were enrolled in this study.The diagnosis included cyst at the base of tongue in two patients, cysts in the epiglottis in two patients, hemangioma in two patients, multiple masses of the hypopharynx and amyloidosis in supraglottic area in one patient each.The time and exposure during surgery, occurrence rate of complication and conditions of following-up were recorded. Results: The mean time of surgery was 20 min, the exposure was satisfying.There was no obvious complication after surgery.No residual or recurrent lesion was observed after 1 to 12 months follow-up(mean time 4.5 months). Conclusion: The endoscope assisted curved laryngoscopy technique has advantages in shortening the time of surgery, improving exposure and reducing the rate of complication and recurrence.

Radiological study of the secondary reduction effect of early functional exercise on displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures after internal compression fixation

PURPOSE

Early post-operative exercise and weight-bearing activities are found to improve the functional recovery of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). We hypothesized that early functional exercise after surgery might have a secondary reduction effect on the subtalar joint, in particular the smaller fracture fragments that were not fixed firmly. A prospective study was conducted to verify this hypothesis.

METHODS

From December 2012 to September 2013, patients with unilateral DIACFs were enrolled and received a treatment consisting of percutaneous leverage and minimally invasive fixation. After surgery, patients in the study group started exercising on days two to three, using partial weight bearing starting week three, and full weight bearing starting week 12. Patients in the control group followed a conventional post-operative protocol of partial weight bearing after week six and full weight bearing after the bone healed. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed at post-operative day one, week four, week eight, and week 12 to reconstruct coronal, sagittal, and axial images, on which the maximal residual displacements of the fractures were measured. Function was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring scale at the 12th post-operative month.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients in the study group and 32 in the control group were followed up for more than 12 months; their data were collected and used for the final analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the maximal residual displacements of the fracture measured on CT images revealed significant differences between the study and the control groups. There were interaction effects between group and time point. Except for the first time point, the differences between the groups at all studied time points were significant. In the study group, the differences between all studied time points were significant. Strong correlations were observed between the AOFAS score at post-operative month 12 and the maximal residual displacement of the fractures on the CT images at postoperative week 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Early functional exercise and weight bearing activity can smooth and shape the subtalar joint and reduce the residual displacement of the articular surface, improving functional recovery of the affected foot. Therefore, early rehabilitation functional exercise can be recommended in clinical practice.