Genome-wide association study identifies variants associated with semen volume in white-feathered broilers

Semen is a measure of the reproductive efficiency of roosters, which affects the economic benefits of white-feathered broilers. Over the years, research in this field has mainly focused on hens, while there have been fewer studies on the reproductive traits of roosters. To identify the genes related to the semen traits of roosters, we used a chicken 55 K SNP chip to genetically type the white-feathered population (220) and performed imputation with resequencing data from 97 roosters. In total, 1 048 576 SNPs were obtained and used for genome-wide association analysis of semen volume, from which 197 genome-wide significant markers were identified, all within the interval of 13.82-16.12 Mb on chromosome 7. By combining our results with the biological functions of genes in the interval, four candidate genes were identified that potentially relate to semen volume: FAPP1, OSBPL6, SESTD1 and SSFA2. Our findings may provide a basis for further research on the genetic mechanism and marker-assisted selection of semen volume in white-feathered broilers.

Endogenous H2O2 Self-Replenishment and Sustainable Cascades Enhance the Efficacy of Sonodynamic Therapy

Purpose

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), with its high tissue penetration and noninvasive advantages, represents an emerging approach to eradicating solid tumors. However, the outcomes of SDT are typically hampered by the low oxygen content and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Accordingly, we constructed a cascade nanoplatform to regulate the TME and improve the anti-tumor efficiency of SDT.

Methods

In this study, we rationally design cascade nanoplatform by incorporating immunostimulant hyaluronic acid (HA) and sonosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) on the polydopamine nanocarrier that is pre-doped with platinum nanozymes (designated Ce6/Pt@PDA-HA, PPCH).

Results

The cascade reactions of PPCH are evidenced by the results that HA exhibits reversing immunosuppressive that converts M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages in situ, while producing H2O2, and then platinum nanozymes further catalyze the H2O2 to produce O2, and O2 produces abundant singlet oxygen (1O2) under the action of Ce6 and low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), resulting in a domino effect and further amplifying the efficacy of SDT. Due to its pH responsiveness and mitochondrial targeting, PPCH effectively accumulates in tumor cells. Under LIFU irradiation, PPCH effectively reverses immunosuppression, alleviates hypoxia in the TME, enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and enhances SDT efficacy for eliminating tumor cells in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, an in vivo dual-modal imaging including fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging achieves precise tumor diagnosis.

Conclusion

This cascade nanoplatform will provide a promising strategy for enhancing SDT eradication against tumors by modulating immunosuppression and relieving hypoxia.

[Epidemiological distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of hepatitis B virus in 15 ethnic groups in China]

Objective: To understand the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV in different ethnic groups in China. Methods: The HBsAg positive samples were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from the sample base of national HBV sero-epidemiological survey in 2020 for the amplification of S gene of HBV by nested PCR. A phylogeny tree was constructed to determine the genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV. The distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV were analyzed comprehensively by using laboratory data and demographic data. Results: A total of 1 539 positive samples from 15 ethnic groups were successfully amplified and analyzed, and 5 genotypes (B, C, D, I and C/D) were detected. The proportion of genotype B was higher in ethnic group of Han (74.52%, 623/836), Zhuang (49.28%, 34/69), Yi (53.19%, 25/47), Miao (94.12%, 32/34), Buyi (81.48%, 22/27). The proportions of genotype C were higher in ethnic groups of Yao (70.91%, 39/55). Genotype D was the predominant genotype in Uygur (83.78%, 31/37). Genotype C/D were detected in Tibetan (92.35%,326/353). In this study, 11 cases of genotype I were detected, 8 of which were distributed in Zhuang nationality. Except for Tibetan, sub-genotype B2 accounted for more than 80.00% in genotype B in all ethnic groups. The proportions of sub-genotype C2 were higher in 8 ethnic groups, i.e. Han, Tibetan, Yi, Uygur, Mongolian, Manchu, Hui and Miao. The proportions of sub-genotype C5 were higher in ethnic groups of Zhuang (55.56%, 15/27) and Yao (84.62%, 33/39). For genotype D, sub-genotype D3 was detected in Yi ethnic group and sub-genotype D1 was detected in both Uygur and Kazak. The proportions of sub-genotype C/D1 and C/D2 in Tibetan were 43.06% (152/353) and 49.29% (174/353). For all the 11 cases of genotype I infection, only sub-genotype I1 was detected. Conclusions: Five genotypes and 15 sub-genotypes of HBV were found in 15 ethnic groups. There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV among different ethnic groups.

[Standardize the laser and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment of retinopathy of prematurity]

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vascular proliferative disease occurring in premature and low birth weight infants, which is the leading cause of blindness and low vision in children. Laser photocoagulation is still recognized as the gold standard of treatment in ROP. Recently, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has become a novel alternative approach in clinical practice for ROP. However, there are still many improper and deviations in identifying indications and selecting therapeutic modalities, resulting in generalization and abuse of anti-VEGF drugs in treatment of ROP. The aim of this article is to summarize and objectively evaluate the treatment indications and methods of ROP based on related research at home and abroad, in order to strictly control the theraputic indications and scientifically and rigorously select appropriate therapeutic modalities for the benefit of children with ROP.

[Sharing the WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in China]

Currently, the national schistosomiasis control program of China is moving from transmission interruption to elimination, and there are multiple challenges during the stage moving towards the progression of schistosomiasis elimination, including a high difficulty in shrinking snail-infested areas, unstable achievements for infectious source control, imperfect surveillance system and a reduction in schistosomiasis control and administration. Based on the core suggestions proposed in the 2022 WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis, recommendations on schistosomiasis surveillance system building, development of novel diagnostics, adjustment of the schistosomiasis control strategy and maintaining and improvements of the schistosomiasis control capability are proposed for the national schistosomiasis control program of China in the new era according to the actual status of schistosomiasis control in China. Formulation of the national schistosomiasis control strategy and goal from One Health perspective, verification of transmission interruption and elimination of schistosomiasis, precision implementation of schistosomiasis control interventions with adaptations to local circumstances, development and application of highly sensitive and specific diagnostics are recommended for elimination of schistosomiasis in China. In addition, the implementation of the 2022 WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis may guide the elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

[Epidemiological distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in acute hepatitis B cases in China,2015-2017]

Objective: To analyze the genotype distribution of acute hepatitis B virus in China. Methods: A total of six hundred and twenty acute Hepatitis B cases reported to China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention from 2015 to 2017 were selected. First, the full-length HBV genome was obtained by nested PCR amplification. In addition, the HBV genotype was determined by constructing a phylogeny tree. Finally, using primarydata, HBV genotype distribution was analyzed. Results: A total of 519 (83.71%, 519/620) sequences were obtained genotype of 620 acute hepatitis B cases, including A (0.19%, 1/519), B (27.17%, 141/519), C (62.04%, 322/519), D (9.06%, 47/519), I (0.77%, 4/519) and C/D (0.77%, 4/519); B2(95.03%, 134/141) and C2 (72.67%, 234/322) were the two major subgenotypes. Genotypes were distributed differently in seven regions of China. The proportion of genotype C appeared higher in Northeast China (94.55%, 52/55), North China (93.85%, 61/65), East China (78.87%, 56/71), and South China (58.14%, 50/86). The proportion of genotype B was higher in Central China (58.07%, 36/62) and Southwest China (52.94%, 45/85), the proportion of genotype D was the highest in Northwest China (48.42%, 46/95). A total of 515 cases were classified as serotypes, including 'adr' (57.48%, 296/515), 'adw' (30.87%, 159/515), 'ayr' (0.19%, 1/515), and 'ayw' (11.46%, 59/515). Genotype B was dominated by 'adw' serotype (92.14%, 129/140), genotype C was dominated by 'adr' serotype (91.88%, 294/320),all genotype D were 'ayw' serotype. The genotype of acute hepatitis B was correlated with serotype, 'adw' was dominant in genotype B, 'adr' was dominant in genotype C and 'ayw' was dominant in genotype D.In different gender and age group, there was no statistical significance ingenotype distribution (P>0.05). Conclusions: The genotype of acute hepatitis B in China from 2015 to 2017 was mainly B, C, and D; genotype C was dominant in the Northeast China,North China, East China and South China; B and C were common in Central and Southwest China, and genotype B was dominant. Genotype D was primarily distributed in Northwest China. The genotype of acute hepatitis B was correlated with serotype, 'adw' was dominant in genotype B, 'adr' was dominant in genotype C and 'ayw' was dominant in genotype D. There was no difference in the distribution of acute hepatitis B genotypes among different genders and age groups.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Shangyu district, Shaoxing of Zhejiang province]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Shangyu district, Shaoxing of Zhejiang province in 2021, and provide evidence for the improvement of COVID-19 control and prevention measures. Methods: The incidence data of COVID-19 in Shangyu from December 7 to 21, 2021 was obtained from Shangyu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The epidemiological characteristics of the cases, i.e. the population, time and space distributions, were analyzed, and the incubation period and time-varying reproduction numbers (R_t) were calculated. Results: From December 7 to 21, 2021, a total of 380 COVID-19 cases caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant were detected in Shangyu, the median age of the cases was 52 years, M (Q₁，Q₃: 38, 61). The male to female ratio of the cases was 1∶1.25, and the cases were mainly workers (36.58%) and farmers (27.63%). The epidemic affected 9 townships (or community) of Shangyu, especially Caoe and Baiguan communities with the cases accounting for 57.10% and 31.53% respectively. The median incubation period of cases was 4.00 days, M (Q₁，Q₃: 3.00, 5.75). The basic reproduction number (R₀) was 4.06, and the R_t was 5.62 in early phase of the outbreak (the highest) and continuously decreased to less than 1.00 within 10 days after the detection of the outbreak. The number of COVID-19 cases decreased to 0 within 14 days after the outbreak (December 7-21), and the main detection methods were screening in centralized isolation (55.53%) and home isolation (40.00%). The infection rates of close contacts and secondary close contacts were 2.06% and 0.46% respectively. Conclusion: The epidemic of COVID-19 in Shangyu characterized by short incubation period, large number of infected people, and case clustering, suggesting the strong transmission of Delta variant (B.1.617.2). Comprehensive prevention and control measures, such as management of close contacts and secondary close contacts, and high-risk area, are essential for the rapid control of the epidemic.

[Analysis on hepatitis B cases reported from surveillance points in China, 2019]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of hepatitis B cases reported through the National Notifiable Disease Reported System (NNDRS) of China in 2019, analyze the quality of hepatitis B reporting. Methods: The survey forms and reporting cards of hepatitis B cases in 200 surveillance points in China in 2019 were collected from NNDRS, the completeness rate of the reporting card was calculated, and the reported hepatitis B cases were verified based on the diagnostic criteria (WS 299-2008). The clinical types of the cases after verification were compared with the reported ones, the consistency was evaluated with Kappa test. The reasons for the inconsistent clinical types of the cases were analyzed. Results: In 2019, a total of 64 686 hepatitis B cases were reported through NNDRS. Acute, chronic and unclassified hepatitis B cases accounted for 5.8%, 92.4% and 1.8%, respectively. The average age of reported cases was 47 (47±15) years, and males accounted for 64.4%. The average level of alanine aminotransferase was 214.2 (214.2±1 253.4) U/L. The reported cases mainly worked in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery, and water conservancy (50.6%, 32 722). The proportions of cases reported from the eastern, western and central regions were 42.5% (27 501),22.1% (14 315) and 35.4% (22 870), respectively. The consistent rate of the clinical types between the reported cases and the verified cases was 58.8%, with a Kappa value of 0.15. For the 39 271 cases confirmed as acute and chronic hepatitis B cases in the reporting cards, the consistent rate of the clinical types between the reported cases and the verified cases was 96.9%, with a Kappa value of 0.73. In 94.5% (24 267/25 681) of the cases with inconsistent clinical types, the reporting card information were incomplete. Conclusion: The diagnosis of hepatitis B has been improved in the hepatitis B surveillance in China, but it is necessary to improve the completeness of the reporting cards of hepatitis B cases to NNDRS.

[Cost-benefit analysis of the hepatitis B vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission strategies in China, 1992-2019]

Objective: To make a cost-benefit analysis of the hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) strategies in China, 1992-2019. Methods: We built a decision analytic-Markov model to estimate the birth cohorts of 1992-2019. The parameters in our model were referred from literature, published yearbooks, and data from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We conducted a univariate sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of the model. Results: For the 28 birth cohorts, the Chinese government has invested 37.43 billion RMB Yuan in direct costs and 47.61 billion RMB Yuan in societal costs on HepB vaccination and HBV prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). And we estimated that about 50 million chronic HBV infections and 12.5 million premature deaths due to HBV-related diseases would be averted. China would save 2.89 trillion RMB Yuan and 6.92 trillion RMB Yuan for the direct and societal medical burden on HBV-related conditions. The direct and societal net benefit was 2.85 trillion RMB yuan 6.87 trillion RMB yuan, respectively. The direct and societal benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) were 77.21 and 145.29, respectively. Conclusion: The strategies of HepB vaccination for HBV PMTCT prevention were cost-effective in China during 1992-2019.

[Estimation of incidence of viral hepatitis B and analysis on case characteristics in China,2013-2020]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B in China, evaluate the performance of elimination hepatitis B in China and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of hepatitis B. Methods: An analysis was conducted by using the data of hepatitis B cases reported to the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System (NNDRS) from the areas with low, moderate and high hepatitis B prevalence in China from 2013 to 2020, and the information about the diagnoses of the hepatitis B cases were collected, the incidence of hepatitis B was estimated according to the reporting and diagnosis information and the characteristics of acute and chronic hepatitis B were compared. Results: A total of 27 013 hepatitis B cases were reported to NNDRS, including 4 070 acute cases, 21 971 chronic cases and 972 unclassified cases. Among the reported acute hepatitis B cases, 69.9% (2 845/4 070) were confirmed. Among the reported chronic hepatitis B cases, 89.0% (19 548/21 971) were confirmed, and 2.1% (452/21 971) were confirmed as acute cases. It was estimated that the incidence of acute hepatitis B was 4.6/100 000 and the incidence of chronic hepatitis B cases was 54.5/100 000. The case number of acute hepatitis B in age group 31-45 years was highest, accounting for 35.3% (1 164/3 297). The case number of acute hepatitis B in children under 15 years old was lowest, accounting for 0.4% (13/3 297). The case number of chronic hepatitis B in age group 46-60 years was highest, accounting for 34.4% (7 211/20 932). Conclusions: The incidence of acute hepatitis B was in decrease and the incidence of chronic of hepatitis B was in increase in China year by year. It is important to strengthen the standardized diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B to decrease the morbidity and mortality of hepatitis B. At the same time, it is necessary to standardize the management and reporting of hepatitis B cases reported to NNDRS to improve the accuracy of the reporting of hepatitis B.

[Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment in 278 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Guangzhou]

Objective: To retrospective analyze the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: A total of 278 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital from January 20 to February 10, 2020 were selected. The general demographic data, epidemiological data, clinical symptoms, laboratory examinations, lung CT imaging, treatment and prognosis were analyzed. Results: There were 130 male patients (46.8%) and 148 females (53.2%) with age (48.1±17.0) years and 88.8% patients between 20-69 years. Two hundred and thirty-six (84.9%) patients had comorbidities. Two hundred and eleven cases (75.9%) were common type. The in-hospital mortality was 0.4% (1/278). The majority (201, 72.3%) were imported cases mainly from Wuhan (89, 44.3%). The most common clinical manifestations were fever (70.9%) and dry cough (61.5%). In some patients, hemoglobin (10.4%), platelets (12.6%) and albumin (55.4%) were lower than the normal range. Other biochemical tests according to liver and function were normal, while lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was elevated in 61 patients (21.9%), creatine kinase increased in 26 patients (9.4%). Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was seen in 52 patients (18.7%), D-dimer higher than normal in 140 patients (50.4%), while 117 patients (42.1%) had elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Typical CT manifestations included single or multiple ground glass shadows especially in lung periphery in early disease which infiltrated and enlarged during progressive stage. Diffuse consolidation with multiple patchy density in severe/critical cases and even "white lung" presented in a few patients. Two hundred and forty-two patients (87.1%) received one or more antiviral agents, 242 (87.1%) combined with antibacterials, 191 (68.7%) with oxygen therapy. There were 198 patients (71.2%) treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Conclusions: COVID-19 could attack patients in all ages with majority of common type and low mortality rate. Clinical manifestations involve multiple organs or systems. Progression of the disease results in critical status which should be paid much attention.

[Expression of myocyte enhancer factor 2B in mantle cell lymphoma and its clinical significance]

Objective: To investigate the expression of myocyte enhancer factor 2B (MEF2B) in mantle cell lymphomas (MCL), and to analyze the correlation between the expression of MEF2B and pathological subtypes, structural subtypes, SOX11 expression and its clinical significance. Methods: Paraffin-embedded tissues were stained with HE, immunohistochemistry (EnVision method) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) , in addition, the clinical and pathological data of 60 cases of MCL were collected at Sun Yat-sen University Foshan Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January,2002 to May, 2019 for analysis. Results: Of the 60 MCLs, males is predominant (M∶F=3∶1). Histologically, the typical MCL is the majority (classical MCL: variant type MCL=48 cases:12 cases) . Fifty cases were classified into non-complete FDC meshwork type MCL, and the remaining 10 cases were classified into the complete-FDC meshwork type MCL group. Patients with classical MCL were more than 60 years old. The coexistent lesion sites both node and extranode in pathological subtype or structural subtype was the most common lesion sites. SOX11(+) MCL was common in classical MCL (P=0.040) and tended to be complete-FDC meshwork type MCL (P=0.086). The expression rate of MEF2B in MCL was 60.0%(36/60). This rate of MEF2B in classical type, complete-FDC meshwork type and SOX11(+) MCL was significantly higher than that variant type, no complete-FDC meshwork type, SOX11(-)MCL (P<0.05), respectively. There was no difference in clinical characteristics of MCL between MEF2B positive and negative groups. Compared with SOX11(-)MCL, the percentage of MEF2B expressed in tumor cells of SOX11(+)MCL was significantly higher (P=0.027). The expression of MEF2B was not related to the proliferation of tumor cells (P=0.341). There was no significant difference in the survival rate between different expression groups of MEF2B and SOX11 (P=0.304 and P=0.819, respectively). Only the mortality of variant type (blastoid/pleomorphic) MCL within 2 years was significantly higher than that of classical type MCL (P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression of MEF2B in MCL is related to the pathological subtypes, structural subtypes and the expression of SOX11, but not to the proliferation and prognosis. The high mortality rate within 2 years is only found in variant MCL. However, the role of MEF2B in MCL needs to be further studied.

[Effect of anatomical changes of frontal recess and frontal sinus on airflow after nasalisation by image reconstruction and numerical simulation]

Objective: To describe the influence of post-operative anatomical structure changes on nasal airflow characteristics by 3D reconstruction and numerical simulation in real cases after nasalisation with Draf Ⅲ so as to explore the correlation between the changes of anatomical structure and subjective symptoms as well as airflow characteristics. Methods: Ten patients underwent nasalization with Draf Ⅲ in Department of Rhinology in Beijing Tongren Hospital from 2006 to 2018 were selected retrospectively. Postoperative follow-up of all patients was more than 1 year. All patients had no abnormalities in their paranasal sinus CT scans and Lund-Kennedy scores were 0 except scar. VAS scores including nasal obstruction, stimulation in frontal sinus, and headache were collected at the same period. The control model was a normal person. Numerical simulation was used for calculating airflow characteristics in deep inspiratory period of both models. Independent sample Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation test were used by software SPSS 22.0. Results: The airflow pressure in frontal sinus ostium was (7.21±1.39)×10(4) Pa (Mean±SD), which was lower than that in normal subjects (8.99×10(4) Pa) under deep inspiratory simulation. But, the velocities in frontal sinus ostium and frontal sinus were (40.10±2.46) m/s and (28.19±1.73) m/s respectively, which were higher than those in normal one (2.70 m/s, 0.73 m/s). The airflow patterns of the two models were basically similar. There was no significant difference in the opening size and volume of frontal sinus between different groups after grouped by three symptoms respectively. No correlation could be found between the opening size and volume of the frontal sinus with the appearance and severity of three subjective symptoms. Conclusions: The airflow pattern and distribution after nasalisation with Draf Ⅲ are like those of normal person. There is no correlation between the changes of anatomy in frontal recess and frontal sinus and nasal airflow characteristics as well as subjective symptoms.

[Evaluation of the influenza vaccine effectiveness among children aged 6 to 72 months based on the test-negative case control study design]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine among children aged 6 to 72 months. Methods: The test-negative case control study was conducted based on available surveillance data which was from China Influenza Surveillance Information system (CSIS). From October 2016 to April 2017 and from October 2017 to April 2018,1 161 cases aged 6-72 months with influenza-like illness in Yongkang and Yiwu city, were selected as the study subjects, and the cases with influenza test-positive were selected as the case group (403 cases). Test-negative subjects were selected as control group (758 cases). The etiology and immunization data of the subjects were obtained from CSIS and Immune Information and Management System (IIMS) respectively. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated using multivariate logistic regression model,and the mixed effects of non-randomized control in TNCC study were equalized by using the propensity score (PS) method in the statistical analysis. Results: The age of the subjects was (2.44±1.60) years,and there were 681 boys (58.66%). The age of case group was (2.62±1.58) years, and there were 246 boys (61.04%). The case group was including of 237 cases (58.81%) of influenza A (H3N2), 92 cases (22.83%) of influenza A (H1N1) pmd09, 62 cases (15.38%) of influenza B(Victoria) lineage, 11 cases (2.73%) of influenza B (Yamagata) lineage and one case (0.25%) co-infection of influenza [A(H(3)N(2))+B (Victoria)]. The mean age of the control group was (2.35±1.61) years,and there were 435 boys (57.39%). Overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) against all type influenza for two seasons combined was 58% (95%CI: 31%-74%). An analysis by age groups showed 68% (95%CI:41%-82%) of the VE estimate among children aged 36-72 months while it was 28%(95%CI:-80%-71%)of the VE estimate among children aged 6-35 months. The VE estimate value was 54% (95%CI:16%-75%) against all type influenza and 65% (95%CI:24%-83%) against influenza A (H(3)N(2)) during the 2016-2017 season. During the 2017-2018 season, the VE estimate value was 69% (95%CI:18%-88%) against all type influenza. Conclusion: Influenza vaccine is effective in preventing influenza virus infection during the flu season,especially the effect among children aged 36-72 months is higher compared to that among children aged 6-35 months.

[Epidemiological analysis of viral hepatitis E in China, 2004-2017]

Objective: To analyze the changing epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E cases in China, in order to promote in preventing and controlling hepatitis E. Methods: Data of hepatitis E and outbreaks reported through national notifiable diseases reporting system were analyzed from 2004 to 2017, but data of Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan were not included. Data of hepatitis E were divided into three phases as 2004-2007, 2008-2011 and 2012-2017, representing eight years before, four years before and years after the postmarketing of hepatitis E vaccine. Linear regression was used for analyzing the trend of hepatitis E, improved muster method was used for analyzing the seasonal intensity. Results: From 2004 to 2017, 329 519 hepatitis E cases were reported and the annual incidence were increasing from 1.27/100 000 to 2.10/100 000 (t=6.87, P<0.001). The concentrations of hepatitis E during 2004-2007, 2008-2011 and 2012-2017 were 17.43, 16.06, 11.17, respectively, with low seasonal intensity. Number of cases reported by Jiangsu, Guangdong and Zhejiang accounted for 31.54% of national cases. The incidence were lower in central (1.45/100 000) and western (1.11/100 000) region than that in eastern region (2.67/100 000), but were increasing continuously. There was an increasing trend of incidence with growing ages (t=7.85, P<0.001). The incidence was higher than 2/100 000 among cases aged ≥40, and was the highest (5.22/100 000) in the age group of 65-69 years old. Farmers, retired persons, houseworkers and unemployees accounted for 67.46% of total cases. A total of 7 outbreaks were reported, among which 3 were in nursing homes. Conclusion: The incidence of hepatitis E in central and western regions were increasing continuously and the surveillance should be strengthened. There was higher risk among middle-aged population, farmers and nursing homes, so strategy for immunization among those population was in great need.

[A typical investigation on the status of diagnosis and reporting of hepatitis B inpatients in non-surveillance hospitals in three provinces in China, 2015]

Objective: To review the consistency of diagnosis and reporting of hepatitis B (HB) patient in non-surveillance hospitals in three provinces and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: In 2016, using typical survey methods, we carried out a hospital-based pilot study in three provinces: Fujian, Hainan and Gansu. In each province, we chose two hospitals with grade 3 and grade 2 respectively in each province, using the following criteria: (1) in 2015, the hospital reported a greater number of hepatitis B cases compared the hospital-based provincial mean; (2) the hospital had an advanced laboratory information system (LIS) with access to HBsAg test results; (3) the hospital had an electronic hospital information system (HIS) which linked to the LIS via the inpatient medical record number; (4) general hospital; (5) non-surveillance hospitals for hepatitis B. Using national notifiable infectious disease reporting system (NNDRS), we chose all HB patients who were reported by the investigated hospitals in 2015, and we linked NNDRS HBV case-reports with patient-data from hospital information systems (HIS) to review the diagnosis, and then to compare the consistency of reviewed diagnosis and NNDRS report diagnosis, which we made a descriptive analysis. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with misclassification of case-reports to NNDRS. Results: We found the NNDRS report accuracy was 47.11% (669) among 1 420 eligible inpatient hepatitis B inpatients. Of the 352 reported acute HBV cases, 6.53% (23) were consistent with our medical record review, the accuracy rate for level 2 hospitals and level 3 hospitals was 9.42% (21) and 1.55% (2), respectively. Of the1 068 reported chronic HBV cases, 60.49% (646) were consistent with our medical record review, the accuracy rate for level 2 hospitals and level 3 hospitals was 57.92% (106) and 60.02% (540), respectively. Compared to primary diagnosis of HB patients, the OR(95%CI) for mis-report was 29.36 (19.21-44.76) in non-primary diagnosis of HB patients. Compared to Fujian Province, the mis-report risk was higher in Hainan province and Gansu Province, with the values of OR (95%CI) being 2.33 (1.58-3.44) and 20.38 (11.29-36.78), respectively; compared to level 3 hospitals, the OR (95%CI) for mis-report was 2.38 (1.66-3.42) for level 2 hospitals; compared to HB related wards, the OR (95%CI) for mis-report was 1.45 (1.04-2.01) in non-HB-related wards. Conclusion: In some non-surveillance areas of China, the consistency between hepatitis B diagnosed in hospital and reported in NNDRS was low. Factors affecting the accuracy of HB surveillance data in NNDRS were level 2 hospitals, non-liver disease departments and nonprimary diagnosis of HB.

[Comparison of antibody persistence after primary immunization with 5 μg and 10 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among newborns with normal and high response: a five-year following-up]

Objective: To compare the antibody persistence 5 years after primary immunization with 5 μg and 10 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among newborns with normal and high response. Methods: Newborns who completed three doses of 5 μg HepB made by recombinant dexyribonucleic acid technique in Saccharomyces (HepB-SC) or 10 μg HepB made by recombinant dexyribonucleic acid technique in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP) were recruited. Standardized questionnaire was used and blood samples were collected 1-6 months (T(0)) and five years (T(1)) after the third dose respectively. The titer of anti-HBs was detected by chemiluminescence microparticle imunoassay (CMIA). Those who achieved normal or high antibody response (anti-HBs titer ≥100 mIU/ml) were included in the study and the positive rate (≥10 mIU/ml) and titer of anti-HBs at T(1) were compared between 5 μg HepB group and 10 μg HepB group. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify the independent factors associated with the antibody persistence. Results: The positive rate of anti-HBs at T(1) was 49.92% (943/1 883) and 75.92% (1 135/1 495) respectively in 5 μg HepB group and 10μg HepB group, the difference was significant (χ(2)=237.75, P<0.001). The anti-HBs geometric mean concentrations at T(1) were 10.23 mIU/ml (95%CI: 9.38-11.16) and 28.91 mIU/ml (95%CI: 26.65-31.35) in the two groups respectively, the difference was also significant (F=280.36, P<0.001). Among those whose anti-HBs titer was<10 mIU/ml at T(1), the distributions of anti-HBs titer were significantly different between 5 μg HepB group and 10 μg HepB group (χ(2)=39.75, P<0.001). The multivariable analysis showed that dosage of HepB was independently associated with both positive rate and titer of anti-HBs at T(1) after excluding the other factors[P<0.001, OR=1.44 (95%CI: 1.20-1.73); P<0.001, β=0.27 (95%CI: 0.14-0.40)]. Conclusion: Five year anti-HBs persistence after primary immunization with 10 μg HepB might be better than that after primary immunization with 5 μg HepB among infants who achieved normal or high anti-HBs response after primary HepB immunization.

[Secretory carcinoma of the breast: clinical histopathologic and biological behaviors]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and immunohistochemistrical features of secretory carcinoma of the breast (SCB), as well as its diagnosis and prognosis. Methods: Five cases of SCB were collected and specimens were fully drawn. Microscopic pathology examinations and immunohistochemistry(SP method)were performed. Results: Five cases were all female patients aged from 31 to 54 years old (with an average age of 38 years), and all patients initially presented with the painless breast lump, often near the areola. Macroscopically, all the tumors were relatively circumscribed, with a mean diameter of 2.1 cm(1.2-3.0 cm). Histologically, the tumors revealed different patterns (microcystic, solid, ductal, and so forth) and appeared large amounts of intracellular and extracellular eosinophilic PAS- and AB-PAS- positive secretory materials, as well as the granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistrically, the tumor cells were strongly positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and S-100. Three cases had negative expression for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone (PR), and two cases had weakly focal expression. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and P53 were negative, while only one case had weakly focal expression. The tumors were positive for CK7, CK5/6, CD10, but they were negative for CEA, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and P63 . The proliferation index of Ki-67 was 5%-8%. There was no patient with metastasis of the tumor in axillary lymph node. Except 1 case lost follow-up, and the rest had no recurrence or distant metastasis. Conclusions: SCB is very rare, with low malignancy, and has better prognosis, but it is usually classified as triple-negative breast cancer because of the immune phenotype. The correct diagnosis of this lesion depends on clinical characteristics, morphology and immunohistochemistry.

Acute nutrient treatment causes alterations in intra-follicular antioxidation and AKT signaling

This study aimed to determine if short-term nutrient alteration affects (1) ovarian morphology, (2) plasma and ovarian antioxidant capability and (3) cell apoptosis and AKT signaling within the ovary. After estrus synchronization, 24 Hu sheep were assigned to three groups based on the nutrient requirement recommended for maintenance (M): 1 × M (Control), 1.5 × M (S) and 0.5 × M (R) during days 7–14 of their estrous cycle. The results indicated that undernourishment significantly increased the counts and volume of follicles <2.5 mm and decreased the counts and volume of follicles ≥2.5 mm (P < 0.05). Feed restriction altered the plasma and follicular redox balance within follicles ≥2.5 mm by inhibiting total antioxidant capacity, increasing malondialdehyde concentration (P < 0.05) and reducing the mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), as well as the activities of total SOD and GSH-PX. Feed restriction also attenuated B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) but enhanced Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) andBAX/BCL2transcription and translation levels in granulosa cells (P < 0.05). Uniform staining intensities of AKT and P-AKT-Ser473 were observed in each follicle stage, whereas weaker P-AKT-Thr308 staining in the antral follicle than in the pre-antral follicle suggested possible involvement of P-AKT-Thr308 during the beginning of follicle development. P-AKT-Ser473 levels in follicles ≥2.5 mm was significantly reduced in the R group (P < 0.05). The results presented in this study demonstrate that suppressed folliculogenesis caused by feed restriction might be associated with attenuated AKT signaling, reduced follicular antioxidant capacity and enhanced granulosa cells apoptosis.

The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in women of reproductive age in highly endemic areas in China

We describe the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among women of reproductive age residing in areas of China that are highly endemic for chronic HBV, and provide evidence useful for decision-makers to guide strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV, and assess the impact of perinatal transmission PMTCT by projecting HBsAg prevalence trends without interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional HBV serological survey of women, 15-49 years of age, residing in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan provinces. Demographic and other subject-level data were collected in face-to-face interviews, after which we obtain blood specimens. Specimens were tested for HBV sero-markers by ELISA (Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy), and HBV DNA was tested with PCR (Hunan Sansure Biotech). Weighted HBsAg and HBV (either HBsAg+ or anti-HBc+ indicating either present or past infection) prevalences were 11.82% and 57.16%, respectively. Among the HBsAg-positive women, 27% were also HBeAg positive. The proportion of individuals with HBV DNA loads >10⁵ IU/mL declined with increasing age. Among HBsAg-negative women, 0.9% had occult HBV infection. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection among reproductive women in these highly endemic provinces is high, posing a threat to maternal health and risk of mother-to-child transmission. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission remains critically important.

[Epidemiological analysis of viral hepatitis A in China, 2004-2015]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis A cases in China from 2004 to 2015. Methods: Data of hepatitis A were reported through national notifiable disease information reporting system, which covered the 31 provinces (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan excluded). The inclusion criteria was: date of illness onset was between January 1(st) 2004 and December 31(st) 2015, the status of reported card was confirmed, the case was classified as laboratory confirmed or clinical diagnosed, the disease was Hepatitis A. The information such as sex, date of birth, date of illness onset, place of residence was collected. The data was divided into three phases, 2004-2007, 2008-2011, 2012-2015, which represented the phase before expanded program on immunization (EPI), first 4 years after EPI, second 4 years after EPI. Results: From 2004 to 2015, there were totally 574 697 hepatitis A cases in China, the mean annual incidence was 3.62/100 000. The risk ratio of hepatitis A in 2015 was 0.23 when compared with 2004. Sichuan, Xinjiang and Yunnan contributed to 27.27% of the total cases in China. In 2012-2015, the incidence of western (3.46/100 000) region was significantly higher than that in central (1.21/100 000) and eastern (1.08/100 000) regions. From 2004-2015, number of cases in each age group declined greatly, with number of cases declining from 43 711 to 5 938 in the age group of 5-9 years, from 29 722 to 3 438 in 10-14, from 23 212 to 3 646 in 15-19. The number of cases declined from 24 079 to 10 304 in the age group of 0-4 (declined by 57.21%), but in 2012-2015, the incidence of 0-4 age group was still the highest, with 77.72% cases in Xinjiang and Sichuan. Famers, students and scattered children accounted for 69.95% of total cases, with student cases declined from 24.08% (2004-2007) to 8.67% (2012-2015). Conclusion: The incidence of hepatitis A in China is decreasing year by year, the risk has been decreasing to a relatively low level. However, in western regions and children under age five, the risk is still high. Precision intervention is needed for further prevention and control of hepatitis A.

[Comparative analyze on hepatitis B seroepidemiological surveys among population aged 1-29 years in different epidemic regions of China in 1992 and 2014]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hepatitis B prevention and control by comparative analysis on the results of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc prevalence from national hepatitis B seroepidemiological surveys in 1992 and 2014 in different epidemic regions of China. Methods: Data was from the national seroepidemiological surveys of hepatitis B conducted in 1992 and 2014. The survey in 1992 was conducted in 145 disease surveillance points of 30 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan province) in China. The survey in 2016 was conducted in 160 disease surveillance points of 31 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan province) in China. In the two surveys, face-to-face interviews with the subject by door to door or on the investigation site were conducted by trained staff using standard questionnaires to obtain basic information including birth date, gender, ethnicity, resident place and so on. And then 5 ml venous blood was collected to test the sero-markers of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. We analyzed unweighted point prevalence and 95% CI of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc in 1992 which had no design weighting, and analyzed weighted point prevalence and 95%CI of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc in 2014 which had design weighting. Results: 34 291 and 31 713 people aged 1-29 years were involved in 1992 and 2014 national serosurveys of China, respectively. For the people aged 1-29 years, HBsAg prevalence was 2.64% (95%CI: 2.28%-3.06%) in 2014 and decreased by 73.92% as compared with the rate 10.13% (95% CI: 9.81%-10.45%) in 1992. Anti-HBc prevalence was 13.01% (95%CI: 12.09%-14.00%) in 2014 and decreased by 71.61% as compared with the rate 45.84% (95% CI: 45.31%-46.37%) in 1992. Anti-HBs prevalence was 57.79% (95%CI: 56.33%-59.25%) in 2014 and ascended by 127.41% as compared with the rate 25.41% (95% CI: 24.95%-25.87%) in 1992. In high, medium and low epidemic region, for the people who born during 1992-2001 when hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in routine immunization management, HBsAg prevalence was 4.74% (95%CI: 3.79%-5.69%), 1.59% (95%CI: 1.09%-2.10%) and 2.53% (95%CI: 1.66%-3.39%), respectively, and anti-HBs prevalence was 64.25% (95% CI: 62.11%-66.39%), 56.34% (95% CI: 54.50%-58.57%), 54.49% (95%CI: 51.75%-57.23%), respectively, and anti-HBc prevalence was 15.16% (95%CI: 13.56%-16.76%), 11.07% (95%CI: 9.80%-12.33%), 7.61% (95%CI: 6.15%-9.07%), respectively. In high, medium and low epidemic region, for the people who born during 2002-2013 the duration which hepatitis B vaccine was integrated in expanded immunization program born during when HBsAg prevalence was 0.88% (95%CI: 0.66%-1.11%), 0.37% (95%CI: 0.24%-0.49%)and 0.71% (95%CI: 0.48%-0.94%), respectively, and anti-HBs prevalence was 60.74% (95%CI: 59.57%-61.90%), 59.46% (95%CI: 58.44%-60.49%), 52.56% (95% CI: 51.20%-53.92%), respectively, and anti-HBc prevalence was 3.30% (95% CI: 2.87%-3.72%), 1.91% (95%CI: 1.63%-2.20%), 2.25% (95%CI: 1.85%-2.66%), respectively. Conclusion: China had made great achievement in hepatitis B prevention and control. HBsAg prevalence among people aged 1-29 years old in 2014 decreased dramatically as compared with that in 1992. Since hepatitis B vaccine was integrated into expanded immunization program, China reduced HBsAg prevalence to less than 1% among people aged 1-12 years in 2014 in different epidemic region.

[Consistency analysis on acute hepatitis B inpatients reported by hepatitis B surveillance pilot spots in six provinces of China]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of acute hepatitis B inpatients reported by the hepatitis B surveillance pilot points and to estimate the consistency between the diagnosed and reported types of hepatitis B by the clinicians involved. Methods: Data related to acute hepatitis B was from the NNDRS and the characteristics of acute hepatitis B were classified by querying Hospital Information System. We recorded the results based on clinical diagnosis and analyzed the consistency between the reported and diagnosed types that the clinicians made, on hepatitis B. Results: A total of 179 patients were included in this study with all of them as acute hepatitis B reported through NNDRS in 2015-2016. In terms of the durations of disease, among the 179 cases who were HBsAg positive, 32.40% (58/179) of them exceeding 6 months, 2.79% (5/179) within 6 months and 64.80% (116/179) tested the first time or never. Among the 179 cases who claimed having the history of hepatitis, 33.52% (60/179) of them identified as having hepatitis B, 1.12% (2/179) were hepatitis A, C or E, 41.34% (74/179) did not have the signs on hepatitis, while the rest 24.02% (43/179) did not know the situation. Only 79.89% (143/179) of the patients showed the symptoms or signs of hepatitis, but the rest 20.11% (36/179) did not. Among the 179 reported acute hepatitis patients, 67 of them were diagnosed as acute hepatitis B while 112 cases were as non-acute hepatitis B. The consistent rate of acute hepatitis B was 37.43% (67/179). Among the 112 cases that were diagnosed as non-acute hepatitis B, proportions of chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis were 49.11%(55/112) and 16.07%(18/112) respectively. Conclusion: Consistency between the reported type of acute hepatitis B inpatients and the types diagnosed by clinicians was poor. Our results suggested that clinicians should make the accurate diagnosis at first place and then report to the Network in accordance with the clinical diagnosis classification criterfia, set by the government.

[Epidemiological characteristics of children aged 1-4 years without timely birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine vaccination in China, 2014]

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of the children aged 1-4 years without timely birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB(1)) vaccination. Methods: Based on the data from 160 disease surveillance points in 31 provinces of China, two-stage cluster random sampling was used to select the target population aged 1-4 years. A standard questionnaire was used to collect the information about the birth date, gender, ethnic group, place of birth, HepB immunization history of the children selected. A blood sample (3 ml) was taken from each subject for HBsAg testing. SAS software (Version 9.4) was used in our study. We analyzed the age, gender, ethnic group, area specific distributions of the children aged 1-4 years without timely HepB(1) vaccination and the influencing factors, and the relationship between the HepB(1) vaccination time and HBsAg prevalence rate. Results: A total of 12 587 children aged 1-4 years were analyzed and the non-timely HepB(1) vaccination rate was 10.12%. The place of birth, ethnic group, urban/rural area, eastern/central/western area, age were the main influencing factor of the non-timely HepB(1) vaccination. The non-timely HepB(1) vaccination rate was higher in 3-4 years old children (11.13%) than in 1-2 years old children (8.97%), in rural area (12.05%) than in urban area (8.19%), in western area (13.41%) than in central area (9.27%) and eastern area (7.72%), in minority ethnic group (18.06%) than in Han ethnic group (8.77%) and in children born outside hospital (57.66%) than in children born in hospital (9.27%). The HBsAg prevalence rate among 1-4 years children was 0.31%. The HBsAg prevalence rate of the children with timely HepB(1) vaccination (0.25%) was lower than that of the children without timely HepB(1) vaccination (0.89%). Conclusions: In China, the HBsAg prevalence rate among 1-4 years children with HepB vaccination decreased to <0.5% and the timely HepB(1) vaccination rate reached to 90%. We should strengthen the timely HepB(1) vaccination for the children in minority ethnic groups, in western area, in rural area as well as those born outside hospitals.

Dietary -carbamylglutamate and rumen-protected -arginine supplementation ameliorate fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes

This study was conducted with an ovine intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) model to test the hypothesis that dietary -carbamylglutamate (NCG) and rumen-protected -Arg (RP-Arg) supplementation are effective in ameliorating fetal growth restriction in undernourished ewes. Beginning on d 35 of gestation, ewes were fed a diet providing 100% of NRC-recommended nutrient requirements, 50% of NRC recommendations (50% NRC), 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 20 g/d RP-Arg (providing 10 g/d of Arg), and 50% of NRC recommendations supplemented with 5 g/d NCG product (providing 2.5 g/d of NCG). On d 110, maternal, fetal, and placental tissues and fluids were collected and weighed. Ewe weights were lower ( < 0.05) in nutrient-restricted ewes compared with adequately fed ewes. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation did not alter ( = 0.26) maternal BW in nutrient-restricted ewes. Weights of most fetal organs were increased ( < 0.05) in RP-Arg-treated and NCG-treated underfed ewes compared with 50% NRC-fed ewes. Supplementation of RP-Arg or NCG reduced ( < 0.05) concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, triglycerides, and ammonia in serum of underfed ewes but had no effect on concentrations of lactate and GH. Maternal RP-Arg or NCG supplementation markedly improved ( < 0.05) concentrations of AA (particularly arginine-family AA and branched-chain AA) and polyamines in maternal and fetal plasma and in fetal allantoic and amniotic fluids within nutrient-restricted ewes. These novel results indicate that dietary NCG and RP-Arg supplementation to underfed ewes ameliorated fetal growth restriction, at least in part, by increasing the availability of AA in the conceptus and provide support for its clinical use to ameliorate IUGR in humans and sheep industry production.

High-T_{c} Superconductivity in FeSe at High Pressure: Dominant Hole Carriers and Enhanced Spin Fluctuations

The importance of electron-hole interband interactions is widely acknowledged for iron-pnictide superconductors with high transition temperatures (T_{c}). However, the absence of hole pockets near the Fermi level of the iron-selenide (FeSe) derived high-T_{c} superconductors raises a fundamental question of whether iron pnictides and chalcogenides have different pairing mechanisms. Here, we study the properties of electronic structure in the high-T_{c} phase induced by pressure in bulk FeSe from magnetotransport measurements and first-principles calculations. With increasing pressure, the low-T_{c} superconducting phase transforms into the high-T_{c} phase, where we find the normal-state Hall resistivity changes sign from negative to positive, demonstrating dominant hole carriers in contrast to other FeSe-derived high-T_{c} systems. Moreover, the Hall coefficient is enlarged and the magnetoresistance exhibits anomalous scaling behaviors, evidencing strongly enhanced interband spin fluctuations in the high-T_{c} phase. These results in FeSe highlight similarities with high-T_{c} phases of iron pnictides, constituting a step toward a unified understanding of iron-based superconductivity.

[Treatment strategies of complex lesions in patients with acute Stanford type A dissection of important branches involvement]

Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection with important branches involved is more complex, could lead to organ malperfusion syndrome even organ failure. The understanding of pathological anatomy, classification, staging, and the pathophysiological change has increasingly mature, but not complete. In addition, the treatment strategy for complex lesions is diversified, some questions may not reach consensus. Fully understanding of the anatomical and pathophysiology is very important for surgeons to choose reasonable treatment strategy. As the rapid development of the basic research, imaging techniques and the concept of surgery procedures, the manage technique of Stanfrod type A dissection and branch vessels at the same time is getting seriously, the related issues also need further discussions.

[The multicenter study on the registration and follow-up of low anticoagulation therapy for the heart valve operation in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the optimal anticoagulation methods and monitoring strategy for Chinese patients undergoing heart valve replacement, which is potentially quite different from western populations.

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective cohort study, the anticoagulation and monitoring strategy data was acquired from 25 773 in-hospital patients in 35 medical centers and 20 519 patients in outpatient clinic in 11 medical centers from January 1st, 2011 to December 31th, 2015.

RESULTS

As for in-hospital patients, mean age of study population was (48.6±11.2) years old; main etiology of valve pathology was rheumatic (87.5%) origin among study cohort; 94.8% of study population received mechanical valve implantation; international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring (in all the study centers) and low-intensity anticoagulation strategy (31 hospitals chose target INR range of 1.5-2.5, and actual values of INR among 89.2% of 100 069 in-hospital monitoring samples were 1.5-2.5), with mean actual INR values of 1.84±0.53, and warfarin dosage of (2.82±0.93) mg/d were widely adopted among the study centers; strategies of in-hospital warfarin administration were similar in all the study centers; complication rates of low-intensity anticoagulation strategy were low in severe hemorrhage (0.02%), thrombosis (0.05%), and thromboembolism (0.05%) events, without anticoagulation-related death.As for 18 974 outpatient clinic patients, the follow-up rate was 92.47%, with a total of 30 012 patient-years (Pty). Anticoagulation-related morbidity and mortality rates were 0.67% and 0.15% Pty; major hemorrhage morbidity and mortality rates were 0.25% and 0.13% Pty; thromboembolism morbidity and mortality rates were 0.45% and 0.03% Pty.The mean dosage of warfarin daily dosage was (2.85±1.23) mg/d and INR value was 1.82±0.57.No significant regional difference in the intensity of anticoagulation therapy was noted during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

INR can be used as a normalized indicator for intensity of anticoagulation therapy in China.The optimal anticoagulation intensity with INR range from 1.5 to 2.5 is safe and effective for Chinese patients with heart valve replacement, and there is no significant regional difference in the intensity of anticoagulation therapy.

[Anti-HBs persistence after revaccination with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine among non-responsive adults: a 4-year of follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore anti-HBs persistence four years after revaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among adults who were non-responsive to HepB primary immunization.

METHODS

A total of 24 237 healthy adults who had no history of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination, resided in the local area for more than six months and aged 18-49 years were selected from 79 villages of Zhangqiu County, Shandong Province, China in 2009. Blood samples were obtained and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using ELISA method. A total of 11 590 persons who were negative for all of these indicators were divided into four groups by cluster sampling methods. Each group was vaccinated with one of the following four types of HepB at 0-1-6months schedule: 20 μg HepB derived in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 20 μg HepB derived in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB derived in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP). Blood samples were collected one month after the third dose of primary immunization and tested for anti-HBs using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The non-responders were followed up and their basic information and the histories of hepatitis B infection, HepB vaccination, smoking and drinking were investigated. Then they were revaccinated with three doses of HepB with the same schedule as the primary immunization. Blood samples were collected from all of them one month (T1), two years and four years after revaccination and anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg were detected by CMIA. A total of 356 participants were followed up from 645 low-responders four years after revaccination, and the ratio was 55.2%. The risk factors associated with the positive rate and geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs after four years of revaccination were analyzed using multivariate unconditional logistic regression model and multivariate linear regression model, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 356 participants, 172 (48.3%) were males and 184 (51.7%) were females. The anti-HBs positive rate was 90.4% (322 cases) at T1 and was 55.9% (199 cases) four years after revaccination. The GMC of anti-HBs was 240.5 (95% CI: 186.4-310.4)mU/ml at T1 and decreased to 15.0 (95%CI: 12.2-18.5) mU/ml four years after revaccination. The average annual decreasing rate of GMC was 50.63% from one month after revaccination to four years after revaccination. The corresponding rate was 64.89% in the first two years, which was 2.12 times the rate in the latter two years (30.57%). When compared with those whose anti-HBs titer was less than 99 mU/ml at T1, the significantly higher anti-HBs four years after revaccination was observed in those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 100-999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥1 000 mU/ml. The OR (95%CI) was 7.14 (3.90-13.05) and 28.40 (13.16-61.30) respectively. When compared with those whose anti-HBs titer was ≤99 mU/ml at T1, the GMC of anti-HBs four years after revaccination was also significantly higher among those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 100-999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥1 000 mU/ml. The b (95%CI) was 1.66 (1.26-2.05) and 3.16 (2.72-3.60), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The positive rate and GMC of anti-HBs decreased four years after revaccination among non-responsive adults, but still kept anti-HBs above protective level. The immunity durability after revaccination is mainly associated with anti-HBs titer one month after revaccination.

[Antibody persistence following primary vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responder adults: a 5-year follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the 5-year antibody persistence and the risk factors associated with the persistence after primary vaccination of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among normal or high-response adults.

METHODS

A total of 24 237 healthy adults who had no histories of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination, resided in the local area for more than six months and were aged 18-49 years were selected from 79 villages in north of Zhangqiu county, Shandong province, China in 2009. Blood samples were obtained and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using ELISA method. A total of 11 590 persons who were negative for all of these indicators were divided into four groups by cluster sampling methods. Each group was vaccinated with one of the following four types of HepB at 0-1-6 months schedule: 20 μg HepB derived in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 20 μg HepB derived in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB derived in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP). The normal and high-responder was followed up and their demographic characteristic (including age, gender), histories of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B vaccination, smoking, drinking and chronic diseases were investigated. Blood samples were collected one month (T1) and five years (T2) and anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg (if anti-HBs<10 mU/ml) were detected by CMIA. A total of 1 902 participants were followed up and the risk factors associated with positive rate of anti-HBs and GMC of anti-HBs were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis and multifactor linear regression model analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 1 902 adults, 824 (43.32%) were male and 1 078 (56.68%) were female. The anti-HBs positive rate was 100% at T1 and it decreased to 73.29% (1 394 cases) at T2. The corresponding GMC was decreased from 1 527.15 (95%CI: 1 437.84-1 622.01) mU/ml at T1 to 35.07 (95%CI: 32.20-38.19) mU/ml at T2. When comparing with those vaccinated 20 μg HepB-SC, the significantly lower positive rate at T2 was observed in those vaccinated 10 μg HepB-SC group and 10 μg HepB-HP group. The OR (95% CI) was 0.41 (0.28-0.61) and 0.27 (0.18-0.39), respectively. The GMC of anti-HBs was also significantly lower among those vaccinated 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB-HP. The b (95%CI) was -0.20 (-0.28- -0.12) and -0.36 (-0.44- -0.29) , respectively. When comparing with those occasionally drinking, the significantly lower positive rate at T2 was observed in those regular drinking. The OR(95%CI) was 0.51(0.30-0.87). The GMC of anti-HBs in age group of 18-29 was significantly higher than those in 40-49 age group; the b (95%CI) was -0.10(-0.18- -0.01). When comparing with those whose anti-HBs titer was less than 999 mU/ml at T1, the significantly higher positive rate of anti-HBs at T2 was observed in those whose anti-HBs titer was 1 000-1 999 mU/ml, those whose anti-HBs titer was 2 000-2 999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer was ≥10 000 mU/ml. The OR (95%CI) was 10.11 (6.90-14.82), 20.42 (13.98-29.82) and 54.58 (22.08-134.92), respectively. When comparing with those whose anti-HBs titer was ≤999 mU/ml at T1, the GMC of anti-HBs at T2 was also significantly higher among those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 1 000-1 999 mU/ml, those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 2 000-2 999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥10 000 mU/ml. The b (95%CI) was 0.55 (0.47-0.62), 0.94 (0.88-1.00) and 1.63 (1.54-1.72), respectively. Nobody was found positive to HBsAg at T2 and the conversion rate of anti-HBc was 3.89% (74/1 902) at T2.

CONCLUSION

Anti-HBs GMC decreased rapidly at T2 among normal and high-responder adults, while the positive rate of anti-HBs still kept at a high level. The antibody persistence among normal and high-responder adults at T2 was associated with HepB type, age, history of drinking and GMC of anti-HBs at T1.

[Retrospective analysis of operative methods and complications in 29 patients with carotid body tumor]

Objective:To analyze the operative methods and complications for surgical resection of carotid body tumor (CBT). Method:Clinical data of 29 patients underwent CBT resection from Jan 2007 to Apr 2015 were retrospectively studied. Result:Five out of 29 patients got bilateral CBT, the others had unilateral lesions, totally 34 CBT resection were performed. Tumor completely dissected without carotid artery clamping and reconstruction in 18 procedures, tumor resection combined with external carotid artery resection in 16 procedures, 9 out of these 16 procedures combined with internal carotid artery resection. The internal carotid artery was reconstructed with autologous greater saphenous vein in 4 procedures, with artificial graft in 3 procedures, and internal carotid artery ligation without reconstruction in 2 procedures. There was no patient death during perioperative period, cerebral infarction happened in 1 patient and cranial nerve injury occurred in 12 cases. Conclusion:Carotid artery resection and reconstruction is very common during CBT resection, surgeon must be familiar with the methods of carotid artery reconstruction, and the most common complication of carotid body tumor resection is the cranial nerve injury.

Analysis of imprinted messenger RNA expression in deceased transgenic cloned goats

Genomic imprinting is an important epigenetic mechanism that has vital effects on fetal growth and development. We observed the differences in four tissues (heart, spleen, liver, and kidney) from dead transgenic cloned goats using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Eight imprinted genes in the tissues of dead transgenic cloned and normal goats were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. H&E staining results from the abortion group indicated the lack of obvious morphological changes in heart and spleen tissues, while inflammatory cell infiltration and glomerular nephritis characteristics were observed in liver and kidney tissues, respectively. Compared to the control group, CDKN1C, H19, IGF2R, and SNRPN were significantly (P < 0.05) overexpressed in the heart tissue of the abortion group, while XIST was significantly reduced. In the liver tissues, CDKN1C and DLK1 expression decreased, while GNAS, H19, IGF2R, PEG3, and XIST expression increased significantly. In the spleen tissues, DLK1 expression increased, while GNAS, H19, IGF2R, PEG3, SNRPN, and XIST expression decreased. In the kidney tissues, CDKN1C, DLK1, GNAS, IGF2R, and PEG3 expression increased, while H19 and XIST expression decreased. The overall expression of imprinted genes was abnormal in different tissues of transgenic cloned goats, and the degree of abnormal genomic imprinting was more severe in the abortion group compared to the death and control groups. These results suggest that abnormal expression of imprinted genes may cause developmental defects in transgenic cloned goats. Moreover, abnormal epigenetic modifications may affect the reprogramming of transgenic donor cells.

Identification of transgenic cloned dairy goats harboring human lactoferrin and methylation status of the imprinted gene IGF2R in their lungs

Dairy goat is a good model for production of transgenic proteins in milk using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, animals produced from SCNT are often associated with lung deficiencies. We recently produced six transgenic cloned dairy goats harboring the human lactoferrin gene, including three live transgenic clones and three deceased transgenic clones that died from respiratory failure during the perinatal period. Imprinted genes are important regulators of lung growth, and may be subjected to faulty reprogramming. In the present study, first, microsatellite analysis, PCR, and DNA sequence identification were conducted to confirm that these three dead kids were genetically identical to the transgenic donor cells. Second, the CpG island methylation profile of the imprinted insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF2R) gene was assessed in the lungs of the three dead transgenic kids and the normally produced kids using bisulfite sequencing PCR. In addition, the relative mRNA level of IGF2R was also determined by real-time PCR. Results showed that the IGF2R gene in the lungs of the dead cloned kids showed abnormal hypermethylation and higher mRNA expression levels than the control, indicating that aberrant DNA methylation reprogramming is one of the important factors in the death of transgenic cloned animals.

Expression of N-cadherin in myocardial tissues during the development of a rat heart

We investigated the expression and distribution of N-cadherin during the development of a rat heart. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect the expression and distribution of N-cadherin in the myocardial tissues of rats at embryonic day 18 (E18d), postnatal day 5 (P5d), postnatal day 19 (P19d), postnatal day 40 (P40d), and postnatal year 1 (P1y). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mRNA expression levels of N-cadherin in the myocardial tissues at E18d, P5d, P19d, P40d, and P1y. The IHC results showed that at E18d N-cadherin was dispersedly distributed both on the cell surface and in the cytoplasm of the myocardial cells, and gradually became concentrated at the end-to-end intercalated discs of the cardiomyocytes from birth through immaturity. In the young, middle-aged, and old rats, N-cadherin was typically distributed at the intercalated discs at the end of the myocardial cells. No significant differences in the mRNA expression levels of N-cadherin were detected in the myocardial tissue of rats at E18d, P5d, P19d, P40d, and P1y. During the development of the rat heart, observable changes in the distribution of N-cadherin occurred in the myocardial tissues, but there were no detectable changes in the expression of N-cadherin, indicating that N-cadherin is indispensable to maintaining the physical structure and function of the heart.

Seasonal concentrations, contamination levels, and health risk assessment of arsenic and heavy metals in the suspended particulate matter from an urban household environment in a metropolitan city, Beijing, China

The levels and health risks of arsenic and heavy metals (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected from an urban household environment in Beijing of China for 12 months were investigated. The mean concentrations of the studied toxic elements were higher and lower than crustal abundance and PM2.5 in the urban outdoors of Beijing. The concentrations of the studied elements displayed significant seasonality. The highest concentrations of the total elements occurred in winter, followed by autumn, while the lowest concentrations were recorded in summer. Based on the calculated values of enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the levels for As and Cu were heavily contaminated, while those for Cd, Pb, and Zn were extremely contaminated. As and Pb might pose risks to children and adults via ingestion exposure. The accumulative risks of multi-elements resulted from dermal contact and inhalation exposures were not negligible. More attention should be paid to reducing the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks posed by the toxic elements bound to urban household SPM particles via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact exposure.

Construction of the mammalian expressing vector pEGFP-N1-P53 and its expression successful in chicken fibroblast cells and blastoderm

The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) pEGFP-N1-P53 eukaryotic expression vector, which contains the human tumor suppressor p53, was constructed and transfected into chicken fibroblast cells and stage-X blastoderm to analyze the transfection efficiency. The complementary DNA of the human p53 gene was cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from human peripheral blood and inserted into the pEGFP-N1 vector by HindIII and BamHI double digestion. The pEGFP-N1-P53 vector was transfected into chicken embryo fibroblasts by Lipofectamine 2000 liposomes, and the transfection efficiency was analyzed by fluorescence microscope after 36 h of transfection. The stage-X blastoderm was also transfected by blastoderm injection using Lipofectamine 2000 liposomes at room temperature after 12-24 h; then hatching occurred until seventh day, and the transfection efficiency was analyzed by fluorescence microscope in the dead embryo. A total of 90 hatching eggs were transfected by the pEGFP-N1-P53 vector, and 20 chicken embryos expressed the reporter gene, which indicated that recombinant pEGFP-N1-P53 could be transfected and expressed in stage-X blastoderm by liposomes. Chicken embryo fibroblasts were transfected and expressed the reporter gene. The pEGFP-N1-P53 vector was constructed successfully and could be transfected and expressed in chicken embryo fibroblasts and stage-X blastoderms efficiently.

Comparison between the EQ-5D-5L and the EQ-5D-3L in patients with hepatitis B

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to compare psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L (5L) and the EQ-5D-3L (3L) health outcomes assessment instruments in patients with hepatitis B in China.

METHODS

Patients, including hepatitis B virus carriers and those with active or inactive chronic hepatitis B, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, answered a questionnaire composed of 5L, socio-demographic information, 3L, and the visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. After 1 week, a retest was conducted for inpatients. We compared acceptability, face validity, redistribution properties, convergent validity, known-group validity, discriminatory power, ceiling effect, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness of 5L and 3L.

RESULTS

A total of 369 outpatients and 276 inpatients were recruited for the first interview. Of the inpatients, 183 were used in the retest. Most patients preferred 5L-3L. The 3L-5L response pairs had an inconsistency rate of 2.4%. Correlation with the VAS was greater with 5L than with 3L. Age, education, and comorbidity were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). 5L discriminated more infectious conditions than 3L. In all dimensions, the Shannon's index from 5L was larger while in three dimensions the Shannon's evenness index from 5L was slightly larger. The ceiling effect was reduced in 5L. In patients with stable health states, no significant difference was detected in the weighted kappa between 5L and 3L, but intraclass correlation coefficient of 5L was higher than that of 3L. In patients with improved health states, HRQoL was seen as increased in both 5L and 3L, without significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The EQ-5D-5L was more suitable than the EQ-5D-3L in the patients with hepatitis B in China.

Effect of nutrition on plasma lipid profile and mRNA levels of ovarian genes involved in steroid hormone synthesis in Hu sheep during luteal phase

Ovarian steroid hormones regulate follicular growth and atresia. This study aims to determine whether key ovarian sterol-regulatory genes are differentially expressed in Hu sheep under different short-term nutritional regimens. Estrus was synchronized using intravaginal progestagen sponges. The ewes were assigned randomly to 3 groups. On d 6 to 12 of their estrous cycle, the control (CON) group received a maintenance diet (1.0×M), the supplemented (SUP) group received 1.5×M, and the restricted (R) group received 0.5×M. On d 7 to 12, blood samples were taken. The sheep were slaughtered at the end of the treatment, and their organs and ovaries were collected. The plasma concentrations of urea (P<0.01), total cholesterol (P<0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.01), NEFA (P<0.01), FSH (P<0.05), and estradiol (P<0.05) increased with decreasing dietary intake, whereas plasma triglyceride (P<0.01) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations decreased (P<0.05). The ewes in the R group had higher spleen weight and percentage of spleen to BW and lower liver and small intestine weights and percentage of liver/stomach to BW than the SUP group ewes (P<0.05). Nutritional restriction decreased the cytochrome p450 (CYP17A1) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mRNA expression (P<0.05) and increased the cytochrome p450 aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA expression (P<0.05) in follicles>2.5 mm. Follicle size affected the mRNA expression of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), FSH receptor (FSHR), CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 (P<0.05). In conclusion, we suggest that a potential mechanism by which short-term negative energy balance inhibits follicular growth may involve responses to disrupted reproductive hormone concentrations and influenced the intrafollicular expression of CYP17A1, CYP19A1, and ESR1. This result may be due to increased plasma urea and lipid concentrations.

Immunohistochemical detection of Raf kinase inhibitor protein in normal cervical tissue and cervical cancer tissue

Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) may be a suppressor of metastasis: RKIP levels are high in normal tissues, low in primary cancers and lowest or absent in metastatic cancers. This immunohisto chemistry study investigated RKIP protein levels in 250 clinical specimens of human cervical tissue and lymph node metastases (LNM) from 210 patients with normal cervical tissue, cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN), or cervical cancer with/without LNM. Thirty-nine (86.7%) of the 45 normal-tissue samples were RKIP-positive, six (13.3%) were RKIP-negative; 48/60 (80.0%) CIN samples were positive, 12 (20.0%) were negative; 47/105 (44.8%) cervical cancer tissue samples were positive, 58 (55.2%) were negative; only 7/40 (17.5%) LNM tissue samples were positive, 33 (82.5%) were negative. There was no significant correlation between RKIP positivity and clinical stage, microscopic subtype or pathological differentiation grade. RKIP positivity correlated inversely with LNM. RKIP may play a role in cervical-cancer genesis and metastasis; RKIP down-regulation was associated with metastatic disease in human cervical cancer.

Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on growth performances, carcase composition, plasma lipoprotein lipase activity and meat traits of chickens

1. The effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLAs) on productive traits, carcase yield and meat quality were investigated in Beijingyou (Chinese) chickens. A total of 360 male chicks were allocated to 5 dietary treatments (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00% CLA) and fed for 126 d. 2. The results showed that CLA supplementation did not significantly influence body weight, but increased feed conversion and decreased intramuscular fat in breast and thigh muscles. Mortality was significantly higher in the control group. 3. The addition of 1.0 and 2.0% CLA decreased abdominal fat percentages. At CLA dietary levels greater than 0.5%, lipoprotein lipase activity in plasma was significantly decreased. 4. Hunter L* and a* values were not significantly affected by CLA supplementation. However, Hunter b* values were lower in chickens supplemented at levels greater than 0.5% CLA. Supplementing diets with CLA modified the fatty acid composition of breast muscle. The proportions of CLA, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased whereas the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids was decreased.

Control of nutrients after discharge to lakes through wastewater

Control of nutrients as nitrogen and phosphorus after discharge into lakes is necessary since it is difficult and costly to control within wastewater plants currently in China. This paper studied the cycling of phosphorus and nitrogen with water and sediments from two lakes in China. It is found that oxygen plays a critical role in regulating phosphorus and nitrogen cycling within water and sediments. Three different oxygenation methods including aeration, calcium peroxide and hydrogen peroxide were studied to control phosphorus and nitrogen in overlying water. In anoxic conditions, the P concentration in water increased from an average 14 microg/L to 115.2 microg/L for Xili Lake, and from an average 24 microg/L to 1,000 microg/L for Jinchun Lake. The concentration of ammonia increased under anoxic conditions, while the concentration of nitrate increased under oxic conditions. In anoxic conditions, the nitrate concentration decreased probably through denitrification. Both N and P accumulation processes can be controlled under the three treatments. The phosphorus removal efficiency from the water body was in the order of CaO2 addition > aeration > H2O2 addition, while controlling effectiveness for ammonia was in the order of aeration > CaO2 addition > H2O2 addition.

Fluctuation of microcystins in water plant

This study was undertaken to investigate the distribution and variation of microcystins (MC) from a water resource to a water plant in China including long distance transportation, ClO2 preoxidation, coagulation/precipitation, filtration, and disinfection. Advanced treatment methods including ozonation and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption were tested to remove microcystins from drinking water. The results indicated that, when containing high level of algae in raw water, preoxidation at 2 mg/L of ClO2 was not enough to stop algae growth in long distance transportation. In the water plant studied, both coagulation and filtration caused significant increase instead of removal of microcystins in drinking water. Chlorine disinfection removed part of microcystins. However, both ozonation and GAC adsorption were able to remove microcystins completely, thereby improving the quality of drinking water in terms of microcystins.

Variation of microcystins in a lake for water supply

A site investigation was conducted to correlate the relationships between microcystins (MC) concentration and algal growth in Dianchi Lake in China. Laboratory experiments were undertaken to test the effects of sediment adsorption, photoirradiation and biodegradation on microcystins removal. Bioaccumulation of microcystins was also determined using silver carp fish. It was observed that MC concentrations varied in accordance with algae growth in Dianchi Lake. The results obtained in the laboratory demonstrated that the removal of MC with fresh sediments was less than 10%, photoirradiation removed more than 75% MC within two hours, and the biodegradation needed much longer time to produce substantial degradation of MC. The results suggest that bioaccumulation of microcystins in fish was not significant in Dianchi Lake.

Miniaturization of surface acoustic waves rotary motor

This paper presents the experimental study of a miniaturized surface acoustic waves (SAWs) rotary motor and the theoretical calculation. After the first success in SAW rotary motor operating at 9.85 MHz, a smaller rotary motor is designed. With the operating frequency of 30 MHz and the driving voltage of 120 V(p-p), the motor can rotate at a speed of 270 rpm.

Ordered valence-bond states in symmetric two-dimensional spin-orbital systems

We consider a superexchange Hamiltonian, H = -SUM (<i,j>)(2S(i) . S(j)-(1/2)) (2T(i) . T(j)-(1/2)), which describes systems with orbital degeneracy and strong electron-phonon coupling in the limit of large on-site repulsion. In an SU(4) Schwinger boson representation, a reduced spin-orbital interaction is derived exactly, and a mean field theory has been developed. In one dimension, a spin-orbital liquid state with a finite gap is obtained. On a two-dimensional square lattice a novel type of spin-orbital ferromagnetically ordered state appears, while spin and orbital are antiferromagnetic. An important relation has been found, relating the spin and orbital correlation functions to the combined spin-orbital ones.

Applied anatomy of the axillary nerve for selective neurotization of the deltoid muscle

Morphologic and internal topographic features of the axillary nerve were studied in 40 cadaveric shoulders to provide anatomic data for selective neurotization of the deltoid muscle in axillary nerve injury. The axillary nerve can be divided into three segments. Proximal to the subscapularis muscle, the axillary nerve is a single nerve trunk. Nerve fascicles to the deltoid muscle are identified at its lateral part. In front of the subscapularis muscle, the axillary nerve forms into the lateral and medial fasciculi groups. Distal to the subscapularis muscle, the nerve divides into anterior and posterior branches, which are continuations of the lateral and medial fasciculi groups, respectively. The anterior branch contains all fibers that innervate to the anterior and middle deltoid muscle. In 90% of cases, the posterior branch contains part or all nerve fibers to the posterior deltoid muscle. Nerve fibers to the teres minor and cutaneous sensory fibers are found in the posterior branch. In neurotization of the deltoid muscle, the best approach is to match the donor nerve to the lateral fasciculi group, which will give the highest percentage of reinnervation of the deltoid muscle.

Mesoscopic Kondo screening effect in a single-electron transistor embedded in a metallic ring

We study the Kondo screening effect generated by a single-electron transistor or quantum dot embedded in a small metallic ring. When the ring circumference L becomes comparable to the fundamental length scale xi(0)(K) = Planck's constant over upsilon(F)/T(0)(K) associated with the bulk Kondo temperature, the Kondo resonance is strongly affected, depending on the total number of electrons (mod4) and magnetic flux threading the ring. The resulting Kondo-assisted persistent currents are also calculated in both Kondo and mixed-valence regimes, and the maximum values are found in the crossover region.

[Analyses of chromosomal karyotypes and cytogenetic variations of animal cell lines]

After the master cell stock(mcs) and working cell bank of more than 30 different strains of 7 animal kidney cell lines (F-81 or CRFK cell line, MDCK cell line, Vero or Vero-2 cell line, MA-104 cell line and BHK-21 cell line) were established in China, the chromosomal number variations and structural aberrations of the above lines, primary feline or canine kidney cell (FKC or CKC) and HeLa cell line were investigated and their karyotypes of routine or Giemsa chromosomal bands were analyzed. The carcinogenesis or tumorigenicity testing of these cells in about 700 nude mice and for colony formation in soft agar (SA) and for agglutination under different concentration of plant lectins was carried out. Both tumorigenicity-negative strains of F-81, CRFK, Vero or Vero-2 lines and very-low-tumorigenicity strains of MDCK line were successfully selected and evaluated for the production of canine or feline combination viral vaccines, which are free of infectious agents, and described with respect to cytogenetic characteristics and tumorigenicity. Rate of modal chromosome number represents the ratio of cell number having modal chromosome number to all the split cell number analyzed at random. Rate of difference represents the ratio of difference of the rate of modal chromosome number between mcs (master cell stock) + n and mcs passages. The chromosomal analysis results showed that the ratio of difference of the rate of modal chromosome number between mcs + n and mcs passages was not more than 5%-15% and the structure aberrations was generally 0%-3%, not more than 5%-10%, thus the hereditary character of cell lines is comparatively stable without significant difference between different passages. The genetic characteristics of chromosomal number of cell lines determines their tumorigenicity, but it is species specific. Experimental models were established for the researches on the prevention and prophylaxis of malignant tumors or cancers and their genetically biological characteristics. Tests showed that there was correlation among cell line chromosome number variations, anchorage independence in soft agar, agglutination under plant lectins and tumor-forming ability in nude mice. Since testing in vitro is more economic, simpler, faster, and is thought to be reliable, we recommend plant lectins followed by SA or analysis of karyotypes as the initial means for monitoring tumorigenicity of animal cell line in nude mice.