Air dispersal of multi-drug-resistant organisms including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in general wards: surveillance culture of air grilles

BACKGROUND

The environmental surveillance of air grilles in clinical areas has not been systematically analysed.

METHODS

Samples were collected from frequently touched items (N = 529), air supply (N = 295) and exhaust (N = 184) grilles in six medical and 11 surgical wards for the cultures of multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs): meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), and isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The contamination rates were correlated with the colonization pressures of the respective MDROs.

RESULTS

From 3rd October to 21st November 2023, 9.8% (99/1008) of the samples tested positive, with MRSA (24.2%, 24/99), CRAB (59.6%, 59/99) and CPE (2.0%, 2/99), being the only detected MDROs. The contamination rate in air exhaust grilles (26.6%, 49/184) was significantly higher than in air supply grilles (5.8%, 17/295; P<0.001). The contamination rate of air exhaust grilles with any MDRO in acute medical wards (73.7%, 14/19) was significantly higher than in surgical wards (12.5%, 4/32; P<0.001). However, there was no difference in the contamination rate of air exhaust grilles between those located inside and outside the cohort cubicles for MDROs (27.1%, 13/48 vs 28.8%, 30/104; P=0.823). Nevertheless, the weekly CRAB colonization pressure showed a significant correlation with the overall environmental contamination rate (r = 0.878; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.136-0.986; P=0.004), as well as with the contamination rate in air supply grilles (r = 0.960; 95% CI: 0.375-0.999; P<0.001) and air exhaust grilles (r = 0.850; 95% CI: 0.401-0.980; P=0.008). WGS demonstrated clonal relatedness of isolates collected from patients and air exhaust grilles.

CONCLUSIONS

Air grilles may serve as MDRO reservoirs. Cohort nursing in open cubicles may not completely prevent MDRO transmission through air dispersal, prompting the consideration of future hospital design.

Global burden of hip fracture: The Global Burden of Disease Study

This study is the first to measure global burden of hip fracture in patients aged 55 years and older across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Our study further proved that the global burden of hip fracture is still large. Hip fractures among males are perhaps underestimated, and older adults should be given more attention.

PURPOSE

Hip fracture is a tremendous universal public health challenge, but no updated comprehensive and comparable assessment of hip fracture incidence and burden exists for most of the world in older adults.

METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2019, we estimated the number and rates of the incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLD) of hip fracture across 204 countries and territories in patients aged 55 years and older from 1990 to 2019.

RESULTS

In 2019, the incidence, prevalence, and YLDs rates of hip fracture in patients aged 55 years and older were 681.35 (95% UI 508.36-892.27) per 100000 population, 1191.39 (95% UI 1083.80-1301.52) per 100000 population, and 130.78 (95% UI 92.26-175.30) per 100000 population. During the three decades, the incidence among people aged below 60 years showed a downward trend, whereas it showed a rapid upward trend among older adults. All the numbers and rates of hip fractures among females were higher than those among males and increased with age, with the highest number and rate in the highest age group. Notably, the male to female ratio of the incidence for people aged over 55 years increased from 0.577 in 1990 to 0.612 in 2019. Falls were the leading cause among both sexes and in all age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence and the number of hip fractures among patients aged 55 years and older increased over the past three decades, indicating that the global burden of hip fracture is still large. Hip fractures among males are perhaps underestimated, and older adults should be given more attention.

Importance of timing and training to implement awake prone positioning in patients with COVID-19: a single-center prospective observational study

Background

Awake prone positioning (APP) is broadly implemented in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 related disease [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] admitted to hospital with severe respiratory distress syndrome. This prospective observational study aimed to explore the factors influencing the implementation of APP in patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

Methods

Patients with COVID-19, all hospitalized with positive X-ray findings and oxygen supplementation requirement, in the Respiratory Step-Down Unit of the Peking University Third Hospital between January 6th, 2023, and January 20th, 2023, were included in this study. Data regarding basic information, activities of daily living (ADLs) scores, oxygen therapy, vital signs, and duration of APP were collected to investigate the factors influencing prone positioning.

Results

Among the 134 patients included, 55.2% showed an improvement in oxygen saturation 1 hour after APP. Logistic regression revealed that the pre-APP heart rate (HR) [odds ratio (OR) =1.032; P=0.046] and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) (OR =0.720; P<0.001) were the associated factors of the improvement in SpO2 after treatment. Multiple linear regression revealed that the ADL scores and pre-APP respiratory rate (RR) were the associated factors of the duration of prone positioning (P<0.01). The APP technical steering group effectively improved duration of APP.

Conclusions

Patients with low SpO2 and increased HR before treatment showed greater improvement in oxygen saturation. Patients with lower tolerance to ADL but lower RRs were those to demonstrate a longer duration of prone positioning. This is pointing towards establishing the most favorable time window for APP during the course of COVID-19: after the ADLs have already decreased, but before significant tachypnea has appeared.

Effects of Temperature, Moisture, and Ultraviolet Light on Germination, Infection, and Survival of Gymnosporangium yamadae Teliospores and Basidiospores

Apple rust caused by Gymnosporangium yamadae is a significant disease in China's main apple production areas. We evaluated the effects of temperature, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) light on the germination, infection, and survival of teliospore horns and basidiospores under artificially controlled environmental conditions. The temperature required for the germination and infection of teliospores and basidiospores of G. yamadae ranged from 5 to 25°C, with an optimum temperature of approximately 17°C. The teliospore horns germinated after soaking in distilled water for 5 min and required at least 2.3 h of development to produce basidiospores under the most favorable conditions. The basidiospores germinated only in free water and produced germ tubes 0.8 h after being placed in the water. The half-life of the basidiospore was 72.5 h in the dark and only 9.5 h when exposed to intense UV light. The basidiospores inoculated on the host leaves required at least 2.3 h of water exposure to cause rust lesions. A revised Weibull model could describe the relationships between the germination and infection of teliospore horns and basidiospores with temperature and wetness duration. Collectively, these results can serve as a valuable guide for developing a model to predict future apple rust epidemics and establish a method for effective control strategies.

Risk Factors for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage After Extradural Spine Surgery: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is 1 of the common complications of spine surgery and is largely caused by intraoperative or postoperative dural tears. Associations of different factors with postoperative CSF leakage have not been consistent. In this study we aimed to identify demographic, disease-related, and surgical risk factors for CSF leakage after extradural spine surgery in a systematic review and meta-anlysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Wanfang data, Chinese Weipu Database, and SinoMed databases were searched from inception until October 24, 2022. Fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The quality of observational studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale instrument.

RESULTS

A total of 15 observational studies with 1,719,923 participants were included in this systematic review. All studies had a Newcastle-Ottawa scale score greater than or equal to 6. Age older than 70 years, smoking, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, adhesion of spinal dura, spinal canal stenosis, cervical fracture, spondylolisthesis, revision surgery, and multiple surgical segments were all related to CSF leakage in the pooled analysis. Obesity and disease duration>1 year were not associated with the leakage of CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide a reference for the identification of patients at high risk of developing CSF leakage, which suggests clinicians to strengthen the observation of drainage fluid in high-risk groups.

[A dry-reagent assay to rapidly detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis using loop-mediated isothermal amplification]

A molecular diagnostic assay which could be stored at room temperature was developed to rapidly detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology and dry-reagent process. LAMP uses 4 or 6 primers and Bst DNA polymerase to amplify DNA at a constant temperature. The results showed that the LAMP assay could detect the amplification of IS6110 target gene within 20 min using real-time fluorescence signal detection. The sensitive of LAMP assay was similar to the PCR technology while the precision of PCR was better than LAMP (coefficient of variation, LAMP 18.9%, PCR 3.4%), meaning LAMP was more suitable for qualitative detection. The LAMP assay did not amplify DNA of other 10 types of pathogens, including Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Rubivirus, mumps virus, adenovirus (type 3), adenovirus (type 7), respiratory syncytial virus B and parainfluenza virus type 2, indicating a good specificity. Furthermore, a dry-reagent assay was developed using air-drying and freeze-drying process. The performance of dried reagents did not change after 10 days storage at 50 ℃, meaning the dried reagents could be stored at room temperature (25 ℃) for more than six months. The dry-reagent LAMP assay also successfully amplified MTB DNA from several clinical samples within 20 min. In conclusion, the developed LAMP assay together with isothermal amplifier could rapidly detection MTB.

[Application of augmented reality navigation combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology in the accurate guidance of laparoscopic anatomical segment 8 liver resection]

Objective: To investigate the application value of augmented reality navigation combined with indocyanine green(ICG) fluorescence imaging technology in laparoscopic anatomical segment 8 liver resection. Methods: Clinical and pathological data from 8 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma located in segment 8 of the liver admitted to the First Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,Zhujiang Hospital,Southern Medical University from October 2021 to October 2022 were collected restrospectively. Among them,there were 5 males and 3 females,aged between 40 and 72 years. During the operation,the self-developed laparoscopic augmented reality surgical navigation system was used to integrate the three-dimensional liver model with the laparoscopic scene,and ICG fluorescence imaging technology was used to guide the anatomical liver resection of segment 8. The predicted liver resection volume and actual liver resection volume,related surgical indicators and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Among the 8 patients, 4 underwent laparoscopic anatomical segment 8 liver resection,1 underwent laparoscopic anatomical ventral subsegment of segment 8 liver resection,2 underwent laparoscopic anatomical ventral subsegment combined with medial subsegment of segment 8 liver resection, and 1 underwent laparoscopic anatomical dorsal subsegment of segment 8 liver resection. All operations were completed under the guidance of augmented reality navigation combined with ICG fluorescence imaging,without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was (276.3±54.8)minutes(range:200 to 360 minutes). Intraoperative blood loss was (75.0±35.4)ml(range:50 to 150 ml). No blood transfusion was performed during the operation. The length of postoperative hospital stay was (7.6±0.8)days(range:7 to 9 days). There were no deaths or postoperative complications such as bleeding or biliary fistula during the perioperative period. Conclusion: Augmented reality navigation combined with ICG fluorescence imaging technology can guide the implementation of laparoscopic anatomical segment 8 liver resection.

[Predictive value of plasma exosomal miR-124-3p for the risk of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of plasma exosomal microRNA (miR)-124-3p in the risk of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Methods: A case-control study. Thirty patients who were diagnosed with CCH (CCH group) based on cranial artery spin labeling (ASL) in the neurology outpatient clinic of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from March 2022 to June 2022 and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) were included. Age, gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, diabetes history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia history, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, homocysteine and plasma exosomal miR-124-3p expression level were compared between the two groups. Comparisons of categorical variables were analyzed by either χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. If the data of continuous variables followed a normal distribution, they were expressed as mean±standard deviation (SD) and compared by t-test for two independent samples; otherwise, the data were expressed as M(Q1, Q3), and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test for comparison between two groups. The correlation between cerebral blood flow and exosomal miR-124-3p levels was analyzed by Pearson's correlation. Binary multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with CCH, and corresponding odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant difference in age (64±8 vs. 60±8 years old), gender (33.3% vs. 30.0%), history of smoking (20.0% vs. 3.3%), alcohol consumption (20.0% vs. 6.7%), diabetes mellitus (13.3% vs. 13.3%), hypertension (53.3% vs. 30.0%), history of hyperlipidemia (46.7% vs. 36.7%), uric acid (288±60 vs.319±67 μmol/L), and fasting glucose [4.99(4.63, 5.91) vs. 5.28(5.09, 6.05) mmol/L] and homocysteine [11.35(10.18, 13.08) vs.11.00(9.78, 13.03) μmol/L] between the CCH and control groups (P>0.05). Plasma exosomal miR-124-3p expression was significantly higher in the CCH group than in the control group [13.08 (8.59, 21.55) vs. 2.85 (1.44, 5.10), respectively; U=169.50, P<0.001]. Pearson's correlation test showed that the level of exosomal miR-124-3p was negatively correlated with cerebral blood flow in the hypoperfused region in patients with CCH (r=-0.932, P<0.001). Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that plasma exosomal miR-124-3p was independently associated with the risk of CCH (OR=1.169,95%CI 1.063-1.286,P=0.001). Conclusions: The expression of plasma exosomal miR-124-3p is negatively correlated with cerebral blood flow in areas of low perfusion and is an independent risk factor for CCH. Plasma exosomal miR-124-3p may thus serve as a valid biomarker for CCH risk prediction.

Detection of Cytb Point Mutation (G143A) that Confers High-Level Resistance to Pyraclostrobin in Glomerella cingulata Using LAMP Method

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) caused by Glomerella cingulata is a newly emerging disease that results in severe defoliation and fruit spots in apples. In China, the compound of pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole was registered to control GLS in 2018 and has achieved excellent control efficiency. In this study, we showed that the high-level resistant isolates of G. cingulata to pyraclostrobin, caused by the point mutation at codon 143 (GGT→GCT, G143A) in the cytochrome b gene, has appeared in apple orchards in Shandong Province in 2020, and the resistance frequency was 4.8%. Based on the genotype of the resistant isolates, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of the pyraclostrobin resistance. The LAMP assay was demonstrated to have good specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability, and it exhibited high accuracy in detecting pyraclostrobin resistance in the field. This study reported the resistance status of GLS to pyraclostrobin in Shandong Province and developed a molecular tool for the detection of pyraclostrobin resistance, which is of practical significance for the scientific control of GLS.

The Effect of Temperature and Moisture on Colonization of Apple Fruit and Branches by Botryosphaeria dothidea

Botryosphaeria dothidea causes severe disease of apple trees in China. The process of conidium germination, colonization, and infection of apple fruit and branches was examined on 'Fuji' apple and the effect of temperature, surface wetness and relative humidity (RH), and host surface washates on these processes was studied in controlled environments. Initial germ tube development and hyphal growth resulted in the colonization of the host surface without forming an infection structure. Hyphae expanded radially across the host surface and, after entering lenticels, developed into a dense mycelium mass or differentiated pseudoparenchyma. Hyphae from the bottom of the pseudoparenchyma either directly penetrated the lenticel surface intercellularly through the cell layer, or formed an undifferentiated hypha that invaded the lenticel through cracks formed during the lenticel development. Conidial germination and hyphal colonization occurred at 10 to 40°C, with an optimum of approximately 28°C. Conidial germination required an RH > 95% or surface wetness but, for hyphal colonization, an RH > 90% was sufficient. Conidia germinated and formed germ tubes within 1 h under optimum conditions. However, the pathogen required a longer period at RH > 90% or surface wetness for hyphae to colonize and form pseudoparenchyma or dense mycelia on the host surface. Hyphal colonization is a crucial stage for infection of apple tissues by B. dothidea.

[Preoperative serum creatinine as an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the effect of preoperative serum creatinine (Scr) level on the prognosis of patients with early cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC) and its predictive value. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 199 patients with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage ⅠA1-ⅡA1 and pathology-proven invasive ADC from January 2005 to December 2015. Patients were followed up by phone and outpatient, with a median follow-up time 77.5 (57.0, 114.0) months, 11 cases (5.5%) were missing, 19 cases (10.1%) recurred, and 17 cases (9.0%) died. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox regression model to analyze the related factors of the prognosis of ADC patients. The optimal cut-off point was determined by the analysis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and the predictive value of related factors for prognosis was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). Results: The median age of 199 patients was 44.0 (39.0-50.0) years. Overall, 16 patients (8.0%) were stage ⅠA1; 4 patients (2.0%) were stage ⅠA2; 147 patients (74.0%) were stage ⅠB1; 13 patients (6.5%) were stage ⅠB2; 19 patients (9.5%) were stage ⅡA1. The multivariate analysis showed that FIGO stage [4.570 (1.625-12.854)] and elevated Scr [1.065 (1.006-1.128)] were correlated with DFS in patients with early ADC, as well as correlated with OS [4.412 (1.458-13.350) and 1.076 (1.012-1.144), respectively (all P<0.05)]. The optimal cut-off point of Scr level was 75.2 μmoI/L. The AUC showed that the Scr level was a predictor of DFS (AUC=0.677, 95%CI: 0.608-0.742, P=0.006) and OS (AUC=0.677, 95%CI: 0.607-0.741, P=0.012). Conclusions: The preoperative Scr level independently predicts the prognosis of early-stage ADC; patients with Scr levels>75.2 μmoL/L might require more follow-up and adjuvant treatment, as they might have a poorer prognosis.

Growth of Pseudomorphic GeSn at Low Pressure with Sn Composition of 16.7

Group-IV alloy GeSn holds great promise for the high-performance optoelectronic devices that can be monolithically integrated on Si for near- and mid-infrared applications. Growth of GeSn using chemical vapor deposition technique with various Sn and Ge precursors has been investigated worldwide. To achieve relatively high Sn incorporation, the use of higher pressure and/or higher order Ge hydrides precursors were reported. In this work, we successfully demonstrated the growth of high-quality GeSn with Sn composition of 16.7% at low pressure of 12 Torr. The alloy was grown using the commercially available GeH₄ and SnCl₄ precursors via a chemical vapor deposition reactor. Material and optical characterizations were performed to confirm the Sn incorporation and to study the optical properties. The demonstrated growth results reveal a low-pressure growth window to achieve high-quality and high Sn alloys for future device applications.

Progression of Symptoms Caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea on Apple Branches

Until recently, the causal agent of Botryosphaeria canker was assumed to differ from that causing ring rot on fruit and warts on branches on apple trees in China and East Asia. However, recent research documented that Botryosphaeria dothidea caused both disease symptoms on apple. Inoculations with strains isolated from cankers and warts on branches were conducted to investigate symptom progression caused by B. dothidea and conditions inducing the two symptom types. The results confirmed that both cankers and warts are caused by B. dothidea. Warts are the results of hyperplasia and suberization of bark tissues induced by fungal infection, whereas cankers result from the rapid growth of hyphae from inside warts, lenticels, or wounds. Resistance to B. dothidea exists in living apple branches. When a living branch is infected via lenticels, the pathogen induces proliferation and suberization of cortical cells that restricts the growth and expansion of the hyphae, leading to warts. However, under certain stress conditions such as drought, the hyphae inside host tissues expand rapidly and kill cortical cells, leading to canker development. Host resistance may recover during active growth periods, which suppresses or even stops rapid expansion of the hyphae, leading to the intermediate symptom of canker warts. Abiotic factors, such as drought or high temperature in early spring, can result in rapid extension of colonized hyphae in branches and conversion of warts to cankers. Preventing this transition can be an important measure in managing Botryosphaeria canker on apple.

Effect of Rainfall and Temperature on Perithecium Production of Botryosphaeria dothidea on Cankered Apple Branches

Botryosphaeria dothidea is a fungal pathogen causing canker, dieback, and fruit rot of apple trees worldwide. Ascospores are an important source of inoculum of Botryosphaeria canker in China. Experiments were conducted under both controlled and natural conditions to study perithecium formation in relation to environmental conditions. Perithecia of B. dothidea were detected on cankered lesions throughout the apple growing season except in July and in some years including August under natural conditions. On newly formed canker lesions, the first perithecium was detected as early as August, about 1 week after rainfall. Perithecia matured successively, lasting from early August to June of the next year, with a peak in late September or early October. Temperature and rainfall are two key environmental factors affecting perithecium formation. Under controlled conditions, perithecia were produced only on cankered shoots incubated at test temperatures of 20 and 25°C and wetted by >3 days of simulated rainfall per week. The number of perithecia produced on canker lesions increased with the increase in rainfall duration. Perithecia were formed on canker shoots exposed to rainfall only in June, July, and August but not in September. Rainfall of >3 days per week can be used to predict the initial formation of perithecia in the main apple production areas in China to assist disease management.

Effect of sacubitril valsartan on cardiac function and endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of sacubitril valsartan on cardiac function and vascular endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

A total of 80 patients with HFrEF were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. Sacubitril valsartan was added to the conventional treatment in the observation group, and perindopril was added to the conventional treatment in the control group. Both groups were treated continuously for 12 weeks. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), flow-mediated vasodilatory function (FMD) of the brachial artery, and levels of plasma Ang II, endothelin 1 (ET-1), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), together with the serum nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase (NOS) were compared before and after treatment in the groups.

RESULTS

Before the treatment, the levels of LVEF, LVEDD, FMD, Ang II, ET-1, CGRP, NO, and NOS in the observation group were not significantly different from those in the control group (P > 0.05). However, the levels of LVEF, FMD, CGRP, NO, and NOS in both groups were significantly higher after the treatment than those before the treatment (P < 0.05) and significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of LVEDD, Ang II, and ET-1 in both groups decreased significantly after the treatment (P < 0.05) and were significantly lower in the observation group than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sacubitril valsartan might improve endothelial function while increasing cardiac function in HFrEF patients.

Effects of Temperature and Moisture on Conidia Germination, Infection, and Acervulus Formation of the Apple Marssonina Leaf Blotch Pathogen (Diplocarpon mali) in China

Apple Marssonina leaf blotch (AMLB; Diplocarpon mali) is a severe disease of apple that mainly causes premature leaf defoliation in many apple growing areas worldwide. AMLB epidemic development is closely related to temperature and rainfall. In this study, the effects of temperature and moisture on conidium germination, infection on leaves, and acervulus production were investigated under controlled environments. The temperature required for conidium germination and infection ranged from 5 to 30°C, with the optimum at approximately 23°C. The temperature required for acervulus formation was slightly higher, with the optimum at 24.6°C. Wetness was needed in order for conidia to germinate and infect; only a few conidia germinated at 100% RH. However, lesions can produce acervuli in dry conditions. The minimum duration of leaf wetness required for conidia to complete the entire infection process was 14, 8, 4, and 6 h at 10, 15, 20, and 25°C, respectively. A model describing the effect of temperature and leaf wetness duration was built. The model estimated that the optimum temperature for conidial infection was 22.6°C and the minimum wetness duration required was 4.8 h. This model can be used to forecast D. mali conidial infection to assist in disease management in commercial apple production.

[Expression and significance of chemokine CXCL12 and receptor CXCR4 in adenomyosis]

Objective: To observe the expression, correlation and significance of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) in endometrium and myometrium of adenomyosis. Methods: Totally 38 patients were selected in this study, who underwent hysterectomy for adenomyosis at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from October 2017 to December 2018 as the adenomyosis group, and, in the same period, selected 31 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Ⅲ or cervical cancer undergoing hysterectomy served as control group. The expression levels of mRNA and protein for CXCL12, CXCR4 in the endometrium and myometrium of the two groups were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Results: (1) The protein levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in endometrium in uterus with adenomyosis (0.229±0.025 and 0.226±0.016) were significantly higher than those in endometrium in uterus without adenomyosis (0.153±0.018 and 0.178±0.026); compared with each other, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). And the expressions of CXCL12 and CXCR4 proteins in uterine myometrium of adenomyosis were 0.222±0.045 and 0.126±0.058, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (0.091±0.029 and 0.099±0.020); compared with each other, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) The expression levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA in endometrium of patients with adenomyosis were 6.31±0.12 and 8.49±0.21, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (1.23±0.10 and 1.36±0.13); compared with each other, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA in myometrium of patients with adenomyosis were 9.11±0.12 and 8.45±0.16, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (1.18±0.08 and 1.46±0.13); compared with each other, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (3) In endometrium and myometrium of uterus with adenomyosis, CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA expression levels were positively associated (r=0.478, 0.542, all P<0.05). Conclusions: The levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the endometrium and myometrium of adenomyosis are increased and positively correlated. The two chemokine may be involved in the development of adenomyosis.

Evaluating the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 in the treatment of alveolar clefts with autologous bone grafting using computer-aided engineering techniques

Recent studies have indicated the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to be a viable adjunctive to alveolar cleft reconstruction owing to its osteoinductive capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2 in the treatment of alveolar cleft with autologous bone grafts by precise volumetric analysis. Twenty-six patients (aged 8-14) with unilateral alveolar clefts were enrolled in this comparative study. Patients were divided into two groups: the iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) was placed at the side of the cleft in the control group (ICBG group), and rhBMP-2 was mixed with the ICBG in the rhBMP-2 group (BMP group). Helical computed tomographic images were obtained preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. The datasets were reconstructed as three-dimensional (3D) images using Mimics software and processed using Geomagic Wrap. The newly formed bone of the alveolar cleft was segmented by identifying the differences between preoperative and postoperative 3D images. In the ICBG group, the volume of newly formed bone ranged from 0.25 to 0.88 cm³, and the mean (SD) bone formation percentage was 42.01% (15.57%). In the BMP group, the volume of newly formed bone ranged from 0.34 to 1.09 cm³, and the bone formation mean (SD) percentage was 55.79% (11.84%). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the postoperative percentage of bone formation (p = 0.022). Thus, rhBMP-2 combined with an autologous bone graft is a promising technique to improve the results of secondary alveolar bone grafting.

The spleen contributes to the increase in PMN-MDSCs in orthotopic H22 hepatoma mice

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are classified into polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs and monocytic (M)-MDSCs. The predominant subtype of MDSCs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still elusive. The spleen is the largest immune organ in the body and is the origin of many cells. It is still unknown whether the spleen is the origin of MDSCs. In this study, we investigated the expression, origin and mobilization of the predominant MDSC subtype in H22 orthotopic hepatoma mice. Compared with M-MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs were increased and dominant in the spleen, peripheral blood and tumor tissues. Splenectomy could decrease the percentages of PMN-MDSCs in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues, increase the frequencies of NK cells in the peripheral blood and CD3⁺CD4⁺T, CD3⁺CD8⁺T, NK and NKT cells in the tumor tissues, reduce the tumor weight and the amounts of ascites, and prolong survival time in hepatoma mice. The levels of chemokine (CC motif) ligand 9 (CCL9) and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) were elevated in the peripheral blood of tumor-bearing (TB) mice, and their receptors CCR1 and CCR2 were expressed on spleen PMN-MDSCs. Migration assay showed that CCL2 and CCL9 could attract spleen PMN-MDSCs in vitro. These results indicate that PMN-MDSCs were increased and dominant in orthotopic H22 hepatoma mice, the spleen contributed to the increase of PMN-MDSCs, and PMN-MDSCs could be mobilized from the spleen to the peripheral blood by CCL9 and CCL2, thus facilitated tumor growth.

[Clinical analysis of 67 cases of pure red cell aplastic anemia]

Objective: To investigate secondary factors, laboratory features, treatment options, and prognosis of pure red cell aplastic anemia (PRCA) . Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective clinical study. Patients aged above 18 years newly diagnosed with PRCA between June 1, 2010, and June 1, 2019, were recruited as the main study object. A comparative analysis of remission rate and overall survival rate was made according to different treatment schemes adopted by patients and different drug reduction rates. Results: A total of 67 patients with PRCA were included in this study and the secondary PRCA group accounted for 44.8% (30/67) . The most common secondary factors were thymoma (n=10) and T-cell large lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) (n=6) . The overall response rate of PRCA was 85.7% and the 3-year overall survival rate of PRCA was (74.3±7.5) %. The remission rate of cyclosporine A alone was slightly higher than that of oral glucocorticoid alone or combined with glucocorticoid[90.0% (36/40) vs 75.0% (12/16) , P=0.147]. After patients applied with cyclosporine A treatment reached CR/PR and remained stable for 3-6 months, the dose of cyclosporine A was reduced by 25 mg each time. The cyclosporine A reduction interval of a 25 mg/d reduction in more than 1 month significantly prolonged the median disease-free survival compared with a 25 mg/d reduction in less than 1 month [not reached vs 15 (95% CI 7-23) months, P<0.001]. There were 62.5% (10/16) of patients who responded to the initial or incremental treatment regimen after relapse. Conclusion: PRCA has features of various secondary factors, high overall survival rate, and high remission rate. Treatment with cyclosporine A alone is preferred, and cyclosporine A should be slowly tapered to reduce the risk of later relapse after it takes effect and patients reach a steady state.

Analysis of Consistency between Forensic Psychiatry Identification Diagnosis and Clinical Diagnosis of 1 369 Cases

Objective To explore the consistency between identification diagnosis and pre-identification clinical diagnosis of patients with mental disorder undergoing forensic psychiatry identification. Methods The identification data of 1 369 appraised individuals who underwent criminal responsibility identification carried out by the Forensic Institute of Second Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from 2014 to 2017 were collected retrospectively using self-designed investigation data sorting table. A comparative analysis of the mental disorder diagnosis results of expert opinion and past clinical diagnosis results was made. Results Among 1 369 appraised individuals, 964 cases （70.4%） were identified and diagnosed with mental disorder and 405 cases （29.6%） without mental disorder. Among the former, 63.3% （610 cases） were clinically diagnosed, which was higher than 43.2% （175 cases, P<0.05） in the latter. Among the various mental disorders that had been identified and diagnosed, patients with hysteria, stress, and neurosis had the highest proportion of clinical diagnoses （86.7%）, while patients with mental retardation had the lowest proportion of clinical diagnoses （9.6%）. Schizophrenia had the highest overall consistency rate of identification diagnosis and clinical diagnosis （98.4%）, while personality and behavior disorder had the lowest （33.3%）. The overall consistency rate between clinical diagnosis and identification diagnosis of the mental disorder group was 84.1%, and the Kappa value was 0.759. Compared with clinical diagnosis, the consistency rate between inpatient diagnosis and identification diagnosis was higher （85.9%, P<0.05）. Conclusion In forensic psychiatry identification that provides data of past clinical diagnosis and treatment, a high consistency between identification diagnosis and clinical diagnosis of the appraised individual who is identified and diagnosed with mental disorder exists. Clinical diagnosis （especially the inpatient diagnosis） has a relatively good reference value for forensic psychiatry identification.

Chronic hyponatremia and association with osteoporosis among a large racially/ethnically diverse population

Chronic hyponatremia may contribute to decreased bone density. We studied 341,003 men and women who underwent DXA testing and observed that individuals with chronic hyponatremia (sodium < 135 mEq/L) had an 11% greater likelihood of having osteoporosis. There was a dose-dependent effect with lower sodium and stronger association with osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION

Chronic hyponatremia has been associated with both neurologic deficits and increased risk of gait abnormalities leading to falls and resultant bone fractures. Whether chronic hyponatremia contributes to decreased bone density is uncertain. We evaluated whether chronic, mild hyponatremia based on serial sodium measurements was associated with increased risk of osteoporosis within a large, ethnically diverse population.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2014 within Kaiser Permanente Southern California, an integrated healthcare delivery system. Men and women were aged ≥ 55 years with ≥ 2 serum sodium measurements prior to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) testing. Time-weighted (TW) mean sodium values were calculated by using the proportion of time (weight) elapsed between sodium measurements and defined as < 135 mEq/L. Osteoporosis defined as any T-score value ≤ - 2.5 of lumbar spine, femoral neck, or hip.

RESULTS

Among 341,003 individuals with 3,330,903 sodium measurements, 11,539 (3.4%) had chronic hyponatremia and 151,505 (44.4%) had osteoporosis. Chronic hyponatremic individuals had an osteoporosis RR (95% CI) of 1.11 (1.09, 1.13) compared to those with normonatremia. A TW mean sodium increase of 3 mEq/L was associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis [adjusted RR (95% CI) 0.95 (0.93, 0.96)]. A similar association was observed when the arithmetic mean sodium value was used for comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a modest increase in risk for osteoporosis in people with chronic hyponatremia. There was also a graded association between higher TW mean sodium values and lower risk of osteoporosis. Our findings underscore the premise that chronic hyponatremia may lead to adverse physiological effects and responses which deserves better understanding.

Effects of Temperature and Moisture on the Infection and Development of Apple Fruit Rot Caused by Phytophthora cactorum

Phytophthora fruit rot, caused by Phytophthora cactorum, is an important disease of apple in China, often causing more than 50% fruit rot in rainy years. We examined the effects of temperature and moisture on the development of the disease and effects of the variables on zoospore release and germination, infection, and lesion development. In vitro, a temperature range of 5 to 20°C had no significant effects on zoospore release dynamics but did significantly affect the quantities of released zoospores. The largest quantity of zoospores was released at 9.9°C according to a fitted model. Zoosporangia released zoospores within 15 min at the test temperatures (0 to 20°C), which peaked at the fourth hour. Zoospores germinated in vitro, requiring free water, at temperatures from 5 to 35°C. The optimum germination temperature was 25.1°C according to a fitted model. The minimum wetness duration required for zoospores to complete the infection process and induce visible lesions on Fuji fruit was 0.40 h at the optimal temperature of 23.0°C according to the fitted model, whereas observed values were 4.5, 1.5, 0.5, 1.5 and 8.5 h at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C, respectively. The number of zoospore infections on fruit at various temperatures and wetness durations were well fitted by the modified Weibull model; based on the model, the optimal temperature for zoospore infections was 23.0°C. Young apple fruit infected by zoospores developed visible lesions from 10 to 30°C, with a predicted optimum of 23.5°C; no lesions developed at 5 or 35°C. The shortest incubation period of the disease was 4 days. These results can be used to develop disease forecasting models for improved fungicide control.

[Significance of bacteria detection with filter paper method on diagnosis of diabetic foot wound infection]

Objective: To evaluate the significance of bacteria detection with filter paper method on diagnosis of diabetic foot wound infection. Methods: Eighteen patients with diabetic foot ulcer conforming to the study criteria were hospitalized in Liyuan Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from July 2014 to July 2015. Diabetic foot ulcer wounds were classified according to the University of Texas diabetic foot classification (hereinafter referred to as Texas grade) system, and general condition of patients with wounds in different Texas grade was compared. Exudate and tissue of wounds were obtained, and filter paper method and biopsy method were adopted to detect the bacteria of wounds of patients respectively. Filter paper method was regarded as the evaluation method, and biopsy method was regarded as the control method. The relevance, difference, and consistency of the detection results of two methods were tested. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of filter paper method in bacteria detection were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn based on the specificity and sensitivity of filter paper method in bacteria detection of 18 patients to predict the detection effect of the method. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and Fisher's exact test. In patients tested positive for bacteria by biopsy method, the correlation between bacteria number detected by biopsy method and that by filter paper method was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis. Results: (1) There were no statistically significant differences among patients with wounds in Texas grade 1, 2, and 3 in age, duration of diabetes, duration of wound, wound area, ankle brachial index, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, blood platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine, and urea nitrogen (with F values from 0.029 to 2.916, P values above 0.05), while there were statistically significant differences among patients with wounds in Texas grade 1, 2, and 3 in white blood cell count and alanine aminotransferase (with F values 4.688 and 6.833 respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) According to the results of biopsy method, 6 patients were tested negative for bacteria, and 12 patients were tested positive for bacteria, among which 10 patients were with bacterial number above 1×10(5)/g, and 2 patients with bacterial number below 1×10(5)/g. According to the results of filter paper method, 8 patients were tested negative for bacteria, and 10 patients were tested positive for bacteria, among which 7 patients were with bacterial number above 1×10(5)/g, and 3 patients with bacterial number below 1×10(5)/g. There were 7 patients tested positive for bacteria both by biopsy method and filter paper method, 8 patients tested negative for bacteria both by biopsy method and filter paper method, and 3 patients tested positive for bacteria by biopsy method but negative by filter paper method. Patients tested negative for bacteria by biopsy method did not tested positive for bacteria by filter paper method. There was directional association between the detection results of two methods (P=0.004), i. e. if result of biopsy method was positive, result of filter paper method could also be positive. There was no obvious difference in the detection results of two methods (P=0.250). The consistency between the detection results of two methods was ordinary (Kappa=0.68, P=0.002). (3) The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of filter paper method in bacteria detection were 70%, 100%, 1.00, 0.73, and 83.3%, respectively. Total area under ROC curve of bacteria detection by filter paper method in 18 patients was 0.919 (with 95% confidence interval 0-1.000, P=0.030). (4) There were 13 strains of bacteria detected by biopsy method, with 5 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, 5 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 1 strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 1 strain of Streptococcus bovis, and 1 strain of bird Enterococcus. There were 11 strains of bacteria detected by filter paper method, with 5 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, 3 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 1 strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 1 strain of Streptococcus bovis, and 1 strain of bird Enterococcus. Except for Staphylococcus aureus, the sensitivity and specificity of filter paper method in the detection of the other 4 bacteria were all 100%. The consistency between filter paper method and biopsy method in detecting Acinetobacter baumannii was good (Kappa=1.00, P<0.01), while that in detecting Staphylococcus aureus was ordinary (Kappa=0.68, P<0.05). (5) There was no obvious correlation between the bacteria number of wounds detected by filter paper method and that by biopsy method (r=0.257, P=0.419). There was obvious correlation between the bacteria numbers detected by two methods in wounds with Texas grade 1 and 2 (with r values as 0.999, P values as 0.001). There was no obvious correlation between the bacteria numbers detected by two methods in wounds with Texas grade 3 (r=-0.053, P=0.947). Conclusions: The detection result of filter paper method is in accordance with that of biopsy method in the determination of bacterial infection, and it is of great importance in the diagnosis of local infection of diabetic foot wound.

[Sample size for the estimation of F-wave parameters in healthy volunteers and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate whether sample sizes of F-wave study differed according to different nerves, different F-wave parameters, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) patients or healthy subjects. Methods: The F-waves in the median, ulnar, tibial, and deep peroneal nerves of 55 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and 52 healthy subjects were studied to assess the effect of sample size on the accuracy of measurements of the following F-wave parameters: F-wave minimum latency, maximum latency, mean latency, F-wave persistence, F-wave chronodispersion, mean and maximum F-wave amplitude. A hundred stimuli were used in F-wave study. The values obtained from 100 stimuli were considered "true" values and were compared with the corresponding values from smaller samples of 20, 40, 60 and 80 stimuli. F-wave parameters obtained from different sample sizes were compared between the ALS patients and the normal controls. Results: Significant differences were not detected with samples above 60 stimuli for chronodispersion in all four nerves in normal participants. Significant differences were not detected with samples above 40 stimuli for maximum F-wave amplitude in median, ulnar and tibial nerves in normal participants. When comparing ALS patients and normal controls, significant differences were detected in the maximum (median nerve, Z=-3.560, P<0.01; ulnar nerve, t=5.019, P<0.01; tibial nerve, Z=-2.475, P<0.05; peroneal nerve, Z=-2.088, P<0.05)and mean F-wave latency (median nerve, Z=-3.243, P<0.01; ulnar nerve, t=3.876, P<0.01; tibial nerve, Z=-2.206, P<0.05; peroneal nerve, Z=-2.205, P<0.05)in all four nerves, F-wave chronodispersion (Z=-3.152, P<0.01)in the ulnar nerve, F-wave persistence in the median (Z=6.139, P<0.01)and ulnar nerves(Z=5.350, P<0.01), mean F-wave amplitude in the tibial nerve(t=2.981, P<0.01), maximum F-wave amplitude in the ulnar (Z=-2.134, P<0.05)and tibial nerves (t=2.746, P<0.01)with 20 stimuli; for chronodispersion in tibial nerve (t=2.551, P<0.05)100 stimuli, for chronodispersion in peroneal nerve (Z=-2.086, P<0.05)80 stimuli, for F-wave persistence in tibial nerve (Z=2.119, P<0.05) 60 stimuli, for mean F-wave amplitude in ulnar (Z=-2.552, P<0.05)and peroneal nerve (Z=-2.228, P<0.05)40 stimuli, for maximum F-wave amplitude in peroneal nerve (t=2.693, P<0.01)60 stimuli were necessary to detect differences. Conclusions: Sample sizes of F-wave study differed according to different nerves, different F-wave parameters , and ALS patients or healthy subjects.

Effects of Temperature, Humidity, and Wound Age on Valsa mali Infection of Apple Shoot Pruning Wounds

Valsa canker, caused by Valsa mali, is a destructive disease of apple in China. The pathogen infects apple branches, mainly through pruning wounds, and causes branch and tree death. To determine the conditions required for V. mali infection through pruning wounds and growth within the xylem, pruning wounds on 1- to 4-year-old apple branches were inoculated with conidia in vitro under artificially controlled conditions and in vivo in the orchard. The effects of temperature, wetness duration, and wound age on conidial infection through pruning wounds as well as hyphal growth in the xylem were examined. The results showed that, after invading through pruning wounds, V. mali hyphae grew along xylem vessels, tracheids, and rays, expanding longitudinally and laterally. The hyphae could enter adjacent xylem vessels and tracheids through micropores to form a dense hyphal network. Wetness duration did not exhibit an essential effect on conidial infection from pruning wounds. Conidia spread to pruning wounds with rainwater could infect the xylem without any other extra moisture. Temperature for V. mali conidia infection through pruning wounds and hyphal extension in the xylem ranged from 5 to 35°C, with the optimum at 20°C. Pruning wounds made in late March were susceptible to V. mali infection in March, April, and May; the susceptibility was markedly deceased by June, and the pathogen could barely infect through the pruning wounds in November. The infected pruning wounds began to show symptoms from the spring of the following year. More than half of the observed Valsa canker lesions emerged in the spring of the second year, and new canker twigs were also developed from the inoculations in the spring of the third year. March, April, and May are the critical periods for protecting pruning wounds against infection by V. mali in China, and coating pruning wounds with protective film immediately after pruning is an easy and effective measure to protect the pruning wounds.

[Curative effect analysis of different degree of hearing lossin sudden deafness patients]

Objective:Through analysis of the clinical data for different degree of hearing loss in patients with sudden deafness,to learn the relationship between degree of hearing loss and therapeutic effect.Method:By selecting for nearly three years 264 cases of patients with sudden deafness hospitalized in our department,we classified them by the level of hearing loss,to comparatively analyze the therapeutic effect on different degree of hearing loss in patients with sudden deafness.Result:The more severe the degree of low-frequency hearing loss,the worse the therapeutic effect.In all frequency sudden deafness,there were no clinically significant in mild and moderate sudden deafness(P>0.05);The cure rate and effective rate among mild,moderate and total sudden deafness are statistically significant(P<0.05),and between severe and total sudden deafness recovery rate are statistically significant(P<0.05);and mild and severe as so(P<0.05),the rest are no statistical significance(P>0.05).Conclusion:The degree of hearing loss has important influence on the curative effect of sudden deafness.

[Modified Prolift procedure without trachelectomy or hysterectomy for the treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse complicated with cervical elongation]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect and safety of a modified Prolift procedure, without preceding partial trachelectomy or hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with coexistent cervical elongation.

METHODS

Clinical data of 72 patients that underwent a modified Prolift procedure for POP with coexistent cervical elongation, between December 2008 and June 2012 in Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command was retrospectively analysed. A comparison was carried out between preoperative and postoperative parameters of pelvic organ prolapse quantitation system (POP-Q), and an objective evaluation was made according to the overall cure rate and recurrence rate. Pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PFDI-20) was used to investigate the subjective cure rate and improvement of symptoms.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up at median 52 months (36-78 months). One bladder perforation and one rectum perforation occurred during the procedure. Four patients (6%, 4/72) had uterine prolapse at 9-19 months after the opertaion and had transvaginal hysterectomy laterly. The overall anatomical correction rate was 94% (68/72). Six patients (8%, 6/72) had mesh exposures at 3-9 months after the opertaion. Scores of PFDI-20 decreased sifnificantly after the procedure (118.2±25.2 vs 12.1±8.0 vs 12.5±9.5 vs 13.0±9.9, P< 0.05). The patients' satisfaction rate was 92% (66/72).

CONCLUSION

This modified Prolift procedure, without preceding partial trachelectomy or hysterectomy, could effectively and safely correct POP with coexistent cervical elongation.

13-Methyltetradecanoic acid mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

13-Methyltetradecanoic acid can stabilize cell membrane and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Previous studies mainly focused on peripheral nerve injury, but seldom on the central nervous system. We investigated whether these properties of 13-methyltetradecanoic acid have a neuroprotective effect on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and detected the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. This study established rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury by ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 24 hours. At the beginning of reperfusion, 13-methyltetradecanoic acid 10, 40 or 80 mg/kg was injected into the tail vein. Results found that various doses of 13-methyltetradecanoic acid effectively reduced infarct volume, mitigate cerebral edema, and increased the mRNA and protein expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor at 24 hours of reperfusion. The effect was most significant in the 13-methyltetradecanoic acid 40 and 80 mg/kg groups. The findings suggest that 13-methyltetradecanoic acid can relieve focal ischemia/reperfusion injury immediately after reperfusion, stimulate the upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor to exert neuroprotective effects.

p-type doping of MgZnO films and their applications in optoelectronic devices

A lithium and nitrogen codoping method has been employed to prepare p-type MgZnO films, and p-MgZnO/i-ZnO/n-ZnO structured light-emitting devices (LEDs) and photodetectors have been fabricated. The LEDs can work continuously for about 97 h under the injection of a 20 mA continuous current, which is the best value ever reported for ZnO-based LEDs. The performance of the photodetectors degrades little after several running cycles. The above results reveal the applicability of the p-MgZnO films in optoelectronic devices.

A high-density graphene-sulfur assembly: a promising cathode for compact Li-S batteries

This work reports a high-density graphene/sulfur assembly for compact Li-S batteries with high volumetric capacity, which retains good structural stability and conductivity. This dense assembly was prepared by a reduction-triggered self-assembly of graphene oxide with simultaneous deposition of sulfur, followed by unique evaporation-induced spatial volume shrinkage. This assembly has an ultrahigh density, delivering an unprecedented volumetric capacity that is much higher than common carbon/sulfur cathodes. In particular, the unique spatial confinement derived from the shrinkage of the graphene/sulfur assembly is favorable for stabilizing sulfur cathodes.

Effects of Temperature, Wetness Duration, and Moisture on the Conidial Germination, Infection, and Disease Incubation Period of Glomerella cingulata

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) caused by Glomerella cingulata is a newly emergent disease that results in severe defoliation and fruit spots. Currently, GLS is not effectively controlled in China due to a lack of understanding of its epidemiology. Therefore, the effects of temperature, wetness duration, and moisture on conidial germination, infection, and the disease incubation period of GLS were examined by inoculating cv. Gala apple leaves with a conidial suspension and performing in vitro germination assays. Conidia could germinate and form appressoria at temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C, with an optimum temperature of 27.6°C. The germination of conidia required free water or a nearly saturated relative humidity, with only a few conidia germinating and forming appressoria when the RH was less than 99%. The conidial germination dynamics at 10, 25, and 30°C were well represented by three logistic models. The infection of cv. Gala apple leaves by conidia occurred at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C. The minimum wetness duration required for infection by conidia at different temperatures was described using a polynomial equation, and the lowest minimum wetness duration was 2.76 h, which occurred at 27.6°C according to the polynomial. Successful infection by conidia was represented by the number of lesions per leaf, which increased with extended wetness durations at the conidial infection stage for six tested temperatures, with the exception of 10°C, when the minimum wetness durations were satisfied. The associations of successfully infected conidia with wetness duration at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, and 30°C were described by four logistic models. Conidia infections developed into visible lesions at temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C, and the shortest incubation period of 2 days was observed at 25°C. These data and models can be used to construct forecasting models and develop effective control systems for Glomerella leaf spot.

Acremonium Brown Spot, a New Disease Caused by Acremonium sclerotigenum on Bagged Apple Fruit in China

In China, covering developing apple (Malus × domestica) fruit with paper bags is a standard production practice. The fruit are usually covered from May to October to exclude pests and rain-dispersed pathogens and reduce pesticide residue at harvest. From 2010 to 2012, a fruit spot disease was observed on bagged fruit and caused 1 to 30% annual yield losses in most orchards in Shandong Province. Affected fruit were covered with red-brown, sunken, circular lesions 2 to 20 mm in diameter with dark violet edges often surrounded by a red halo. In many cases, the lesion cracked and pinkish mycelium was observed within the cracks. Isolations were made from bagged fruit from 12 orchards in October 2010 to 2012. Fungal isolations were made onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Two strains were consistently obtained from isolates. Strain 1 produced conidia assembled in head. Conidia were ellipsoidal to ovoid and 2.1 to 7.5 × 1.1 to 3.0 μm. Colonies were whitish with some pink and powdery on PDA. String 2 produced conidia in a long chain. Conidia were spindle-shaped with apiculate at both ends and 2.1 to 6.6 × 1.3 to 3.8 μm. Colonies were whitish at the beginning and grayish later and powdery on PDA. To further confirm the identity of the isolated fungus, the large subunit (LSU), the small subunit (SSU), and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of ribosomal DNA, and the β-tubulin gene (β-tubulin), were amplified and sequenced with the primers V9G/LR5, NS1/NS24, ITS1/ITS4, and Bt1a/Bt1b, respectively. LSU (GenBank Accession Nos. KJ194115 and KJ194116), SSU (KJ194117 and KJ194118), ITS (KF225143 and KF225144), and β-tubulin (KF225145 and KF225146) sequences didn't have any variation between the two strains sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of each of the examined genes indicated a high similarity (>99%) with Acremonium sclerotigenum (CBS 384.65 HQ232129). Based on the sequence data and the morphology, we identified the fungus as A. sclerotigenum (1,2). To confirm pathogenicity, a spore suspension (1 × 10⁴ conidia per ml) was made from each of the strains isolated. Strains were subsequently inoculated on to 10 mature apple fruit by wounding them to a depth of 2 mm with an acupuncture needle. Inoculation with sterile distilled water was included as a control. Prior to inoculation, all fruit were surface-sterilized with 75% alcohol. Lesions developed on fruit inoculated with the putative pathogen 10 days after incubation in >90% humidity chamber at 25°C. The fungi that were isolated from the infected fruit were identical to the inoculated strains. No lesions developed on the control fruit. This is the first report of brown spot disease caused by A. sclerotigenum in apple and in bagged fruit production. Given that brown spot disease symptoms were usually observed in September after long periods of rain, management efforts need to focus on protecting bagged fruit before harvest. References: (1) H. Perdomo et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. 49:243, 2011. (2) R. C. Summerell et al. Stud. Mycol. 68:139, 2011.

An association between genetic variation in the roundabout, axon guidance receptor, homolog 2 gene and immunity traits in chickens

The roundabout, axon guidance receptor, homolog 2 (ROBO2) gene is one member of the roundabout (ROBO) family, which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The ROBO molecules are known to function in axon guidance and cell migration and are involved in SLIT/ROBO signaling. In this study, we obtained the full-length cDNA sequence of the chicken ROBO2 gene. Sequence analysis indicated that 3 SNP (1418G > A, 1421C > A and 2462T > C) exist in exons 5 and 12 of the ROBO2 gene. Genotyping results revealed that the allele frequency of SNP 1421C > A was similar in all tested breeds, but the allele frequencies of the other 2 SNP were different between White Leghorn and Chinese indigenous chickens. Allele G of 1418G > A and allele T of 2462T > C predominated in the Chinese indigenous breed, whereas alleles A and C predominated in the White Leghorn breed. Association analyses revealed that birds with the GG genotype of SNP 1418G > A or the TT genotype of SNP 2462T > C had significantly higher antibody responses to Newcastle disease virus (NDV_S/P; P < 0.01) than carriers of the A allele (GA and AA) or the C allele (TC), respectively. Real-time PCR further revealed that ROBO2 expression in the spleens of the birds with higher antibody responses (GG and TT genotypes at SNP 1418 and 2462, respectively) was significantly higher than in the spleens of birds with the AA and AG genotypes at SNP 1418 or the TC genotype at SNP 2462 (P < 0.01). The results demonstrated that genetic variation at the ROBO2 gene plays a key role in the immune response to Newcastle disease virus, and SNP 1418G > A and 2462T > C can be used as genetic markers for the selection of chickens with stronger immune responses to Newcastle disease virus.

First Report of Glomerella Leaf Spot of Apple Caused by Glomerella cingulata in China

A new destructive apple disease, causing black spots and necrotic lesions on leaves and defoliation on cvs. Gala and Golden Delicious (Malus × domestica Borkh.), was observed in August 2011 in Fengxian, Jiangsu Province, China. More than 90% of trees of those cultivars in the area were defoliated by the disease and almost no leaves were left on trees before harvest. The disease was similar to Glomerella leaf spot reported first in Brazil in 1988 (2) and in the United States in 1998 (1) on cvs. Gala and Golden Delicious. The initial symptom was small black lesions on leaves. Above 30°C, the lesions developed quickly and grew to 2 to 3 cm, with a blurred edge. Diseased leaves became dark and were shed. At lower temperatures, the black lesions stopped enlarging after 5 to 6 days and formed large necrotic spots with clear edges; these leaves gradually grew yellow and were shed. When incubated at 30°C and 100% relative humidity for 1 to 2 days, the black lesions produced a mass of saffron-yellow conidia. On fruit, the pathogen only caused circular, necrotic, sunken, red-bordered lesions 2 to 3 mm in diameter, which was different from bitter rot. Three monospored cultures were isolated from diseased leaves and new conidia were obtained from isolates. The colony, with abundant mycelium, was white but turned gray to black. Conidia were 12 to 17 × 5 to 7 μm, and were cylindrical with rounded ends. After germination, conidia formed appressoria, oval, or circular cells with black thick walls 7 to 12 × 5 to 7 um. Based on morphological characteristics, the pathogen was putatively identified as Glomerella cingulata. The conidia were inoculated in vitro on leaves of cvs. Gala and Fuji by dripping a suspension of about 10⁴ conidia/ml of water onto upper leaf surfaces. Dark necrotic lesions were observed on all inoculated Gala leaves, which were similar to those observed in orchards, after 4 days incubation in a chamber at 30°C with 100% humidity. Only small black lesions, about 1 to 2 mm in diameter, were observed on Fuji leaves. No symptoms developed on leaves inoculated with distilled water. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA and part of the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA of the three isolates were amplified with the universal primers ITS1 (5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3') and ITS4 (5'-CCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3'). The amplified ITS sequences confirmed that the three isolates belonged to the same species, with only one base pair variation among sequences. The nucleotide sequence of isolate 1 and 2 was deposited in GenBank (JN714400 and JN714401). BLAST analysis showed that the sequence had 99% homology with the sequence of G. cingulata (EU008836), the causal agent of Glomerella leaf spot. However, the sequence of isolate 1 had 100% homology with that of G. cingulata (HQ845103.1) isolated from walnut in Shandong, China, while the sequence of isolate 2 had 100% homology with that of G. cingulata (HM015004.1) isolated from sweet pepper in Taiwan. Results suggested the disease is Glomerella leaf spot and the causal agent is G. cingulata. The disease will eliminate sensitive apple cultivars, such as Gala, from wet, warm production areas if effective control measures are not developed within a few years. To our knowledge, this was the first finding of the disease in China and will provide useful information for developing effective control strategies. References: (1) E. González and T. B. Sutton. Plant Dis. 83:1074, 1999. (2) T. B. Sutton and R. M. Sanhueza. Plant Dis. 82:267, 1998.

Wire network behavior in superconducting Nb films with diluted triangular arrays of holes

We present results of transport measurements on superconducting Nb films with diluted triangular arrays (honeycomb and kagomé) of holes. The patterned films have large disk-shaped interstitial regions even when the edge-to-edge separations between nearest neighboring holes are comparable to the coherence length. Changes in the field interval of two consecutive minima in the field dependent resistance R(H) curves are observed. In the low field region, fine structures in the R(H) and T(c)(H) curves are identified in both arrays. Comparison of experimental data with calculation results reveals that these structures observed in honeycomb and kagomé hole arrays resemble those in wire networks with triangular and T(3) symmetries, respectively. The findings suggest that even in these specified periodic hole arrays with very large interstitial regions, the low field fine structures are determined by the connectivity of the nanostructures.

Tunable magnetic properties by interfacial manipulation of L1(0)-FePt perpendicular ultrathin film with island-like structures

Based on interfacial manipulation of the MgO single crystal substrate and non-magnetic AIN compound, a L1(0)-FePt perpendicular ultrathin film with the structure of MgO/FePt-AIN/Ta was designed, prepared, and investigated. The film is comprised of L1(0)-FePt "magnetic islands," which exhibits a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), tunable coercivity (Hc), and interparticle exchange coupling (IEC). The MgO substrate promotes PMA of the film because of interfacial control of the FePt lattice orientation. The AIN compound is doped to increase the difference of surface energy between FePt layer and MgO substrate and to suppress the growth of FePt grains, which takes control of island growth mode of FePt atoms. The AIN compound also acts as isolator of L1(0)-FePt islands to pin the sites of FePt domains, resulting in the tunability of Hc and IEC of the films.

Racial and ethnic disparities in diabetes risk after gestational diabetes mellitus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes risk after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of women enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California health plan from 1995 to 2009. GDM status was identified on the basis of plasma glucose levels during pregnancy. The incidence of diabetes after the first delivery complicated by GDM before 31 December 2009 (n = 12,998) was compared with the experience for women without GDM (n = 64,668) matched on maternal age at delivery, race/ethnicity and year of delivery (1:5 ratio). Matched Cox regression was used to compare the RRs of diabetes associated with GDM within and across racial/ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the women without GDM, the HRs (95% CI) of diabetes for women after GDM were 6.5 (5.2, 8.0) in non-Hispanic white, 7.7 (6.8, 8.7) in Hispanic, 9.9 (7.5, 13.1) in black and 6.3 (5.0, 7.9) in Asian/Pacific Islanders after adjustment for parity, maternal education, comorbidity and number of outpatient visits before the index pregnancy. The HR of diabetes for black women was significantly higher than that for non-Hispanic white women (p = 0.032). Further adjustment for prepregnancy BMI reduced the diabetes risk association with GDM for each racial/ethnic group, but did not explain the risk differences across groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS

Racial/ethnic disparities exist in risk of diabetes after GDM. Black women with GDM had the highest risk of developing diabetes. This highlights the importance of developing an effective diabetes screening and prevention programme in women with GDM, particularly black women with GDM.

First Report of Stem Canker on Cherry Caused by Phomopsis perniciosa in Shandong Peninsula, Eastern China

Cherry is a main fruit tree species in Shandong Peninsula, which is one of the most important cherry-production areas of China. A stem canker disease was first noted in a 15-year-old cherry orchard in Yantai, Shandong Peninsula in May 2009. Canker and branch dieback were the main symptoms of the disease and cracks often appeared at the margins of sunken cankers, which exposed the wooden stem. In later stages from April to May, black pycnidia were observed on the surface of cankered bark and cirri containing α-conidia were extruded under wet conditions. Wooden tissue under the diseased bark was dark brown, in contrast to the healthy tissue that was yellowish green. On the basis of morphological characteristics, the pathogen was putatively identified as Phomopsis perniciosa (1). Pycnidia were smaller in naturally infected branches than when produced on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium (180 to 365 × 65 to 226 μm). Cultures of the pathogen appeared creamy white with concentric rings on PDA at 25°C and a mass of α-conidia (5.75 to 11.13 × 2.08 to 3.46 μm) and β-conidia (31.24 to 34.68 × 1.45 to 1.82 μm) were produced within 3 weeks. Alpha-conidia were hyaline, fusiform-elliptic to oblong-elliptic, and biguttulate. Beta-conidia were hyaline and unicellular, filiformia, leviter arcuata vel hamata. Total DNA was extracted from three monoconidial isolates collected from different infected trees. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using the universal primers ITS1 (5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3') and ITS4 (5'-CCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3'). The ITS amplicons were sequenced (582 bp) from three isolates and no nucleotide variation was observed. BLAST analysis of the obtained ITS sequences showed that isolate 230101 had 99% homology with a Phomopsis sp. (GenBank Accession No. AB302248) isolated from fruit trees in Japan. The nucleotide sequence from isolate 230101 has been deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JF812647). Pathogenicity of the isolate was confirmed by inoculating branches of 3-year-old cherry trees with either conidia or hyphae. Inoculations were performed by making an incision with a sterile scalpel at the dissected area to expose the tissue under the bark. An agar plug (4 × 4 mm) containing 5-day-old cultured hyphae or 50 μl of a conidium suspension containing 10⁶ α-conidia per ml was placed on each of the inoculation sites, wrapped with moist cheesecloth, and sealed with Parafilm. Control trees were treated similarly with sterile blocks of PDA or water, respectively. For each inoculation technique, five shoots were inoculated and the inoculation treatments were replicated three times. All inoculated and control trees were kept in a greenhouse and watered as needed. After 10 days, cankers and necrotic lesions developed on all shoots inoculated with P. perniciosa and the control trees did not display any symptoms. The same pathogen was reisolated from symptomatic branches. Phomopsis spp. are known to cause cankers and dieback of several woody hosts (2), but no reports have been found that the pathogen causes cherry canker and dieback in China. References: (1) P. K. Chi et al. Flora Fungorum Sinicorum-Phomopsis 34:127, 2007. (2) D. P. Weingartner and E. J. Klos. Phytopathology 65:105, 1975.

Celecoxib and acetylbritannilactone interact synergistically to suppress breast cancer cell growth via COX-2-dependent and -independent mechanisms

The use of celecoxib is associated with a significant decrease in breast cancer risk. However, the long-term use of high-dose celecoxib might be limited owing to cardiovascular side effects. In this study, we found that acetylbritannilactone (ABL), extract from a Chinese medicinal herb, could reduce celecoxib dose and potentiate the growth-inhibitory effect in breast cancer cells. ABL enhanced the apoptotic effect of celecoxib in COX-2-expressing cells, but had little effect in COX-2-negative cells. The apoptosis induced by the combination treatment disappeared when COX-2 was knocked down, whereas the lack of apoptotic effects in COX-2-negative cells was reversed after COX-2 transfection. However, the combination treatment induced a G(0)/G(1) phase arrest independent of whether or not the cells expressed COX-2. The G(0)/G(1) arrest was attributed to a decreased expression of cyclinD1, cyclinE, CDK2 and CDK6, especially the upregulation of p21. In addition, inhibition of Akt and p38 signaling pathways was required by the synergism, as the constitutively active Akt and p38 protected cells against apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by the combination treatment. In vivo, administration of celecoxib and ABL were more effective than the individual agents against xenograft tumor growth. Thus, our data suggested that the combinatorial approach of celecoxib and ABL might be helpful for breast cancer treatment.

A reproducible route to p-ZnO films and their application in light-emitting devices

Although great efforts have been made, reproducible p-type doping is still one of the largest hurdles that hinders the optoelectronic applications of ZnO. In this Letter, a reproducible route to p-type ZnO films employing lithium-nitrogen as a dual-acceptor dopant has been demonstrated, and p-i-n structured light-emitting devices (LEDs) have been constructed. Obvious purple emissions have been observed from the LEDs, confirming the applicability of the p-type ZnO films in optoelectronic devices. The results reported in this Letter provide a reproducible route to p-type ZnO films, and thus may lay a solid ground for future optoelectronic applications of ZnO.

Hydrothermal synthesis of layered sodium manganese oxide nanowires and their electrochemical performance

A new method for preparing black birnessite nanowires is introduced. Layer-structured manganese oxide nanowires were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, and using both NaMnO4 and CH3CH2OH as the precursors in a concentrated NaOH solution. The structure, composition, appearance and electrochemical performance of the product were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy diffraction (ED), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and constant current charge/discharge. The XRD patterns showed a single phase corresponding to a crystalline birnessite-based manganese oxide. TEM studies suggested their wire-like structures. The TGA measurement demonstrated that they possessed an excellent thermal stability up to 400 degrees C. In the potential window of 2.0-4.3 V, the product exhibited excellent cyclic stability and rapid charge-discharge performance.

Optical properties of ZnMgO nanowalls grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

ZnMgO nanowalls were prepared by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy without a catalyst on c-Al2O3 substrate. The obtained nanowalls have preferred orientation along c axis. The nanowalls are about 10 to 20 nm in thickness and about 50 nm in height. Only Zn, Mg, O and Al signals are detected in the nanowalls from the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Mg content is about 3% in ZnMgO nanowalls. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra shows the emission peak of the ZnMgO nanowalls at 3.346 eV. The origin of the ultraviolet emission is discussed with the help of temperature-dependent PL spectra. The ultraviolet emission band is free exiton recombination observed in the low temperature PL spectra (at 81 K). We also observe the free-to-acceptor (FA) emission of the ZnMgO nanowalls. The acceptor binding energy obtained from photoluminescence studies is about 123 meV. The results show that Mg doping leads to an increase of the acceptor binding energy. The possible growth mechanism of the ZnMgO nanowall networks was discussed.

Chrysanthemum indicum ethanolic extract inhibits invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulation of MMP/TIMP balance as therapeutic target

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive cancer with a dismal outcome largely due to metastasis and postsurgical recurrence. Thus, the inhibition of invasion and metastasis is of great importance in its therapies. Medicinal plants or ethnopharmacology used in folklore medicine continue to be an important source of discovery and development of novel or potential therapeutic agents for treatment of cancer. Chrysanthemum indicum, one of the medicinal plants or ethnopharmacology, is being used for treatment of many diseases including cancer. However, this plant molecular mechanisms underlining the anti-metastatic effects have not been well documented. In this study, Chrysanthemum indicum ethanolic extract (CIE) significantly suppressed proliferation and invasion of MHCC97H cells, one of the HCC cell lines with high metastatic potential, in a dose-dependent manner. CIE markedly decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, increased simultaneously TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 expression further restoring their balance in the cancer cells. The present study indicates that CIE reduced MHCC97H cell metastatic capability, in part at least, through decrease of the MMP expression, simultaneous increase of the TIMP expression, further restoring their balance as therapeutic target in HCC. It is suggested that Chrysanthemum indicum is a potential novel therapeutic medicinal plant for treatment of HCC or cancer invasion and metastasis.

[High-frequency electromagnetic field exposure on reproductive and endocrine functions of female workers]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the toxicity of high-frequency electromagnetic field (HF-EMF) on the reproductive and endocrine functions of female workers.

METHODS

180 female workers exposed to HF-EMF for more than one year were selected as the exposure group, and 349 female workers in the marketplace were selected as the control group. Their menstrual status and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated with historical cohort study. Meanwhile, the serum levels of reproductive hormones including follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) from 30 workers respectively in the exposure group and the control group selected randomly (in periovulatory period) were detected with the radio immunoassays.

RESULTS

With the increase of residue of HF-EMF, the incidence of menstrual disorder was increased (33.8% and 26.8% in the exposure group compared with 12.0% in the control group) (P < 0.01) and the incidence of menorrhagia in the exposure I group (16.9%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (8.0%) (P < 0.01). However, serum P(4) was significantly lower in the exposure group [(2.10 +/- 1.57) and (2.39 +/- 1.35) mg/L] than in the control group [(3.80 +/- 2.67) mg/L] (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in serum E(2), LH and FSH between the exposure and the control groups.

CONCLUSION

Increase of the incidence of menstrual disorder as well as that of menorrhagia, and decrease of levels of some reproductive hormones are closely associated with HF-EMF (25 approximately 30 MHz).

[Electrochemically reductive dechlorination of chloroform in aqueous medium by codeposited palladium-nickel glassy carbon as cathode]

The electrochemical deposition behaviors of Pd-Ni bimetal on glassy carbon (GC) electrode were studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) based on orthogonal experiments. CV results reveal that Pd-Ni bimetal shows larger hydrogen adsorption peak than that of single Pd or Ni. The mixture of Ni2+ and Pd2+ can get hydrogen adsorption peak of -24.83 mA at - 500 mV (vs Hg/Hg2SO4). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images reveal that nickel addition changes the distributing configuration of Pd microparticles on GC. And the appearance of Pd-Ni bimetal microparticles is distinctly different from that of single Pd and single Ni microparticles. Diameter of Pd-Ni microparticle is bigger than that of Pd microparticle and smaller than that of Ni microparticle. Effects of dechlorination current and time on removal efficiency of chloroform were also studied. The removal efficiency of chloroform increases at higher dechlorination current and longer dechlorination time. It reaches 42.53% when the dechlorination current and time are 0.5 mA and 180 min respectively on Pd-Ni/GC electrode prepared at optimum conditions. It can be envisioned that the removal efficiency of chloroform would increase further at longer dechlorination time.

[Evaluation on social function in cases involving sexual assault of patients with mental retardation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore social function in assessment of self-defense capability of patients with mental retardation against sexual assault.

METHODS

The data of 125 sexual assault victims with mental retardation were collected according to our forensic psychiatry assessment criteria. Mental retardation was rated with WAIS-RC, GAF, and the rating scale of the intelligence disability.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in occupation, marital status, education, knowledge about sex, and history of pregnancy among the patients with different levels of self-defense capability. The kappa values of the rating scale score of the intelligence disability, GAF, and IQ were 0.710, 0.661, and 0.494; the kappa values of that and self-defense capability were 0.538, 0.472, and 0.316 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The level of social function is very important in the assessment of self-defense capability in patients with mental retardation.