A Variant in the IRF6 Promoter Associated with the Risk for Orofacial Clefting

The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2235371 (IRF6 V274I) is associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in Han Chinese and other populations but appears to be without a functional effect. To find the common etiologic variant or variants within the haplotype tagged by rs2235371, we carried out targeted sequencing of an interval containing IRF6 in 159 Han Chinese with NSCL/P. This study revealed that the SNP rs12403599, within the IRF6 promoter, is associated with all phenotypes of NSCL/P, especially nonsyndromic cleft lip (NSCLO) and a subphenotype of it, microform cleft lip (MCL). This association was replicated in 2 additional much larger cohorts of cases and controls from the Han Chinese. Conditional logistic analysis indicated that association of rs2235371 with NSCL/P was lost if rs12403599 was excluded. rs12403599 contributes the most risk to MCL: its G allele is responsible for 38.47% of the genetic contribution to MCL, and the odds ratios of G/C and G/G genotypes were 2.91 and 6.58, respectively, for MCL. To test if rs12403599 is functional, we carried out reporter assays in a fetal oral epithelium cells (GMSM-K). Unexpectedly, the risk allele G yielded higher promoter activity in GMSM-K. Consistent with the reporter studies, expression of IRF6 in lip tissues from NSCLO and MCL patients with the G/G phenotype was higher than in those from patients with the C/C phenotype. These results indicate that rs12403599 is tagging the risk haplotype for NSCL/P better than rs2235371 in Han Chinese and supports investigation of the mechanisms by which the allele of rs12403599 affects IRF6 expression and tests of this association in different populations.

Recent Advances in Consumer Behavior Theory: Shocks from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic has had an enormous impact on people's lives, particularly aspects of life such as consumption, and has therefore brought new elements to the expansion of Consumer behavior theory. Methods: This paper searches the literature on consumption research conducted from 1981 to 2021, including sources such as CNKI, Wanfang, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Through the exploration of the existing relevant literature, this article found that the COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic has had a profound impact on consumption willingness, consumption patterns, and consumption objects, and, as such, has newly expanded the theoretical model of consumer behavior. Results: Through reviewing the literature, this paper found some results. For example with regard to consumption patterns, early studies and the impact of COVID-19 was focused on online consumption, however in the context of COVID-19, scholars proposed paying attention to the combination of online and offline development. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic has had a profound effect on consumer behavior worldwide. Under the current economic depression, the government should take adequate measures in order to respond to the new changes in consumer behavior and therefore promote economic growth. For example, the government should encourage the combination of online and offline business operation modes to break the boundaries of customer groups and supply chains, so that consumers can buy anytime and anywhere.

Aetiology of tinea capitis in China: A multicentre prospective study

BACKGROUND

Tinea capitis is still common in developing countries, such as China. Its pathogen spectrum varies across regions and changes over time.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the current epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis in China.

METHODS

A multicentre, prospective descriptive study involving 29 tertiary hospitals in China was conducted. From August 2019 to July 2020, 611 patients with tinea capitis were enrolled. Data concerning demography, risk factors and fungal tests were collected. The pathogens were further identified by morphology or molecular sequencing when necessary in the central laboratory.

RESULTS

Among all enrolled patients, 74.1% of the cases were 2- to 8-year-olds. The children with tinea capitis were mainly boys (56.2%) and more likely to have an animal contact history (57.4% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.012) and zoophilic dermatophyte infection (73.5%). The adults were mainly females (83.3%) and more likely to have anthropophilic agent infection (53.5%). The most common pathogen was zoophilic Microsporum canis (354, 65.2%), followed by anthropophilic Trichophyton violaceum (74, 13.6%). In contrast to the eastern, western and northeastern regions where zoophilic M. canis predominated, anthropophilic T. violaceum predominated in central China (69.2%, P < 0.0001), where the patients had the most tinea at other sites (20.3%) and dermatophytosis contact (25.9%) with the least animal contact (38.8%). Microsporum ferrugineum was the most common anthropophilic agent in the western area, especially in Xinjiang Province.

CONCLUSIONS

Boys aged approximately 5 years were mainly affected. Dermatologists are advised to pay more attention to the different transmission routes and pathogen spectra in different age groups from different regions.

Construction of Stable Wide-Temperature-Range Proton Exchange Membranes by Incorporating a Carbonized Metal-Organic Frame into Polybenzimidazoles and Polyacrylamide Hydrogels

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are promising devices for clean power generation in fuel cell electric vehicles applications. The further request of high-efficiency and cost competitive technology make high-temperature proton exchange membranes utilizing phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole be favored because they can work well up to 180 °C without extra humidifier. However, they face quick loss of phosphoric acid below 120 °C and resulting in the limits of commercialization. Herein UiO-66 derived carbon (porous carbon-ZrO₂ ), comprising branched poly(4,4'-diphenylether-5,5'-bibenzimidazole) and polyacrylamide hydrogels self-assembly (BHC1-4) membranes for wide-temperature-range operation (80-160 °C) is presented. These two-phase membranes contained the hygroscopicity of polyacrylamide hydrogels improve the low-temperature proton conductivity, relatively enable the membrane to function at 80 °C. An excellent cell performance of BHC2 membrane with high peak power density of 265 and 656 mW cm^-2 at both 80 and 160 °C can be achieved. Furthermore, this membrane exhibits high stability of frequency cold start-ups (from room temperature to 80 °C) and long-term cell test at 160 °C. The improvement of cell performance and stability of BHC2 membrane indicate a progress of breaking operated temperature limit in existing PEMFCs systems.

Nature-inspired semi-IPN hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and multi-responsiveness

Tough hydrogels (PAP hydrogels) with high mechanical properties and multi-responsiveness.

Traumatic fractures in China from 2012 to 2014: a National Survey of 512,187 individuals

The China National Fracture Study has been conducted to provide a national dataset of traumatic fractures across China. A national representative sample of 512,187 individuals was selected. The population-weighted incidence rates, distribution, injury mechanisms, and risk factors for traumatic fractures were identified for various groups of individuals.

INTRODUCTION

The China National Fracture Study (CNFS) has been conducted to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date national dataset of traumatic fractures across China. This study aims to report the national incidences and distributions of traumatic fractures that occurred in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and to analyze the risk factors.

METHODS

A national representative sample of individuals was selected from 24 rural counties and 24 urban cities of 8 provinces using stratified random sampling and the probability proportional to size (PPS) methodology. Participants were interviewed to identify whether they sustained traumatic fractures of the trunk and/or four extremities that had occurred in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The main risk factors associated with traumatic fractures were analyzed by multiple logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 512,187 individuals, including 259,649 males and 252,538 females, participated in the CNFS. The population-weighted incidence rates of traumatic fractures in China were calculated to be 2.5 (95% CI, 2.2-2.8) per 1000 population in 2012, 2.8 (95% CI, 2.5-3.3) in 2013, and 3.2% (95% CI, 2.8-3.6) in 2014. The population-weighted incidence rates of fragility fractures among participants aged 65 years and older were calculated to be 27.4 (95% CI, 21.4-33.4) per 1000 population in 2012, 36.0 (95% CI, 28.6-43.5) in 2013, and 42.4 (95% CI, 34.9-49.9) in 2014. The most common cause of fracture was low-energy injuries, followed by traffic accidents. For all age groups, sleeping less than 7 h was a risk factor for traumatic fractures. Alcohol consumption and previous fracture history were identified as risk factors for adults aged 15 years and over. Cigarette smoking was found to be a risk factor for males aged 15-64 years old. For individuals aged 15-64 years old, underweight incurred a risk effect for males and overweight for females. Alcohol consumption, sleeping less than 7 h per day, living in the central and eastern regions, a body mass index less of than 18.5, and having a previous fracture history were identified as strong risk factors for fragility fractures.

CONCLUSION

The national incidence, distribution, and injury mechanisms for traumatic fractures were revealed in the CNFS. Risk factors were identified for various groups of individuals.

What factors hinder ethnic minority women in rural China from getting antenatal care? A retrospective data analysis

BACKGROUND

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is one of the main transmission routes of HIV, and the probability of MTCT can be dramatically reduced with comprehensive interventions. In southwest and western regions in China, the level of development in rural areas is relatively backwards and retains some original features, which also increases the difficulty of controlling infectious diseases. The Liangshan Prefecture started the prevention of MTCT programme in 2009. However, the implementation of the programme is not ideal, and the coverage of HIV testing is still low. Many Yi (local major ethnicity) women did not take antenatal care (ANC) and just gave birth to their babies at home for a variety of reasons.

METHODS

Women with pregnancy history in the last 5 years were recruited from two townships based on cluster sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. Descriptive analysis was performed to describe demographic characteristics, history of pregnancy and ANC uptake, knowledge of and attitudes towards ANC. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with uptake of ANC.

RESULTS

Among 538 women who completed the questionnaires, 77.9% knew that ANC was necessary during and after pregnancy. However, only 24.2% actually accessed ANC. Almost all women (94.6%) expressed their willingness to receive ANC for pregnancy but barriers towards actual uptake of ANC existed including shyness, lack of independence and unavoidable cost. Multivariate analysis showed that no experience of living outside of Zhaojue for more than 6 months, higher number of births, not knowing the necessity of ANC during pregnancy and not knowing the government's promotion policies for ANC were associated with lack of ANC uptake.

CONCLUSION

Although ethnic minority women in rural Liangshan expressed strong intention to use ANC, actual uptake of ANC was low. Knowledge of ANC and HIV prevention for MTCT should be improved among this population, and efforts should be made to help them overcome barriers to accessing ANC.

Dispersal and genetic differentiation of Syntrichia caninervis populations across different desert regions in China

The moss Syntrichia caninervis is widely distributed in cool temperate and cold deserts where environmental pressures create a dependence on asexual reproduction (fragment reproduction). However, when compared to sporophyte-producing mosses, there is a lack of evidence to support the capacity of drought-tolerant mosses that predominantly fragment and produce protonema to disperse over long distances. We used 20 microsatellite loci to study genetic variation and structure in six populations (five natural populations and one population from a regeneration site) in three contrasting and widely separated regions of China. The genetic diversity and expected heterozygosity were lower in populations from the Tengger Desert than in populations from the other regions. Using PCoA, UPGMA and Structure analysis, the genetic grouping divided the three regions into three distinct groups. This may indicate that in regions where S. caninervis reproduces predominantly asexually, propagules are spread mainly by short-distance dispersal. The genetic diversity of the population from the regeneration site in the Tengger Desert was slightly higher than that of the nearby, naturally occurring population, and included some input from the Pamir Plateau almost 2,300 km to the west, suggesting long-distance dispersal of S. caninervis propagules across the region. Predominantly asexually reproducing populations of S. caninervis are mainly dependent on short-distance dispersal. Long-distance dispersal of S. caninervis propagules across the region is difficult. Establishment of populations with dominant asexual reproduction will eventually result in genetic differentiation.

Clan-involved approaches to increasing antenatal care use in a rural minority area of China: implementation research

AIM

This study aimed to test a model which involved clans and health providers to increase antenatal care attendance in rural minority areas of China with high HIV prevalence.

METHODS

Formative research was conducted to determine barriers and facilitators to antenatal care use. A strategy involving clans in addressing the barriers identified was developed. Implementation of the new strategy was done through three plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles, lasting four months each.

RESULTS

Awareness and uptake of antenatal care increased significantly after the intervention. The proportion of post-partum women who used any antenatal care increased from 21.3% to 64.5% (p < 0.001), and the proportion who knew that antenatal care is necessary increased from 77.8% to 89.8% (p < 0.001). The proportion of pregnant women who attended antenatal care (p < 0.001) and the proportion of pregnant women who went for a first antenatal care visit in early pregnancy (p < 0.001) all showed increasing trends during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Involving clans in antenatal care programmes in rural minority areas of China had an impact on antenatal care use. A quality improvement approach incorporating PDSA cycles can help local health authorities make context-specific, evidence-informed decisions to improve uptake of health services.

Hsp70 expression induced by Co-Enzyme Q10 protected chicken myocardial cells from damage and apoptosis under in vitro heat stress

The aim of this study was to investigate whether induction of Hsp70 expression by co-enzyme Q10 (Q10) treatment protects chicken primary myocardial cells (CPMCs) from damage and apoptosis in response to heat stress for 5 hours. Analysis of the expression and distribution of Hsp70 and the levels of the damage-related enzymes creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as pathological analysis showed that co-enzyme Q10 alleviated the damage caused to CPMCs during heat stress. Further, analysis of cell apoptosis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 indicated that co-enzyme Q10 did have an anti-apoptotic role during heat stress. Western blot analysis showed that pretreatment with co-enzyme Q10 led to a significant increase in the expression of Hsp70 during heat stress. Immunostaining assays confirmed the results of western blot analysis and also showed that co-enzyme Q10 could accelerate the translocation of Hsp70 into the nucleus during heat stress, but this was not observed in the group that was treated with only co-enzyme Q10. These findings seem to indicate that co-enzyme Q10 protected CPMCs from heat stress via the induction of Hsp70. To investigate this, 200 μM quercetin, an Hsp70 inhibitor, was used to inhibit the expression of Hsp70 2 h before heat stress. Quercetin pre-treatment was observed to suppress the expression of Hsp70 as well the protective function of co-enzyme Q10 at 5 h of heat stress. This finding confirms that Q10 brought about its effects via Hsp70 expression, but the mechanism underlying this needs further investigation.

EZH2 Impairs Human Dental Pulp Cell Mineralization via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic subunit of PRC2 (polycomb repressor complex 2). It mediates gene silencing via methyltransferase activity and is involved in the determination of cell lineage. However, the function of EZH2 and the underlying mechanisms by which it affects the differentiation of human dental pulp cell (hDPC) have remained underexplored. In this research, we found that EZH2 expression decreased during the mineralization of hDPCs, with attenuated H3K27me3 (trimethylation on lysine 27 in histone H3). Overexpression of EZH2 impaired the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs, while EZH2 without methyltransferase activity mutation (mutation of suppressed variegation of 3 to 9, enhancer of zeste and trithorax domain, EZH2ΔSET) did not display this phenotype. In addition, siRNA knockdown studies showed that EZH2 negatively modulated hDPC differentiation in vitro and inhibited mineralized nodule formation in transplanted β-tricalcium phosphate / hDPC composites. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we explored the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in view of the fact that previous research had documented the essential role that it plays during hDPC mineralization, as well as its links to EZH2 in other cells. We demonstrated for the first time that EZH2 depletion activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced the accumulation of β-catenin in hDPCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis suggested that these effects are attributable to the level of the EZH2-regulated H3K27me3 on the β-catenin promoter. We conclude that EZH2 plays a negative role during the odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs. Suppression of EZH2 could promote hDPC mineralization by epigenetically regulating the expression of β-catenin and activating the Wnt canonical signaling pathway.

A genome-wide association study suggests new candidate genes for milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 15 milk production traits in Chinese Holstein. The experimental population consisted of 445 cattle, each genotyped by the GGP (GeneSeek genomic profiling)-BovineLD V3 SNP chip, which had 26 151 public SNPs in its manifest file. After data cleaning, 20 326 SNPs were retained for the GWAS. The phenotypes were estimated breeding values of traits, provided by a public dairy herd improvement program center that had been collected once a month for 3 years. Two statistical models, a fixed-effect linear regression model and a mixed-effect linear model, were used to estimate the association effects of SNPs on each of the phenotypes. Genome-wide significant and suggestive thresholds were set at 2.46E-06 and 4.95E-05 respectively. The two statistical models concurrently identified two genome-wide significant (P < 0.05) SNPs on milk production traits in this Chinese Holstein population. The positional candidate genes, which were the ones closest to these two identified SNPs, were EEF2K (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase) and KLHL1 (kelch like family member 1). These two genes could serve as new candidate genes for milk yield and lactation persistence, yet their roles need to be verified in further function studies.

Overexpression of dishevelled 2 is involved in tumor metastasis and is associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, its molecular mechanism is still unknown. Dishevelled 2 (Dvl2) is one of the downstream targets of non-canonical Wnt signaling, which has been demonstrated to be of great importance in the progression of cancers. Nevertheless, the expression mechanisms and physiological significance of Dvl2 in HCC remain unclear.

METHODS

Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to measure Dvl2 protein expression in HCC and adjacent normal tissues of 101 patients. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to determine cell migration and invasion.

RESULTS

Dvl2 expression was upregulated in HCC tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, its expression level was significantly correlated with histological grade (P = 0.042), metastasis (P = 0.005) and vein invasion (P = 0.009) in patients with HCC. Wound healing and transwell assays showed that knockdown of Dvl2 reduced cell migration and invasion in HepG2 cells. Finally, we confirmed that Dvl2 could regulate the migration and invasion of HCC cells by interacting with P62 in non-canonical Wnt signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that Dvl2 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and was also correlated with poor prognosis, suggesting that Dvl2 is a novel therapeutic target for HCC.

Effects of Lactobacillus casei CCFM419 on insulin resistance and gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice

The antidiabetic effect of Lactobacillus is increasingly recognized worldwide. In this research, the hypoglycemic activity of Lactobacillus casei CCFM419 was investigated in mice with high-fat and low-dose streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes. Oral L. casei CCFM419 administration favourably regulated blood glucose balance, increased glucose tolerance and protected islets in the diabetic mice, accompanied by an improvement in lipid metabolism. The homeostasis model of insulin resistance, insulin level and insulin tolerance test and mRNA expression of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway indexes revealed that L. casei CCFM419 had a positive effect on insulin resistance. Furthermore, treatment with L. casei CCFM419 recovered the level of short-chain fatty acids and increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Allobaculum and Bacteriodes. These results demonstrated that L. casei CCFM419 had the potential ability to ameliorate insulin resistance and hyperglycaemic in type 2 diabetic mice through underlying PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and short-chain fatty acids/gut microbiota pathways.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM0236 on hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in high-fat and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice

AIMS

The aim of this study was to rapidly screen potential hypoglycaemic strain by α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro, then explored the antidiabetic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM0236 in vivo.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The cell-free supernatant of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 significantly inhibited α-glucosidase activity in vitro. Therefore, the effects of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236, with potential hypoglycaemia activity, on insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia were explored in high-fat and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mice. Oral administration of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 was found to decrease food intake, blood glucose level, glycosylated haemoglobin level and leptin level. Treatments of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 also favourably regulated insulin level, AUC_glucose , and HOMA-IR index, and increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase and the levels of glutathione, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and interleukin-10. In addition, Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 reduced levels of malondialdehyde and tumour necrosis factor-α and protected pancreas function.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM0236 has potential hypoglycaemic ability by ameliorating insulin resistance, antioxidant capacity and systemic inflammation in mice.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The method of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity could be effectively used to screen potential hypoglycaemic products and Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 might be a promising therapeutic agent for ameliorating type 2 diabetes.

Using the TBAg/PHA ratio in the T-SPOT(®).TB assay to distinguish TB disease from LTBI in an endemic area

SETTING

An important limitation of the T-SPOT(®).TB assay is its inability to distinguish active tuberculosis (TB) from latent tuberculous infection (LTBI).

OBJECTIVE

We proposed a new calculation method for the T-SPOT assay and assessed its effect on distinguishing active TB from LTBI.

DESIGN

A total of 162 active TB patients and 97 LTBI individuals were diagnosed according to conventional tests and the T-SPOT assay.

RESULTS

The results of early secreted antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) in T-SPOT cannot be recommended for distinguishing TB from LTBI. The number of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) spot-forming cells (sfc) in the T-SPOT assay was reduced in active TB patients. The ESAT-6/PHA or CFP-10/PHA ratios in active TB patients were significantly higher than in individuals with LTBI. Using 0.295 as the threshold ratio of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigen (TBAg) sfc to PHA sfc (TBAg/PHA ratio, the larger of ESAT-6/PHA and CFP-10/PHA), the sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 90.7% in distinguishing active TB from LTBI. The TBAg/PHA ratio might also be used to monitor the effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Calculating the TBAg/PHA ratio might have the potential to diagnose active TB and distinguish TB disease from LTBI.

Quantum dots protected from oxidative attack using alumina shells synthesized by atomic layer deposition

Applications of luminescent quantum dots require the materials to be stable under a wide range of temperatures, photon fluxes and chemical environments. In this work, we demonstrate that Al2O3 shells synthesized by atomic layer deposition on films of CdTe quantum dots are effective to prevent chemical degradation for up to 17 hours under continuous illumination at 90 °C in ambient air. Control samples with no Al2O3 coating experienced extensive oxidation and severe quenching of the photoluminescence intensity under these conditions.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Predicting and Monitoring Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Treatment Response

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whether ADC value predicts the therapy response and outcomes of primary central system lymphoma remains controversial. This study assessed the minimum ADC correlated with treatment response in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma undergoing methotrexate-based chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma underwent conventional MR imaging and DWI before chemotherapy and after 1 and 5 cycles of chemotherapy. Treatment response was determined according to the International PCNSL Collaborative Group criteria and was classified as a complete response, partial response, or progressive disease. Pretreatment minimum ADC, minimum ADC after 1 cycle, minimum ADC after 5 cycles, and change in minimum ADC were compared among the different response groups. The Pearson correlation test was calculated between these ADC parameters and tumor response.

RESULTS

The pretreatment minimum ADC of the progressive disease group was lower than that of the complete response and partial response groups, but there was no significant difference among them. The minimum ADC after 1 cycle and minimum ADC after 5 cycles were statistically significantly higher than the pretreatment minimum ADC. A comparison among groups showed that minimum ADC after 1 cycle, minimum ADC after 5 cycles, minimum ADC change, and the percentage of minimum ADC change were all significantly different among the 3 groups. A significant positive correlation was observed between the percentage of minimum ADC after 1 cycle of chemotherapy and the size reduction percentage after 5 cycles of chemotherapy. The minimum ADC change and the percentage of minimum ADC change performed better in the differentiation of the final treatment response, specifically in complete response and partial response from progressive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimum ADC after 1 cycle and minimum ADC changes were better correlated with the treatment response than the pretreatment minimum ADC. Minimum ADC after early therapy may potentially to be used to predict and monitor the response of primary central nervous system lymphoma to chemotherapy.

Using Vision Data in an Object-Level Robot Language — RAPT

This paper describes the use of verification vision in an ob ject-level language for robot assembly (RAPT). In particular, a representation scheme for making full use of vision infor mation to update the robot system's knowledge about its environment is discussed. By using newly introduced vision commands, the user can specify vision verification tasks in order to determine the difference between the planned posi tions and the actual positions of objects in the robot's envi ronment. A symbolic reasoning system reasons about the spatial constraints at compile time and produces symbolic position expressions of the objects to be verified, which con tain variables to be instantiated by vision data at run time. A framework for handling vision data combines run time and compile time information in a general way so that all ramifi cations of the effect of the changed position determined by verification vision are taken into account. The new vision commands and the framework will be discussed in detail.

Is phytoestrogen intake associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer? A systematic review of epidemiological studies based on 17,546 cases

This study uses current epidemiological data to evaluate whether phytoestrogen intake is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. We performed a random-effect meta-analysis of published data retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and CNKI, which was supplemented by a manual search of relevant references. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was evaluated to assess the stability of the results. Egger's test and funnel plots were used to detect the existence of publication bias. We retrieved 507 papers, and 29 studies were ultimately confirmed as eligible. The meta-analysis showed that phytoestrogen intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.77 (95% CI 0.66-0.88; I(2)  = 77.6%). The food/nutritional sources that were significantly associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer included soy and soy products, tofu, legumes, daidzein, and genistein. Subgroup analysis indicated that the associations were significant among Asians and Caucasians, but not among Africans. Meta-regression revealed that the pooled OR increased with the number of cases in the studies. The results might be affected by publication bias based on the Eggers' test (p = 0.011) and the asymmetry of the funnel plot. Phytoestrogen intake may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in Asians and Caucasians. Regular intake of food that is rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy/soy products or legumes, should be recommended.

Fracture Toughness of PP/EPDM/Nano-Ternary Composites: The Role of Distribution of Inorganic Particles

The influence of the distribution of the inorganic particles on the toughness of the PP/EPDM/nano-ternary composites was investigated. Four morphologies for PP/EPDM/nano-ternary composites were obtained by means of adjusting the surface tension of inorganic particles (nano-CaCO3, hydrophobic nano-SiO2 and hydrophilic nano-SiO2) and the compounding sequence (one-step extrusion and two-step extrusion). Morphological observation revealed that the segregated dispersion morphology was formed in the PP/EPDM/CaCO3 composite. For the PP/EPDM/R974 (hydrophobic nano-SiO2) composite, R974 particles were dispersed at the interface between the PP matrix and EPDM dispersed phase. A200 particles (hydrophilic nano-SiO2) continuously dispersed between PP and EPDM phase for PP/EPDM/A200 composites prepared by one-step, while were present in EPDM dispersed phase for the two-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites. The dependence of the toughness on the phase morphology of the components, especially the distribution of nanoparticles, was studied systematically. The impact strength of one-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites was pronouncedly enhanced, increasing 552 % compared to pure PP. Compared with the other three composites, the one-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites exhibits better effect of preventing crack propagation and far higher fracture energies. It is attributed to the A200 particles continuously dispersed between EPDM phase and matrix, which makes EPDM particles have better compatibility with the PP matrix and the overlapping of the stress field with A200 particles.

Probenecid protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting lysosomal and inflammatory damage in rats

Probenecid has been used for decades to treat gout, and recent studies have revealed it is also a specific inhibitor of the pannexin-1 channel. It has been reported that the pannexin-1 channel is involved in ischemic injury. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect and the possible mechanisms of action of probenecid in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Twenty minutes of transient global cerebral I/R injury was induced using the four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Different doses of probenecid were administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, or by gavage before or after reperfusion. Probenecid via all three routes protected against CA1 neuronal death when given before reperfusion. This protective effect continued when probenecid was given at 2h after reperfusion, but not at 6h. Interestingly, the protective effect regained if probenecid was given continuously for 7days after reperfusion. The release of cathepsin B and overexpression of calpain-1 after reperfusion were inhibited, while the upregulation of Hsp70 was strengthened by probenecid pre-treatment. Furthermore, the activation and proliferation of microglia and astrocytes after I/R injury were suppressed by continuous given for 7days, but only partly by a single dose at 6h of reperfusion. Thus, our data indicate that probenecid protects against transient global cerebral I/R injury probably by inhibiting calpain-cathepsin pathway and the inflammatory reaction.

Crystallization Kinetics for PP/EPDM/Nano-CaCO3 Composites – The Influence of Nanoparticles Distribution

The primary aim of this paper is to provide an insight on the effect of the distribution of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) on the isothermal crystallization kinetics in Polypropylene (PP)/ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM)/nano-CaCO3 composites prepared by different compounding procedures. PP/EPDM/CaCO3 composites were prepared by two compounding procedures (direct compounding: mixed all three solid materials together; multistep compounding: the melted EPDM/CaCO3 master batch in a single screw extruder blended with melted PP in twin-screw extruder via injecting into the twin-screw extruder from a lateral port at the melting section of the twin-screw extruder). Morphological observation showed that abundant CaCO3 particles concentrated around EPDM dispersed phase in the multistep compounding composite, essentially different from the respectively dispersed morphology of CaCO3 particles and EPDM domains in the matrix for the direct compounding composite. Moreover, better dispersion of CaCO3 particles in the multistep compounding composite was observed comparing to the direct compounding composite. Futhermore, a pronounced improvement of the crystallization half time (t1/2), rate of crystallization (G) was achieved in the multistep compounding composite, which may originate from the better dispersion of CaCO3 particles providing larger nucleation density and the collaborative nucleation of EPDM and CaCO3 during the isothermal crystallization.

Branched ZnO nanotrees on flexible fiber-paper substrates for self-powered energy-harvesting systems

Branched ZnO nanotrees have been successfully synthesized on flexible fiber-paper substrates for realizing high-performance piezoelectric nanogenerators. And the output voltage of the NG increased to 0.1 V, enough to power some micro/nano devices.

[Survival analysis on AIDS patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment, Liangshan prefecture, Sichuan province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the survival time and its impact factors among AIDS patients who initially received antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Liangshan prefecture during 2004-2012.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the information of AIDS patients who initially received ART. Data on patients was collected from the Chinese AIDS Antiretroviral Therapy DATAFax Information System. Life table was applied to calculate the survival proportion, and Cox proportion hazard regression model was used to identify impact factors that were related to the time of survival.

RESULTS

Among 5 525 AIDS patients who initially received ART, the median age was (34.5± 9.0) year old, with 73.9% being males, 65.8% were infected through injecting drug use, time from HIV tested HIV positive to starting ART was (23.0±20.1) months. 287 cases died of AIDS related diseases, and their median time of receiving ART was (12.7±10.6) months, and 32.8% of them died within the first 6 months of treatment. Cumulative survival rates of the patients who had received ART in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 years were 97%, 93%, 89%, 88%, 84%, respectively. Results from multivariate Cox regression showed that female patients who received ART were at a lower risk to the death of AIDS related diseases(HR = 0.556, 95%CI:0.367-0.872), when compared to the males. Patients infected with HIV through injecting drug use were at a higher risk to death (HR = 1.569, 95% CI:1.061-2.321) when compared to those who were infected through heterosexual transmission. Patients with baseline CD4(+) T cells counts at <50 cells/mm(3) (HR = 11.996, 95% CI: 6.714-21.435) or 50-200 cells/mm(3) (HR = 2.481, 95%CI:1.620-3.798) were at a higher risk to death than those with CD4(+)T cell counts ≥350 cells/mm(3). Patients without pulmonary tuberculosis were at a lower risk to death(HR = 0.511, 95% CI:0.330-0.791)when compared to those with pulmonary tuberculosis a year before starting the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Antiretroviral treatment could prolong the survival time of AIDS patients and with a better rate on survival. Programs on follow-up and CD4(+)T cell counts for AIDS patients should be conducted regularly, as well as timely initiated the antiretroviral therapy.

[Survival analysis of AIDS patients in Liangshan prefecture, Sichuan province from 1995 to 2012]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the survival time and its related factors among AIDS patients in Liangshan prefecture of Sichuan province from 1995 to 2012.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the information of 5 263 AIDS patients. The data were collected from Chinese HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Information Management System. Life table method was applied to calculate the survival proportion, and Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportion hazard regression model were used to identify the factors related to survival time.

RESULTS

Among 5 273 AIDS patients, 819 (15.6%)died of AIDS related diseases; 2 782(52.9%) received antiretroviral therapy. The average survival time was 126.7 (117.1-136.2) months, and the survival rate in 1, 5, 10, 15 years were 95.4%, 78.8%, 54.2%, and 31.8% respectively. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in survival time of age diagnosed as AIDS patients, nationality, transmission route, AIDS phase, CD4(+)T cell counts in the last testing, receiving antiretroviral therapy or not. Multivariate Cox regression showed age diagnosed AIDS below 50 years old ( < 15 years old:HR = 0.141, 95%CI:0.036-0.551;15-49 years old:HR = 0.343, 95%CI:0.241-0.489), HIV infection diagnosed phase (HR = 0.554, 95%CI:0.432-0.709), CD4(+)T cell counts last testing ≥ 350/µl (HR = 0.347, 95%CI:0.274-0.439) reduced the risk of dying of AIDS related diseases among AIDS patients. The patients having not received antiretroviral therapy had a higher risk of death(HR = 3.478, 95%CI:2.943-4.112) compared to those who received antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

Survival time of AIDS patients was possibly mainly influenced by the age of diagnosed as AIDS patients, AIDS phase, CD4(+)T cell counts and whether or not received antiretroviral therapy. The early initiation of antiretroviral therapy could extend the survival time.

Can diffusion tensor imaging noninvasively detect IDH1 gene mutations in astrogliomas? A retrospective study of 112 cases

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

IDH1 mutational status probably plays an important role in the predictive response for patients with astroglioma. This study explores whether DTI metrics are able to noninvasively detect IDH1 status in astrogliomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The DTI data of 112 patients with pathologically proven astroglioma (including 25, 12, and 10 cases with IDH1 mutation and 11, 11, and 43 cases without mutation in grades II, III, and IV, respectively) were retrospectively reviewed. The maximal fractional anisotropy, minimal ADC, ratio of maximal fractional anisotropy, and ratio of minimal ADC in the tumor body were measured. In the same World Health Organization grading, the imaging parameters of patients with and without IDH1 R132H mutation were compared by means of optimal metrics for detecting mutations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The maximal fractional anisotropy and ratio of maximal fractional anisotropy values had statistical significance between patients with IDH1 R132H mutation and those without mutation in astrogliomas of grades II and III. The areas under the curve for maximal fractional anisotropy and ratio of maximal fractional anisotropy were both 0.92 in grade II and 0.80 and 0.82 in grade III. The minimal ADC value and ratio of minimal ADC value also demonstrated statistical significance between patients with mutation and those without mutation in all astroglioma grades. The areas under the curve for minimal ADC were 0.94 (II), 0.76 (III), and 0.66 (IV), and the areas under the curve for ratio of minimal ADC were 0.93 (II), 0.83 (III), and 0.70 (IV).

CONCLUSIONS

Fractional anisotropy and ADC from DTI can noninvasively detect IDH1 R132H mutation in astrogliomas.

Migration: a notable feature of cerebral sparganosis on follow-up MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by sparganum, which can migrate in the brain. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the migration of cerebral sparganosis and describe its patterns on MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MR images of 14 patients with cerebral sparganosis treated from 2005 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis was made on the basis of a constellation of clinical history, laboratory tests, imaging findings, and histopathology. At least 3 MR imaging studies were performed for each patient during the follow-up period ranging from 12 to 38 months. Time interval, sites, enhanced pattern, and presumed routes of migration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both the initial lesions and migrated ones exhibited the "tunnel" sign and multiloculated rim enhancement. Migration was detected between 4 and 18 months after the baseline MR imaging in 14 lesions (in 14 patients), while 3 of 14 lesions showed a second migration between 22 and 38 months. Nearly all migrations were limited to the same hemisphere except for 2 contralateral migrations through the thalamus. Most of the migrations were in close proximity (within the same lobe, to the adjacent lobe, from the basal ganglia to the cortex, from the cerebellum to the pons and interthalamus) except 1 from the basal ganglia to the cerebellum. A signal change along the presumed route of migration was seen in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Migration is a notable feature of cerebral sparganosis. Demonstration of migration on MR imaging could be a key diagnostic clue and beneficial for the treatment policy.

Biodegradation of nicotine by newly isolated Pseudomonas sp. CS3 and its metabolites

AIMS

Isolation and characterization of nicotine-degrading bacteria with advantages suitable for the treatment of nicotine-contaminated water and soil and detection of their metabolites.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A novel nicotine-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from tobacco field soil. Based on morphological and physiochemical properties and sequence of 16S rDNA, the isolate was identified as Pseudomonas sp., designated as CS3. The optimal culture conditions of strain CS3 for nicotine degradation were 30°C and pH 7·0. However, the strain showed broad pH adaptability with high nicotine-degrading activity between pH 6·0 and 10·0. Strain CS3 could decompose nicotine nearly completely within 24 h in liquid culture (1000 mg L(-1) nicotine) or within 72 h in soil (1000-2500 mg kg(-1) nicotine) and could endure up to 4000 mg L(-1) nicotine in liquid media and 5000 mg kg(-1) nicotine in soil. Degradation tests in flask revealed that the strain had excellent stability and high degradation activity during the repetitive degradation processes. Additionally, three intermediates, 3-(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-5-yl) pyridine, 1-methyl-5-(3-pyridyl) pyrrolidine-2-ol and cotinine, were identified by GC/MS and NMR analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The isolate CS3 showed outstanding nicotine-degrading characteristics such as high degradation efficiency, strong substrate endurance, broad pH adaptability, and stability and persistence in repetitive degradation processes and may serve as an excellent candidate for applications in the bioaugmentation process to treat nicotine-contaminated water and soil. Also, detection of nicotine metabolites suggests that strain CS3 might decompose nicotine via a unique nicotine-degradation pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The advantage of applying the isolated strain lies in broad pH adaptability and stability and persistence in repetitive use, the properties previously less focused in other nicotine-degrading micro-organisms. The strain might decompose nicotine via a nicotine-degradation pathway different from those of other nicotine-utilizing Pseudomonas bacteria reported earlier, another highlight in this study.